Sensient Technologies Corporation Reports Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2021

Rhea-AI Summary

Sensient Technologies Corporation (NYSE: SXT) reported a first-quarter revenue of $359.7 million, up from $350.7 million year-over-year. Operating income rose to $46.9 million from $34.6 million, with diluted EPS increasing to 75 cents compared to 49 cents last year. Currency translation contributed approximately 3% to revenue and 4% to earnings. The Flavors & Extracts segment saw a 7.7% revenue increase, while the Color segment declined by 5.4%. The company reaffirmed its 2021 guidance for diluted EPS growth.

Positive

• Revenue increased by 2.6% year-over-year.
• Operating income rose by 35.4%, reaching $46.9 million.
• Diluted earnings per share improved to 75 cents, a 53% increase.
• Flavors & Extracts segment revenue grew by 7.7%, indicating strong demand.

Negative

• Color segment revenue declined by 5.4%, primarily due to reduced demand in personal care.
• Higher operational costs from the divestiture and other related costs decreased net earnings by $3.1 million.

Sensient Technologies Corporation (NYSE: SXT) reported consolidated revenue of $359.7 million in this year’s first quarter compared to $350.7 million in last year’s first quarter. Reported operating income in the first quarter of 2021 was $46.9 million compared to $34.6 million in the first quarter of 2020. Reported diluted earnings per share was 75 cents in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 49 cents in the first quarter of 2020. Foreign currency translation increased revenue and earnings per share by approximately 3% and 4%, respectively, in the quarter.

The 2021 first quarter reported results include divestiture & other related costs and operational improvement plan costs, which in total decreased first quarter net earnings by $3.1 million ($0.07 per diluted share). The 2020 first quarter results include divestiture & other related costs which decreased net earnings by $10.9 million ($0.26 per diluted share). The 2021 and 2020 first quarter results also include the operations of the product lines divested or to be divested, which increased diluted earnings per share by $0.05 in the first quarter of 2021 and $0.03 in the first quarter of 2020. These adjustments are described in more detail under “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Amounts” at the end of this release.

BUSINESS REVIEW
		Reported
Revenue		Quarter
Flavors & Extracts		7.7%
Color		-5.4%
Asia Pacific		11.1%
Total Revenue		2.6%
		Adjusted
		Local Currency (1)
Revenue		Quarter
Flavors & Extracts		8.9%
Color		-1.9%
Asia Pacific		4.7%
Total Revenue		4.0%
(1) Adjusted local currency percentage changes are described in more detail in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Amounts" at the end of this release.

The Flavors & Extracts Group reported first quarter revenue of $200.9 million compared to $186.5 million reported in the comparable period last year, an increase of 7.7%. Adjusted local currency revenue increased 8.9% in the quarter. The higher revenue was the result of strong growth in all product categories. Segment operating income was $27.0 million in the current quarter compared to $20.9 million reported in the comparable period last year, an increase of 29.5%. Adjusted local currency operating income increased 21.2%. The Group’s higher profit was primarily a result of the higher volumes, product mix from strong flavor sales, and the favorable impact of the Group’s cost reduction initiatives. Foreign currency translation increased both segment revenue and operating income by approximately 2% in the quarter.

The Color Group reported revenue of $135.7 million in the quarter compared to $143.5 million in last year’s comparable period, a decrease of 5.4%. Adjusted local currency revenue decreased 1.9% in the quarter. The Group continued to experience growth in food and pharmaceutical colors; however, this growth was offset by lower volumes in the personal care business, primarily as a result of the continued lower demand for makeup due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Segment operating income was $26.6 million in the quarter compared to $29.7 million in last year’s comparable period, a decrease of 10.3%. Adjusted local currency operating income decreased 13.3% compared to prior year’s first quarter. The lower operating income is primarily a result of the lower volumes in personal care and unfavorable product mix in food & pharmaceutical colors. Foreign currency translation increased segment revenue and operating income by approximately 2% and 3%, respectively, in the quarter.

The Asia Pacific Group reported revenue of $33.8 million in the quarter compared to $30.4 million in last year’s comparable period, an increase of 11.1%. Adjusted local currency revenue increased 4.7% in the quarter. Segment operating income was $6.8 million in the quarter compared to $5.1 million in last year’s comparable quarter, an increase of 33.5%. Adjusted local currency operating income increased 31.4% in the quarter. The higher profit was primarily a result of the favorable volume growth combined with lower operating costs. Foreign currency translation increased segment revenue and operating income by approximately 6% and 1%, respectively, in the quarter.

Corporate & Other reported operating costs of $13.5 million in the current quarter compared to $21.0 million in last year’s comparable period, a decrease of 36.0%. The lower costs are primarily due to lower divestiture & other costs reported in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the amount recorded in the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted local currency operating expenses for Corporate & Other increased 18.5% in the quarter primarily due to higher performance based executive compensation.

In April 2021, the Company completed the divestiture of its Fragrances product line.

2021 OUTLOOK

Sensient is reconfirming its previously issued 2021 guidance for GAAP diluted earnings per share to grow at a mid to high single digit growth rate compared to the Company’s 2020 reported GAAP diluted earnings per share of $2.59. Our full year 2021 guidance includes approximately 30 cents per share of estimated divestiture & other related costs, the results of the operations to be divested, and the operational improvement plan costs.

The Company is also reconfirming its previously issued 2021 adjusted local currency revenue ⁽²⁾ to grow at a low to mid-single digit rate and adjusted local currency EBITDA ⁽²⁾ to grow at a mid-single digit rate. The Company also continues to expect, on a local currency basis, 2021 adjusted diluted earnings per share ⁽²⁾ to grow at a mid-single digit growth rate compared to the Company’s 2020 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.79.

The Company expects earnings per share reported on a U.S. dollar basis to benefit by approximately ten cents based on current exchange rates.

The Company’s guidance is based upon current trends, current tax law, and the effects of COVID-19 to date. The full impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remain uncertain and management will continue to monitor its impacts on our business.

(2)	See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Amounts” at the end of this release for more information.

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, non-cash share-based compensation, divestiture & other related costs, operational improvement plan costs, and the results of the operations divested or to be divested. 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 2021 first quarter financial results at 8:30 a.m. CDT on Friday, April 23, 2021. 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 April 30, 2021, by calling (877) 344-7529 and referring to conference identification number 10153329. 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 27, 2021.

This release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Federal securities laws including under “2021 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 impact and uncertainty created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including, but not limited to, its effects on our employees, facilities, customers, and suppliers, the availability and cost of raw materials and other supplies, the availability of logistics and transportation, governmental regulations and restrictions and general economic conditions; 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 operational improvement plan; the effectiveness of the Company’s past restructuring activities; changes in costs of raw materials, including energy; 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; 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, 2020, 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, cosmetic, 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,
		2021				2020				% Change
Revenue		$	359,702			$	350,677			2.6%
Cost of products sold			244,089				238,784			2.2%
Selling and administrative expenses			68,716				77,332			(11.1%)
Operating income			46,897				34,561			35.7%
Interest expense			3,433				4,307
Earnings before income taxes			43,464				30,254
Income taxes			11,796				9,481
Net earnings		$	31,668			$	20,773			52.4%
Earnings per share of common stock:
Basic		$	0.75			$	0.49
Diluted		$	0.75			$	0.49
Average common shares outstanding:
Basic			42,263				42,284
Diluted			42,389				42,307
Results by Segment		Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenue		2021				2020				% Change
Flavors & Extracts		$	200,911			$	186,498			7.7%
Color			135,720				143,495			(5.4%)
Asia Pacific			33,840				30,449			11.1%
Intersegment elimination			(10,769	)			(9,765	)
Consolidated		$	359,702			$	350,677			2.6%
Operating Income
Flavors & Extracts		$	27,018			$	20,871			29.5%
Color			26,594				29,664			(10.3%)
Asia Pacific			6,752				5,059			33.5%
Corporate & Other			(13,467	)			(21,033	)
Consolidated		$	46,897			$	34,561			35.7%

Sensient Technologies Corporation
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets		March 31,			December 31,
		2021			2020
Cash and cash equivalents		$	28,000		$	24,770
Trade accounts receivable			257,289			234,132
Inventories			350,294			381,346
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			51,978			48,578
Assets held for sale			49,597			52,760
Total Current Assets			737,158			741,586
Goodwill & intangible assets (net)			427,453			434,220
Property, plant, and equipment (net)			442,080			445,493
Other assets			114,318			119,561
Total Assets		$	1,721,009		$	1,740,860
Trade accounts payable		$	101,225		$	107,324
Short-term borrowings			6,057			9,247
Other current liabilities			76,138			82,045
Liabilities held for sale			15,353			17,339
Total Current Liabilities			198,773			215,955
Long-term debt			524,244			518,004
Accrued employee and retiree benefits			29,198			28,941
Other liabilities			43,148			43,624
Shareholders' Equity			925,646			934,336
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity		$	1,721,009		$	1,740,860

Sensient Technologies Corporation
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31,
		2021				2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings		$	31,668			$	20,773
Adjustments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			12,799				12,404
Share-based compensation expense			2,113				1,177
Net loss on assets			161				14
Loss on divestitures and other charges			1,238				10,558
Deferred income taxes			4,257				4,077
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable			(27,237	)			(41,684	)
Inventories			27,621				29,058
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(13,239	)			(6,048	)
Trade accounts payable and other accrued expenses			(6,242	)			2,773
Accrued salaries, wages, and withholdings			(10,872	)			1,611
Income taxes			5,742				1,662
Other liabilities			955				553
Net cash provided by operating activities			28,964				36,928
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment			(14,244	)			(9,411	)
Proceeds from sale of assets			69				6
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses			4,059				-
Other investing activities			286				4,505
Net cash used in investing activities			(9,830	)			(4,900	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from additional borrowings			21,530				9,669
Debt payments			(8,999	)			(11,104	)
Purchase of treasury stock			(11,665	)			-
Dividends paid			(16,535	)			(16,500	)
Other financing activities			(228	)			(249	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(15,897	)			(18,184	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			(7	)			(11,912	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			3,230				1,932
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			24,770				21,153
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	28,000			$	23,085
Supplemental Information
Three Months Ended March 31,		2021				2020
Dividends paid per share		$	0.39			$	0.39

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, 2021 and 2020 include adjusted revenue, adjusted operating income, adjusted net earnings, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which exclude divestiture & other related costs, operational improvement plan costs, and the results of operations divested or to be divested.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2021				2020				% Change
Revenue (GAAP)		$	359,702			$	350,677			2.6%
Revenue of the product lines divested or to be divested			(25,570	)			(36,585	)
Adjusted revenue		$	334,132			$	314,092			6.4%
Operating income (GAAP)		$	46,897			$	34,561			35.7%
Divestiture & other related costs – Cost of products sold			25				190
Divestiture & other related costs – Selling and administrative expenses			1,547				11,653
Operating income of the product lines divested or to be divested			(2,927	)			(1,385	)
Operational improvement plan - Selling and administrative expenses			1,001				-
Adjusted operating income		$	46,543			$	45,019			3.4%
Net earnings (GAAP)		$	31,668			$	20,773			52.4%
Divestiture & other related costs, before tax			1,572				11,843
Tax impact of divestiture & other related costs			793				(934	)
Net earnings of the product lines divested or to be divested, before tax			(2,927	)			(1,385	)
Tax impact of the product lines divested or to be divested			723				297
Operational improvement plan costs, before tax			1,001				-
Tax impact of operational improvement plan			(296	)			-
Adjusted net earnings		$	32,534			$	30,594			6.3%
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)		$	0.75			$	0.49			53.1%
Divestiture & other related costs, net of tax			0.06				0.26
Results of operations of the product lines divested or to be divested,
net of tax			(0.05	)			(0.03	)
Operational improvement plan costs, net of tax			0.02				-
Adjusted diluted earnings per share		$	0.77			$	0.72			6.9%
Note: Earnings per share calculations may not foot due to rounding differences.
Results by Segment		Three Months Ended March 31,
										Adjusted												Adjusted
Revenue		2021				Adjustments (1)				2021				2020				Adjustments (1)				2020
Flavors & Extracts		$	200,911			$	(24,889	)		$	176,022			$	186,498			$	(27,445	)		$	159,053
Color			135,720				(536	)			135,184				143,495				(9,072	)			134,423
Asia Pacific			33,840				(295	)			33,545				30,449				(121	)			30,328
Intersegment elimination			(10,769	)			150				(10,619	)			(9,765	)			53				(9,712	)
Consolidated		$	359,702			$	(25,570	)		$	334,132			$	350,677			$	(36,585	)		$	314,092
Operating Income
Flavors & Extracts		$	27,018			$	(2,880	)		$	24,138			$	20,871			$	(1,218	)		$	19,653
Color			26,594				40				26,634				29,664				(133	)			29,531
Asia Pacific			6,752				(87	)			6,665				5,059				(34	)			5,025
Corporate & Other

FAQ

What were Sensient Technologies' Q1 2021 earnings per share (EPS)?

Sensient Technologies reported diluted EPS of 75 cents for Q1 2021.

How much did Sensient Technologies earn in revenue for Q1 2021?

Sensient Technologies reported revenue of $359.7 million for Q1 2021.

What was the operating income reported by Sensient Technologies for Q1 2021?

The operating income for Sensient Technologies in Q1 2021 was $46.9 million.

How did foreign currency affect Sensient Technologies' Q1 2021 results?

Foreign currency translation positively impacted revenue and earnings per share by approximately 3% and 4%, respectively.

What is the 2021 outlook for Sensient Technologies?

Sensient Technologies reconfirmed its guidance for mid to high single-digit growth in GAAP diluted EPS and low to mid-single-digit growth in adjusted local currency revenue.