Element Solutions (ESI) vs Sensient Technologies (SXT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Sensient Technologies (SXT) has outperformed Element Solutions (ESI) over the past year, gaining 42.9% versus a gain of 40.5%. Over five years, ESI leads with a +64.5% price change compared with +37.2% for SXT. Element Solutions is the larger company by market cap ($9.06 billion vs $5.62 billion), about 1.6 times the size.
On valuation, Element Solutions trades at a lower forward P/E (17.5x vs 26.4x for Sensient Technologies). Sensient Technologies offers the higher dividend yield (1.24% vs 0.86%). Sensient Technologies converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 8.3% versus 7.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ESI | SXT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $37.17 | $132.00 |
| Market cap | $9.06B | $5.62B |
| 1-day change | -1.51% | -0.68% |
| YTD return | +48.74% | +40.50% |
| 1-year return | +40.53% | +42.95% |
| 5-year return | +64.47% | +37.20% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 50.23 | 35.58 |
| Forward P/E | 17.55 | 26.43 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.74 | $3.71 |
| Dividend yield | 0.86% | 1.24% |
| Annual dividend | $0.32 | $1.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.55B | $1.61B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.84% | +3.52% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $190.80M | $134.49M |
| Gross margin | 41.96% | 33.45% |
| Operating margin | 13.41% | 12.85% |
| Net margin | 7.48% | 8.34% |
| 52-week high | $49.25 | $138.82 |
| 52-week low | $22.86 | $82.60 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -24.53% | -4.91% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +25.24% | +9.39% |
| Average volume | 4.83M | 426.57K |
| Shares outstanding | 243.69M | 42.56M |
| Employees | 5,200 | 4,070 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Major Chemicals | Major Chemicals |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Element Solutions trades at a higher earnings multiple (50.2x vs 35.6x trailing P/E).
About Element Solutions
ESI stock →Element Solutions Inc operates as a specialty chemicals technology company in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments: MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions and Element Specialties.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 5,200 employees
About Sensient Technologies
SXT stock →Sensient Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets colors, flavors, and other specialty ingredients worldwide. It operates in three segments: Flavors & Extracts, Color, and Asia Pacific.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 4,070 employees
ESI vs SXT FAQ
Which is bigger, Element Solutions or Sensient Technologies?
Element Solutions (ESI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $9.06B compared with $5.62B for Sensient Technologies (SXT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ESI or SXT?
SXT returned +42.95% over the past 12 months, compared with +40.53% for ESI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ESI or SXT?
SXT has the lower trailing P/E at 35.6, versus 50.2 for ESI. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Element Solutions or Sensient Technologies?
Sensient Technologies has the higher yield at 1.24%, compared with 0.86% for Element Solutions.
Are Element Solutions and Sensient Technologies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.