Item 8.01. Other Events

On February 21, 2013, Stepan Company ("Stepan") issued a press release announcing that on February 19, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized Stepan to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of Stepan's outstanding common stock. This repurchase authorization replaces the prior authorization approved on February 11, 2009, of which the remaining unutilized repurchase authorization of 170,542 shares is cancelled. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits Exhibit Number: 99.1 Description: Press Release of Stepan Company dated February 21, 2013

---