Sensient Technologies Corporation Reports Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2024 and Raises Full Year Guidance

Sensient Technologies Corporation, a leading provider of flavors and colors for the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care markets, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sensient Technologies Corporation (NYSE: SXT), a leading provider of flavors and colors for the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care markets, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

First Quarter Consolidated Results

  • Reported revenue increased 4.2% to $384.7 million in the first quarter of 2024 versus last year’s first quarter results of $369.0 million. On a local currency basis(1), revenue increased 3.8%.
  • Reported operating income decreased 2.8% to $49.4 million compared to $50.8 million recorded in the first quarter of 2023. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company recorded $2.8 million of costs related to its recently enacted Portfolio Optimization Plan. Local currency adjusted operating income(1) and local currency adjusted EBITDA(1) increased 2.6% and 2.2%, respectively, in the first quarter.
  • Reported diluted earnings per share decreased 8.8% to 73 cents in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 80 cents in the first quarter of 2023. Local currency adjusted EPS(1) decreased 1.3% in the first quarter primarily as a result of higher interest expense and a higher tax rate.

“I am pleased that 2024 is off to a good start. Our underlying business and new sales wins remain strong. I am confident that our teams will execute on our strategy and deliver on expectations for 2024,” said Paul Manning, Sensient’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

First Quarter Group Results

   

Reported

 

Local Currency(1)

Revenue  

Quarter

 

Quarter

Flavors & Extracts  

8.0

%

 

6.9

%

Color  

-0.7

%

 

-1.7

%

Asia Pacific  

0.6

%

 

4.1

%

Total Revenue  

4.2

%

 

3.8

%

       
   

Reported

 

Adjusted Local Currency(1)

Operating Income  

Quarter

 

Quarter

Flavors & Extracts  

6.8

%

 

6.3

%

Color  

-0.6

%

 

-1.8

%

Asia Pacific  

-5.0

%

 

-0.6

%

Total Operating Income  

-2.8

%

 

2.6

%

         

The Flavors & Extracts Group reported first quarter 2024 revenue of $193.1 million, an increase of $14.2 million versus the prior year’s first quarter. The Group’s increased revenue was a result of higher volumes, favorable pricing, and favorable exchange rates. Segment operating income was $23.7 million in the first quarter of 2024, an increase of $1.5 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter. The higher operating income was primarily due to the higher volumes and favorable pricing.

The Color Group reported revenue of $160.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, a decrease of $1.1 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter. The Group’s revenue was negatively impacted by lower volumes in the food and pharmaceutical product line, primarily due to market declines and modest customer destocking. Segment operating income was $31.7 million in the first quarter of 2024, a decrease of $0.2 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter results. The lower operating income is primarily a result of the lower volumes in the food and pharmaceutical product lines, partially offset by higher operating income in the personal care product line.

The Asia Pacific Group reported revenue of $40.3 million in the first quarter of 2024, an increase of $0.2 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter. The Group’s revenue benefited from higher volumes, partially offset by unfavorable exchange rates. Segment operating income was $8.8 million in the quarter, a decrease of $0.5 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter. The lower operating income is primarily a result of higher input costs and unfavorable exchange rates.

Corporate & Other reported operating expenses of $14.7 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $12.5 million of operating expenses reported in the prior year’s first quarter. The increase was primarily due to the Portfolio Optimization Plan costs of $2.8 million recorded in the first quarter of 2024. Local currency adjusted operating expenses(1) for Corporate & Other decreased $0.6 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter.

2024 OUTLOOK

Sensient continues to expect 2024 diluted earnings per share to be between $2.80 and $2.90, which includes approximately 15 cents of Portfolio Optimization Plan costs in 2024, compared to the Company’s 2023 reported GAAP diluted earnings per share of $2.21.

The Company now expects 2024 revenue and 2024 adjusted EBITDA(1) to each grow at a mid-single-digit rate on a local currency basis compared to the Company’s 2023 revenue and the Company’s 2023 adjusted EBITDA(1). The Company’s previous guidance called for 2024 revenue and 2024 adjusted EBITDA(1) to grow at a low to mid-single-digit rate on a local currency basis. The Company continues to expect 2024 adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) to grow at a low to mid-single-digit rate on a local currency basis compared to the Company’s 2023 adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) of $2.86.

The Company continues to expect its 2024 diluted earnings per share to be impacted by higher interest expense. The Company also expects its full year 2024 adjusted tax rate to be between 24% and 25%.

The Company’s guidance is based on current conditions and economic and market trends in the markets in which the Company operates and is subject to various risks and uncertainties as described below.

(1)

Please refer to “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Amounts” at the end of this release for more information regarding our non-GAAP financial measures.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures eliminate the impact of certain items, which, depending on the measure, include: currency movements, depreciation and amortization, Portfolio Optimization Plan costs, and non-cash share-based compensation. These measures are provided to enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s performance when viewed together with the GAAP results. Refer to “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Amounts” at the end of this release.

CONFERENCE CALL

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its 2024 first quarter financial results at 8:30 a.m. CDT on Friday, April 26, 2024. To participate in the conference call, contact Chorus Call Inc. at (844) 492-3726 or (412) 317-1078, and ask to join the Sensient Technologies Corporation conference call. Alternatively, the call can be accessed by using the webcast link that is available on the Investor Information section of the Company’s web site at www.sensient.com.

A replay of the call will be available one hour after the end of the conference call through May 3, 2024, by calling (877) 344-7529 and using access code 3617541. An audio replay and written transcript of the call will also be posted on the Investor Information section of the Company’s web site at www.sensient.com on or after April 30, 2024.

This release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Federal securities laws including under “2024 Outlook” above. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors concerning the Company’s operations and business environment. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements and that could adversely affect the Company’s future financial performance include the following: the Company’s ability to manage general business, economic, and capital market conditions, including actions taken by customers in response to such market conditions, and the impact of recessions and economic downturns; the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, including inflation and shortages impacting the availability and cost of raw materials, energy, and other supplies, disruptions and delays in the Company’s supply chain, and the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas and other parties in the Middle East; the availability and cost of labor, logistics, and transportation; the pace and nature of new product introductions by the Company and the Company’s customers; the Company’s ability to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences and changing technologies; the Company’s ability to successfully implement its growth strategies; the outcome of the Company’s various productivity-improvement and cost-reduction efforts, acquisition and divestiture activities, and Portfolio Optimization Plan; industry, regulatory, legal, and economic factors related to the Company’s domestic and international business; the effects of tariffs, trade barriers, and disputes; growth in markets for products in which the Company competes; industry and customer acceptance of price increases; actions by competitors; the Company’s ability to enhance its innovation efforts and drive cost efficiencies; currency exchange rate fluctuations; and other factors included in “Risk Factors” in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in other documents that the Company files with the SEC. The risks and uncertainties identified above are not the only risks the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that it currently believes to be immaterial also may adversely affect the Company. Should any known or unknown risks and uncertainties develop into actual events, these developments could have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. This release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management’s best analysis only as of the date of this release. Except to the extent required by applicable laws, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied herein will not be realized.

ABOUT SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and other specialty ingredients. Sensient uses advanced technologies and robust global supply chain capabilities to develop specialized solutions for food and beverages, as well as products that serve the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and personal care industries. Sensient’s customers range in size from small entrepreneurial businesses to major international manufacturers representing some of the world’s best-known brands. Sensient is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

www.sensient.com

Sensient Technologies Corporation

(In thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
             
Consolidated Statements of Earnings   Three Months Ended March 31,
             
     

2024

     

2023

   

% Change

             
Revenue  

$

384,670

   

$

369,006

   

4.2

%

             
Cost of products sold    

258,121

     

244,343

   

5.6

%

Selling and administrative expenses    

77,143

     

73,825

   

4.5

%

             
Operating income    

49,406

     

50,838

   

(2.8

%)

Interest expense    

7,045

     

6,002

     
             
Earnings before income taxes    

42,361

     

44,836

     
Income taxes    

11,421

     

11,185

     
             
Net earnings  

$

30,940

   

$

33,651

   

(8.1

%)

             
Earnings per share of common stock:            
Basic  

$

0.73

   

$

0.80

     
             
Diluted  

$

0.73

   

$

0.80

     
             
Average common shares outstanding:            
Basic    

42,104

     

41,970

     
             
Diluted    

42,305

     

42,255

     
             
             
             
Results by Segment   Three Months Ended March 31,
             

Revenue

   

2024

     

2023

   

% Change

             
Flavors & Extracts  

$

193,092

   

$

178,852

   

8.0

%

Color    

160,025

     

161,161

   

(0.7

%)

Asia Pacific    

40,306

     

40,085

   

0.6

%

Intersegment elimination    

(8,753

)

   

(11,092

)

   
             
Consolidated  

$

384,670

   

$

369,006

   

4.2

%

             
Operating Income            
             
Flavors & Extracts  

$

23,678

   

$

22,180

   

6.8

%

Color    

31,679

     

31,885

   

(0.6

%)

Asia Pacific    

8,776

     

9,241

   

(5.0

%)

Corporate & Other    

(14,727

)

   

(12,468

)

   
             
Consolidated  

$

49,406

   

$

50,838

   

(2.8

%)

Sensient Technologies Corporation

       
(In thousands)        
(Unaudited)        
         
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets  

March 31,

 

December 31,

     

2024

     

2023

 
         
Cash and cash equivalents  

$

25,417

   

$

28,934

 
Trade accounts receivable    

298,488

     

272,164

 
Inventories    

568,547

     

598,399

 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    

50,391

     

37,119

 
Total Current Assets    

942,843

     

936,616

 
         
Goodwill & intangible assets (net)    

432,247

     

436,177

 
Property, plant, and equipment (net)    

498,188

     

505,277

 
Other assets    

132,404

     

136,437

 
         
Total Assets  

$

2,005,682

   

$

2,014,507

 
         
Trade accounts payable  

$

104,834

   

$

131,114

 
Short-term borrowings    

19,439

     

13,460

 
Other current liabilities    

94,586

     

91,732

 
Total Current Liabilities    

218,859

     

236,306

 
         
Long-term debt    

643,511

     

645,085

 
Accrued employee and retiree benefits    

28,276

     

27,715

 
Other liabilities    

51,100

     

52,077

 
Shareholders' Equity    

1,063,936

     

1,053,324

 
         
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  

$

2,005,682

   

$

2,014,507

 

Sensient Technologies Corporation

       
(In thousands, except per share amounts)        
(Unaudited)        
         
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows        
Three Months Ended March 31,        
     

2024

     

2023

 
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net earnings  

$

30,940

   

$

33,651

 
Adjustments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization    

14,709

     

14,150

 
Share-based compensation expense    

1,995

     

2,267

 
Net loss (gain) on assets    

(193

)

   

8

 
Portfolio Optimization Plan costs    

1,189

     

-

 
Deferred income taxes    

(4

)

   

(2,351

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Trade accounts receivable    

(28,331

)

   

(7,142

)

Inventories    

26,624

     

(4,374

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets    

(13,655

)

   

(2,062

)

Trade accounts payable and other accrued expenses    

(21,993

)

   

(19,251

)

Accrued salaries, wages, and withholdings    

29

     

(21,187

)

Income taxes    

3,150

     

2,548

 
Other liabilities    

674

     

698

 
         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities    

15,134

     

(3,045

)

         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment    

(11,030

)

   

(22,278

)

Proceeds from sale of assets    

93

     

1

 
Other investing activities    

(1

)

   

(602

)

         
Net cash used in investing activities    

(10,938

)

   

(22,879

)

         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from additional borrowings    

38,053

     

50,827

 
Debt payments    

(27,031

)

   

(1,351

)

Dividends paid    

(17,312

)

   

(17,255

)

Other financing activities    

(2,828

)

   

(7,669

)

         
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities    

(9,118

)

   

24,552

 
         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents    

1,405

     

4,468

 
         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents    

(3,517

)

   

3,096

 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period    

28,934

     

20,921

 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  

$

25,417

   

$

24,017

 
         
         
Supplemental Information        
Three Months Ended March 31,    

2024

     

2023

 
         
Dividends paid per share  

$

0.41

   

$

0.41

 

Sensient Technologies Corporation

(In thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
             
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Amounts
             
The Company's results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 include adjusted operating income, adjusted net earnings, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which, in each case, exclude Portfolio Optimization Plan costs.
 
 
   

Three Months Ended March 31,

     

2024

     

2023

   

% Change

Operating income (GAAP)  

$

49,406

   

$

50,838

   

(2.8

%)

Portfolio Optimization Plan costs – Cost of products sold    

107

     

-

     
Portfolio Optimization Plan costs – Selling and administrative expenses    

2,705

     

-

     
Adjusted operating income  

$

52,218

   

$

50,838

   

2.7

%

             
Net earnings (GAAP)  

$

30,940

   

$

33,651

   

(8.1

%)

Portfolio Optimization Plan costs, before tax    

2,812

     

-

     
Tax impact of Portfolio Optimization Plan costs(1)    

(355

)

   

-

     
Adjusted net earnings  

$

33,397

   

$

33,651

   

(0.8

%)

             
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)  

$

0.73

   

$

0.80

   

(8.8

%)

Portfolio Optimization Plan costs, net of tax    

0.06

     

-

     
Adjusted diluted earnings per share  

$

0.79

   

$

0.80

   

(1.3

%)

Note: Earnings per share calculations may not foot due to rounding differences.
 
(1) Tax impact adjustments were determined based on the nature of the underlying non-GAAP adjustments and their relevant jurisdictional tax rates.
     
Results by Segment  

Three Months Ended March 31,

           

Adjusted

         

Adjusted

Operating Income    

2024

   

Adjustments(2)

   

2024

     

2023

   

Adjustments(2)

   

2023

 
                         
Flavors & Extracts  

$

23,678

   

$

-

   

$

23,678

   

$

22,180

   

$

-

   

$

22,180

 
Color    

31,679

     

-

     

31,679

     

31,885

     

-

     

31,885

 
Asia Pacific    

8,776

     

-

     

8,776

     

9,241

     

-

     

9,241

 
Corporate & Other    

(14,727

)

   

2,812

     

(11,915

)

   

(12,468

)

   

-

     

(12,468

)

                         
Consolidated  

$

49,406

   

$

2,812

   

$

52,218

   

$

50,838

   

$

-

   

$

50,838

 
(2) Adjustments consist of Portfolio Optimization Plan costs.

The following table summarizes the percentage change in the 2024 results compared to the 2023 results for the corresponding periods.

                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenue   Total  

Foreign

Exchange

Rates

 

Adjustments(3)

 

Adjusted

Local

Currency

Flavors & Extracts  

8.0

%

 

1.1

%

 

N/A

   

6.9

%

Color  

(0.7

%)

 

1.0

%

 

N/A

   

(1.7

%)

Asia Pacific  

0.6

%

 

(3.5

%)

 

N/A

   

4.1

%

Total Revenue  

4.2

%

 

0.4

%

 

N/A

   

3.8

%

                 
Operating Income                
Flavors & Extracts  

6.8

%

 

0.5

%

 

0.0

%

 

6.3

%

Color  

(0.6

%)

 

1.2

%

 

0.0

%

 

(1.8

%)

Asia Pacific  

(5.0

%)

 

(4.4

%)

 

0.0

%

 

(0.6

%)

Corporate & Other  

18.1

%

 

0.0

%

 

22.5

%

 

(4.4

%)

Total Operating Income  

(2.8

%)

 

0.2

%

 

(5.6

%)

 

2.6

%

Diluted Earnings Per Share  

(8.8

%)

 

0.0

%

 

(7.5

%)

 

(1.3

%)

Adjusted EBITDA  

2.5

%

 

0.3

%

 

N/A

   

2.2

%

(3) Adjustments consist of Portfolio Optimization Plan costs.

Sensient Technologies Corporation

(In thousands, except percentages)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Amounts - Continued
The following table summarizes the reconciliation between Operating Income (GAAP) and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
             
   

Three Months Ended March 31,

             
     

2024

     

2023

   

% Change

Operating income (GAAP)  

$

49,406

   

$

50,838

   

(2.8

%)

Depreciation and amortization    

14,709

     

14,150

     
Share-based compensation expense    

1,995

     

2,267

     
Portfolio Optimization Plan costs, before tax    

2,812

     

-

     
Adjusted EBITDA  

$

68,922

   

$

67,255

   

2.5

%

The following table summarizes the reconciliation between Debt (GAAP) and Net Debt, and Operating Income (GAAP) and Credit Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

         
   

March 31,

Debt    

2024

     

2023

 
Short-term borrowings  

$

19,439

   

$

24,849

 
Long-term debt    

643,511

     

679,779

 
Credit Agreement adjustments(1)    

(13,775

)

   

(11,525

)

Net Debt  

$

649,175

   

$

693,103

 
         
Operating income (GAAP)  

$

153,591

   

$

194,800

 
Depreciation and amortization    

58,379

     

53,561

 
Share-based compensation expense    

8,661

     

14,242

 
Portfolio Optimization Plan costs, before tax    

30,653

     

-

 
Other non-operating gains(2)    

(1,055

)

   

(3,359

)

Credit Adjusted EBITDA  

$

250,229

   

$

259,244

 
         
Net Debt to Credit Adjusted EBITDA   2.6x   2.7x
(1) Adjustments include cash and cash equivalents, as described in the Company's Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement), and certain letters of credit and hedge contracts.
(2) Adjustments consist of certain financing transaction costs, certain non-financing interest items, and gains and losses related to certain non-cash, non-operating, and/or non-recurring items as described in the Credit Agreement.

The following table summarizes the reconciliation between Diluted Earnings Per Share (GAAP) and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

   
Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
   

2023

 
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)

$

2.21

 
Portfolio Optimization Plan costs, net of tax  

0.65

 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

2.86

 

Note: Earnings per share calculations may not foot due to rounding differences.

 
We have included each of these non-GAAP measures in order to provide additional information regarding our underlying operating results and comparable period-over-period performance. Such information is supplemental to information presented in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation. Rather, they should be considered together with GAAP measures and the rest of the information included in this release and our SEC filings. Management internally reviews each of these non-GAAP measures to evaluate performance on a comparative period-to-period basis and to gain additional insight into underlying operating and performance trends, and we believe the information can be beneficial to investors for the same purposes. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Category: Earnings

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240425247743/en/

Contacts

Amy Agallar
(414) 347-3706
investor.relations@sensient.com

Source: Sensient Technologies Corporation

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