NewMarket (NEU) vs Sensient Technologies (SXT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Sensient Technologies (SXT) has outperformed NewMarket (NEU) over the past year, gaining 42.9% versus a gain of 5.7%. Over five years, NEU leads with a +142.4% price change compared with +37.2% for SXT. NewMarket is the larger company by market cap ($8.36 billion vs $5.53 billion), about 1.5 times the size, while Sensient Technologies is growing revenue faster (+3.5% vs -2.2%).
On valuation, Sensient Technologies trades at a lower forward P/E (26.0x vs 35.2x for NewMarket). NewMarket offers the higher dividend yield (1.29% vs 1.26%). NewMarket converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.4% versus 8.3%.
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 | NEU | SXT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $908.83 | $129.99 |
| Market cap | $8.36B | $5.53B |
| 1-day change | +0.35% | -1.59% |
| YTD return | +31.80% | +40.50% |
| 1-year return | +5.68% | +42.95% |
| 5-year return | +142.42% | +37.20% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.56 | 35.04 |
| Forward P/E | 35.20 | 26.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $46.47 | $3.71 |
| Dividend yield | 1.29% | 1.26% |
| Annual dividend | $11.75 | $1.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.73B | $1.61B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -2.20% | +3.52% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $418.75M | $134.49M |
| Gross margin | 31.46% | 33.45% |
| Operating margin | 19.95% | 12.85% |
| Net margin | 15.37% | 8.34% |
| 52-week high | $981.66 | $138.82 |
| 52-week low | $580.03 | $82.60 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -7.42% | -6.36% |
| Analyst consensus | — | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | — | +11.09% |
| Average volume | 124.26K | 426.21K |
| Shares outstanding | 9.20M | 42.56M |
| Employees | 2,050 | 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
- SXT has outperformed NEU by 37.3 percentage points over the past year.
- Sensient Technologies trades at a higher earnings multiple (35.0x vs 19.6x trailing P/E).
- NewMarket is more profitable, keeping 15.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 8.3 cents for Sensient Technologies.
- Sensient Technologies grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.52% vs -2.20%).
About NewMarket
NEU stock →NewMarket Corporation, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the manufacture and sale of petroleum additives. It offers lubricant additives for use in various vehicle and industrial applications, including engine oils, transmission fluids, off-road powertrain and hydraulic systems, gear oils, hydraulic oils, turbine oils, and other applications where metal-to-metal moving parts are utilized; engine oil additives designed for passenger cars, motorcycles, on and off-road heavy duty commercial equipment, locomotives, and engines in ocean-going vessels; driveline additives designed for products, such as transmission fluids, axle fluids, and off-road powertrain fluids; and industrial additives designed for products for industrial applications consisting of hydraulic fluids, greases, industrial gear fluids, and industrial specialty applications comprising turbine oils.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 2,050 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
NEU vs SXT FAQ
Which is bigger, NewMarket or Sensient Technologies?
NewMarket (NEU) is larger, with a market capitalization of $8.36B compared with $5.53B for Sensient Technologies (SXT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NEU or SXT?
SXT returned +42.95% over the past 12 months, compared with +5.68% for NEU (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NEU or SXT?
NEU has the lower trailing P/E at 19.6, versus 35.0 for SXT. 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, NewMarket or Sensient Technologies?
NewMarket has the higher yield at 1.29%, compared with 1.26% for Sensient Technologies.
Are NewMarket and Sensient Technologies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.