Stepan Company reports Q1 adjusted EPS 71c, consensus 94c

Reports Q1 revenue $651.44M, consensus $649.73M. "The Company’s first quarter financial results were significantly impacted by lower sales volume stemming from softening market demand, delays in the startup of new low 1,4 dioxane production assets and continued customer and channel destocking across most of our markets," said Scott Behrens, President and CEO. "Margins were in line with expectations despite high-cost inventory carryover from the fourth quarter and increased competitive activity within certain end-use markets. Despite ongoing inflationary cost pressures and higher cash expenses related to the construction and pre-commissioning activities of our new Alkoxylation investment in Pasadena, Texas and the startup of our new low 1,4 dioxane capacity in the U.S., we kept cash expenses consistent year-over-year."