SCL

Stepan Company (SCL) SWOT Analysis Analysis (2026)

Invetso Score: 5.2/10 — Balanced · Last Updated: 2026-08-01

Overall Score

Strengths

Low valuation multiples with EV/Sales at 0.85x and P/S at 0.61x.

Positive operating profitability with operating margin at 3.3% and ROIC at 4.1%.

Healthy liquidity with current ratio at 1.15x and cash ratio at 0.13x.

Reasonable interest coverage at 4.0x supports near-term debt service.

Weaknesses

Profitability remains weak with net margin at -0.1% and ROE near breakeven.

Free cash flow is negative, with FCF yield at -2.3% and FCF per share at -1.48.

Leverage is elevated, with net debt to EBITDA at 3.7x and debt to assets at 29.6%.

Working capital efficiency is pressured by a 74-day cash conversion cycle.

Opportunities

A low EV/Sales multiple leaves room for rerating if margins improve.

Operating cash flow remains positive at 7.0% of sales, providing a base for deleveraging.

Inventory and receivables turnover are adequate, which could support incremental efficiency gains.

Threats

Negative free cash flow limits flexibility for debt reduction or shareholder returns.

Thin gross margin of 11.8% leaves limited cushion against cost inflation or pricing pressure.

High leverage and sub-1.0 quick ratio increase sensitivity to earnings volatility.

Negative earnings and cash flow metrics could keep valuation depressed despite low sales multiples.

Sources

  • Company filings (10-K, 10-Q, investor presentations)
  • Financial and market data providers
  • Public news and industry information

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