Robert W. Baird Raises Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT) Price Target to $80.00

Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT - Free Report) had its price target raised by Robert W. Baird from $70.00 to $80.00 in a research note released on Monday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the specialty chemicals company's stock.

Sensient Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of Sensient Technologies stock traded up $2.35 on Monday, reaching $72.71. 256,981 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 220,036. The company has a 50 day moving average of $68.26 and a 200 day moving average of $63.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 4.31 and a quick ratio of 1.71. Sensient Technologies has a 52 week low of $52.90 and a 52 week high of $78.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.08 billion, a PE ratio of 33.82 and a beta of 0.79.

Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 9th. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.51 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.55 by ($0.04). Sensient Technologies had a net margin of 6.16% and a return on equity of 11.40%. The firm had revenue of $349.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $371.10 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.64 earnings per share. Sensient Technologies's revenue for the quarter was up .2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Sensient Technologies will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current year.

Sensient Technologies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 6th will be given a dividend of $0.41 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 3rd. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.26%. Sensient Technologies's dividend payout ratio is presently 76.28%.

Institutional Trading of Sensient Technologies

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Robeco Schweiz AG raised its holdings in Sensient Technologies by 8.2% during the 1st quarter. Robeco Schweiz AG now owns 100,490 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock valued at $6,953,000 after acquiring an additional 7,650 shares during the period. Brown Financial Advisory boosted its position in shares of Sensient Technologies by 25.8% in the first quarter. Brown Financial Advisory now owns 12,792 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock valued at $885,000 after acquiring an additional 2,627 shares during the period. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board purchased a new position in Sensient Technologies during the first quarter valued at approximately $609,000. Diversified Trust Co lifted its stake in Sensient Technologies by 18.8% in the 1st quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 11,389 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock worth $788,000 after purchasing an additional 1,800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moody National Bank Trust Division boosted its holdings in Sensient Technologies by 31.6% in the 1st quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 13,841 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock valued at $958,000 after purchasing an additional 3,320 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 90.86% of the company's stock.

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.