UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2006

o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                to

SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin		39-0561070
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer Identification
incorporation or organization)		Number)

777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5304
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:      (414) 271-6755

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. Yes þ      No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

     Large accelerated filer þ           Accelerated filer o          Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

     Yes o      No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class		Outstanding at April 28, 2006
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share		46,346,697 shares

 

 

SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
INDEX

		Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings - Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.		1
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets - March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.		2
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.		3
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.		4
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.		11
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.		13
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.		13
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION:
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.		14
Item 1A. Risk Factors.		15
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		15
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders		16
Item 6. Exhibits.		16
Signatures.		17
Exhibit Index.		18
Amended and Restated By-Laws
Certification
Certification

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2006				2005
Revenue		$	262,924			$	250,877
Cost of products sold			183,485				176,185
Selling and administrative expenses			48,664				49,814
Operating income			30,775				24,878
Interest expense			8,708				8,724
Earnings before income taxes			22,067				16,154
Income taxes			6,449				3,323
Net earnings		$	15,618			$	12,831
Average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic			45,805				46,735
Diluted			45,972				47,167
Earnings per common share:
Basic		$	.34			$	.27
Diluted		$	.34			$	.27
Dividends per common share		$	.15			$	.15

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

		March 31,
		2006				December 31,
		(Unaudited)				2005 *
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,852			$	7,068
Trade accounts receivable, net			173,765				163,724
Inventories			304,827				313,513
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			36,526				36,039
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS			517,970				520,344
OTHER ASSETS			60,754				63,384
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET			14,665				14,964
GOODWILL			423,113				420,201
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Land			34,559				33,351
Buildings			233,749				232,301
Machinery and equipment			534,032				532,852
Construction in progress			18,051				13,779
			820,391				812,283
Less accumulated depreciation			(448,744	)			(437,060	)
			371,647				375,223
TOTAL ASSETS		$	1,388,149			$	1,394,116
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Trade accounts payable		$	73,091			$	77,080
Accrued salaries, wages and withholdings from employees			13,454				15,249
Other accrued expenses			52,370				53,432
Income taxes			18,502				21,610
Short-term borrowings			56,229				63,218
Current maturities of long-term debt			209,406				207,341
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES			423,052				437,930
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES			4,815				4,881
OTHER LIABILITIES			4,280				3,974
ACCRUED EMPLOYEE AND RETIREE BENEFITS			43,038				41,980
LONG-TERM DEBT			280,726				283,123
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock			5,396				5,396
Additional paid-in capital			66,856				71,582
Earnings reinvested in the business			745,213				736,544
Treasury stock, at cost			(155,423	)			(152,727	)
Nonvested stock			—				(5,965	)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			(29,804	)			(32,602	)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY			632,238				622,228
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	1,388,149			$	1,394,116

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2006				2005
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	20,782			$	20,285
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment			(4,383	)			(6,500	)
Proceeds from sale of assets			64				—
Decrease in other assets			512				184
Net cash used in investing activities			(3,807	)			(6,316	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from additional borrowings			22,624				18,767
Debt and capital lease payments			(32,455	)			(24,110	)
Purchase of treasury stock			(4,563	)			—
Dividends paid			(6,949	)			(7,063	)
Proceeds from options exercised			—				891
Net cash used in financing activities			(21,343	)			(11,515	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			152				(119	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(4,216	)			2,335
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			7,068				2,243
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	2,852			$	4,578

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.		Accounting Policies
		In the opinion of Sensient Technologies Corporation (the “Company”), the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of Company management, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
		The preparation of financials statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
		Expenses are charged to operations in the year incurred. However, for interim reporting purposes, certain expenses are charged to operations based on a proportionate share of estimated annual amounts rather than as they are actually incurred.
		Certain amounts as previously presented have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The effect of these reclassifications is not material to the condensed financial statements.
		Refer to the notes in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005, for additional details of the Company’s financial condition and a description of the Company’s accounting policies.
2.		Stock-Based Compensation
		The Company has various stock option plans under which employees and directors may be granted options to purchase common stock at 100% of the market price on the day the options are granted. As of March 31, 2006, there are 1.4 million shares available to be granted as future stock options under existing stock plans. Stock options become exercisable over a three-year vesting period or upon retirement and expire 10 years from the date of grant.
		Awarded shares of nonvested stock become freely transferable at the earlier of five years from the date of grant or upon retirement after the participant attains age 65. During the period of restriction, the holder of restricted stock has voting rights and is entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock.
		The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” on January 1, 2006. SFAS No. 123(R) requires stock-based compensation to be expensed over the vesting period of the awards based on the grant-date fair value. The Company elected to adopt using the modified prospective transition method which does not result in the restatement of previously issued financial statements. The provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) apply to all awards granted or modified after the date of adoption. In addition, compensation expense must be recognized for any unvested stock option awards outstanding as of the date of adoption.
		Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Accordingly, no compensation expense had been recognized for stock options because all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the grant date.
		The Company estimated the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value of awards granted during the first quarter ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, are as follows:

		2006				2005
Dividend yield			3.3	%			2.8	%
Volatility			27.4	%			29.2	%
Risk-free interest rate			4.8	%			4.2	%
Expected term (years)			5.2				5.1

Total pre-tax stock-based compensation recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings was $1.3 million and $0.4 million for the first quarter ending March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005, respectively. Tax related benefits of $0.4 million and $0.2 million were also recognized for the first quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively. Amounts recorded in 2005 primarily represent expenses related to nonvested stock awards because no expense was recognized for stock options. There were no option exercises during the first quarter of 2006. Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2005 and is reflected in cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows.

As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, the Company’s earnings before income taxes and net earnings for the period ended March 31, 2006, are $0.5 million and $0.3 million lower, respectively, than if the Company had continued to account for stock-based compensation under APB No. 25. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the period ended March 31, 2006, both would have been $.35, if the Company had not adopted SFAS No. 123(R).

The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net earnings and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) to stock-based employee compensation for the quarter ended March 31, 2005:

		Three Months
		Ended
(in thousands except per share information)		March 31, 2005
Net earnings, as reported		$	12,831
Add: reported stock compensation expense – net of tax			242
Less: fair value stock compensation expense – net of tax			(1,588	)
Pro forma net earnings		$	11,485
Earnings per share:
Basic as reported		$	.27
Basic pro forma		$	.25
Diluted as reported		$	.27
Diluted pro forma		$	.24

The pro forma expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005, included $1.0 million after-tax compensation expense related to accelerated amortization for retirement eligible participants, as the Company’s stock compensation plans provide for full vesting of awards at retirement. Beginning in the first quarter of 2005, stock compensation expense for retirement eligible participants was reported in pro forma net earnings over the lesser of three years or until the participant achieves early retirement age. Previously, this expense was recognized over the vesting period, which was three years.

The following table summarizes the transactions of the stock option plans for the quarter ended
March 31, 2006:

						Weighted-				Weighted-
						Average				Average				Aggregate
						Exercise				Remaining				Intrinsic
(In thousands except exercise price and life)		Options				Price				Life				Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2006			3,231			$	20.62				5.8			$	376
Granted			89				19.03
Exercised			—				—
Cancelled			(109	)			20.45
Outstanding at March 31, 2006			3,211			$	20.58				5.8			$	410
Exercisable at March 31, 2006			2,532			$	20.61				4.9			$	410

		The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the first quarter ended March 31, 2005, was $88,000. There were no stock options exercised during the first quarter ended March 31, 2006.
		As of March 31, 2006, total remaining unearned compensation related to unvested stock options was $1.4 million, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining service period of 2.1 years.
		The Company had 456,100 shares of nonvested stock outstanding at January 1, 2006 and March 31, 2006. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of these shares was $20.26 per share. The fair value of the nonvested shares at the date of grant is amortized over the vesting period but not exceeding age 65 of the participant. As of March 31, 2006, total remaining unearned compensation related to nonvested stock was $5.2 million, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining service period of 2.3 years.
		SFAS No. 123(R) requires the cash flows from the excess tax benefits the Company realizes on the exercise of stock options to be presented as cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows. Previously, the entire tax benefit related to the exercise of stock options was reported as cash flows from operating activities. The prior year statement of cash flows has not been restated. The tax benefits on the exercise of stock options for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, presented as cash flows from operating activities, were not material.
3.		Segment Information
		Operating results and the related assets by segment for the periods and at the dates presented are as follows:

		Flavors &								Corporate
(In thousands)		Fragrances				Color				& Other				Consolidated
Three months ended March 31, 2006:
Revenues from external customers		$	167,483			$	85,797			$	9,644			$	262,924
Intersegment revenues			3,031				3,359				360				6,750
Total revenue		$	170,514			$	89,156			$	10,004			$	269,674
Operating income (loss)		$	22,893			$	15,845			$	(7,963	)		$	30,775
Interest expense			—				—				8,708				8,708
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		$	22,893			$	15,845			$	(16,671	)		$	22,067
Three months ended March 31, 2005:
Revenues from external customers		$	155,000			$	85,856			$	10,021			$	250,877
Intersegment revenues			3,385				4,204				520				8,109
Total revenue		$	158,385			$	90,060			$	10,541			$	258,986
Operating income (loss)		$	20,539			$	14,764			$	(10,425	)		$	24,878
Interest expense			—				—				8,724				8,724
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		$	20,539			$	14,764			$	(19,149	)		$	16,154

4.		Inventories
		At March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, inventories included finished and in-process products totaling $224.7 million and $234.1 million, respectively, and raw materials and supplies of $80.1 million and $79.4 million, respectively.
5.		Restructuring Charges
		In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company announced a cost reduction plan intended to improve profitability and mitigate the impact of higher costs within its businesses. The plan also addressed the need to close facilities and reduce headcount. The Company recorded restructuring and other charges of $12.8 million ($9.8 million after tax, or $0.21 per share) primarily related to the cost reduction plan. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, approximately $3.8 million of payments, primarily for severance,

		have been applied to the restructuring and other charges reserve. The majority of the remaining payments are anticipated to be made later in 2006.
		A rollforward of the restructuring and other charges reserve is included below:

(In thousands)
December 31, 2005		$	5,639
Amounts paid			(3,823	)
March 31, 2006		$	1,816

6.		Retirement Plans
		The Company’s components of annual benefit cost for the defined benefit plans for the periods presented are as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
(In thousands)		2006				2005
Service cost		$	277			$	263
Interest cost			579				446
Expected return on plan assets			(199	)			(83	)
Amortization of prior service cost			320				320
Amortization of actuarial (gain)/loss			84				24
Settlement expense			—				15
Defined benefit expense		$	1,061			$	985

		During the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company made contributions to its defined benefit pension plans of $0.6 million. Total contributions to Company defined benefit pension plans are expected to be $2.2 million in 2006.
7.		Shareholders’ Equity
		During the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company repurchased 200,949 shares of common stock for an aggregate price of $3.6 million. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2005.
		Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of the following:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)		2006				2005
Net earnings		$	15,618			$	12,831
Currency translation adjustments			2,930				(15,434	)
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges			(133	)			1,012
Net comprehensive income (loss)		$	18,415			$	(1,591	)

8.		Cash Flows from Operating Activities
		Cash flows from operating activities are detailed below:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)		2006				2005
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings		$	15,618			$	12,831
Adjustments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			10,973				11,642
Stock-based compensation			1,336				369
Changes in operating assets and liabilities			(7,145	)			(4,557	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	20,782			$	20,285

9.		Commitments and Contingencies
		Guarantees
		In connection with the sale of substantially all of the Company’s Yeast business on February 23, 2001, the Company provided the buyer with indemnification against certain potential liabilities as is customary in transactions of this nature. The period provided for indemnification against most types of claims has now expired, but for specific types of claims, including but not limited to tax and environmental liabilities, the amount of time provided for indemnification is either five years or the applicable statute of limitations. The maximum amount of the Company’s liability related to certain of these provisions is capped at approximately 35% of the consideration received in the transaction. Liability related to certain matters, including claims relating to pre-closing environmental liabilities, is not capped. In cases where the Company believes it is probable that payments will be required under these provisions and the amounts can be estimated, the Company has recognized a liability.
		Environmental Matters
		The Company is involved in two significant environmental cases, which are described below. The Company is also involved in other site closures and related environmental remediation and compliance activities at manufacturing sites primarily related to a 2001 acquisition for which reserves for environmental matters were established as of the date of purchase. Actions that are legally required or necessary to prepare the sites for sale are currently being performed.
		Clean Air Act NOV
		On June 24, 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) issued a Notice of Violation/Finding of Violation (“NOV”) to Lesaffre Yeast Corporation (“Lesaffre”) for alleged violations of the Wisconsin air emission requirements. The NOV generally alleges that Lesaffre’s Milwaukee, Wisconsin facility violated air emissions limits for volatile organic compounds during certain periods from 1999 through 2003. Some of these violations allegedly occurred before Lesaffre purchased Red Star Yeast & Products (“Red Star Yeast”) from the Company.
		On June 30, 2005, the EPA issued a second NOV to Lasaffre and Sensient which alleged that certain operational changes were made during Sensient’s ownership of the Milwaukee facility without complying with new-source review procedures and without the required air pollution control permit. While the Company’s evaluation is continuing, there appear to be significant legal defenses available to the Company in connection with the alleged violations.
		The Company has met with the EPA in an attempt to resolve the NOVs. In September 2005, as follow-up to one of those meetings, the Company submitted information to refute the allegations of the June 30, 2005 NOV and requested that the NOV be withdrawn. The Company is awaiting the EPA’s response to that submission.
		In connection with the sale of Red Star Yeast, the Company provided Lesaffre and certain of its affiliates with indemnification against environmental claims attributable to the operation, activities or ownership of Red Star Yeast prior to February 23, 2001, the closing date of the sale. The Company has not received a claim for indemnity from Lesaffre with respect to this matter. In December 2005, Lesaffre closed the Milwaukee plant. The Company informed the EPA of this development.

Superfund Claim

On July 6, 2004, the EPA notified the Company’s Sensient Colors Inc. subsidiary that it may be a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) for activities at the General Color Company Superfund Site in Camden, New Jersey. The EPA requested reimbursement of $10.9 million in clean-up costs, plus interest. Sensient Colors Inc. advised the EPA that this site had been expressly excluded from the Company’s 1988 stock purchase of H. Kohnstamm & Company, Inc. (now Sensient Colors Inc.). The selling shareholders had retained ownership of and liability for the site, and some became owners of General Color Company, which continued to operate there until the mid-1990s. The Company’s legal defense costs are being paid by an insurer with a reservation of coverage rights. Litigation to resolve coverage rights is pending. The Company continues to assess the existence and solvency of other PRPs, additional insurance coverage, the nature of the alleged contamination, and the extent to which the EPA’s activities satisfy the requirements for reimbursement under CERCLA, as well as the legal sufficiency of excluding this site from the 1988 transaction. In a letter to the EPA dated January 31, 2005, the Company outlined legal challenges to the recoverability of certain costs and urged the EPA to pursue General Color Company and related parties. The EPA subsequently informed the Company that it is unwilling to discuss these legal challenges without prior conditions and may refer this matter to the Department of Justice, which would evaluate the referral for potential civil litigation under applicable environmental laws.

As of March 31, 2006, the liabilities related to environmental remediation obligations could range from $1.4 million to $15.8 million. As of March 31, 2006, the Company has accrued $2.5 million for environmental matters, of which $2.1 million is related to the environmental reserves established in connection with the 2001 acquisition discussed above. This accrual represents management’s best estimate of these liabilities. Although costs could be significantly higher, it is the opinion of Company management that the probability that costs in excess of those accrued will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements is remote. There can be no assurance, however, that additional environmental matters will not arise in the future. The Company has not recorded any potential recoveries related to these matters, as receipts are not yet assured.

Litigation

There are three significant commercial cases pending against the Company, which are disclosed below.

Remmes v. Sensient Flavors Inc. et al.

In June 2004, the Company and certain other flavor manufacturers were sued in Iowa state court by Kevin Remmes, who alleged that while working at American Popcorn Company of Sioux City, Iowa, he was exposed to butter flavoring vapors that caused injury to his lungs and respiratory system. The Company, among others, sold butter flavoring used in the manufacture of microwave popcorn to American Popcorn Company. The suit was removed to Federal District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Western Division. The Company believes that plaintiff’s claims are without merit and is vigorously defending this case. A trial date has been set in March 2007. One of the Company’s insurers has acknowledged coverage and is paying defense costs since the deductible has been exceeded.

Fults et al. v. Sensient Flavors Inc. et al.

In August 2005, the Company and certain other flavoring manufacturers were sued in the City of St. Louis, Missouri, Circuit Court by Elizabeth Fults (as administrator for the Estate of Dixie Asbury), Nancy Lee Dudley and Jill Roth, all of whom allege that they suffered damage as a result of work-related exposure to butter flavoring vapors at the Gilster-Mary Lee microwave popcorn plant in McBride, Missouri. At present, it is unclear whether and to what extent the Company ever sold butter flavoring products to this facility. The Company intends to file a motion to dismiss and will vigorously defend its interests in this case. A trial date has been set in this matter for May 2007.

Kuiper et al. v. Sensient Flavors Inc. et al.

In late January 2006, the Company and certain other flavor manufacturers were sued in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Western Division, by Ronald Kuiper and his spouse, Conley Kuiper. Mr. Kuiper claims that while working at American Popcorn Company of Sioux City, Iowa, he was exposed to butter flavoring vapors that caused injury to his lungs and respiratory system. Ms. Kuiper’s claim is for loss of consortium. The allegations of this Complaint are virtually identical to those contained in the Remmes Complaint. Plaintiffs’ counsel

moved to consolidate the Kuiper case with the Remmes case for discovery purposes; the Court denied the motion on procedural grounds. The Company believes that plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and is vigorously defending this case. A trial date has not yet been set in this matter.

The Company is involved in various other claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the judgment of management, which relies in part on information from Company counsel, the ultimate resolution of these actions will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements of the Company except as described above.

ITEM 2.		MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, increased 4.8% to $262.9 million from $250.9 million for the comparable quarter in 2005. Revenue for the Flavors & Fragrances segment increased 7.7% for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, over the comparable period last year. Revenue for the Color segment decreased 1.0% for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, over the comparable period last year. Revenue for Asia Pacific decreased 5.1% for the quarter. Additional information on group results can be found in the Segment Information section.

The gross profit margin increased 40 basis points to 30.2% for the first quarter of 2006 from 29.8% for the comparable period in 2005. Improved pricing and product mix increased gross profit margin by approximately 240 basis points. These increases were partially offset by higher raw material and energy costs.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue were 18.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, versus 19.9% for the 2005 comparable period. The first quarter of 2005 included a $4.5 million expense related to an arbitration order in the matter of Kraft Foods North America, Inc. v. Sensient Colors Inc. This reduction was partially offset by an increase in accruals for performance-based incentives and stock-based compensation. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) in the first quarter of 2006 which resulted in additional expense of approximately $0.5 million.

Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, was $30.8 million compared to $24.9 million for the comparable period in 2005. The improvement was due to the revenue, margin and expense changes discussed above.

Unfavorable foreign exchange rates decreased revenue and operating income by approximately 1.9% and 0.6%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2006, over the comparable period in the prior year.

Interest expense was $8.7 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. A reduction in interest expense due to lower average debt balances was offset by higher average rates.

The effective income tax rate was 29.2% and 20.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2006, was reduced by the settlement of prior years’ tax liabilities. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2005, was reduced by the revaluation of deferred tax liabilities in connection with a rate reduction in a foreign country and finalization of prior year income tax returns. The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 31% for the remainder of 2006, prior to the recording of any discrete items, which will be reported separately in the quarter in which they occur.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Flavors & Fragrances –

Revenue for the Flavors & Fragrances segment increased 7.7% to $170.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to $158.4 million for the same period last year. The increase in revenue is primarily due to higher sales of dehydrated flavors ($7.5 million), traditional flavors in North America ($3.8 million) and fragrances ($2.0 million). These items were partially offset by the impact of unfavorable exchange rates ($2.7 million).

Operating income in the quarter ended March 31, 2006, increased 11.5% to $22.9 million from $20.5 million last year. The increase in operating income is primarily due to higher profit in dehydrated flavors ($1.6 million), traditional flavors in North America ($0.5 million) and the impact of exchange rates ($0.3 million). Higher profit in dehydrated flavors was primarily due to improved pricing partially offset by higher raw material and energy costs. The increase in profit for traditional flavors in North America primarily related to higher sales and favorable product mix. Operating income as a percent of revenue was 13.4%, an increase of 40 basis points from the comparable quarter last year.

Color –

For the three months ended March 31, 2006, revenue for the Color segment was $89.2 million compared to $90.1 million in the prior year. The decrease primarily resulted from the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange rates ($2.1 million) and lower sales of technical colors ($1.2 million) partially offset by increased sales of cosmetic colors ($1.7 million) and food and beverage colors in Europe ($1.0 million). The decrease in sales of technical colors primarily related to lower demand for aftermarket inks and paper dyes.

Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, was $15.8 million, an increase of 7.3% from $14.8 million in the comparable period last year. The increase was primarily attributable to higher profit related to sales of food and beverage colors ($1.5 million) and cosmetic colors ($1.0 million) partially offset by lower profits from sales of technical colors ($1.1 million) and the impact of unfavorable exchange rates ($0.4 million). The improved profit in the food and beverage business relates to benefits from the 2005 restructuring program, favorable volume and favorable product mix. The improved profit in the cosmetic colors business was primarily attributable to higher volume. The lower profit in the technical colors business was primarily due to lower volume. Operating income as a percent of revenue was 17.8%, an increase of 140 basis points from the comparable quarter last year, primarily due to the reasons provided above.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The Company’s ratio of debt to total capital improved to 46.4% as of March 31, 2006, from 47.1% as of December 31, 2005. The improvement resulted primarily from a $7.3 million reduction in debt levels since December 31, 2005.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $20.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to $20.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. The increase in earnings was offset by an unfavorable comparison on the changes in working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities was $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, compared to $6.3 million in the comparable period last year. Capital expenditures were $4.4 million and $6.5 million in the first quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Net cash used in financing activities was $21.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to $11.5 million in the comparable period last year. During the first quarters of 2006 and 2005, net cash provided by operating activities was sufficient to fund capital expenditures, pay dividends, purchase treasury shares and reduce borrowings. Net repayments of debt were $9.8 million and $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Dividends of $6.9 million and $7.1 million were paid during the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The Company purchased 200,949 shares of Company stock during the three months ended March 31, 2006, at a total cost of $3.6 million. The Company did not purchase any shares of Company stock during the three months ended March 31, 2005. In 2001, the Company approved a share repurchase program under which it is authorized to repurchase up to 5.0 million             shares of Company stock. As of March 31, 2006, 3.0 million shares were available under this authorization. The Company’s share repurchase program has no expiration date.

The Company believes that its financial position remains strong, enabling it to meet cash requirements for operations, capital expenditure programs and dividend payments to shareholders. The Company intends to fund working capital requirements, principal and interest payments, acquisitions (if any) and other liabilities with cash provided by operations, to the extent available, and short-term and long-term borrowings under new and existing credit facilities. The Company intends to finance current maturities of long-term debt of $209.4 million by using existing bank facilities and by utilizing new sources of financing with banks and other financial institutions. However, the Company cannot assure that new sources of financing will be available or that the terms of any such financing will be attractive to the Company.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

There have been no material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations during the quarter ended March 31, 2006. For additional information about contractual obligations, refer to page 23 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report, portions of which were filed as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the quarter ended March 31, 2006. For additional information about critical accounting policies, refer to pages 21 and 22 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report, portions of which were filed as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

ITEM 3.		QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in the Company’s market risk during the quarter ended March 31, 2006. For additional information about market risk, refer to pages 22 and 23 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report, portions of which were filed as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

ITEM 4.		CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures: The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and its Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, of the effectiveness, as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and its Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the Company’s most recent quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current assumptions and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance and financial results. Forward-looking statements include statements in the future tense, statements referring to any period after March 31, 2006, and statements including the terms “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate” and other similar terms that express expectations as to future events or conditions. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed in those statements. A variety of factors could cause the Company’s actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results. These factors and assumptions include the pace and nature of new product introductions by the Company’s customers; the Company’s ability to successfully implement its growth strategies; the outcome of the Company’s various productivity-improvement and cost-reduction efforts; changes in costs of raw materials and energy; industry and economic factors related to the Company’s domestic and international business; competition from other suppliers of color and flavors and fragrances; growth or contraction in markets for products in which the Company competes; terminations and other changes in customer relationships; industry acceptance of price increases; currency exchange rate fluctuations; results of litigation or other proceedings; the matters discussed under Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005; and the matters discussed above under Item 2 including the critical accounting policies described therein. 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 therein will not be realized.

PART II.		OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.		LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Clean Air Act NOV

On June 24, 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) issued a Notice of Violation/Finding of Violation (“NOV”) to Lesaffre Yeast Corporation (“Lesaffre”) for alleged violations of the Wisconsin air emission requirements. The NOV generally alleges that Lesaffre’s Milwaukee, Wisconsin facility violated air emissions limits for volatile organic compounds during certain periods from 1999 through 2003. Some of these violations allegedly occurred before Lesaffre purchased Red Star Yeast & Products (“Red Star Yeast”) from the Company.

On June 30, 2005, the EPA issued a second NOV to Lasaffre and Sensient which alleged that certain operational changes were made during Sensient’s ownership of the Milwaukee facility without complying with new-source review procedures and without the required air pollution control permit. While the Company’s evaluation is continuing, there appear to be significant legal defenses available to the Company in connection with the alleged violations.

The Company has met with the EPA in an attempt to resolve the NOVs. In September 2005, as follow-up to one of those meetings, the Company submitted information to refute the allegations of the June 30, 2005 NOV and requested that the NOV be withdrawn. The Company is awaiting the EPA’s response to that submission.

In connection with the sale of Red Star Yeast, the Company provided Lesaffre and certain of its affiliates with indemnification against environmental claims attributable to the operation, activities or ownership of Red Star Yeast prior to February 23, 2001, the closing date of the sale. See Note 9 to the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements. The Company has not received a claim for indemnity from Lesaffre with respect to this matter. In December 2005, Lesaffre closed the Milwaukee plant. The Company informed the EPA of this development.

Superfund Claim

On July 6, 2004, the EPA notified the Company’s Sensient Colors Inc. subsidiary that it may be a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) for activities at the General Color Company Superfund Site in Camden, New Jersey. The EPA requested reimbursement of $10.9 million in clean-up costs, plus interest. Sensient Colors Inc. advised the EPA that this site had been expressly excluded from the Company’s 1988 stock purchase of H. Kohnstamm & Company, Inc. (now Sensient Colors Inc.). The selling shareholders had retained ownership of and liability for the site, and some became owners of General Color Company, which continued to operate there until the mid-1990s. The Company’s legal defense costs are being paid by an insurer with a reservation of coverage rights. Litigation to resolve coverage rights is pending. The Company continues to assess the existence and solvency of other PRPs, additional insurance coverage, the nature of the alleged contamination, and the extent to which the EPA’s activities satisfy the requirements for reimbursement under CERCLA, as well as the legal sufficiency of excluding this site from the 1988 transaction. In a letter to the EPA dated January 31, 2005, the Company outlined legal challenges to the recoverability of certain costs and urged the EPA to pursue General Color Company and related parties. The EPA subsequently informed the Company that it is unwilling to discuss these legal challenges without prior conditions and may refer this matter to the Department of Justice, which would evaluate the referral for potential civil litigation under applicable environmental laws.

Remmes v. Sensient Flavors Inc. et al.

In June 2004, the Company and certain other flavor manufacturers were sued in Iowa state court by Kevin Remmes, who alleged that while working at American Popcorn Company of Sioux City, Iowa, he was exposed to butter flavoring vapors that caused injury to his lungs and respiratory system. The Company, among others, sold butter flavoring used in the manufacture of microwave popcorn to American Popcorn Company. The suit was removed to Federal District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Western Division. The Company believes that plaintiff’s claims are without merit and is vigorously defending this case. A trial date has been set in March 2007. One of the Company’s insurers has acknowledged coverage and is paying defense costs since the deductible has been exceeded.

Fults et al. v. Sensient Flavors Inc. et al.

In August 2005, the Company and certain other flavoring manufacturers were sued in the City of St. Louis, Missouri, Circuit Court by Elizabeth Fults (as administrator for the Estate of Dixie Asbury), Nancy Lee Dudley and Jill Roth, all of whom allege that they suffered damage as a result of work-related exposure to butter flavoring vapors at the Gilster-Mary Lee microwave popcorn plant in McBride, Missouri. At present, it is unclear whether and to what extent the Company ever sold butter flavoring products to this facility. The Company intends to file a motion to dismiss and will vigorously defend its interests in this case. A trial date has been set in this matter for May 2007.

Kuiper et al. v. Sensient Flavors Inc. et al.

In late January 2006, the Company and certain other flavor manufacturers were sued in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Western Division, by Ronald Kuiper and his spouse, Conley Kuiper. Mr. Kuiper claims that while working at American Popcorn Company of Sioux City, Iowa, he was exposed to butter flavoring vapors that caused injury to his lungs and respiratory system. Ms. Kuiper’s claim is for loss of consortium. The allegations of this Complaint are virtually identical to those contained in the Remmes Complaint. Plaintiffs’ counsel moved to consolidate the Kuiper case with the Remmes case for discovery purposes; the Court denied the motion on procedural grounds. The Company believes that plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and is vigorously defending this case. A trial date has not yet been set in this matter.

The Company is involved in various other claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the judgment of management, which relies in part on information from Company counsel, the ultimate resolution of these actions will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements of the Company except as described above.

ITEM 1A.		RISK FACTORS

See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

ITEM 2.		UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides the specified information about the repurchases of shares by the Company during the first quarter of 2006.

														Maximum number
										Total number of				of shares that
		Total								shares purchased				may be
		number of				Average				as part of publicly				purchased under
		shares				price paid				announced plans				the recent plans
Period		purchased				per share				or programs				or programs*
January 1 to 31, 2006			15,600			$	18.5365				15,600				3,219,459
February 1 to 28, 2006			185,349				18.1286				185,349				3,034,110
March 1 to 31, 2006			—				—				—				3,034,110
Total			200,949			$	18.1603				200,949

ITEM 4.		SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

At the Company’s 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, held on April 27, 2006, the following actions were taken:

•

The following Directors were each elected for a one-year term of office:

		Votes For				Votes Withheld
Hank Brown			41,240,383				1,679,495
Dr. Fergus M. Clydesdale			39,300,453				3,619,425
James A.D. Croft			38,717,339				4,202,540
William V. Hickey			37,588,148				5,331,731
Kenneth P. Manning			40,405,192				2,514,687
Peter M. Salmon			41,365,016				1,554,863
Dr. Elaine R. Wedral			41,362,928				1,556,950
Essie Whitelaw			39,153,302				3,766,576

			In accordance with an amendment to the Company’s bylaws adopted at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Company’s Board of Directors is no longer classified and directors are elected for one-year terms of office.
			Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Proxy Statement, proxies received were voted, unless authority was withheld, in favor of the nominees.
	•		The shareholders approved a proposal by the Board of Directors to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent auditors to conduct the annual audit of the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ending December 31, 2006. The shareholders cast 42,197,727 votes in favor of this proposal, 559,775 votes against, and there were 162,376 votes to abstain.

ITEM 6.		EXHIBITS

See Exhibit Index following this report.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

EXHIBIT INDEX

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2006

Exhibit		Description		Incorporated by Reference From		Filed Herewith
3.2		Amended and Restated By-Laws of Sensient Technologies Corporation effective as of April 27, 2006				X
31		Certifications of the Company’s Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer and Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act				X
32		Certifications of the Company’s Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer and Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer pursuant to 18 United States Code § 1350				X