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 third quarter ended September 30, 2023.
Third Quarter Consolidated Results
Reported revenue increased 0.8% to $363.8 million versus last year's results of $361.1 million. On a local currency basis(1), revenue decreased 2.0%.
Reported operating income declined 6.2% to $44.5 million compared to $47.5 million recorded in the third quarter of 2022. On a local currency basis(1), operating income decreased 9.8%. Local currency adjusted EBITDA(1) was down 7.1% in the third quarter, as a result of lower sales volumes.
Reported diluted earnings per share was 75 cents in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 85 cents in the third quarter of 2022, a decrease of 11.8%. Local currency EPS(1) decreased 15.3% in the third quarter as a result of lower sales volumes and higher interest expense.
'As expected, the destocking headwinds and market environment impacted the quarter. Our teams continue to focus on winning new business and providing high levels of service to our customers. Our underlying business remains strong. I expect our focus on customer service and sales execution will result in a return to improved revenue growth as market dynamics improve,' said Paul Manning, Sensient's Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.
Third Quarter Group Results
The Flavors & Extracts Group reported third quarter revenue of $191.0 million, an increase of $4.0 million versus the prior year's third quarter. The Group's revenue benefited from favorable pricing and exchange rates, partially offset by lower volumes, primarily due to customer destocking and market declines in certain product lines. Segment operating income was $23.1 million in the current quarter, a decrease of $3.3 million compared to the prior year's third quarter. The lower operating income was primarily due to the lower volumes and higher input costs, partially offset by favorable pricing and exchange rates.
The Color Group reported revenue of $145.0 million in the quarter, a decrease of $6.5 million compared to the prior year's third quarter. The Group's revenue was negatively impacted by lower volumes in both the food and pharmaceutical and personal care product lines, primarily due to customer destocking and market declines in certain product lines, partially offset by higher pricing and exchange rates. Segment operating income was $22.9 million in the quarter, a decrease of $5.3 million compared to the prior year's third quarter results. The lower operating income is primarily a result of the lower volumes and higher input costs, partially offset by favorable pricing and exchange rates.
The Asia Pacific Group reported revenue of $36.8 million, an increase of $1.6 million compared to the prior year's third quarter. The Group's revenue benefited from favorable pricing, partially offset by lower volumes. Segment operating income was $8.1 million in the quarter, an increase of $1.1 million compared to the prior year's third quarter. Operating income benefited from higher pricing, which was offset by lower volumes and higher input costs.
Corporate & Other reported operating expenses of $9.6 million in the current quarter, compared to $14 million of operating expenses reported in the prior year's third quarter, primarily due to lower performance-based compensation.
2023 OUTLOOK
Sensient now expects 2023 full year GAAP diluted earnings per share to be down low double digits compared to our 2022 reported GAAP diluted earnings per share of $3.34 and also on a local currency basis compared to our 2022 adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) of $3.29. The Company's previous 2023 full year GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance was for GAAP diluted earnings per share to be down high single digits compared to our 2022 reported GAAP diluted earnings per share and on a local currency basis compared to our 2022 adjusted diluted earnings per share(1).
The Company now expects 2023 revenue to grow at a low single-digit rate on a local currency basis compared to the Company's 2022 revenue. The Company's previous 2023 revenue guidance was for a mid-single-digit growth rate on a local currency basis compared to the Company's 2022 revenue. The Company continues to expect its 2023 adjusted EBITDA(1) to be down mid-single digits on a local currency basis compared to the Company's 2022 adjusted EBITDA(1).
The Company expects its 2023 diluted earnings per share to be impacted by higher interest rates and a higher tax rate. Based on current exchange rates, the Company expects foreign exchange rates to be modestly favorable for the full year.
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.
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, divestiture and other related costs and income, 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.
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.
Contact:
Amy Agallar
Tel: (414) 347-3706
Email: investor.relations@sensient.com
SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION 
