Sensient Technologies Increases Sales but Misses Revenue Estimates

Sensient Technologies (NYSE: SXT  ) reported earnings on Feb. 7. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Sensient Technologies missed estimates on revenue and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue was unchanged and GAAP earnings per share expanded.

Margins improved across the board.

Revenue details
Sensient Technologies recorded revenue of $340.4 million. The two analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for revenue of $355.6 million. Sales were 0.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $339.3 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.57. The four earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.56 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.57 for Q4 were 9.6% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.52 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Figures may be non-GAAP to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 31.8%, 170 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.6%, 90 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 8.4%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $376.5 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.59.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.51 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.56.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 74 members out of 79 rating the stock outperform, and five members rating it underperform. Among 29 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 27 give Sensient Technologies a green thumbs-up, and two give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Sensient Technologies is hold, with an average price target of $40.50.

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