Did AI cause the Stepan CO layoffs?

Stated reason: On July 28, 2026, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company approved a plan to reduce the Company’s global salaried workforce by around 100 roles during the third quarter of 2026 as part of Project Catalyst, the Company’s previously announced comprehensive operational and efficiency initiative. As previously disclosed, the Company anticipates recognizing full-year restructuring charges in the range of $75.0…

Why 3: Plant, store or site closure · Drivers: contrary evidence −0.7, industry AI exposure +0.5

Evidence: SEC filing. Signals: attribution 0.0, primary source 0.0, exec statement 0.0, role exposure 0.761, industry exposure 0.712, AI investment 0.0, contrary evidence 0.4 · named roles: Computer and Information Systems Managers, General and Operations Managers

Headcount basis: not disclosed

Stated reason: On February 20, 2026, the Board of Directors of Stepan Company (“Stepan” or the “Company”) approved a comprehensive operational and efficiency plan with the objective to deliver approximately $100 million in pre-tax savings over the next two years (“Project Catalyst”). As part of Project Catalyst, the Company will close its Fieldsboro, New Jersey site and decommission select assets at its Elwood (Millsdale), Illinois…

Why 2: Plant, store or site closure · Drivers: contrary evidence −0.9, industry AI exposure +0.5

Evidence: SEC filing. Signals: attribution 0.0, primary source 0.0, exec statement 0.0, role exposure 0.761, industry exposure 0.712, AI investment 0.0, contrary evidence 0.55 · named roles: Computer and Information Systems Managers, General and Operations Managers

Headcount basis: not disclosed