Sensient Technologies Co. (NYSE:SXT) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

Sensient Technologies Co. (NYSE:SXT - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totalling 712,900 shares, a growth of 20.3% from the March 15th total of 592,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 285,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.5 days. Approximately 1.7% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, StockNews.com cut Sensient Technologies from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Saturday, March 22nd.

Sensient Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of SXT stock traded up $10.90 during trading on Friday, reaching $91.04. 1,458,610 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 202,746. Sensient Technologies has a 1 year low of $66.15 and a 1 year high of $91.14. The company has a market capitalization of $3.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.97 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a current ratio of 3.55, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The firm's 50-day moving average is $73.30 and its 200 day moving average is $74.83.

Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, April 25th. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.82 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $392.33 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $387.70 million. Sensient Technologies had a return on equity of 11.93% and a net margin of 8.01%. Equities research analysts expect that Sensient Technologies will post 3.1 EPS for the current year.

Sensient Technologies Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 12th will be given a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.80%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, May 12th. Sensient Technologies's dividend payout ratio is presently 55.78%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sensient Technologies

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in Sensient Technologies during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position 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 valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 248 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its holdings in shares of 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 worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 563 shares during the period. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in shares of Sensient Technologies in the fourth quarter worth $50,000. Finally, R Squared Ltd bought a new stake in Sensient Technologies during the fourth quarter valued at $65,000. 90.86% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.