46,903 Shares in Sensient Technologies Co. (NYSE:SXT) Purchased by Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC

Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Sensient Technologies Co. (NYSE:SXT - Free Report) during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 46,903 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock, valued at approximately $3,342,000. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC owned 0.11% of Sensient Technologies as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in Sensient Technologies during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in Sensient Technologies by 18,766.7% in the fourth quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 566 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 563 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Sensient Technologies during the fourth quarter worth approximately $50,000. R Squared Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Sensient Technologies during the fourth quarter worth approximately $65,000. Finally, Covestor Ltd grew its position in shares of Sensient Technologies by 49.4% during the fourth quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 920 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock worth $66,000 after buying an additional 304 shares in the last quarter. 90.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on Sensient Technologies from $85.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. StockNews.com cut Sensient Technologies from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Saturday, March 22nd.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Mario Ferruzzi sold 1,668 shares of Sensient Technologies stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.45, for a total value of $159,210.60. Following the transaction, the director now owns 7,946 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $758,445.70. This trade represents a 17.35% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 1.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Sensient Technologies Stock Performance

SXT stock traded down $0.71 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $93.83. The company had a trading volume of 107,947 shares, compared to its average volume of 219,054. The company has a quick ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 3.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.92 and a beta of 0.58. Sensient Technologies Co. has a one year low of $66.15 and a one year high of $99.00. The stock's 50-day simple moving average is $79.91 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $76.38.

Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, April 25th. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $0.82 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $392.33 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $387.70 million. Sensient Technologies had a return on equity of 11.93% and a net margin of 8.01%. Sensient Technologies's revenue was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.73 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Sensient Technologies Co. will post 3.1 EPS for the current year.

Sensient Technologies Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, May 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.75%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, May 12th. Sensient Technologies's payout ratio is currently 54.30%.

Sensient Technologies Company Profile

Sensient Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets colors, flavors, and other specialty ingredients in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa. The company offers flavor-delivery systems, and compounded and blended products; ingredient products, such as essential oils, natural and synthetic flavors, and natural extracts; and chili powder, paprika, and chili pepper, as well as dehydrated vegetables comprising parsley, celery, and spinach to the food, beverage, and personal care industries.