Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT) Cut to “Hold” at StockNews.com

StockNews.com lowered shares of Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning.

Sensient Technologies Stock Down 1.3 %

Shares of Sensient Technologies stock opened at $68.56 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 3.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. Sensient Technologies has a twelve month low of $64.11 and a twelve month high of $82.99. The company has a market cap of $2.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.32 and a beta of 0.77. The company’s 50 day moving average is $72.77 and its 200 day moving average is $75.40.

Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 14th. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.01. Sensient Technologies had a net margin of 8.01% and a return on equity of 11.93%. The firm had revenue of $376.40 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $375.10 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.51 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that Sensient Technologies will post 3.1 EPS for the current year.

Sensient Technologies Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 4th will be paid a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 4th. Sensient Technologies’s payout ratio is currently 55.78%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sensient Technologies

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SXT. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC bought a new position in Sensient Technologies in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its position in shares of Sensient Technologies by 18,766.7% during the fourth quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 566 shares of the specialty chemicals company’s stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 563 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in Sensient Technologies during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $50,000. R Squared Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Sensient Technologies in the 4th quarter worth $65,000. Finally, Covestor Ltd increased its holdings 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 valued at $66,000 after acquiring an additional 304 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.86% of the company’s stock.

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.