Sensient Reports Strong Rise in Q3 Earnings, Raises Full-Year Guidance

The Color Group and the Flavors & Fragrances Group each reported new third-quarter records for both revenue and operating income. Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, was $1.1 billion.

Oct 24 2011 --- Sensient Technologies Corporation reported diluted earnings per share of 64 cents for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, a third-quarter record and an increase of 12.3% over the 57 cents earned in last year's third quarter, excluding a two cent benefit from an insurance recovery. The reported results in the third quarter of 2010 were 59 cents. Consolidated revenue reached a new third-quarter high of $363.8 million, an increase of 6.7% over the $340.9 million reported in the third quarter of 2010. Foreign currency translation increased both revenue and operating income by approximately 4% in the quarter. The Color Group and the Flavors & Fragrances Group each reported new third-quarter records for both revenue and operating income.

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, was $1.1 billion, an increase of 10.3% over the $988.9 million reported in the first nine months of 2010. Diluted earnings per share increased 12.9% to $1.84 compared to $1.63, excluding the two cent benefit from the insurance recovery, reported for last year's nine month period. The reported earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, were $1.65 per share. Foreign currency translation also increased both revenue and operating income by approximately 4% in the year-to-date period.

Cash provided by operating activities was $39.7 million in the third quarter and $106.6 million for the first nine months of 2011. Total debt at September 30, 2011, was $322.1 million compared to $360.3 million as of September 30, 2010.

"Our businesses performed very well this quarter, and I am pleased with the record results," said Kenneth P. Manning, Chairman, President, and CEO of Sensient Technologies Corporation. "We continue to see opportunities for growth and we have built the infrastructure that will allow us to convert these opportunities into new business. I am very optimistic about the Company's future."

The Color Group reported revenue of $121.0 million in the third quarter of 2011, an increase of 6.8% over the $113.3 million reported in last year's third quarter. Operating income increased 14.2% to $22.9 million from $20.0 million in the third quarter of 2010. Favorable foreign currency translation increased revenue by 4.2% and operating income by 4.7%. The strong demand for natural colors continues to drive the Group's revenue and profit growth.

The Flavors & Fragrances Group third quarter revenue increased 6.7% to $221.2 million, from $207.2 million in the third quarter of 2010. Operating income for the third quarter was $33.6 million, a 4.5% increase over the $32.2 million reported in last year's third quarter. Foreign currency translation increased revenue and operating income by approximately 3% and 2%, respectively. Strong performances by the U.S. flavor businesses drove the revenue and operating income growth.

Corporate & Other, which includes the Company's operations in Asia Pacific and China, reported revenue of $34.4 million for the third quarter, an increase of 11.2% over the $31.0 million reported in the third quarter of 2010.

Sensient has increased its guidance for 2011 diluted earnings per share, which is now expected to be between $2.38 and $2.42. The Company's previous guidance had been between $2.32 and $2.37.