Sensient Technologies Co. (NYSE:SXT) Stock Position Lowered by Victory Capital Management Inc.

Victory Capital Management Inc. lowered its position in Sensient Technologies Co. (NYSE:SXT - Free Report) by 6.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 142,875 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock after selling 10,154 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. owned about 0.34% of Sensient Technologies worth $11,461,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Versor Investments LP acquired a new position in Sensient Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $345,000. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its holdings in Sensient Technologies by 5.3% in the third quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 26,377 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock valued at $2,116,000 after buying an additional 1,332 shares during the last quarter. Olympiad Research LP acquired a new stake in Sensient Technologies in the third quarter valued at $249,000. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in Sensient Technologies by 10.6% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 13,036 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock worth $1,046,000 after buying an additional 1,253 shares during the last quarter. Finally, US Bancorp DE increased its holdings in shares of Sensient Technologies by 6.1% in the 3rd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 6,355 shares of the specialty chemicals company's stock valued at $510,000 after acquiring an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.86% of the company's stock.

Sensient Technologies Stock Performance

SXT traded up $0.88 during trading on Thursday, hitting $77.19. 128,174 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 174,099. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.50 and a beta of 0.76. Sensient Technologies Co. has a 1-year low of $55.02 and a 1-year high of $82.99. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $77.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $76.27. The company has a quick ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 3.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58.

Sensient Technologies (NYSE:SXT - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 25th. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts' consensus estimates of $0.80. Sensient Technologies had a return on equity of 11.41% and a net margin of 5.80%. The business had revenue of $392.61 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $390.64 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.75 EPS. The company's revenue for the quarter was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Sensient Technologies Co. will post 2.82 earnings per share for the current year.

Sensient Technologies Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 4th will be issued a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.12%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 4th. Sensient Technologies's dividend payout ratio is currently 78.47%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on SXT. StockNews.com raised Sensient Technologies from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Monday, October 28th. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on shares of Sensient Technologies from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th.

Insider Transactions at Sensient Technologies

In other news, insider Michael C. Geraghty sold 4,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.48, for a total value of $321,920.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 36,518 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,938,968.64. This trade represents a 9.87 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.40% of the company's stock.

Sensient Technologies 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.