Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT) Sees Large Volume Increase on Strong Earnings

Sensient Technologies Co. (NYSE:SXT - Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-strong trading volume on Monday following a better than expected earnings announcement. Approximately 392,078 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 93% from the previous session's volume of 203,385 shares.The stock last traded at $91.31 and had previously closed at $90.99.

The specialty chemicals company reported $0.86 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.82 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $392.33 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $387.70 million. Sensient Technologies had a net margin of 8.01% and a return on equity of 11.93%. The firm's revenue was up 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.73 earnings per share.

Sensient Technologies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, May 12th will be issued a $0.41 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, May 12th. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.76%. Sensient Technologies's payout ratio is 54.30%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Sensient Technologies from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Saturday, March 22nd. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of Sensient Technologies from $85.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research note on Monday.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sensient Technologies

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in Sensient Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in shares of Sensient Technologies by 132.6% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 435 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 248 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its stake 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 purchasing an additional 563 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP acquired a new position in Sensient Technologies in the fourth quarter valued at $50,000. Finally, R Squared Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Sensient Technologies during the 4th quarter worth about $65,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.86% of the company's stock.

Sensient Technologies Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a current ratio of 3.55. The company has a market cap of $3.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.77 and a beta of 0.63. The stock's fifty day simple moving average is $74.69 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $75.16.

About Sensient Technologies

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.