Posted: 06/02/2025 07:23 am
Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL), a global player in the specialty chemicals market, not only emphasizes innovation but also underscores its focus on strategic leadership through substantial compensation packages offered to its top executives. The company's latest financial maneuvers and leadership changes mirror its broader ambitions within the industry.
In 2024, Scott R. Behrens, the former President and CEO of Stepan Company, received a total compensation package of approximately $4.65 million. This amount includes a base salary of $845,652, stock awards valued at $2.59 million, and option awards worth $1.05 million. Such figures highlight the weight given to stock-based compensation as an incentive aligned with shareholder interests, despite the absence of bonus and performance incentive compensation. Additionally, Behrens received $172,580 classified under "all other compensation," further augmenting his financial rewards for the year.*1*
In contrast, in 2022, Sean T. Moriarty, then Vice President and General Manager for Surfactants, was compensated a total of $1.46 million. His compensation package was characterized by a base salary of $437,500, with significant portions from a stock award and an option award, collectively accounting for nearly $590,696, underlining the company's approach of tying significant portions of compensation to the company’s long-term performance. Moriarty also benefited from a cash incentive plan compensation worth $366,891.*2*
Reflecting on 2021, then Chairman and CEO F. Quinn Stepan, Jr., received a markedly high total compensation package of $5.38 million. It comprised a $1 million salary, and notably higher stock and option awards, implying a robust reliance on equity compensation to propel strategic leadership and shareholder value alignment.*3*
These compensation strategies are set against a backdrop of Stepan's evolving operational landscape. The company has recently announced its Q1 2025 results, showcasing a 42% increase in net income year-over-year, underlining successful financial stewardship and operational efficacy.*4* Furthermore, Stepan Co. recently reported fourth-quarter 2024 net income of $3.4 million, reflecting a turnaround from a net loss in the previous year.*5* Such fiscal improvements coincide with strategic decisions like the planned sale of Philippine assets, aiming to streamline operations and focus on core competencies.*6*
Concurrent with these operational and strategic shifts, Stepan's stock market performance reveals transitional dynamics. As of recent trading, Stepan stock was priced at $54.29, with volatility seen in the stock price in the range of $53.98 to $55.*7* While this snapshot reflects ongoing market fluctuations, it underscores the critical role of sustained strategy and leadership in influencing investment perspectives and company valuation.
Altogether, Stepan Company's executive compensation packages reveal a calculated strategy of aligning leadership incentives with long-term growth and shareholder value. Against the backdrop of operational maneuvers and market recalibrations, these packages highlight Stepan's continued commitment to steering its course through the ever-evolving industry landscape.
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1. [Scott R. Behrens 2024 Compensation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/94049/000119312525061867/0001193125-25-061867-index.htm)
2. [Sean T. Moriarty 2022 Compensation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/94049/000119312524076968/0001193125-24-076968-index.htm)
3. [F. Quinn Stepan, Jr. 2021 Compensation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/94049/000119312522084462/0001193125-22-084462-index.htm)
4. [Q1 2025 Earnings Report](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stepan-reports-first-quarter-2025-results-302440588.html)
5. [Q4 2024 Net Income Announcement](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stepan-reports-fourth-quarter-2024-results)
6. [Sale of Philippine Assets](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stepan-announces-agreement-to-sell-philippine-assets-302465746.html)
7. [Current Stock Price Data](https://www.nyse.com/quote/XNYS:SCL)
