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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Net Sales	$	537,740		$	449,987		$	595,511		$	460,549		$	1,133,251		$	910,536
Cost of Sales		428,760			370,718			483,830			362,054			912,590			732,772
Gross Profit		108,980			79,269			111,681			98,495			220,661			177,764
Operating Expenses:
Selling		14,504			13,532			14,990			12,921			29,494			26,453
Administrative		22,638			18,872			23,974			20,731			46,612			39,603
Research, development and technical services		15,149			13,827			14,988			13,531			30,137			27,358
Deferred compensation (income) expense		2,694			(7,323	)		958			6,464			3,652			(859	)
		54,985			38,908			54,910			53,647			109,895			92,555
Business restructuring expenses (Note 16)		(81	)		(357	)		(114	)		(225	)		(195	)		(582	)
Operating Income		53,914			40,004			56,657			44,623			110,571			84,627
Other Income (Expense):
Interest, net		(1,524	)		(1,230	)		(1,567	)		(1,259	)		(3,091	)		(2,489	)
Other, net (Note 15)		746			(3,262	)		2,758			4,437			3,504			1,175
		(778	)		(4,492	)		1,191			3,178			413			(1,314	)

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes		53,136			35,512			57,848			47,801			110,984			83,313
Provision for Income Taxes		12,525			7,973			14,545			11,958			27,070			19,931
Net Income		40,611			27,539			43,303			35,843			83,914			63,382
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 2)		—			6
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Note 2)								(25	)		(136	)		(25	)		(130	)
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company	$	40,611		$	27,545		$	43,278		$	35,707		$	83,889		$	63,252

Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 10):
Basic	$	1.77		$	1.20		$	1.89		$	1.56		$	3.65		$	2.75
Diluted	$	1.74		$	1.18		$	1.85		$	1.54		$	3.59		$	2.72

Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 10):
Basic		22,974			23,023			22,952			22,923			22,963			22,973
Diluted		23,330			23,285			23,345			23,184			23,338			23,235

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

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Net Income	$	40,611		$	27,539		$	43,303		$	35,843		$	83,914		$	63,382
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments ⁽¹⁾ (Note 11)		(18,441	)		(41,195	)		15,175			3,539			(3,266	)		(37,656	)
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax (Note 11)		874			808			876			808			1,750			1,616
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (Note 11)		(2	)		(2	)		(3	)		(2	)		(5	)		(4	)
Total Other Comprehensive Income		(17,569	)		(40,389	)		16,048			4,345			(1,521	)		(36,044	)
Comprehensive Income		23,042			(12,850	)		59,351			40,188			82,393			27,338
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Note 2)		8			19			(51	)		(138	)		(43	)		(119	)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stepan Company	$	23,050		$	(12,831	)	$	59,300		$	40,050		$	82,350		$	27,219

(1)Includes foreign currency translation adjustments related to noncontrolling interest.

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

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020			June 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	150,692		$	349,938		$	127,053		$	349,938
Receivables, net		380,649			301,318			391,730			301,318
Inventories (Note 6)		235,062			218,783			266,088			218,783
Other current assets		31,250			35,612			30,984			35,612
Total current assets		797,653			905,651			815,855			905,651
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Cost		1,949,681			1,872,650			1,991,390			1,872,650
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,203,302	)		(1,189,983	)		(1,226,606	)		(1,189,983	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		746,379			682,667			764,784			682,667
Goodwill, net (Note 17)		96,252			27,972			97,988			27,972
Other intangible assets, net (Note 17)		66,813			24,068			65,461			24,068
Long-term investments (Note 3)		30,212			30,652			32,576			30,652
Operating lease assets		72,157			62,421
Operating lease assets (Note 7)								69,942			62,421
Other non-current assets		18,473			18,905			40,699			18,905
Total assets	$	1,827,939		$	1,752,336		$	1,887,305		$	1,752,336
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 14)	$	87,525		$	37,857		$	42,352		$	37,857
Accounts payable		264,192			236,750			286,917			236,750
Accrued liabilities		112,372			141,947			135,232			141,947
Total current liabilities		464,089			416,554			464,501			416,554
Deferred income taxes		29,876			20,745			9,995			20,745
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 14)		160,847			160,812			196,529			160,812
Non-current operating lease liabilities		60,433			51,567
Non-current operating lease liabilities (Note 7)								58,180			51,567
Other non-current liabilities		108,748			114,293			107,584			114,293
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
Equity:
Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 60,000,000 shares; Issued 26,725,620 shares in 2021 and 26,658,032 shares in 2020		26,726			26,658
Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 60,000,000 shares; Issued 26,752,093 shares in 2021 and 26,658,032 shares in 2020								26,752			26,658
Additional paid-in capital		209,471			206,716			213,969			206,716
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 11)		(154,442	)		(136,881	)		(138,420	)		(136,881	)
Retained earnings		1,057,579			1,023,829			1,093,994			1,023,829
Less: Common treasury stock, at cost, 4,208,867 shares in 2021 and 4,185,242 shares in 2020		(137,052	)		(133,629	)
Less: Common treasury stock, at cost, 4,286,578 shares in 2021 and 4,185,242 shares in 2020								(147,494	)		(133,629	)
Total Stepan Company stockholders’ equity		1,002,282			986,693			1,048,801			986,693
Noncontrolling interests (Note 2)		1,664			1,672
Noncontrolling interest (Note 2)								1,715			1,672
Total equity		1,003,946			988,365			1,050,516			988,365
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,827,939		$	1,752,336		$	1,887,305		$	1,752,336

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

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31						Six Months Ended June 30
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$	40,611		$	27,539		$	83,914		$	63,382
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		22,060			20,023			45,311			40,329
Deferred compensation		2,694			(7,323	)		3,652			(859	)
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on long-term investments		(534	)		3,875
Realized and unrealized gains on long-term investments								(2,761	)		(75	)
Stock-based compensation		2,539			1,202			5,346			4,191
Deferred income taxes		2,481			131			(39,475	)		1,427
Other non-cash items		(40	)		395			92			655
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net		(63,243	)		(30,767	)		(68,033	)		(23,253	)
Inventories		(7,476	)		(447	)		(35,747	)		(9,740	)
Other current assets		(861	)		(3,180	)		(63	)		(6,077	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(9,377	)		(16,583	)		34,027			(8,284	)
Pension liabilities		(451	)		(236	)		(971	)		(323	)
Environmental and legal liabilities		(21	)		(947	)		(463	)		(3,116	)
Deferred revenues		(80	)		(157	)		(134	)		243
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities		(11,698	)		(6,475	)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities								24,695			58,500
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment		(37,632	)		(33,202	)		(74,868	)		(54,671	)
Asset acquisition (Note 17)		(3,503	)		(2,040	)		(3,503	)		(2,040	)
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired (Note 17)		(184,000	)		—			(184,560	)		—
Other, net		1,379			2,331			1,430			2,331
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities		(223,756	)		(32,911	)		(261,501	)		(54,380	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Revolving debt and bank overdrafts, net		49,668			—
Revolving debt and bank overdrafts, net (Note 14)								4,495			—
Other debt borrowings (Note 14)								50,000			—
Other debt repayments								(14,286	)		(14,286	)
Dividends paid		(6,861	)		(6,202	)		(13,724	)		(12,371	)
Company stock repurchased		(989	)		(7,243	)		(10,895	)		(13,753	)
Stock option exercises		381			155			1,087			392
Other, net		(2,272	)		(1,128	)		(1,920	)		(415	)
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities		39,927			(14,418	)		14,757			(40,433	)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash		(3,719	)		(7,240	)		(836	)		(6,193	)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents		(199,246	)		(61,044	)		(222,885	)		(42,506	)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period		349,938			315,383			349,938			315,383
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	150,692		$	254,339		$	127,053		$	272,877
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash payments of income taxes, net of refunds/payments	$	6,638		$	3,316		$	43,472		$	7,501
Cash payments of interest	$	2,242		$	2,122		$	4,622		$	4,810

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

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Stepan Company (the Company), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) 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. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, and its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and cash flows for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020, have been included. These financial statements and related footnotes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Below are reconciliations of total equity, Company equity and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three and six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020:

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Total			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Common Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest ⁽¹⁾			Total			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Common Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest ⁽¹⁾
Balance, December 31, 2020	$	988,365		$	26,658	$	206,716	$	(133,629	)	$	(136,881	)	$	1,023,829		$	1,672
Balance at March 31, 2021																					1,003,946			26,726		209,471		(137,052	)		(154,442	)		1,057,579			1,664

Issuance of 5,786 shares of common stock under stock option plan		381			6		375		—			—			—			—
Issuance of 10,779 shares of common stock under stock option plan																					706			11		695		—			—			—			—

Purchase of 8,300 shares of common stock		(989	)		—		—		(989	)		—			—			—
Purchase of 73,745 shares of common stock																					(9,906	)		—		—		(9,906	)		—			—			—

Stock-based and deferred compensation		8			62		2,380		(2,434	)		—			—			—			3,282			15		3,803		(536	)		—			—			—
							—
Net income		40,611			—		—		—			—			40,611			—			43,303			—		—		—			—			43,278			25

Other comprehensive income (loss)		(17,569	)		—		—		—			(17,561	)		—			(8	)
Other comprehensive income																					16,048			—		—		—			16,022			—			26

Cash dividends paid:
Common stock ($0.305 per share)		(6,861	)		—		—		—			—			(6,861	)		—			(6,863	)		—		—		—			—			(6,863	)		—
Balance, March 31, 2021	$	1,003,946		$	26,726	$	209,471	$	(137,052	)	$	(154,442	)	$	1,057,579		$	1,664
Balance at June 30, 2021																				$	1,050,516		$	26,752	$	213,969	$	(147,494	)	$	(138,420	)	$	1,093,994		$	1,715

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Total			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Common Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest ⁽¹⁾
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	988,365		$	26,658	$	206,716	$	(133,629	)	$	(136,881	)	$	1,023,829		$	1,672

Issuance of 16,565 shares of common stock under stock option plan		1,087			17		1,070		—			—			—			—

Purchase of 82,045 shares of common stock		(10,895	)		—		—		(10,895	)		—			—			—

Stock-based and deferred compensation		3,290			77		6,183		(2,970	)		—			—			—

Net income		83,914			—		—		—			—			83,889			25

Other comprehensive income		(1,521	)		—		—		—			(1,539	)		—			18

Cash dividends paid:
Common stock ($0.610 per share)		(13,724	)		—		—		—			—			(13,724	)		—
Balance at June 30, 2021	$	1,050,516		$	26,752	$	213,969	$	(147,494	)	$	(138,420	)	$	1,093,994		$	1,715

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Total			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Common Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest ⁽¹⁾
Balance at March 31, 2020		867,472			26,541		195,661		(122,685	)		(176,546	)		943,807			694

Issuance of 3,933 shares of common stock under stock option plan		237			4		233		—			—			—			—

Purchase of 71,555 shares of common stock		(6,510	)		—		—		(6,510	)		—			—			—

Stock-based and deferred compensation		3,043			7		3,053		(17	)		—			—			—

Net income		35,843			—		—		—			—			35,707			136

Other comprehensive income		4,345			—		—		—			4,343			—			2

Cash dividends paid:
Common stock ($0.275 per share)		(6,169	)		—		—		—			—			(6,169	)		—
Balance at June 30, 2020	$	898,261		$	26,552	$	198,947	$	(129,212	)	$	(172,203	)	$	973,345		$	832

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Total			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Common Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest ⁽¹⁾			Total			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Common Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest ⁽¹⁾
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	892,496		$	26,493	$	193,135	$	(114,139	)	$	(136,170	)	$	922,464		$	713		$	892,496		$	26,493	$	193,135	$	(114,139	)	$	(136,170	)	$	922,464		$	713

Issuance of 2,747 shares of common stock under stock option plan		155			3		152		—			—			—			—
Issuance of 6,680 shares of common stock under stock option plan																					392			7		385		—			—			—			—

Purchase of 89,225 shares of common stock		(7,243	)		—		—		(7,243	)		—			—			—
Purchase of 160,780 shares of common stock																					(13,753	)		—		—		(13,753	)		—			—			—

Stock-based and deferred compensation		1,116			45		2,374		(1,303	)		—			—			—			4,159			52		5,427		(1,320	)		—			—			—

Net income		27,539			—		—		—			—			27,545			(6	)		63,382			—		—		—			—			63,252			130

Other comprehensive income (loss)		(40,389	)		—		—		—			(40,376	)		—			(13	)
Other comprehensive income																					(36,044	)		—		—		—			(36,033	)		—			(11	)

Cash dividends paid:
Common stock ($0.275 per share)		(6,202	)		—		—		—			—			(6,202	)		—
Balance, March 31, 2020	$	867,472		$	26,541	$	195,661	$	(122,685	)	$	(176,546	)	$	943,807		$	694
Common stock ($0.550 per share)																					(12,371	)		—		—		—			—			(12,371	)		—
Balance at June 30, 2020																				$	898,261		$	26,552	$	198,947	$	(129,212	)	$	(172,203	)	$	973,345		$	832

The following were the financial instruments held by the Company at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, and the methods and assumptions used to estimate the instruments’ fair values:

Carrying value approximated fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments. Fair value of cash and cash equivalents is a Level 1 measurement.

Derivative assets and liabilities include the foreign currency exchange contracts discussed in Note 4, Derivate Instruments, of the notes to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements (included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q). Fair value and carrying value were the same because the contracts were recorded at fair value. The fair values of the foreign currency contracts were calculated as the difference between the applicable forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date and the contracted foreign exchange rates multiplied by the contracted notional amounts. See the table below that describes financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the reported fair values of derivative assets and liabilities.

Long-term investments include the mutual fund assets the Company held to fund a portion of its deferred compensation liabilities and all of its non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution obligations (see the defined contribution plans section of Note 9, Postretirement Benefit Plans, of the notes to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements (included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q)). Fair value and carrying value were the same because the mutual fund assets were recorded at fair value. Fair values for the mutual funds were calculated using the published market price per unit at the reporting date multiplied by the number of units held at the reporting date. See the table that follows the financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair value of long-term investments.

The fair value of debt with original maturities greater than one year comprised the combined present values of scheduled principal and interest payments for each of the various loans, individually discounted at rates equivalent to those which could be obtained by the Company for new debt issues with durations equal to the average life to maturity of each loan. The fair values of the remaining Company debt obligations approximated their carrying values due to the short-term nature of the debt. The Company’s fair value measurements for debt fall within ~~level~~Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

At ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the fair values and related carrying values of debt, including current maturities, were as follows (the fair value and carrying value amounts are presented without regard to unamortized debt issuance costs of ~~$582,000~~$614,000 and $617,000 as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively):

(In thousands)

March 31,

2021

December 31,

2020

June 30,

2021

December 31,

2020

Fair value

259,889

210,370

248,832

210,370

Carrying value

248,954

199,286

239,495

199,286

The following tables present financial assets and liabilities, excluding cash and cash equivalents, measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall:

(In thousands)	March 2021		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		June 30, 2021		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Mutual fund assets	$	30,212	$	30,212	$	—	$	—	$	32,576	$	32,576	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		231		—		231		—		256		—		256		—
Total assets at fair value	$	30,443	$	30,212	$	231	$	—	$	32,832	$	32,576	$	256	$	—
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	196	$	—	$	196	$	—	$	2	$	—	$	2	$	—

(In thousands)	December 2020		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		December 31, 2020		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
Mutual fund assets	$	30,652	$	30,652	$	—	$	—	$	30,652	$	30,652		$	—		$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		335		—		335		—		335		—			335			—
Total assets at fair value	$	30,987	$	30,652	$	335	$	—	$	30,987	$	30,652		$	335		$	—
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	566	$	-	$	566	$	—	$	566	$	—		$	566		$	—

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed by the use of derivative instruments is foreign currency exchange risk. The Company holds forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not designated as any type of accounting hedge as defined by GAAP. The Company uses these contracts to manage its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on certain Company subsidiary cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other obligation balances that are denominated in currencies other than the entities’ functional currencies. The forward foreign exchange contracts are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from recording the foreign exchange contracts at fair value are reported in earnings as offsets to the losses and gains reported in earnings arising from the re-measurement of the asset and liability balances into the applicable functional currencies. At ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts, all with durations of one to three months, to buy or sell foreign currencies with U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of ~~$46,640,000~~$45,745,000 and $48,336,000, respectively.

The fair values of the derivative instruments held by the Company on ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, and December 31, ~~2020,~~200, are disclosed in Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, of the notes to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements (included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q). Derivative instrument gains and losses for the ~~three-month~~three- and six-month periods ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020, were immaterial. For amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) into earnings for the ~~three-month~~three- and six-month periods ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020, see Note 11, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), of the notes to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements (included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q).

On ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the Company had stock options, stock awards and stock appreciation rights (SARs) outstanding under its 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan. SARs granted prior to 2015 are cash-settled, and SARs granted in 2015 and later are stock-settled. Stock options and SARs granted prior to 2017 generally cliff vested after two years. Starting in 2017, stock options and

SARs have a three-year graded vesting feature, with one-third of the awards vesting each year. The Company has elected the straight-line method of expense attribution for the stock options and SARs with the graded vesting feature.

Compensation expense recorded for all stock options, stock awards and SARs was as follows:

(In thousands)	(In thousands)			(In thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31
Three Months Ended June 30				Three Months Ended June 30			Six Months Ended June 30
2021	2021	2020		2021	2020		2021		2020
$	2,540	$	1,202	2,807	$	2,989	$	5,346	$	4,191

The increase in stock-based compensation expense for the first ~~quarter~~six months of 2021 compared to the first ~~quarter~~six months of 2020 was primarily attributable to performance awards and cash-settled SARs. The increase in performance awards compensation expense reflects management’s assessment of profitability performance targets. The increase in cash-settled ~~SARs~~SARS compensation expense reflects an increase in the market value of Company stock during the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 versus a decrease in the market value of Company stock during the first ~~quarter~~half of 2020.

Unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs were as follows:

(In thousands)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Stock options	$	3,780	$	1,993	$	3,255	$	1,993
Stock awards		8,674		5,313		7,995		5,313
SARs		8,176		4,341		7,055		4,341

The increases in unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs reflected the 2021 grants of:

The unrecognized compensation costs at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, are expected to be recognized over weighted-average periods of ~~2.2~~2.0 years for stock options, ~~2.1 years for~~SARs and stock ~~awards and 2.2 years for SARs.~~awards.

The composition of inventories at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, was as follows:

(In thousands)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Finished goods	$	156,228	$	148,878	$	160,467	$	148,878
Raw materials		78,834		69,905		105,621		69,905
Total inventories	$	235,062	$	218,783	$	266,088	$	218,783

The Company’s operating leases are primarily comprised of railcar, real estate, storage tank, auto, trailer and manufacturing/office equipment leases. Railcars and real estate comprise approximately 2423 percent and 6263 percent, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated ROU asset balance. Except for real estate, typical lease terms range from one to ten years. Real estate lease terms typically range from one to fifty years. The Company’s four principal real estate leases ~~relate to~~consist of the office lease for ~~the~~ new corporate headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois and land leases in the Philippines, Singapore and Lake Providence, Louisiana. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the Company had ~~a storage tank lease,~~railcar leases, valued at approximately ~~$168,000,~~$3,154,000, that had not commenced. ~~This lease~~These leases will commence in the ~~second~~third quarter of 2021 ~~with a lease term~~and the first quarter of ~~two years.~~2022.

As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit borrowing rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate (IBR) based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. IBRs were specifically determined for the United States, Philippines, Singapore, Brazil and China, typically for five-year increments. The U.S. IBR was used for all other countries as the leases in these countries are not material. The total value of

leases that reside in the 5 countries identified above represents approximately 98 percent of the Company’s consolidated

ROU asset balance. Lease cost is ~~included~~recognized in both the Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses sections of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(In thousands)	March 31, 2021		Three months ended June 30, 2021		Six months ended June 30, 2021
Lease Cost
Operating lease cost	$	3,726	$	3,844	$	7,570
Short-term lease cost		1,269		1,284		2,553
Variable lease cost		283		222		505
Total lease cost	$	5,278	$	5,350	$	10,628
Other Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flow from operating leases	$	3,289	$	3,688	$	6,977
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities		12,627
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities				1,003		13,630

The following table outlines maturities of lease liabilities as of June 30, 2021:


(In thousands)
Undiscounted Cash Flows:
2021 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2021)	$	10,753
2021 (excluding the six months ended June 30, 2021)				$	7,432
2022		13,081			13,516
2023		10,847			11,119
2024		6,935			7,032
2025		5,306			5,336
Subsequent to 2025		39,647			39,610
Total Undiscounted Cash Flows	$	86,569		$	84,045
Less: Imputed interest		(13,765	)		(13,301	)
Present value	$	72,804		$	70,744
Current operating lease liabilities ⁽¹⁾		12,371			12,564
Non-current operating lease liabilities		60,433			58,180
Total lease liabilities	$	72,804		$	70,744

There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against the Company that occur in the normal course of the Company’s business, the majority of which relate to environmental assessment, protection and remediation matters. 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 U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the Superfund amendments of 1986 (Superfund) as well as comparable regulations applicable to the Company’s foreign locations. Over the years, the Company has received requests for information related to or has been named by government authorities as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at a number of sites where cleanup costs have been or may be incurred by the Company under CERCLA 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 is likely to incur with respect to these sites and claims.

In determining the appropriate level of environmental reserves, the Company considers several factors such as information obtained from investigatory studies; changes in the scope of remediation; the interpretation, application and enforcement of laws and regulations; changes in the costs of remediation programs; the development of alternative cleanup technologies and methods; and the relative level of the Company’s involvement at various sites for which the Company is allegedly associated. The level of annual expenditures for remedial, monitoring and investigatory activities will change in the future as major components of planned remediation activities are completed and the scope, timing and costs of existing activities are changed. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the Company estimated a range of possible environmental losses and legal losses of ~~$22,866,000~~$22,459,000 to ~~$41,313,000.~~$40,890,000. Within the range of possible environmental losses and legal losses, management has currently concluded that no single amount is more likely to occur than any other amounts in the range and, thus, has accrued at the lower end of the range. These

accruals totaled ~~$22,866,000~~$22,459,000 at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and $~~22,884,000~~$22,884,000 at December 31, 2020. Although the Company believes that its reserves are adequate for contingencies, it is possible due to the uncertainties noted above, that additional reserves could be required in the future. Cash expenditures related to legal matters and environmental matters approximated ~~$280,000~~$1,267,000 and ~~$912,000~~$3,075,000 for the ~~three-month~~six-month periods ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. ~~Most of the first quarter 2020 cash expenditures related to the Maywood, New Jersey site.~~

For certain sites, the Company has responded to information requests made by federal, state or local government agencies but has received no response confirming or denying the Company’s stated positions. As such, estimates of the total costs, or range of possible costs, of remediation, if any, or the Company’s share of such costs, if any, cannot be determined with respect to these sites. Consequently, the Company is unable to predict the effect thereof on the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations. Based upon the Company’s present knowledge with respect to its involvement at these sites, the possibility of other viable entities’ responsibilities for cleanup, and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, management believes that the Company has no material liability at these sites and that these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position. However, in the event of one or more adverse determinations with respect to such sites in any annual or interim period, the effect on the Company’s cash flows and results of operations for those periods could be material.

Following are summaries of the Company’s major contingencies at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021:

The Company’s property in Maywood, New Jersey and property formerly owned by the Company adjacent to its current site and other nearby properties (collectively, the Maywood site) were listed on the National Priorities List in September 1993 pursuant to the provisions of CERCLA because of alleged chemical contamination. Pursuant to (i) a September 21, 1987 Administrative Order on Consent entered into between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Company for property formerly owned by the Company at the Maywood site and (ii) the issuance of an order on November 12, 2004 by the USEPA to the Company for property currently owned by the Company at the Maywood site, the Company has completed various Remedial Investigation Feasibility Studies (RI/FS), and on September 24, 2014, USEPA issued its Record of Decision (ROD) for chemically-contaminated soil at the Maywood site, which requires the Company to perform remedial cleanup of the soil and buried waste. The USEPA has not yet issued a ROD for chemically-contaminated groundwater at the Maywood site. Based on the most current information available, the Company believes its recorded liability is reasonable having considered the range of estimated costs of remediation for the Maywood site. The estimate of the cost of remediation for the Maywood site could change as the Company continues to hold discussions with the USEPA, as the design of the remedial action is finalized, if a groundwater ROD is issued or if other PRPs are identified. The ultimate amount for which the Company is liable could differ materially from the Company’s current recorded liability.

In April 2015, the Company entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent with USEPA which requires payment of certain costs and performance of certain investigative and design work for chemically-contaminated soil.

In addition, under the terms of a settlement agreement reached on November 12, 2004, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Company agreed to fulfill the terms of a Cooperative Agreement reached in 1985. Under the Cooperative Agreement, the United States is responsible for the removal of radioactive waste at the Maywood site, including past and future remediation costs at the site. As such, the Company recorded no liability related to this settlement agreement.

During the mid-1970’s, Jerome Lightman and the Lightman Drum Company disposed of hazardous substances generated by the Company at several sites in New Jersey, including the D’Imperio site. The Company was named as a PRP in an October 2, 1998, lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey that involved the D’Imperio Site. In 2020, the PRPs were provided with updated remediation cost estimates by the PRP group technical consultant and project manager, which the Company considered in its determination of its range of estimated possible losses and liability balance. The changes in range of possible losses and liability balance were immaterial. Remediation work continues at the D’Imperio site. Based on current information, the Company believes that its recorded liability is reasonable having considered the range of estimated cost of

remediation for the D’Imperio site. Depending on the ultimate cost of the remediation at this site, the amount for which the Company is liable could differ materially from the current ~~estimates.~~recorded liability.

The Company is currently contractually obligated to contribute to the environmental response costs associated with the Company’s formerly-owned site in Wilmington, Massachusetts (the Wilmington site). Remediation at this site is being managed by its current owner to whom the Company sold the property in 1980. Under the Company’s October 1, 1993, agreement with the current owner of the Wilmington site, once total site remediation costs exceed certain levels, the Company is obligated to

contribute up to 5 percent of future response costs associated with this site with no limitation on the ultimate amount of contributions. The Company has paid the current owner ~~$3,078,000~~$3,105,000 for the Company’s portion of environmental response costs at the Wilmington site through ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021. The Company has recorded a liability for its portion of the estimated remediation costs for the site. Depending on the ultimate cost of the remediation at this site, the amount for which the Company is liable could differ materially from the current ~~estimates.~~recorded liability.

The Company and other prior owners of the Wilmington site also entered into an agreement in April 2004 waiving certain statute of limitations defenses for claims which may be filed by the Town of Wilmington, Massachusetts, in connection with this site. While the Company has denied any liability for any such claims, the Company agreed to this waiver while the parties continue to discuss the resolution of any potential claim which may be filed.

Through the regular environmental monitoring of its plant production sites, the Company discovered levels of chemical contamination that were above thresholds allowed by law at its Millsdale, Illinois and Fieldsboro, New Jersey plants. The Company voluntarily reported its results to the applicable state environmental agencies. As a result, the Company is required to perform self-remediation of the affected areas. Based on current information, the Company believes that its recorded liability for the remediation of the affected areas is appropriate based on an estimate of expected costs. However, actual costs could differ materially from current ~~estimates.~~ recorded liability.

The Company sponsors various funded qualified and unfunded non-qualified defined benefit pension plans, the most significant of which cover employees in the U.S. and U.K. locations. The U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans are frozen and service benefits are no longer being accrued.

	UNITED STATES						UNITED KINGDOM						UNITED STATES
(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Interest cost	$	1,177		$	1,421		$	88		$	109		$	1,177		$	1,421		$	2,354		$	2,842
Expected return on plan assets		(2,586	)		(2,437	)		(81	)		(134	)		(2,586	)		(2,437	)		(5,171	)		(4,874	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		1,144			1,052			17			19			1,144			1,052			2,288			2,104
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(265	)	$	36		$	24		$	(6	)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)													$	(265	)	$	36		$	(529	)	$	72

As a result of pension funding relief provisions included in the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, the Company is not required to make contributions to its funded U.S. qualified defined benefit plans. Approximately $274,000 is expected to

be paid related to the unfunded non-qualified plans in 2021. Of such amount, ~~$119,000~~$171,000 had been paid related to the non-qualified plans as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021.

The Company’s U.K. subsidiary expects to contribute approximately $495,000 to its defined benefit pension plan in 2021. Of such amount, ~~$141,000~~$272,000 had been contributed to the plan as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021.

The Company sponsors retirement ~~savings~~ defined contribution plans that cover eligible U.S. and U.K. employees. The Company’s U.S. retirement contributions plans include two qualified plans, one of which is a 401(k) plan and one of which is an employee stock ownership plan, and one non-qualified supplemental executive plan. In the ~~three~~six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company made ~~profit sharing~~ contributions into the qualified retirement plans for U.S. employees and for certain non-U.S. employees. Profit sharing contributions were determined using a formula applied to Company earnings. In 2020 and 2021, profit sharing contributions for U.S. employees were made to the employee stock ownership plan. Profit sharing contributions are allocated to participant accounts based on participant base earnings.

Defined contribution plan expenses for the Company’s qualified contribution plans were as follows:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31				Three Months Ended June 30				Six Months Ended June 30
	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Retirement savings contributions	$	2,039	$	1,758	$	1,978	$	1,950	$	4,017	$	3,708
Profit sharing contributions		1,866		975
Profit sharing contributions plan						1,865		1,483		3,731		2,458
Total defined contribution plan expenses	$	3,905	$	2,733	$	3,843	$	3,433	$	7,748	$	6,166

The Company has a rabbi trust to fund the obligations of its non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution plans (supplemental plans). The trust comprises various mutual fund investments selected by the participants of the supplemental plans. In accordance with the accounting guidance for rabbi trust arrangements, the assets of the trust and the obligations of the supplemental plans are reported on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company elected the fair value option for the mutual fund investment assets so that offsetting changes in the mutual fund values and defined contribution plan obligations would be recorded in earnings in the same period. Therefore, the mutual funds are reported at fair value with any subsequent changes in fair value recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The liabilities related to the supplemental plans increase (i.e., supplemental plan expense is recognized) when the value of the trust assets appreciates and decrease when the value of the trust assets declines (i.e., supplemental plan income is recognized). At ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the balance of the trust assets was ~~$2,035,000,~~$2,111,000, which equaled the balance of the supplemental plan ~~liabilities (see~~liabilities. See the long-term investments section in Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, of the notes to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements (included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q) for further information regarding the Company’s mutual fund ~~assets).~~assets.

Below are the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020:

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Three Months Ended March 31				Three Months Ended June 30				Six Months Ended June 30
	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Computation of Basic Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	40,611	$	27,545	$	43,278	$	35,707	$	83,889	$	63,252
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		22,974		23,023		22,952		22,923		22,963		22,973
Basic earnings per share	$	1.77	$	1.20	$	1.89	$	1.56	$	3.65	$	2.75

Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	40,611	$	27,545	$	43,278	$	35,707	$	83,889	$	63,252
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding		22,974		23,023		22,952		22,923		22,963		22,973
Add weighted-average net shares from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) ⁽¹⁾		140		102		152		100		146		101
Add weighted-average net shares related to unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)		1		1		1		1		1		1
Add weighted-average net shares from assumed exercise of SARs (under treasury stock method) ⁽¹⁾		171		128		190		125		181		127
Add weighted-average contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method)		44		31		50		35		47		33
Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings		23,330		23,285		23,345		23,184		23,338		23,235
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.74	$	1.18	$	1.85	$	1.54	3.59		$	2.72

(1)NaN options/SARs to acquire ~~shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Options/SARs to acquire 256,288~~ shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended ~~March 31, 2020.~~June 30, 2021, respectively. Options/SARs to acquire 253,448 and 254,868 shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. Inclusion of the instruments would have had an antidilutive effect on the computations of the earnings per share.

Below is the change in the Company’s AOCI balance by component (net of income taxes) for the three and six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020:

(In thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Total			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Total
Balance at March 31, 2020													$	(145,219	)	$	(31,397	)	$	70		$	(176,546	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications														3,537			—			—			3,537
Amounts reclassified from AOCI														—			808			(2	)		806
Net current-period other comprehensive income														3,537			808			(2	)		4,343
Balance at June 30, 2020													$	(141,682	)	$	(30,589	)	$	68		$	(172,203	)

Balance at March 31, 2021													$	(125,516	)	$	(28,987	)	$	61		$	(154,442	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications														15,149			—			—			15,149
Amounts reclassified from AOCI														—			876			(3	)		873
Net current-period other comprehensive income														15,149			876			(3	)		16,022
Balance at June 30, 2021													$	(110,367	)	$	(28,111	)	$	58		$	(138,420	)

Balance at December 31, 2019	$	(104,037	)	$	(32,205	)	$	72		$	(136,170	)	$	(104,037	)	$	(32,205	)	$	72		$	(136,170	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(41,182	)		808			—			(40,374	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications														(37,645	)		—			—			(37,645	)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			—			(2	)		(2	)		—			1,616			(4	)		1,612
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(41,182	)		808			(2	)		(40,376	)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	(145,219	)	$	(31,397	)	$	70		$	(176,546	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income														(37,645	)		1,616			(4	)		(36,033	)
Balance at June 30, 2020													$	(141,682	)	$	(30,589	)	$	68		$	(172,203	)

Balance at December 31, 2020	$	(107,083	)	$	(29,861	)	$	63		$	(136,881	)	$	(107,083	)	$	(29,861	)	$	63		$	(136,881	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(18,433	)		874			—			(17,559	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications														(3,284	)		—			—			(3,284	)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			—			(2	)		(2	)		—			1,750			(5	)		1,745
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(18,433	)		874			(2	)		(17,561	)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	(125,516	)	$	(28,987	)	$	61		$	(154,442	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income														(3,284	)		1,750			(5	)		(1,539	)
Balance at June 30, 2021													$	(110,367	)	$	(28,111	)	$	58		$	(138,420	)

Information regarding the reclassifications out of AOCI for the ~~three-month~~three- and six-month periods ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020, is displayed below:

(In thousands)	Amount Reclassified from AOCI⁽¹⁾							Amount Reclassified from AOCI ⁽¹⁾
AOCI Components	Three Months Ended March 31						Affected Line Item in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30						Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statements of Income
	2021			2020				2021			2020			2021			2020
Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial losses	$	(1,161	)	$	(1,071	)	⁽²⁾	$	(1,162	)	$	(1,071	)	$	(2,323	)	$	(2,142	)	⁽²⁾
		287			263		Tax benefit		286			263			573			526		Tax benefit
	$	(874	)	$	(808	)	Net of tax	$	(876	)	$	(808	)	$	(1,750	)	$	(1,616	)	Net of tax
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts		2			2		Cost of sales		3			2			5			4		Cost of sales
		2			2		Total before tax		3			2			5			4		Total before tax
		—			—		Tax benefit		—			—			—			—		Tax benefit
	$	2		$	2		Net of tax	$	3		$	2		$	5		$	4		Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period	$	(872	)	$	(806	)	Net of tax	$	(873	)	$	(806	)	$	(1,745	)	$	(1,612	)	Net of tax

The Company has 3 reportable segments: Surfactants, Polymers and Specialty Products. Net sales by segment for the three and six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31				Three Months Ended June 30				Six Months Ended June 30
	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Segment Net Sales
Surfactants	$	370,936	$	327,071	$	384,002	$	332,335	$	754,938	$	659,406
Polymers		150,385		106,491		190,538		112,409		340,923		218,900
Specialty Products		16,419		16,425		20,971		15,805		37,390		32,230
Total	$	537,740	$	449,987	$	595,511	$	460,549	$	1,133,251	$	910,536

Segment operating income and reconciliations of segment operating income to income before provision for income taxes for the three and six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020, are summarized below:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Segment Operating Income
Surfactants	$	53,210		$	36,156		$	45,896		$	48,503		$	99,106		$	84,659
Polymers		17,951			7,516			23,025			15,527			40,976			23,043
Specialty Products		2,633			3,984			6,977			3,226			9,610			7,210
Segment operating income		73,794			47,656			75,898			67,256			149,692			114,912
Business restructuring		(81	)		(357	)		(114	)		(225	)		(195	)		(582	)
Unallocated corporate expenses ⁽¹⁾		(19,799	)		(7,295	)		(19,127	)		(22,408	)		(38,926	)		(29,703	)
Consolidated operating income		53,914			40,004			56,657			44,623			110,571			84,627
Interest expense, net		(1,524	)		(1,230	)
Other Income (Expense)
Interest, net								(1,567	)		(1,259	)		(3,091	)		(2,489	)
Other, net		746			(3,262	)		2,758			4,437			3,504			1,175
Income before provision for income taxes	$	53,136		$	35,512		$	57,848		$	47,801		$	110,984		$	83,313

The Company deems a contract with a customer to exist when a purchase order is received from a customer for a specified quantity of product or products and the Company acknowledges receipt of such purchase order. In some instances the Company has entered into manufacturing supply agreements with customers but these agreements typically do not bind a customer to any purchase volume requirements and thus an obligation is not created until the customer submits a purchase order to the Company. The Company’s contracts typically have a single performance obligation that is satisfied at the time a product is shipped and control passes to the customer. For a small portion of the business, performance obligations are deemed satisfied when product is delivered to a customer location.

As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the Company had ~~$775,000~~$641,000 of contract liabilities and 0 contract assets. A contract liability would typically arise when an advance or deposit is received from a customer before the Company recognizes revenue. In practice, this is rare as it would require a customer to make a payment prior to a performance obligation being satisfied. When such situations do arise, the Company would maintain a deferred revenue liability until the time a performance obligation has been satisfied. The Company recognized $773,000 of revenue in the ~~current period~~first six months of 2021 from pre-existing contract liabilities at December 31, 2020. During 2020 the Company recognized $10,709,000 of long-term deferred revenue associated with a payment received to defray the cost of capital expenditures necessary to service a customer’s future product needs. This deferred revenue will be recognized over the period of the contract. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, 0 revenue has been recognized from this contract.

The tables below provide a geographic disaggregation of net sales for the three and six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020. The Company’s business segmentation by geographic region most effectively captures the nature and economic characteristics of the Company’s revenue streams impacted by economic factors.

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021								For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
(In thousands)
	Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty		Total		Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty Products		Total
Geographic Market
North America	$	220,935	$	70,878	$	13,937	$	305,750	$	207,571	$	68,780	$	13,329	$	289,680
Europe		71,094		68,300		2,482		141,876		55,812		32,692		2,476		90,980
Latin America		60,169		990		—		61,159		56,194		463		—		56,657
Asia		18,738		10,217		—		28,955		12,758		10,474		—		23,232
Total	$	370,936	$	150,385	$	16,419	$	537,740	$	332,335	$	112,409	$	15,805	$	460,549

									For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
	Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty		Total		Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty Products		Total
Geographic Market
North America	$	207,946	$	61,841	$	13,494	$	283,281	$	442,580	$	166,469	$	31,755	$	640,804
Europe		59,660		36,560		2,931		99,151		136,433		150,753		4,918		292,104
Latin America		46,510		639		—		47,149		140,137		1,976		717		142,830
Asia		12,955		7,451		—		20,406		35,788		21,725		—		57,513
Total	$	327,071	$	106,491	$	16,425	$	449,987	$	754,938	$	340,923	$	37,390	$	1,133,251

~~Debt~~At June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, debt was comprised of the ~~following at March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020:~~following:

(In thousands)	Maturity Dates	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		Maturity Dates	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Unsecured private placement notes
3.95% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $262 and $273 for 2021 and 2020, respectively)	2021-2027	$	99,738	$	99,727
3.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $222 and $236 for 2021 and 2020, respectively)	2021-2025		71,207		71,193
4.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $98 and $108 for 2021 and 2020, respectively)	2021-2023		27,759		27,749
Revolving credit facility borrowing	2021		45,000		—
3.95% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $251 and $273 for 2021 and 2020, respectively)						2021-2027	$	99,749	$	99,727
3.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $208 and $236 for 2021 and 2020, respectively)						2021-2025		56,935		71,193
4.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $89 and $108 for 2021 and 2020, respectively)						2021-2023		27,768		27,749
2.30% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $66 and $0 for 2021 and 2020, respectively)						2024-2028		49,934		—
Debt of foreign subsidiaries
Unsecured bank debt, foreign currency	2021		4,668		—	2021		4,495		—
Total debt		$	248,372	$	198,669		$	238,881	$	198,669
Less current maturities			87,525		37,857			42,352		37,857
Long-term debt		$	160,847	$	160,812		$	196,529	$	160,812

On June 10, 2021, the Company entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which it issued and sold $50,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2.30% Senior Notes, Series 2021-A, due June 10, 2028 (the Series 2021-A Notes). The Series 2021-A Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.30%, with interest to be paid semi-annually and with equal annual principal payments beginning on June 10, 2024 and continuing through final maturity on June 10, 2028. The proceeds of the issuance of the Series 2021-A Notes are being used primarily for capital expenditures, to pay down existing debt and for other corporate purposes. This note purchase agreement requires the maintenance of certain financial ratios and covenants that are substantially similar to the Company’s existing long-term debt and provides for customary events of default.

The Company has a committed $350,000,000 multi-currency revolving credit agreement that expires on January 30, 2023. The Company maintains import letters of credit, and standby letters of credit under its workers’ compensation insurance agreements and for other purposes, as needed from time to time, which are issued under the revolving credit agreement. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the Company had outstanding ~~borrowing totaling $45,000,000 with the weighted average interest rate of 1.36 percent and outstanding~~ letters of credit totaling ~~$6,767,000.~~$6,993,000 and 0 borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. There was ~~$298,233,000~~$343,007,000 available under the revolving credit agreement as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021.

The Company’s loan agreements contain provisions which, among others, require maintenance of certain financial ratios and place limitations on additional debt, investments and payment of dividends. Based on the loan agreement provisions that place limitations on dividend payments, unrestricted retained earnings (i.e., retained earnings available for dividend distribution) were ~~$407,026,000~~$434,265,000 and $373,884,000 at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Other, net in the ~~condensed~~ consolidated statements of income included the following:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended June 30					Six Months Ended June 30
	2021			2020			2021		2020			2021			2020
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	$	(335	)	$	568		$	106	$	423		$	(229	)	$	991
Investment income		306			75			189		93			495			168
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments		534			(3,875	)
Net periodic pension benefit		241			(30	)
Realized and unrealized gains on investments								2,227		3,950			2,761			75
Net periodic pension benefit cost								236		(29	)		477			(59	)
Other, net	$	746		$	(3,262	)	$	2,758	$	4,437		$	3,504		$	1,175

During the third quarter of 2018, the Company approved a plan to shut down Surfactant operations at its German plant site. As of ~~March 31, 2020,~~June 30, 2021, an aggregate of $2,392,000 shut down related expense has been recognized at the site. In the first quarter of 2020, the Company recognized $79,000 of decommissioning expenses at the site. The Company finalized shut down of the plant in 2020 and 0 more expenses associated with the restructuring are expected.

During 2016, the Company shut down its Longford Mills, Ontario, Canada (Longford Mills) manufacturing facility, a part of the Surfactant reportable segment. The shutdown plan was implemented to improve the Company’s asset utilization in North America and to reduce the Company’s fixed cost base. Manufacturing operations of the Longford Mills plant ceased by the end of 2016, and production of goods manufactured at the facility was transferred to other Company North American production sites. Decommissioning of the assets is expected to continue throughout 2021. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, ~~$8,698,000~~$8,812,000 of aggregate restructuring expense has been recognized, reflecting $1,644,000 of termination benefits for approximately 30 employees and ~~$7,054,000~~$7,168,000 for other expenses, principally site decommissioning costs. The Company recognized ~~$81,000~~$114,000 and ~~$278,000~~$225,000 of decommissioning expenses in the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company recognized $195,000 and $503,000 of decommissioning expenses in the first ~~quarter~~six months of 2021 and 2020, respectively.

On January 29, 2021, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Stepan Holdings Netherlands B.V. and Stepan UK Limited (collectively, “Stepan”) entered into a Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement with Arteva Specialties B.V., INV Performance Surfaces, LLC, INVISTA Textiles (U.K.) Limited, INV Management Services, LLC, and INVISTA Equities, LLC (collectively, “INVISTA”) to acquire INVISTA's aromatic polyester polyol business and associated assets. Included in the transaction were 2 manufacturing sites, one in Wilmington, North Carolina (U.S.) and the other in Vlissingen, Netherlands, along with intellectual property, customer relationships, inventory and working capital. This acquisition expands the Company’s manufacturing capabilities in both the United States and Europe and enhances its business continuity capabilities for the market. The Company believes that INVISTA’s available spare capacity, combined with debottlenecking opportunities for both plants, will allow Stepan to support future market growth in a capital efficient way. The purchase price was $165,000,000, plus ~~$21,000,000~~$21,560,000 of ~~estimated~~ working capital and $3,000,000 of associated value-added taxes (VAT) and was paid in cash. Immaterial working capital adjustments were finalized and paid during the second quarter of 2021. The working capital acquired included $5,000,000 of cash. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination, and the acquired operations are included in the Company’s Polymer segment in the first ~~quarter~~six months of 2021. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the acquisition were measured and recorded at estimated fair value. The purchase price allocation remains preliminary as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 pending finalization of the fair value of intangibles and property, plant and equipment. The principle valuation techniques employed include cost and market approaches (PP&E), relief from royalty method under the income approach (trade name and technology/know) and multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach (customer relationships). The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation for the major components of the acquisition:

(In thousands)
Assets:
Property, plant and equipment	$	54,400	$	54,400
Identifiable intangible assets		45,500
Identifiable intangibles assets				45,500
Goodwill		65,100		65,100
Total assets acquired	$	165,000	$	165,000

The acquired goodwill includes proprietary and intellectual property, brand recognition, business continuity benefits and marketing, manufacturing and supply chain synergies of the new business with the Company’s existing Polymer business. The acquired goodwill has been assigned to the Polymers segment and is deductible for tax purposes. Identifiable intangible assets included technology and manufacturing know-how ($13,000,000), trademarks ($8,000,000) and customer relationships ($24,500,000). The amortization periods for know-how and trademarks ~~has~~have initially been estimated to be in the range of 7 to 8 years. The amortization period for customer relationships has initially been estimated to be in the range of 12 to 14 years. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, in addition to the purchase price, the Company also paid ~~$3,232,000~~$3,551,000 of acquisition-related expenses that primarily included legal, consulting, valuation and accounting services. ~~During~~For the ~~first~~ three and six months ofended June 30, 2021, the

Company incurred ~~$1,285,000~~$319,000 and $1,604,000 of acquisition-related ~~expenses.~~expenses, respectively. These costs were included in the Administrative expenses line in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of income.

The following table reflects pro forma financial information prepared under the assumption that the acquisition of the INVISTA aromatic polyester polyol business occurred on January 1, 2020.

The supplemental pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of the consolidated results that would have ~~actually~~ been achieved by the ~~Company.~~Company had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2020. Furthermore, future results may vary significantly from the results reflected in the pro forma information. The pro forma results include adjustments primarily related to amortization of acquired intangible assets, depreciation of the fair value adjustment ~~of acquisition-date~~related to acquired plant assets, tax expense and ~~tax expense.~~management assumptions related to INVISTA’s legacy carved-out financial statements. In addition, non-recurring adjustments to pro forma net income include ~~$1,285,000~~$1,604,000 of acquisition-related ~~expenses - such~~expenses. Such expenses were excluded from 2021 pro forma net income and included in 2020 pro forma net income.

On February 2, 2021, the Company acquired a fermentation plant, located in Lake Providence, Louisiana (U.S.). The Company believes this plant complements the rhamnolipid-based bio-surfactant technology the Company acquired from Logos Technologies in March 2020. Fermentation is a new platform technology for the Company and the Company is focusing efforts to further develop, integrate, produce and commercialize these unique surfactants moving forward. Bio-surfactants, produced via fermentation, are attractive due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and in some cases, unique antimicrobial properties. These bio-surfactants offer synergies in several strategic end use markets including oilfield, agriculture, personal care and household, industrial and institutional. The acquisition of this industrial scale fermentation plant represents the latest step in the Company’s bio-surfactant commercialization efforts. The purchase price was $3,500,000 and was paid in cash. This acquisition has been accounted for as an asset acquisition.

On September 17, 2020, the Company, through its subsidiaries in Mexico, acquired Clariant (Mexico) S.A. de C.V.’s (Clariant) anionic business located in Santa Clara, Mexico. The acquisition did not include the purchase of a manufacturing site. The business acquired was integrated into the Company’s two existing manufacturing sites in Mexico (Matamoros and Ecatepec). The purchase price of the acquisition was $14,000,000, plus associated value-added taxes (VAT). As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, $13,519,000, inclusive of $308,000 net VAT, had been paid with cash on hand. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the assets were measured and recorded at their estimated fair value. The acquired goodwill is not tax deductible. All assets acquired are included in the Company’s Surfactants segment. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation for the acquisition:

On March 13, 2020, the Company acquired certain assets of Logos Technologies LLC's NatSurFact® business, a rhamnolipid-based line of bio-surfactants derived from renewable sources. These bio-surfactants offer synergies in several strategic end use markets including oilfield, agriculture, personal care and household, industrial and institutional. The acquisition was accounted for as an asset acquisition. The purchase price of the acquisition was $2,040,000 and was paid with cash on hand. All assets acquired are included in the Company’s Surfactants segment. The assets acquired were primarily intangibles, including trademarks and know-how ($1,392,000) and patents ($464,000). Additionally, $184,000 of laboratory equipment was acquired.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This update provides guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas of accounting for income taxes. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted ASU. No. 2019-12 in the first quarter of 2021 and the adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) Facilitation of the Effect of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This update provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the burden of implementing the usage of new reference rates. The amendments apply to contract modifications that replace a reference rate affected by reference rate reform and contemporaneous modifications of other contract terms related to the replacement of the reference rate. If elected, the optional expedients to contract modifications must be applied consistently for all eligible contracts or eligible transactions. The amendments in this update may be implemented between March 12, 2020 and December 31, 2022. The guidance should be applied prospectively. The Company has not currently utilized any of the optional expedients of exceptions available under this ASU. The Company will continue to assess whether this ASU is applicable throughout the effective period.

Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) of certain significant factors that have affected the Company’s financial condition and results of operations during the interim periods included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, other than purely historical information, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). These statements include statements about Stepan Company’s and its subsidiaries’ (the Company) plans, objectives, strategies, financial performance and outlook, trends, the amount and timing of future cash distributions, prospects or future events and involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. As a result, the Company’s actual financial results, performance, achievements or prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “illustrative” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management based on their knowledge and understanding of the business and industry, are inherently uncertain. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and stockholders should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors, include, among others, the risks, uncertainties and factors set forth under “Part II-Item IA - Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and under “Part I-Item IA. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, including the risks and uncertainties related to the following:

These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause the Company’s actual financial results, performance, achievements or prospects to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of its forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm the Company’s results. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake or assume any obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If the Company updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

The “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” means Stepan Company and one or more of its subsidiaries only.

The Company produces and sells intermediate chemicals that are used in a wide variety of applications worldwide. The overall business ~~comprises~~is comprised of three reportable segments:

Surfactants – Surfactants, which accounted for 6967 percent of Company consolidated net sales for the first ~~three~~six months of 2021,

are principal ingredients in consumer and industrial cleaning and disinfection products such as detergents for washing clothes, dishes, carpets, floors and walls, as well as shampoos and body washes. Other applications include fabric softeners, germicidal quaternary compounds, disinfectants, lubricating ingredients, emulsifiers for spreading agricultural products and industrial applications such as latex systems, plastics and composites. Surfactants are manufactured at five sites in the United States, two European sites (United Kingdom and France), five Latin American sites (one site in Colombia and two sites in each of Mexico and Brazil) and two Asian sites (Philippines and Singapore). Recent significant events include:

Specialty Products – Specialty products, which accounted for three percent of consolidated net sales for the first ~~three~~six months of 2021, include flavors, emulsifiers and solubilizers used in food, flavoring, nutritional supplement, and pharmaceutical applications. Specialty products are primarily manufactured at the Company’s Maywood, New Jersey, site and, in some instances, by third-party contractors.

In January 2021, the Company purchased INVISTA’s aromatic polyester polyol business and associated assets. Included in the transaction were two manufacturing sites, one in Wilmington, North Carolina and the other in Vlissingen, Netherlands along with intellectual property, customer relationships, inventory and working capital. This acquisition expands the Company’s manufacturing capabilities in both the United States and Europe and enhances the Company’s business continuity capabilities for the market. The Company believes that INVISTA’s available spare capacity, combined with debottlenecking opportunities in both plants, will allow Stepan to support future market growth in a capital efficient way. This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, and accordingly, the assets acquired were measured and recorded at their preliminary fair values. The purchase price of the acquisition was $165.0 million, plus ~~$21.0~~$21.5 million of ~~estimated~~ working capital and $3.0 million of associated value-added taxes (VAT). The working capital acquired included $5.0 million of cash. The acquisition was paid with cash on hand. ~~(See~~See Note 17, Acquisitions, of the notes to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements (included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q) for additional ~~details).~~details.

In February 2021, the Company acquired a fermentation plant located in Lake Providence, Louisiana. The Company believes this plant complements the rhamnolipid-based bio-surfactant technology the Company acquired from Logos Technologies in March 2020. Fermentation is a new platform technology for the Company and the Company is focusing efforts to further develop, integrate, produce and commercialize these unique surfactants moving forward. Bio-surfactants, produced via fermentation, are attractive due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and in some cases, unique antimicrobial properties. These bio-surfactants offer synergies in several strategic end use markets including oilfield, agriculture, personal care and household, industrial and institutional. The acquisition of this industrial scale fermentation plant represents the latest step in the Company’s bio-surfactant commercialization efforts. This acquisition was accounted for as an asset acquisition. The purchase price of the acquisition was $3.5 million and was paid with cash on hand. ~~(See~~See Note 17, Acquisitions, of the notes to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements (included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q) for additional ~~details).~~

The accounting for the Company’s deferred compensation plans can cause period-to-period fluctuations in Company ~~expenses~~income and ~~profits.~~expenses. Compensation expense results when the values of Company common stock and mutual fund investment assets held for the

plans increase, and compensation income results when the values of Company common stock and mutual fund investment assets

decline. The pretax effect of all deferred compensation-related activities (including realized and unrealized gains and losses on the mutual fund assets held to fund the deferred compensation obligations) and the income statement line items in which the effects of the activities were recorded are displayed in the following ~~table:~~tables:

	Income (Expense)									Income (Expense)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31									For the Three Months Ended June 30
(In millions)	2021			2020			Change			2021		2020		Change
Deferred Compensation (Administrative expense)	$	(2.7	)	$	7.3		$	(10.0	)
Deferred Compensation (Administrative expenses)										$	(1.0)	$	(6.5)	$	5.5	⁽¹⁾
Realized/Unrealized Gains on Investments (Other, net)		0.4			(3.6	)		4.0			2.2		3.8		(1.6)
Investment Income (Other, net)		0.3			0.1			0.2			0.2		0.1		0.1
Pretax Income Effect	$	(2.0	)	$	3.8		$	(5.8	)	$	1.4	$	(2.6)	$	4.0

The Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact business and report financial results in their respective local currencies. As a result, foreign subsidiary income statements are translated into U.S. dollars at average foreign exchange rates appropriate for the reporting period. Because foreign exchange rates fluctuate against the U.S. dollar over time, foreign currency translation affects period-to-period comparisons of financial statement items (i.e., because foreign exchange rates fluctuate, similar period-to-period local currency results for a foreign subsidiary may translate into different U.S. dollar results). The following ~~table presents~~tables present the effects that foreign currency translation had on the period-over-period changes in consolidated net sales and various income statement line items for the three and six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended March 31								Three Months Ended June 30
							Increase								Increase
(In millions)	2021		2020		Increase		Due to Foreign Translation		2021		2020		Increase		Due to Foreign Translation
Net Sales	$	537.7	$	450.0	$	87.7	$	4.2	$	595.5	$	460.5	$	135.0	$	20.3
Gross Profit		109.0		79.3		29.7		0.2		111.7		98.5		13.2		2.7
Operating Income		53.9		40.0		13.9		0.0		56.7		44.6		12.1		1.7
Pretax Income		53.1		35.5		17.6		0.0		57.8		47.8		10.0		1.9

Net income attributable to the Company ~~for~~in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2021 increased 4721 percent to ~~$40.6~~$43.3 million, or ~~$1.74~~$1.85 per diluted share, from ~~$27.5~~$35.7 million, or ~~$1.18~~$1.54 per diluted share, ~~for~~in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2020. Adjusted net income increased 7510 percent to ~~$42.4~~$42.2 million, or ~~$1.82~~$1.81 per diluted share, from ~~$24.2~~$38.3 million, or ~~$1.04~~$1.65 per diluted share, in 2020 (see the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share” section of this MD&A for a reconciliation between reported net income attributable to the Company and reported earnings per diluted share and non-GAAP adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share). Below is a summary discussion of the major factors leading to the changes in net sales, expenses and income in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2021 compared to the ~~first~~second quarter of 2020. A detailed discussion of segment operating performance for the ~~first~~second quarter of 2021 compared to the ~~first~~second quarter of 2020 follows the summary.

Consolidated net sales increased ~~$87.8~~$135.0 million, or 2029 percent, between quarters. Higher average selling prices favorably impacted the ~~year-over-year~~quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by ~~$55.0~~$92.0 million. The increase in average selling prices was mainly ~~attributable~~due to ~~improved product and customer mix and~~ the pass-through of higher raw material ~~costs.~~costs and more favorable customer and product mix. Consolidated sales volume increased ~~six~~five percent, which had ~~a $28.6~~an $22.7 million favorable impact on the ~~year-over-year~~ change in net sales. Sales volume in the Polymer and Specialty Products segments increased 3244 percent and ~~four~~17 percent, respectively. The increase in ~~Polymers~~Polymer sales volume ~~reflects a~~was primarily attributable to the first quarter 2021 INVISTA polyester polyol acquisition and the gradual recovery from COVID-19 delays and cancellations of re-roofing and new construction ~~projects,~~projects. The Specialty Products sales volume growth primarily reflects order timing differences within the ~~2021 acquisition of INVISTA’s aromatic polyester polyol business,~~food and ~~the non-recurrence of the plant power outage at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois facility in the first quarter of 2020.~~flavor business. Sales volume ~~for~~in the Surfactant segment ~~was flat between quarters. Higher Surfactant~~decreased six percent quarter-over-quarter mostly due to lower sales volume in ~~Europe, Latin America, and Asia was offset by lower North American sales volume. North American sales volume~~the consumer product end markets. The consumer product business was negatively impacted by feedstock supply ~~chain disruptions caused by~~issues following the first quarter 2021 severe weather in ~~Texas.~~Texas, customer inventory rebalancing efforts and lower demand for consumer cleaning products versus the pandemic peak in 2020. Foreign currency translation favorably impacted the ~~year-over-year~~ change in net sales by ~~$4.2~~$20.3 million ~~primarily~~ due to a ~~strengthening of European~~weaker U.S. dollar against all currencies ~~versus~~where the ~~U.S. dollar.~~ Company has foreign operations.

Operating income for the ~~first~~second quarter of 2021 increased ~~$13.9~~$12.0 million, or 3527 percent, versus operating income for the ~~first~~second quarter of 2020. ~~Surfactant~~Polymer and ~~Polymer operating income increased $17.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively.~~ Specialty Products operating income increased $7.5 million and $3.8 million, respectively. Surfactant operating income decreased ~~$1.4 million.~~$2.6 million versus the second quarter of 2020. Corporate expenses, including business restructuring and deferred compensation expenses, ~~increased $12.2~~decreased $3.4 million ~~year-over-year.~~quarter-over-quarter. Deferred compensation ~~expenses increased $10.0 million while~~and business restructuring expenses ~~declined $0.3 million.~~decreased $5.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Corporate expenses (excluding deferred compensation and business restructuring expenses) increased ~~$2.5~~$2.2 million ~~mostly due to higher acquisition-related costs and incentive-based compensation expenses. The impact of foreign~~quarter-over-quarter. Foreign currency translation has a $1.7 million positive impact on operating income ~~was negligible between quarters.~~ in the second quarter of 2021 versus the prior year quarter.

Operating expenses (including deferred compensation and business restructuring ~~expense)~~expenses) increased ~~$15.8~~$1.2 million, or 40two percent between quarters. Changes in the individual income statement line items that comprise the Company’s operating expenses were as follows:

Net interest expense for the second quarter of 2021 increased $0.3 million, or 24 percent, versus the second quarter of 2020. This increase was primarily due to lower interest income resulting from lower interest rates due to global market conditions and higher interest expense related to revolving credit agreement borrowings. Partially offsetting the above was lower interest expense resulting from scheduled debt repayments.

Other, net was $2.8 million of income in the second quarter of 2021 versus $4.4 million of income in the second quarter of 2020. The Company recognized $2.4 million of investment income (including realized and unrealized gains and losses) for the Company’s deferred compensation and supplemental defined contribution mutual fund assets in the second quarter of 2021 compared to $4.0 million of investment income in the second quarter of 2020. In addition, the Company reported $0.1 million of foreign exchange gains in the second quarter of 2021 versus $0.4 million of foreign exchange gains in the second quarter of 2020. The Company also reported $0.2 million of higher net periodic pension cost benefits in the second quarter of 2021 versus the prior year quarter.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 25.1 percent for the second quarter of 2021 compared to 25.0 percent for the second quarter of 2020.

	For the Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30,		June 30,		Increase			Percent
Operating Income	2021		2020		(Decrease)			Change
Surfactants	$	45,896	$	48,503	$	(2,607	)		-5
Polymers		23,025		15,527		7,498			48
Specialty Products		6,977		3,226		3,751			116
Segment Operating Income	$	75,898	$	67,256	$	8,642			13
Corporate Expenses, Excluding Deferred Compensation and Restructuring		18,169		15,944		2,225			14
Deferred Compensation Expense		958		6,464		(5,506	)		-85
Business Restructuring		114		225		(111	)		-49
Total Operating Income	$	56,657	$	44,623	$	12,034			27

Surfactant net sales for the second quarter of 2021 increased $51.7 million, or 16 percent, versus net sales for the second quarter of 2020. Higher average selling prices and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by $58.6 million and $14.4 million, respectively. The higher average selling prices were mainly due to more favorable product and customer mix and the pass-through of higher raw material costs. A six percent decrease in sales volume negatively impacted the change in net sales by $21.3 million. Lower sales volume in the consumer product end markets accounted for most of the sales volume decrease. A comparison of net sales by region follows:

Net sales for North American operations increased $14.1 million, or seven percent, between quarters. Higher average selling prices and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by $32.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The higher average selling prices were mainly due to more favorable product and customer mix and the pass-through of higher raw material costs. Sales volume declined nine percent and negatively impacted the change in net sales by $19.2 million. Lower sales volume in the consumer product end markets accounted for most of the decline. Higher customer demand for products sold to our distribution partners and into the functional product and institutional cleaning end markets partially offset the foregoing decline. The consumer products business was negatively impacted by feedstock supply issues following the first quarter 2021 severe weather in Texas, customer inventory rebalancing efforts and lower demand for consumer cleaning products versus the pandemic peak in 2020.

Net sales for European operations increased $9.5 million, or 17 percent, between quarters. The favorable impact of foreign currency translation and higher average selling prices positively impacted the change in net sales by $7.3 million and $5.7 million, respectively. A weaker U.S. dollar relative to the European euro and British pound sterling led to the positive foreign currency translation effect. The higher average selling prices were primarily due to more favorable product and customer mix and the pass-through of higher raw material costs. Sales volume declined six percent and negatively impacted the change in net sales by $3.4 million. Most of the sales volume decline reflects lower demand for consumer cleaning products versus the pandemic demand peak in 2020.

Net sales for Latin American operations increased $23.8 million, or 42 percent, primarily due to higher average selling prices and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. These items positively impacted the change in net sales by $18.8 million and $5.5 million, respectively. The higher average selling prices were primarily due to the pass-through of higher raw material costs and $2.1 million of revenue recognition related to a VAT tax recovery. A weaker U.S. dollar relative to the Mexican peso led to most of the favorable foreign currency effect. Sales volume declined one percent and had a $0.5 million unfavorable impact on the change in net sales. The sales volume decline was largely attributable to lower ether sulfate sales due to feedstock supply constraints in Mexico.

Net sales for Asian operations increased $4.3 million, or 34 percent, quarter-over-quarter. A 15 percent increase in sales volume, higher average selling prices, and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by $1.9 million, $1.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The sales volume growth was largely due to higher demand for products sold to our distribution partners and into the agricultural end market. The higher average selling prices were primarily due to pass-through of higher raw material costs and more favorable product and customer mix.

Surfactant operating income for the second quarter of 2021 decreased $2.6 million, or five percent, versus operating income for the second quarter of 2020. Gross profit increased $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2021 versus the second quarter of 2020 and operating expenses increased $3.6 million, or 15 percent. Comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

Gross profit for North American operations decreased four percent, or $1.8 million, between quarters primarily due to a nine percent decline in sales volume. The decline in sales volume negatively impacted the change in gross profit by $4.3 million. Lower sales volume in the consumer product end markets accounted for most of the decline. Higher customer demand for products sold to our distribution partners and into the functional product and institutional cleaning end markets partially offset the above. Higher average unit margins positively impacted the change in gross profit by $2.5 million. The higher unit margins reflect a more favorable product and customer mix that was largely offset by higher supply chain costs due to inflationary pressures (inclusive of transportation costs) and higher planned maintenance ($2.2 million).

Gross profit for European operations decreased $0.9 million, or ten percent, primarily due to lower average unit margins and a six percent decline in sales volume. These items negatively impacted the change in gross profit by $1.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Most of the sales volume decline reflects lower demand for consumer cleaning products versus the pandemic peak in

2020. The favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in gross profit by $0.8 million and reflects a weaker U.S. dollar relative to the European euro and British pound sterling.

Gross profit for Latin American operations increased $5.0 million, or 41 percent, between quarters primarily due to higher average unit margins and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. These items positively impacted the change in gross profit by $4.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The higher unit margins were largely due to $2.1 million of revenue recognition related to a VAT tax recovery during the second quarter of 2021. Slightly lower sales volume negatively impacted the change in gross profit by $0.1 million.

Gross profit for Asia operations decreased $1.3 million or 31 percent, between quarters primarily due to lower average unit margins. The lower unit margins negatively impacted the change in gross profit by $1.9 million and primarily reflect higher raw material costs and higher unit overhead costs in Singapore due to unfavorable production timing differences. Sales volume growth of 15 percent partially offset the above and positively impacted the change in gross profit by $0.6 million.

Operating expenses for the Surfactant segment increased $3.6 million, or 15 percent, in the second quarter of 2021 versus the second quarter of 2020. This increase was mainly due to higher salaries, corporate headquarter-related expenses (inclusive of the non-recurrence of a sales and use tax refund received in the second quarter of 2020) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation.

Polymers net sales for the second quarter of 2021 increased $78.1 million, or 70 percent, versus net sales for the same period of 2020. A 44 percent increase in sales volume favorably impacted the change in net sales by $48.9 million. The sales volume growth primarily reflects the first quarter 2021 acquisition of INVISTA’s aromatic polyester polyol business and ongoing recovery from COVID-19 related delays and cancellations of re-roofing and new construction projects. Higher average selling prices and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by $23.5 million and $5.7 million, respectively. A comparison of net sales by region follows:

Net sales for North American operations increased $26.8 million, or 39 percent, primarily due to a 35 percent increase in sales volume. The increase in sales volume positively impacted the change in net sales by $24.2 million. Sales volume of polyols used in rigid foam applications increased 23 percent during the quarter primarily due to the first quarter 2021 INVISTA polyester polyol acquisition and the gradual recovery from COVID-19 related delays of re-roofing and new construction projects. Sales volume of polyols used in rigid foam applications, excluding the impact of the INVISTA acquisition, increased 2 percent. Sales volume of phthalic anhydride and specialty polyols increased 71 percent and 85 percent, respectively, due to stronger demand within these markets following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The phthalic anhydride sales volume improvement was also attributable to the non-recurrence of the Millsdale plant power outage in 2020. Higher average selling prices positively impacted the change in net sales by $2.6 million. The higher average selling prices were mainly due to the pass-through of higher raw material costs.

Net sales for European operations increased $49.8 million, or 152 percent, quarter-over-quarter. A 79 percent increase in sales volume and higher average selling prices positively impacted the change in net sales by $25.8 million and $19.6 million, respectively. The increase in sales volume is primarily due to the first quarter 2021 INVISTA polyester polyol acquisition and the gradual recovery from COVID-19 related delays of re-roofing and new construction projects. Sales volume, excluding the impact of the INVISTA acquisition, increased 23 percent. The higher average selling prices were primarily due to the pass-through of higher raw material costs. The favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by $4.4 million.

Net sales for Asia and Other operations increased $1.6 million, or 14 percent, primarily due to higher average selling prices and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. These items positively impacted the change in net sales by $1.3 million each. Sales volume declined 10 percent quarter-over-quarter and negatively impacted the change in net by $1.0 million.

Polymers operating income for the second quarter of 2021 increased $7.5 million, or 48 percent, versus operating income for the second quarter of 2020. Gross profit increased $8.4 million, or 38 percent, and operating expenses were up $0.8 million, or 13 percent. Comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

Gross profit for North American operations increased $3.2 million, or 25 percent, primarily due to a 35 percent increase in sales volume. The higher sales volume positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by $4.5 million. Partially offsetting the higher volume were lower average unit margins, which negatively impacted the change in gross profit by $1.3 million. The lower unit margins in 2021 primarily reflect higher supply chain costs due to inflationary pressures (inclusive of transportation costs), higher planned maintenance ($0.3 million) and the rapid rise in feedstock costs.

Gross profit for European operations increased $7.1 million, or 115 percent, versus the second quarter of 2021. A 79% increase in sales volume, higher average unit margins and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by $4.9 million, $1.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Gross profit for Asia and Other operations declined $1.9 million, or 56 percent, between quarters. Lower average unit margins and a 10 percent decline in sales volume negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by $1.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The lower unit margins are primarily due to the non-recurrence of a second quarter 2020 partial government reimbursement related to the government-mandated China joint venture (JV) shutdown in 2012 ($1.1 million). The favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in gross profit by $0.2 million.

Operating expenses for the Polymers segment increased $0.9 million, or 13 percent, in the second quarter of 2021 versus the second quarter of 2020.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2021 increased $5.2 million, or 33 percent, versus net sales for the second quarter of 2020. This increase reflects sales volume growth of 17 percent and higher average selling prices. Gross profit and operating income increased $3.7 million and $3.8 million, respectively. The improvements in gross profit and operating income were primarily attributable to order timing differences within the food and flavor business and improved margins within the medium chain triglycerides (MCT) product line.

Corporate expenses, which include deferred compensation, business restructuring and other operating expenses that are not allocated to the reportable segments, decreased $3.4 million between quarters. Corporate expenses were $19.2 million in the second quarter of 2021 versus $22.6 million in 2020. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower deferred compensation expense ($5.5 million) that was partially offset by higher acquisition-related expenses, insurance premiums, cloud application costs and corporate headquarter-related expenses (inclusive of the non-recurrence of a sales and use tax refund received in the second quarter of 2020).

The $5.5 million decrease in deferred compensation expense was primarily due to a $6.84 per share decrease in the market price of Company common stock in the second quarter of 2021 compared to a $8.64 per share increase in the second quarter of 2020. The following table presents the quarter-end Company common stock market prices used in the computation of deferred compensation expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

Net income attributable to the Company in the first half of 2021 increased 33 percent to $83.9 million, or $3.59 per diluted share, from $63.3 million, or $2.72 per diluted share, in the first half of 2020. Adjusted net income was $84.6 million, or 3.62 per diluted share, versus $62.5 million or $2.69 per diluted share, in the prior year (see the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share” section of this MD&A for a reconciliation between reported net income attributable to the Company and reported earnings per diluted share and non-GAAP adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share). Below is a summary discussion of the major factors leading to the year-over-year changes in net sales, expenses and income. A detailed discussion of segment operating performance for the first half of 2021 compared to the first half of 2020 follows the summary.

Consolidated net sales increased $222.7 million, or 24 percent, between years. Higher average selling prices, a six percent increase in sales volume and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by $146.9 million, $51.3 million, and $24.5 million, respectively. The increase in average selling prices was primarily due to more favorable product and customer mix and the pass-through of higher raw material costs. Sales volume in the Polymer and Specialty Product segments increased 39 percent and 11 percent, respectively. The increase in Polymer sales volume was primarily attributable to the first quarter 2021 INVISTA aromatic polyester polyol acquisition, the gradual recovery from COVID-19 delays and cancellations of re-roofing and new construction projects, and the non-recurrence of the power outage at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois facility in the first quarter of 2020. Sales volume for the Surfactant segment declined 3 percent year-over-year mostly due to lower volumes in the consumer product end markets. The consumer product business was negatively impacted by feedstock supply issues following the first quarter 2021 severe weather in Texas, customer inventory rebalancing efforts and lower demand for consumer cleaning products versus the pandemic peak in 2020. The favorable foreign currency translation reflects a weaker U.S. dollar against the majority of currencies where the Company has foreign operations.

Operating income for the first half of 2021 increased $25.9 million, or 31 percent, versus operating income for the first half of 2020. Polymer, Surfactant and Specialty Products operating income increased $17.9 million, $14.4 million, and $2.4 million, respectively. Corporate expenses, including business restructuring and deferred compensation expenses, increased $8.8 million year-over-year. Deferred compensation expense increased $4.5 million while business restructuring expenses decreased $0.4 million between years. Corporate expenses (excluding deferred compensation and business restructuring expenses) increased $4.7 million between years largely due to higher acquisition-related expenses, insurance premiums, cloud application costs and corporate headquarter-related expenses (inclusive of the non-recurrence of a sales and use tax refund received in the second quarter of 2020). Foreign currency translation has a $1.6 million positive impact on operating income in the second quarter of 2021 versus the prior year quarter.

Operating expenses (including deferred compensation and business restructuring expenses) increased $17.0 million, or 18 percent, between years. Changes in the individual income statement line items that comprise the Company’s operating expenses were as follows:

Net interest expense for the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 increased ~~$0.3~~$0.6 million, or 24 percent, ~~versus~~compared to net interest expense for the first ~~quarter~~half of 2020. This increase was primarily ~~attributable~~due to lower interest income resulting from lower interest rates due to global market ~~conditions.~~conditions and higher interest expense related to revolving credit agreement borrowings. Partially offsetting the above was lower interest expense resulting from scheduled debt repayments.

Other, net was ~~$0.7~~$3.5 million of income infor the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 ~~versus $3.3~~compared to $1.2 million of ~~expense in~~income for the first ~~quarter~~half of 2020. The Company recognized ~~$0.8~~$3.3 million of investment income (including realized and unrealized gains and losses) for the Company’s deferred compensation and supplemental defined contribution mutual fund assets in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 compared to ~~$3.8~~$0.2 million of ~~investment losses~~income in ~~last year’s~~the first ~~quarter.~~half of 2020. In addition, the Company reported ~~$0.3 million of~~ foreign exchange losses of $0.2 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 versus ~~$0.6~~$1.0 million of foreign exchange gains in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2020. The Company also reported ~~$0.3~~$0.5 million of lower net periodic pension ~~cost benefits~~costs in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 versus the first half of the prior ~~year first quarter.~~

The Company’s effective tax rate was ~~23.6~~24.4 percent in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 ~~versus 22.5~~compared to 23.9 percent in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2020. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to a less favorable geographical mix of income in 2021 that was partially offset by higher tax benefits derived from stock-based compensation awards exercised or distributed in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 versus the first ~~quarter~~half of ~~2020~~.2020.

	For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	June 30,		June 30,			Increase			Percent
Operating Income	2021		2020			(Decrease)			Change
Surfactants	$	99,106	$	84,659		$	14,447			17
Polymers		40,976		23,043			17,933			78
Specialty Products		9,610		7,210			2,400			33
Segment Operating Income	$	149,692	$	114,912		$	34,780			30
Corporate Expenses, Excluding Deferred Compensation and Restructuring	$	35,274	$	30,562		$	4,712			15
Deferred Compensation Expense		3,652		(859	)		4,511			NA
Business Restructuring		195		582			(387	)		-66
Total Operating Income	$	110,571	$	84,627		$	25,944			31

For the Three Months Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

March 31,

March 31,

Increase

Percent

Operating Income

2021

2020

(Decrease)

Change

Surfactants

$
53,210

$
36,156

$
17,054

47

Polymers

17,951

7,516

10,435

139

Specialty Products

2,633

3,984

(1,351
)

-34

Segment Operating Income

$
73,794

$
47,656

$
26,138

55

Corporate Expenses, Excluding Deferred Compensation
and Restructuring

17,105

14,618

2,487

17

Deferred Compensation Expense

2,694

(7,323
)

10,017

-137

Business Restructuring

81

357

(276
)

-77

Total Operating Income

$
53,914

$
40,004

$
13,910

35

~~Surfactant~~Surfactants net sales for the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 increased ~~$43.9~~$95.5 million, or 1314 percent, versus net sales for the first ~~quarter~~half of 2020. Higher average selling prices and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by ~~$42.5 million~~$104.1 and ~~$1.5~~$15.9 million, respectively. The higher average selling prices were mainly ~~attributable~~due to ~~improved~~more favorable product and customer mix and the pass-through of higher raw material costs. ~~Sales~~A three percent decrease in sales volume ~~was essentially flat year-over-year and~~ negatively impacted the year-over-year change in net sales by ~~$0.1~~$24.5 million. ~~Higher~~Lower sales volume in ~~Europe, Latin American and Asia was offset by lower~~the consumer product end markets accounted for most of the sales volume ~~in North America due to supply chain disruptions caused by the severe weather in Texas.~~decrease. A year-over-year comparison of net sales by region follows:

	For the Three Months Ended								For the Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31,		March 31,				Percent
Net Sales	2021		2020		Increase		Change
(In thousands)									June 30, 2021		June 30, 2020		Increase		Percent Change
North America	$	220,935	$	207,946	$	12,989		6	$	442,580	$	415,517	$	27,063		7
Europe		71,094		59,660		11,434		19		136,433		115,472		20,961		18
Latin America		60,169		46,510		13,659		29		140,137		102,704		37,433		36
Asia		18,738		12,955		5,783		45		35,788		25,713		10,075		39
Total Surfactants Segment	$	370,936	$	327,071	$	43,865		13	$	754,938	$	659,406	$	95,532		14

Net sales for North American operations increased ~~$13.0~~$27.1 million, or ~~six~~seven percent, ~~year over year.~~year-over-year. Higher average selling prices and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by ~~$22.3~~$54.8 million and ~~$0.5~~$1.3 million, respectively. The higher average selling prices were ~~mainly attributable~~primarily due to ~~improved~~more favorable product and customer mix and the pass-through of higher raw material costs. Sales volume declined ~~five~~seven percent and negatively impacted the year-over-year change in net sales by ~~$9.8~~$29.0 million. Lower sales volume in the consumer product end markets accounted for most of the decline. Higher customer demand for products sold to our distribution partners and into the ~~agricultural~~functional product and ~~oilfield~~institutional cleaning end markets partially offset the above. The consumer products business was ~~more than offset~~negatively impacted by ~~lower volume of products sold into~~feedstock supply issues following the ~~consumer product end markets due to supply chain disruptions caused by the~~first quarter 2021 severe weather in ~~Texas.~~Texas, customer inventory rebalancing efforts and lower demand for consumer cleaning products versus the pandemic peak in 2020.

Net sales for European operations increased ~~$11.4~~$21.0 million, or 1918 percent, year-over-year. The favorable impact of foreign currency translation and higher average selling prices ~~and a one percent increase in sales volume~~ positively impacted the ~~year-over-year~~ change in net ~~sale~~sales by ~~$5.7 million, $5.1~~$13.0 million and ~~$0.6~~$10.9 million, respectively. ~~Higher average selling prices are primarily due to pass-through of higher raw material costs.~~ A weaker U.S. dollar relative to the European euro and British pound sterling led to the favorable foreign currency translation effect. The ~~increase in sales volume was~~higher average selling prices were primarily due to ~~increased demand for cleaning~~the pass-through of higher raw material costs. Sales volume decreased three percent and ~~disinfection products that was partially offset~~negatively impacted the change in net sales by $2.9 million year-over-year. Most of the sales volume decline reflects lower demand for consumer cleaning products ~~sold to our distribution partners.~~versus the pandemic peak in 2020.

Net sales for Latin American operations increased ~~$13.7~~$37.4 million, or 2936 percent, primarily due to higher average selling prices and ~~an eight~~a three percent increase in sales volume. These items positively impacted the year-over-year change in net sales by ~~$15.4~~$34.2 million and ~~$3.8~~$3.3 million, respectively. The higher average selling prices reflect more favorable product and customer mix, the pass-through of higher raw material costs, and $2.1 million of revenue recognition in the second quarter of 2021 related to a VAT tax recovery. The year-over-year increase in sales volume ~~growth~~ was ~~mostly~~mainly due to higher demand for products sold into the ~~consumer products and agricultural~~functional product end markets. ~~Partially offsetting the above was the~~The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ~~which~~ negatively impacted the year-over-year change in net sales by ~~$5.6~~$0.1 million. ~~A stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian real and Mexican peso led to the unfavorable foreign currency effect.~~

Net sales for Asian operations increased ~~$5.8~~$10.1 million, or 4539 percent, year-over-year. Higher average selling prices, ~~and~~ a 1716 percent increase in sales volume and the favorable impact of foreign exchange translation positively impacted the change in net sales by ~~$2.7~~$4.3 million, $4.1 million, and ~~$2.2~~$1.7 million, respectively. The higher average selling prices were primarily due to the pass through of higher raw material costs and more favorable product and customer mix. The sales volume growth was largely due to higher demand for products sold to our distribution partners and into the agricultural end market. ~~The favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by $0.9 million~~

Surfactant operating income for the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 increased ~~$17.1~~$14.4 million, or 4717 percent, versus operating income for the first ~~quarter~~half of 2020. Gross profit increased ~~$20.0~~$21.0 million, or 16 percent, year-over-year and operating expenses ~~were up $3.0 million. Comparisons~~increased $6.7 million, or 14 percent. Year-over-year comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

	For the Three Months Ended								For the Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2021		March 31, 2020		Increase		Percent Change
(In thousands)									June 30, 2021		June 30, 2020		Increase (Decrease)			Percent Change
Gross Profit and Operating Income
North America	$	54,056	$	41,163	$	12,893		31	$	98,468	$	87,384	$	11,084			13
Europe		11,263		9,498		1,765		19		19,741		18,885		856			5
Latin America		12,297		7,036		5,261		75		29,627		19,351		10,276			53
Asia		2,267		2,157		110		5		5,104		6,275		(1,171	)		-19
Surfactants Segment Gross Profit	$	79,883	$	59,854	$	20,029		33	$	152,940	$	131,895	$	21,045			16
Operating Expenses		26,673		23,698		2,975		13		53,834		47,236		6,598			14
Surfactants Segment Operating Income	$	53,210	$	36,156	$	17,054		47	$	99,106	$	84,659	$	14,447			17

Gross profit for North American operations increased ~~$12.9~~$11.1 million, or 3113 percent, ~~between quarters~~year-over-year primarily due to higher average unit margins. The higher average unit margins positively impacted the change in gross profit by ~~$14.8~~$17.2 million and ~~were mostly attributable~~are primarily due to a more favorable product and customer ~~mix and lower~~mix. Lower supply chain expenses, due to the non-recurrence of the Millsdale, Illinois plant power outage in the first quarter of ~~2020. Sales~~2020, partially offset by supply chain inflationary pressures (inclusive of transportation costs) and higher planned maintenance in the first half of 2021, also contributed to the higher unit margins. A seven percent decline in sales volume ~~declined five percent and~~ negatively impacted the change in gross profit by ~~$1.9~~$6.1 million. ~~The decline in~~Lower sales volume ~~was mostly due~~in the consumer product end markets, partially offset by higher customer demand for products sold to ~~supply chain disruptions caused by~~our distribution partners and into the ~~severe weather in Texas.~~functional product and institutional cleaning end markets, accounted for most of the sales volume decline.

Gross profit for European operations increased ~~$1.8~~$0.9 million, or 19five percent ~~due to the~~year-over-year. The favorable impact of foreign currency translation ~~higher unit margins and slightly higher sales volumes. These items~~ positively impacted the year-over-year change in gross ~~profits~~profit by ~~$0.9~~$1.7 million. A three percent decrease in sales volume and lower average unit margins negatively impacted the year-over-year change in gross profit by $0.4 million ~~$0.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively. A weaker U.S. dollar relative to the European euro and British pound sterling led to the favorable foreign currency translation effect.~~each.

Gross profit for Latin American operations increased ~~$5.3~~$10.3 million, or 7553 percent, ~~between quarters~~ primarily due to higher average unit margins and ~~an eight~~a three percent increase in sales volume. These items positively impacted the change in gross profit by ~~$6.0~~$10.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The higher unit margins primarily reflect a more favorable customer and product mix and ~~customer mix partially due~~$2.1 million of revenue recognition in the second quarter of 2021 related to a VAT tax recovery. The sales volume growth was primarily driven by higher demand for products sold into the ~~agricultural~~functional product end ~~market.~~markets. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation negatively impacted the change in gross profit by ~~$1.3~~$0.3 million.

Gross profit for ~~Asia~~Asian operations ~~increased $0.1~~decreased $1.2 million, or ~~five~~19 percent, ~~between quarters. Sales volume increased 17 percent year over year but was largely offset by~~primarily due to lower average unit margins. The ~~higher sales~~lower unit margins negatively impacted the year-over-year change in gross profit by $2.3 million. Sales volume growth of 16 percent and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in gross profit by ~~$0.4~~$1.0 million ~~whereas the lower average unit margins negatively impacted the change in gross profit by $0.3 million. Lower unit margins were mostly due to higher raw material cost.~~and $0.1 million, respectively.

Operating expenses for the ~~Surfactants~~Surfactant segment increased ~~$3.0~~$6.6 million, or 1314 percent, year-over-year. Most of the increase was due to higher salaries and ~~fringe benefits.~~incentive-based compensation expenses, corporate headquarter-related expenses (inclusive of the non-recurrence of a sales and use tax refund received in the second quarter of 2020) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation.

~~Polymer~~ net sales for the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 increased ~~$43.9~~$122.0 million, or 4156 percent, versus net sales for the same period of 2020. A 3239 percent increase in sales volume favorably impacted the year-over-year change in net sales by ~~$34.3~~$84.3 million. The ~~increase in Polymer~~higher sales volume primarily reflects ~~a gradual~~the first quarter 2021 acquisition of INVISTA’s polyester polyol business as well as organic market growth driven by the ongoing recovery from COVID-19 related delays and cancellations of re-roofing and new construction projects, the 2021 acquisition of INVISTA’s aromatic polyester polyol business, and the non-recurrence of the plant power outage at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois facility in the first quarter of 2020.projects. Higher average selling prices and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively ~~impacted~~affected the year-over-year change in net sales by ~~$7.0~~$29.4 million and ~~$2.6~~$8.3 million, respectively. A year-over-year comparison of net sales by region follows:

	For the Three Months Ended								For the Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31		March 31		Increase		Percent		June 30		June 30		Increase		Percent
Net Sales	2021		2020				change		2021		2020				Change
North America	$	70,878	$	61,841	$	9,037		15	$	166,469	$	130,621	$	35,848		27
Europe		68,300		36,560		31,740		87		150,753		69,252		81,501		118
Asia and Other		11,207		8,090		3,117		39		23,701		19,027		4,674		25
Total Polymers Segment	$	150,385	$	106,491	$	43,894		41	$	340,923	$	218,900	$	122,023		56

Net sales for North American operations increased ~~$9.0~~$35.8 million, or 1527 percent, primarily due to a 2832 percent increase in sales volume. The increase in sales volume positively impacted the change in net sales by ~~$17.6~~$42.0 million. Sales volume of polyols used in rigid foam applications increased 2523 percent during the ~~quarter~~first half of 2021 primarily due to athe first quarter 2021 INVISTA polyester polyol acquisition and the gradual recovery from COVID-19 related delays of re-roofing

and new construction ~~projects and the first quarter 2021 INVISTA acquisition.~~projects. Sales volume of polyols used in rigid foam applications, excluding the impact of the INVISTA acquisition, increased ~~eight~~four percent. Sales volume of phthalic anhydride and specialty polyols increased 7874 percent and 1040 percent, ~~respectively.~~respectively, due to stronger demand within these markets following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The phthalic anhydride sales volume ~~increase~~improvement was ~~largely due~~also attributable to the non-recurrence of the Millsdale plant power outage in ~~2020, which resulted in the Company declaring force majeure within this market.~~2020. Lower average selling prices negatively impacted the change in net sales by ~~$8.6~~$6.2 million.

Net sales for European operations increased ~~$31.7~~$81.5 million, or 87118 percent, year-over-year. ~~Higher average selling prices and a 37~~A 57 percent increase in sales volume ~~favorably~~and higher average selling prices positively impacted the change in net sales by ~~$16.1~~$39.6 million and ~~$13.6~~$35.5 million, respectively. ~~The higher average selling prices were primarily due to pass-through of higher raw material costs.~~ The increase in sales volume ~~reflects a~~is primarily due to the first quarter 2021 INVISTA polyester polyol business acquisition and the gradual recovery from COVID-19 related delays of re-roofing and new construction ~~projects and the first quarter 2021 INVISTA acquisition.~~projects. Sales volume, excluding the impact of the INVISTA acquisition, increased ~~seven~~14 percent. The higher average selling prices were primarily due to the pass-through of higher raw material costs. The favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in net sales by ~~$2.0~~$6.4 million.

Net sales for Asia and Other operations increased ~~$3.1~~$4.7 million, or 3925 percent, due to the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, higher average selling prices and a seven percent increase in sales volume. These items positively impacted the change in net sales by $1.8 million, $1.6 million, and $1.3 million, respectively. The higher average selling prices were primarily due to the pass-through of higher raw material costs.

Polymer operating income for the first half of 2021 increased $17.9 million, or 78 percent, versus operating income for the first half of 2020. Gross profit increased $19.4 million, or 53 percent, and operating expenses were up $1.5 million, or 11 percent, year-over-year. Year-over-year comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

Gross profit for North American operations increased $8.7 million, or 43 percent, primarily due to a 32 percent increase in sales volume. The higher sales volume positively impacted the year-over-year change in gross profit by $6.6 million. Higher average unit margins also positively impacted the change in gross profit by $2.1 million. A rapid rise in feedstock costs during the first half of 2021 resulted in lower average unit margins but this decline was more than offset by the non-recurrence of the of the first quarter 2020 power outage at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois facility (which caused a temporary production shutdown and resulted in higher maintenance, supply chain costs and unit overhead rates).

Gross profit for European operations increased $12.5 million, or 105 percent, due to a 3357 percent increase in sales volume, higher average unit margins and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. These items positively impacted the ~~change in net sales by $2.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The sales volume growth was primarily attributable to higher demand within the~~ ~~livestock and cold storage markets within China. Lower average selling prices negatively impacted the change in net sales by $0.1 million~~.

Polymers operating income for the first quarter of 2021 increased $10.4 million, or 139%, versus operating income for the first quarter of 2020. Gross profit increased $11.0 million, or 76 percent, and operating expenses were up $0.6 million. Comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

~~Gross profit for North American operations increased $5.5 million, or 72 percent, due to higher unit margins and a 28 percent increase in sales volume. These two items favorably impacted the~~ year-over-year change in gross profit by ~~$3.3~~$6.8 million, $4.6 million and ~~$2.2~~$1.1 million, respectively. ~~The higher~~

Gross profit for Asia and Other operations declined $1.8 million, or 39 percent, primarily due to lower average unit margins ~~are primarily~~that negatively impacted the change in gross profit by $2.3 million. The lower unit margins were partially due to the non-recurrence of a second quarter 2020 partial government reimbursement related to the ~~plant power outage at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois facility~~government-mandated China JV shutdown in ~~the first quarter of 2020 which resulted in higher maintenance, supply chain costs and unit overhead rates.~~

~~Gross profit for European operations increased $5.3 million, or 95 percent, versus the first quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher unit margins and 37~~2012 ($1.1 million). A seven percent increase in sales ~~volume. These two items favorably impacted~~volume and the year-over-year change in gross profit by $2.8 million and $2.1 million respectively. A large part of the sales volume increase resulted from the 2021 INVISTA acquisition which also contributed to a more favorable product mix. The favorable impact of foreign currency translation positively impacted the ~~change in gross profit by $0.4 million.~~

~~Gross profit for Asia and Other operations improved $0.1 million, or 12 percent, between quarters. Sales volume increased 33 percent~~ year-over-year ~~but was offset by lower average unit margins. The higher sales volume positively impacted the~~ change in gross profit by $0.3 million and the lower unit margins negatively impacted the change in gross profit by $0.3 million. The lower unit margins reflect higher one-time tolling fees incurred during the first quarter of 2021. Foreign currency translation positively impacted the change in gross profit by $0.1 million.$0.2 million, respectively.

Operating expenses for the Polymers segment increased ~~$0.6~~$1.5 million, or ~~eight~~11 percent, year-over-year.

~~Specialty Products~~Net sales for the first half of 2021 increased $5.2 million, or 16 percent, versus net sales ~~were flat year-over-year. A four percent~~for the first half of 2020. This increase inreflects sales volume ~~was offset by lower average~~growth of 11 percent and higher selling prices. Gross profit and operating income ~~each decreased by $1.4 million. These decreases~~increased $2.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, year-over-year. The improvements in gross profit and operating income were primarily ~~reflect lower unit margins, attributable~~due to ~~raw material shortages and manufacturing challenges,~~order timing differences within the ~~Company’s~~ food and flavor business and improved margins within the medium chain triglycerides (MCT) product line.

Corporate expenses, which include deferred compensation, business restructuring and other operating expenses that are not allocated to the reportable segments, increased ~~$12.2~~$8.8 million between ~~quarters.~~years. Corporate expenses were ~~$19.9~~$39.1 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 versus ~~$7.7~~$30.3 million in the first half of 2020. This increase was primarily attributable to higher deferred compensation expense ($~~10.0~~4.5 million), acquisition-related expenses, ~~($1.0 million)~~insurance premiums, salaries and incentive-based compensation ~~expenses.~~expenses, cloud application costs and corporate headquarter-related expenses (inclusive of the non-recurrence of a sales and use tax refund received in the second quarter of 2020) during the first half of 2021.

The ~~$10.0~~$4.5 million increase in deferred compensation expense was primarily due to a ~~$7.79~~$0.95 per share increase in the market price of ~~Company~~the Company’s common stock in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 compared to a ~~$13.98~~$5.34 per share decrease in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2020. The following table presents the ~~quarter-end~~period-end Company common stock market prices used in the computation of deferred compensation ~~expenses~~expense/income for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020:

For the ~~three~~six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, operating activities were a cash ~~use~~source of ~~$11.7~~$24.7 million versus a ~~use~~source of ~~$6.5~~$58.5 million for the comparable period in 2020. For the current year period, investing cash outflows totaled ~~$223.8~~$261.5 million versus a cash outflow of ~~$32.9~~$54.4 million in the prior year period. Financing activities were a source of ~~$39.9~~$14.8 million versus a use of ~~$14.4~~$40.4 million in the prior year period. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by ~~$199.2~~$222.9 million compared to December 31, 2020, inclusive of a ~~$3.7~~$0.8 million unfavorable foreign exchange rate impact.

~~At March 31, 2020,~~On June 30, 2021, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled ~~$150.7~~$127.1 million. Cash in U.S. demand deposit accounts and money market funds ~~and demand deposit accounts~~ totaled ~~$33.4~~$15.6 million and ~~$1.8~~$3.0 million, respectively. The Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries held ~~$115.5~~$108.5 million of cash outside the United States as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021.

Net income ~~in 2021~~ increased by ~~$13.1~~$20.5 million versus the comparable period in 2020. Working capital was a cash use of ~~$81.0~~$69.8 million induring the first half of 2021 versus a use of ~~$51.0~~$47.4 million for the comparable period in 2020.

Accounts receivable were a use of ~~$63.2~~$68.0 million induring the first half of 2021 compared to a use of ~~$30.8~~$23.3 million for the comparable period ofin 2020. Inventories were a use of ~~$7.5~~$35.7 million in 2021 versus a use of ~~$0.4~~$9.7 million in 2020. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were a ~~use~~source of ~~$9.4~~$34.0 million in 2021 compared to a use of ~~$16.6~~$8.3 million for the same period in 2020.

Working capital requirements were higher in the first half of 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to the changes noted above. The two major factors impacting all the working capital components were significantly higher ~~accounts receivable cash usage~~raw material costs in 2021 ~~was largely due to higher sales volume related to~~versus 2020 and the ~~INVISTA acquisition.~~impact of the first quarter 2021 acquisition of INVISTA’s polyester polyols business. It is management’s opinion that the Company’s liquidity is sufficient to provide for potential increases in working capital requirements during 2021.

Cash used for investing activities increased ~~$190.8~~by $207.1 million year-over-year. In the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021, the Company acquired INVISTA’s aromatic polyester polyol business and associated asset for ~~$184.0~~$184.6 million, net of cash received. During the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021, the Company also acquired a fermentation plant located in Lake Providence, Louisiana for $3.5 million. Cash used for capital expenditures was ~~$37.6~~$74.9 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 versus ~~$33.2~~$54.7 million infor the comparable ~~prior year period.~~period in 2020.

For 2021, the Company estimates that total capital expenditures will range from $150 million to $170 million including growth initiatives, infrastructure and optimization spending in the United States, Germany and Mexico.

Cash flow from financing activities was a source of ~~$39.9~~$14.8 million in 2021 versus a use of ~~$14.4~~$40.4 million in 2020. The ~~increase in cash source~~year-over-year change is primarily due to ~~borrowings~~$50.0 million of cash received from ~~the Company’s revolving credit facility during the first quarter of~~an unsecured private placement loan on June 10, 2021.

The Company purchases shares of its common stock in the open market or from its benefit plans from time to time to fund its own benefit plans and to mitigate the dilutive effect of new shares issued under its compensation plans. The Company may, from time to time, seek to retire or purchase additional amounts of its outstanding equity and/or debt securities through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, including pursuant to plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 promulgated by the SEC. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be

material. In the ~~three~~six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the Company purchased ~~8,300~~82,045 shares of its common stock on the open market at a total cost of ~~$1.0~~$10.9 million. ~~At March 31,~~As of June 30, 2021, there were ~~167,574~~93,829 shares remaining under the current share repurchase authorization.

Consolidated balance sheet debt increased ~~by $49.7 million~~ from $198.7 million on December 31, 2020 to ~~$248.4~~$238.9 million on June 30, 2021, a $40.2 million increase, primarily due to higher domestic ~~debt which reflects borrowings from the Company’s revolving credit agreement during the first quarter of 2021. In 2021, net~~debt. Net debt (which is defined as total debt minus cash – see the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Debt” section of this MD&A) increased by ~~$248.9~~$263.0 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021, from a negative $151.2 million to ~~$97.7~~$111.8 million. This net debt change was due to a cash reduction of $222.9 million and a debt increase of $40.2 million. The cash reduction primarily reflects the first quarter 2021 acquisition of INVISTA’s aromatic polyester polyol business combined with higher capital expenditures and working capital requirements in the first half of 2021.

As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the ratio of total debt to total debt plus shareholders’ equity was ~~19.9~~18.6 percent compared to 16.8 percent aton December 31, 2020. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the ratio of net debt to net debt plus shareholders’ equity was ~~8.9~~9.6 percent versus a negative 18.1 percent atas of December 31, ~~2020. See~~2020 (see the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Debt” section in this MD~~&A. At March 31,~~&A for further details). On June 30, 2021, the Company’s debt included ~~$198.7~~$234.4 million of unsecured notes, with maturities ranging from 2021 through ~~2027, that~~2028, which were issued to insurance companies in private placement transactions pursuant to note purchase agreements (the Note Purchase Agreements)~~, $45.0 million of short term loans borrowed under the revolving credit facility,~~ and ~~$4.7~~$4.5 million of foreign credit line borrowings. The proceeds from these note issuances have been the Company’s primary source of long-term debt financing and are supplemented by borrowings under bank credit facilities to meet short and medium-term liquidity needs.

On June 10, 2021, the Company entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which it issued and sold $50 million in aggregate principal amount of Series 2021-A Notes. The Series 2021-A Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.30 percent, with interest to be paid semi-annually and with equal annual principal payments beginning on June 10, 2024 and continuing through final maturity on June 10, 2028. The proceeds of the issuance of the Series 2021-A Notes are being used primarily for capital expenditures, to pay down existing debt and for other corporate purposes. This note purchase agreement requires the maintenance of certain financial ratios and covenants that are substantially similar to the Company’s existing long-term debt and provides for customary events of default.

On January 30, 2018, the Company entered a five-year committed $350 million multi-currency revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks that matures on January 30, 2023. This credit agreement allows the Company to make unsecured borrowings, as requested from time to time, to finance working capital needs, permitted acquisitions, capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. This unsecured facility is the Company’s primary source of short-term borrowings. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, the Company had

outstanding ~~loans totaling $45.0 million and~~ letters of credit totaling ~~$6.8~~$7.0 million under the revolving credit ~~facility,~~agreement and no borrowings, with ~~$298.2~~$343.0 million remaining available.

The Company anticipates that cash from operations, committed credit facilities and cash on hand will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures, working capital, dividends and other planned financial commitments for the foreseeable future.

Certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company maintain short-term bank lines of credit in their respective local currencies to meet working capital requirements as well as to fund capital ~~expenditures~~expenditure programs and acquisitions. ~~At March 31,~~On June 30, 2021, the Company’s foreign subsidiaries had ~~$4.7 million~~outstanding debt of ~~outstanding debt.~~$4.5 million.

The Company is subject to covenants under its material debt agreements that require the maintenance of minimum interest coverage and minimum net worth. These agreements also limit the incurrence of additional debt as well as the payment of dividends and repurchase of shares. Under the most restrictive of these debt covenants:

The Company believes it was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021.

The Company’s operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations and similar laws in the other countries in which the Company does business. 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 may 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 ~~three~~six months of 2021 and 2020, the Company’s expenditures for capital projects related to the environment were ~~$3.0~~$5.5 million and ~~$0.7~~$2.1 million, respectively. These projects are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives, which are typically 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 the Company’s manufacturing locations were ~~$8.3~~$17.1 million and ~~$10.0~~$17.6 million for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Over the years, the Company has received requests for information related to or has been named by the government as a potentially responsible party at a number of waste disposal sites where cleanup costs have been or may be incurred under CERCLA and similar state or foreign 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 is likely to incur with respect to the sites. It is the Company’s accounting policy to record liabilities when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable, and the cost or range of possible costs can be reasonably estimated. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum is accrued. Estimating the possible costs of remediation requires making assumptions related to the nature and extent of contamination and the methods and resulting costs of remediation. Some of the factors on which the Company bases its estimates include information provided by decisions rendered by State and Federal environmental regulatory agencies, information provided by feasibility studies, and remedial action plans developed. After partial remediation payments at certain sites, the Company has estimated a range of possible environmental losses and legal losses of ~~$22.9~~$22.5 million to ~~$41.3~~$40.9 million at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, ~~versus~~compared to $22.9 million to $41.1 million at December 31, 2020. Within the range of possible environmental losses, management ~~has~~ currently concluded that no single amount is more likely to occur than any other amounts in the range and, thus, has accrued at the lower end of the range; these accruals totaled $22.5 million at June 30, 2021 and $22.9 million at ~~March 31, 2021 and~~ December 31, 2020. Because the liabilities accrued are estimates, actual amounts could differ materially from the amounts ~~reported.~~recorded. Cash expenditures related to legal and environmental matters were ~~$0.3~~$1.3 million for the ~~three-month period~~six months ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, compared to ~~$0.9~~$3.1 million for the same period in 2020.

For certain sites, the Company has responded to information requests made by federal, state or local government agencies but has received no response confirming or denying the Company’s stated positions. As such, estimates of the total costs, or range of possible costs, of remediation, if any, or the Company’s share of such costs, if any, cannot be determined with respect to these sites. Consequently, the Company is unable to predict the effect thereof on the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations. Based upon the Company’s present knowledge with respect to its involvement at these sites, the possibility of other viable entities’ responsibilities for cleanup, and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, management believes that the Company has no liability at these sites and that these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position. Certain of these matters are discussed in Item 1, Part 2, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Legal Proceedings, in this report and in other filings of the Company with SEC, which are available upon request from the Company. See also Note 8, Contingencies, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements (included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q) for a summary of the environmental proceedings related to certain environmental sites.

Management believes that demand for Surfactant products sold into the Company’s ~~Surfactant volumes in the North American consumer product end~~institutional cleaning, agricultural and oilfield markets should ~~recover following the supply chain disruptions caused by the severe weather in Texas during the first quarter~~improve versus 2020. However, management does not believe this higher demand will compensate for lower consumer consumption of ~~2021. Additionally, management believes that heightened global consumer demand for~~cleaning, disinfection ~~cleaning~~ and personal wash products ~~will continue and that demand for surfactants within~~versus the ~~agricultural and oilfield markets will improve versus~~pandemic peak in 2020. Global demand for rigid polyols continues to recover from pandemic-related delays and cancellations of re-roofing and new construction projects. This ~~gradual~~ recovery, combined with the ~~Company’s~~ first quarter 2021 acquisition of ~~INVISTA's~~INVISTA’s aromatic polyester polyol business, should position the Company’s Polymer segment to deliver growth versus prior year. Management believes the long-term prospects for the Polymer segment remain attractive as energy conservation efforts and more stringent building codes are expected to continue. Management believes its Specialty ~~Products~~Product segment results will improve slightly ~~year-over-year~~.year-over-year. Management remains cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the year despite continued raw material price increases, supply chain inflationary pressures and planned second half maintenance expenses.

There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies disclosed in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the addition of the following:

The Company makes acquisitions from time to time. When such acquisitions occur, the Company applies the accounting guidance per FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805), to determine whether the acquisition should be treated as an asset acquisition or a business combination. When the acquisition meets the criteria of a business combination the Company recognizes the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition. The Company recognizes goodwill for any portion of the purchase price that exceeds the sum of the net fair value of all the assets purchased in the acquisition and the liabilities assumed. Considerable estimates, complex judgments and assumptions are typically required to arrive at the fair value of elements acquired in a business combination, inclusive of discount rates, customer attrition rates, royalty rates, economic lives, and estimated future cash flows expected to be generated from the assets acquired. These items are typically most relevant to the fair valuation of identifiable intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

In some instances, the purchase price allocation of an acquisition is not complete by the end of a reporting period. This situation most typically arises when an acquisition is complex and/or completed very close to the end of a reporting period and all necessary information is not available by the end of the reporting period in which the acquisition occurs. In these instances, the Company reports provisional amounts for any incomplete items and makes subsequent adjustments as necessary information becomes available or determines that additional information is not obtainable. Any subsequent adjustments could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations as they could impact the initial fair values assigned to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment and/or their estimated economic lives. ASC 805 requires purchase price allocations to be finalized within one year from the acquisition date.

The Company’s intangible assets include patents, agreements not to compete, trademarks, customer lists and relationships, technological and manufacturing know-how and goodwill, all of which were acquired as part of business combinations or asset acquisitions. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. Intangible assets, other than goodwill, are determined to have either finite or indefinite useful lives. The Company currently has no indefinite-life intangible assets other than goodwill. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the useful lives of the assets. Currently, the useful lives for the Company’s finite-life intangible assets are as follows: patents – 10 to15 years; non-compete agreements – three to five years; trademarks – five to 11 years; customer relationships – five to 20 years and know-how – five to 20 years. Finite-life intangible assets are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an intangible asset may not be recoverable.

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on a reporting unit level. The Company’s reporting units are typically defined as one level below operating segments and highly correlated to geographic regions. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually (the Company conducts its goodwill impairment testing during the second quarter of each calendar year), or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit to which goodwill relates has declined below its carrying value. In this case, the Company would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment using qualitative and/or quantitative testing procedures. The Company has the option to first perform qualitative testing to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company chooses not to complete a qualitative assessment for a given reporting unit, or if the initial assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, additional quantitative testing is performed.

When estimating a reporting unit’s fair value as part of the quantitative assessment, the Company uses a combination of market and income-based methodologies. The market approach uses a combination of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and EBITDA multiples to estimate a reporting unit’s fair value. EBITDA multiples typically mirror similar businesses or comparative companies whose securities are actively traded in public markets. Significant degradation of either EBITDA or EBITDA multiples could result in a triggering event, requiring goodwill to be tested for impairment during an interim period. The income approach takes into consideration multiple variables, including forecasted sales volume and operating income, current industry and economic conditions, historical results and other elements to calculate the present value of future cash flows. The income approach fair value calculations include estimates of long-term growth rates and discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the respective reporting units. The Company reported no goodwill or intangible asset impairments in any of the periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements.

The Company believes that certain non-GAAP measures, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, are useful for evaluating the Company’s performance and financial condition. Internally, the Company uses this non-GAAP information as an indicator of business performance and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. These measures should be considered in addition to, not ~~as substitutes~~a substitute for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s definitions of these adjusted measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by other entities.

Management uses the non-GAAP adjusting net income metric to evaluate the Company’s operating performance. Management excludes the items listed in the table above because they are non-operational items. The cumulative tax effect was calculated using the statutory tax rates for the jurisdictions in which the noted transactions occurred.

	Three Months Ended June 30
(In millions, except per share amounts)	2021						2020
	Net Income		Diluted EPS				Net Income				Diluted EPS
Net Income Attributable to the Company as Reported	$	43.3	$	1.85			$	35.7			$	1.54

Deferred Compensation Expense (including related investment activity)		(1.4)		(0.06	)			2.5				0.10
Business Restructuring Expense		0.1		—				0.2				0.01
Cash-settled SARs Expense		(0.1)		—				0.7				0.03
Cumulative Tax Effect on Above Adjustment Items		0.3		0.02				(0.8	)			(0.03	)
Adjusted Net Income	$	42.2	$	1.81			$	38.3			$	1.65
	Six Months Ended June 30
(In millions, except per share amounts)	2021					2020
	Net Income		Diluted EPS			Net Income				Diluted EPS
Net Income Attributable to the Company as Reported	$	83.9	$	3.59		$	63.3			$	2.72

Deferred Compensation (Income) Expense (including related investment activity)		0.6		0.03			(1.2)				(0.05)
Business Restructuring Expense		0.2		0.01			0.6				0.03
Cash-settled SARs (Income) Expense		0.1		—			(0.4)				(0.02)
Cumulative Tax Effect on Above Adjustment Items		(0.2)		(0.01)			0.2				0.01
Adjusted Net Income	$	84.6	$	3.62		$	62.5			$	2.69

Management uses the non-GAAP net debt metric to gain a more complete picture of the Company’s overall liquidity, financial flexibility and leverage level.

(In millions)	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020			June 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt as Reported	$	87.5		$	37.9		$	42.4		$	37.9
Long-Term Debt as Reported		160.9			160.8			196.5			160.8
Total Debt as Reported		248.4			198.7			238.9			198.7
Less Cash and Cash Equivalents as Reported		(150.7	)		(349.9	)		(127.1	)		(349.9	)
Net Debt	$	97.7		$	(151.2	)	$	111.8		$	(151.2	)
Equity	$	1,002.3		$	986.7		$	1,048.8		$	986.7
Net Debt plus Equity	$	1,100.0		$	835.5		$	1,160.6		$	835.5
Net Debt/(Net Debt plus Equity)		9	%		-18	%
Net Debt/Net Debt plus Equity								10	%		-18	%

There have been no material changes to the market risks described in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021. Based on this evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, such that the information required to be disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the rules and forms of the Exchange Act and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2021, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

There have been no material changes to the legal proceedings disclosed in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Below is a summary by month of share ~~purchase~~purchases by the Company during the ~~first~~second quarter of 2021:

Month

Total Number
of Shares Purchased

Average Price
Paid per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs ⁽¹⁾

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs ⁽¹⁾

January 2021

381

⁽²⁾
$
129.03

—

175,874

February 2021

17,418

⁽³⁾
$
119.18

8,300

⁽⁴⁾

167,574

March 2021

12,317

⁽⁵⁾
$
122.16

—

167,574

Total

30,116

$
120.52

8,300

167,574

Month	Total Number of Shares Purchased			Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs ⁽¹⁾			Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs ⁽¹⁾
April 2021		291	⁽²⁾	$	131.63		—			167,574
May 2021		36,482	⁽³⁾	$	135.80		32,952	⁽⁵⁾		134,622
June 2021		40,938	⁽⁴⁾	$	133.12		40,793	⁽⁵⁾		93,829

Total		77,711		$	134.38		73,745			93,829

Exhibit No.		Description		Description

10.1*	–	Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2021, by and among Arteva Specialties B.V., INV Performance Surfaces, LLC, INVISTA Textiles (U.K.) Limited, INV Management Services, LLC, Stepan Company, Stepan U.K. Limited and Stepan Holdings Netherlands B.V.
10.1			–	Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of June 10, 2021 by and among Stepan Company, PGIM, Inc. and the purchasers thereto (filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2021 (File No. 001-4462), and incorporated herein by reference)

10.2			–	Note Purchase and Master Note Agreement dated as of June 10, 2021, by and among Stepan Company, NYL Investors LLC and the purchasers thereto (filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2021 (File No. 001-4462), and incorporated herein by reference)

10.3			–	Subsidiary Guaranty dated as of June 10, 2021, by and between Stepan Specialty Products, LLC and Stepan Surfactants Holdings, LLC relating to the Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of June 10, 2021, by and among Stepan Company, PGIM, Inc. and the purchasers thereto (filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2021 (File No. 001-4462), and incorporated herein by reference)

10.4			–	Subsidiary Guaranty dated as of June 10, 2021, by and between Stepan Specialty Products, LLC and Stepan Surfactants Holdings, LLC relating to the Note Purchase and Master Note Agreement dated as of June 10, 2021, by and among Stepan Company, NYL Investors LLC and the purchasers thereto (filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2021 (File No. 001-4462), and incorporated herein by reference)

10.5*			–	Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 22, 2021, to Credit Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2018, among Stepan Company, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent

31.1	–	Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)	–	Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

31.2	–	Certification of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a- 14(a)/15d-14(a)	–	Certification of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a- 14(a)/15d-14(a)

32	–	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350	–	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

101.INS	–	Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document	–	Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document

101.SCH	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document

101.LAB	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104	–	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)	–	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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.

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

Title of each class		Trading symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1 par value		SCL		New York Stock Exchange

Class		Outstanding at ~~April 23,~~July 28, 2021
Common Stock, $1 par value		~~22,516,933~~22,465,861 Shares

	Shares
Stock options		66,134
Stock awards (at target)		41,228
SARs		142,451

Weighted-average remaining lease term-operating leases		10 ~~years~~	Years
Weighted-average discount rate-operating leases			~~3.0~~	%3.0%


☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
(In thousands)
	Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty Products		Total
Geographic Market
North America	$	221,645	$	95,591	$	17,818	$	335,054
Europe		65,339		82,453		2,436		150,228
Latin America		79,968		986		717		81,671
Asia		17,050		11,508		—		28,558
Total	$	384,002	$	190,538	$	20,971	$	595,511

	For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
(In thousands)
	Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty Products		Total
Geographic Market
North America	$	415,517	$	130,621	$	26,823	$	572,961
Europe		115,472		69,252		5,407		190,131
Latin America		102,704		1,102		—		103,806
Asia		25,713		17,925		—		43,638
Total	$	659,406	$	218,900	$	32,230	$	910,536

(In thousands)
Assets:
Identifiable intangible assets:
Customer lists	$	8,000
Trademarks and know-how		1,300
Non-compete agreement		300
Goodwill		4,225
Property, plant and equipment		175
Total assets acquired	$	14,000

	Income (Expense)
	For the Six Months Ended June 30
(In millions)	2021					2020					Change
Deferred Compensation (Administrative expenses)			$	(3.7)	$		0.8		$	(4.5)			⁽¹⁾
Realized/Unrealized Gains on Investments (Other, net)		2.6						0.2				2.4
Investment Income (Other, net)		0.5						0.2				0.3
Pretax Income Effect	$	(0.6)				$		1.2			$	(1.8	)

	2021		2020				2019
	March 31		December 31		March 31		December 31
Company Common Stock Price	$	127.11	$	119.32	$	88.46	$	102.44


	1.	The Company is required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined within the agreements, of 3.50 to 1.00, for the preceding four calendar quarters.


	2.	The Company is required to maintain a maximum net leverage ratio, as defined within the agreements, not to exceed 3.50 to 1.00.


	3.	The Company is required to maintain net worth of at least ~~$325.0~~$750.0 million.
	4.	The Company is permitted to pay dividends and purchase treasury shares after December 31, 2017, in amounts of up to $100.0 million plus 100 percent of net income and cash proceeds of stock option exercises, measured cumulatively beginning December 31, 2017. The maximum amount of dividends that could have been paid within this limitation is disclosed as unrestricted retained earnings in Note 14, Debt, of the notes to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements (included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q).

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company