SXT 10-K Annual Report Dec. 31, 2016 | Alphaminr
SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP

SXT 10-K Fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2016

SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP
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10-K 1 form10k.htm SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION 10-K 12-31-2016

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 1-7626

Sensient Technologies Corporation
WISCONSIN
39-0561070
(State of Incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification Number)

777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53202-5304
(414) 271-6755
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS
Common Stock, $0.10 par value
NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
ON WHICH REGISTERED
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes ☒  No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  ☐   No  ☒
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 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 ☒  No  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  ☒  No  ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller Reporting Company

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes No
The aggregate market value of the voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2016, was $3,147,125,310.  For purposes of this computation only, the Registrant’s directors and executive officers were considered to be affiliates of the Registrant.  Such characterization shall not be construed to be an admission or determination for any other purpose that such persons are affiliates of the Registrant.

There were 44,359,946 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 16, 2017.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2016 (see Part III of this Form 10-K).


SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION—FORM 10-K FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 INDEX
3
3
3
3
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
9
9
10
10
11
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12
14
17
30
30
30
30
31
31
31
31
31
31
31
32
32
32
32
60
32
S-1
E-1
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 December 31, 2016, 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 and the Company’s customers; our ability to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences and changing technologies; the Company’s ability to successfully implement its growth strategies; the outcome of the Company’s various productivity-improvement and cost-reduction efforts and acquisition and divestiture activities; the effectiveness of the Company’s restructuring activities; changes in costs of raw materials, including energy; industry, regulatory and economic factors related to the Company’s domestic and international business; growth in markets for products in which the Company competes; industry and customer acceptance of price increases; actions by competitors; currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the matters discussed below under the heading “Risk Factors” and under Part II, including the critical accounting policies set forth under the heading “CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES” within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”  Except to the extent required by applicable law, 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.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Within this document, the Company reports certain non-GAAP financial measures, including: (1) adjusted operating income, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations (which exclude restructuring and other costs) and (2) percentage changes in revenue, operating income, diluted EPS, adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted EPS on a local currency basis (which eliminate the effects that result from translating its international operations into U.S. dollars). The Company has included each of these non-GAAP measures in order to provide additional information regarding our underlying operating results and comparable year-over-year performance. Such information is supplemental to information presented in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation. Rather, they should be considered together with GAAP measures and the rest of the information included in this report. Management internally reviews each of these non-GAAP measures to evaluate performance on a comparative period-to-period basis and to gain additional insight into underlying operating and performance trends, and the Company believes the information can be beneficial to investors for the same purposes. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Additional information related to the Company’s use of non-GAAP financial measures and the restructuring and other costs excluded from the non-GAAP financial measures in 2016, 2015 and 2014 and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures are available below in Item 7 under the sections titled “NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES.”
PART I

Item 1.
Business

General

Sensient Technologies Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated in 1882 in Wisconsin.  Its principal executive offices are located at 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5304, telephone (414) 271-6755.

The Company is subject to the informational and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”), and, in accordance with the Act, files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). These reports and other information may be read and copied at the public reference facilities of the Commission at its principal offices at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and can also be accessed from the website maintained by the Commission at http://www.sec.gov.  The public may obtain information on operations of the public reference room by calling the Commission at (800) SEC-0330.

The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SXT.”  Information about the Company may be obtained at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

The Company can also be reached at its website at www.sensient.com.  The Company’s web address is provided as an inactive textual reference only, and the contents of that website are not incorporated in or otherwise to be regarded as part of this report.  The Company makes available free of charge on its website its proxy statement, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with or furnished to the Commission.  Charters for the Audit, Compensation and Development, Nominating and Corporate Governance, Finance and Executive Committees of the Company’s Board of Directors, as well as the Company’s Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Policy on Recovery of Incentive Compensation From Executives and Directors and Officers Stock Ownership Guidelines are also available on the Company’s website, and are available in print to any shareholder, free of charge, upon request. If there are any amendments to the Code of Conduct or the Corporate Governance Guidelines, or if waivers from any of them are granted for executive officers or directors, those amendments or waivers also will be posted on the Company’s website.

Description of Business

The Company is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and fragrances.  The Company uses advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty inks and colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals.  The Company’s customers include major international manufacturers representing some of the world’s best-known brands.

The Company’s principal products include:

flavors, flavor enhancers, ingredients and bionutrients;

fragrances, aroma chemicals and essential oils;

natural ingredients, including dehydrated vegetables and other food ingredients;

natural and synthetic food and beverage colors;

cosmetic colors and ingredients; pharmaceutical excipients and ingredients; and

technical colors, specialty inks and colors, and specialty dyes and pigments.
The Company’s three reportable segments are the Flavors & Fragrances Group and the Color Group, which are managed on a product-and-services basis, and the Asia Pacific Group, which is managed on a geographic basis.  The Company’s corporate expenses and restructuring and certain other costs are included in the “Corporate & Other” category as described in this report.  Financial information regarding the Company’s three reportable segments and the operations included within Corporate & Other is set forth in Note 11, Segment and Geographic Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial included in this report.

In 2014, the Company announced and began a restructuring plan related to eliminating underperforming operations, consolidating manufacturing facilities and improving efficiencies within the Company, with an emphasis on the Flavors & Fragrances Group. Additional information regarding the costs related to the implementation of restructuring plan is set forth below under the heading “Restructuring”.
Flavors & Fragrances Group

The Company is a global developer, manufacturer and supplier of flavor and fragrance systems for the food, beverage, personal care and household-products industries.  The Company’s flavor formulations are used in many of the world’s best-known consumer products.  Under the unified brand names of Sensient Flavors, Sensient Natural Ingredients and Sensient Fragrances, the Group is a supplier to multinational companies.

The Flavors & Fragrances Group produces flavor and fragrance products that impart a desired taste, texture, aroma and/or other characteristics to a broad range of consumer and other products.  This Group includes the Company’s natural ingredients business, which produces ingredients for food processors.  The main products of the Group are systems products, including flavor-delivery systems, and compounded and blended products.  In addition, the Group has strong positions in selected ingredient products such as essential oils, natural and synthetic flavors and aroma chemicals.  The Group serves food and non-food industries.  In food industries, markets include savory, beverage and sweet flavors.  In non-food industries, the Group supplies fragrance products to the personal and home-care markets.

Operating through its Sensient Natural Ingredients business, the Company believes it is the second largest producer (by sales) of dehydrated onion and garlic products in the United States.  The Company is also one of the largest producers and distributors of chili powder, paprika, chili pepper and dehydrated vegetables such as parsley, celery and spinach. Domestically, the Company sells dehydrated products to food manufacturers for use as ingredients and also for repackaging under private labels for sale to the retail market and to the food service industry.  Advanced dehydration technologies utilized by Sensient Natural Ingredients permit fast and effective rehydration of ingredients used in many of today’s popular convenience foods.

The Flavors & Fragrances Group operates principally through the Company’s subsidiaries Sensient Flavors LLC and Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC.  As of December 31, 2016, the Group’s principal manufacturing plants are located in California, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Belgium, China, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Color Group

The Company is a developer, manufacturer and supplier of colors for businesses worldwide.  The Company provides natural and synthetic color systems for use in foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals; colors and other ingredients for cosmetics, such as active ingredients, solubilizers and surface treated pigments; pharmaceutical excipients, such as colors, flavors and coatings; specialty inks; and technical colors for industrial applications.

The Company believes that it is one of the world’s largest producers (by sales) of synthetic and natural colors, and that it is the world’s largest manufacturer (by sales) of certified food colors.  The Company sells its synthetic and natural colors to domestic and international producers of beverages, bakery products, processed foods, confections, pet foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.  The Company also makes industrial colors, specialty inks and other dyes and pigments used in a variety of non-food applications.

The Color Group operates principally through the Company’s subsidiary Sensient Colors LLC.  As of December 31, 2016, the Group’s principal manufacturing plants are located in Missouri, New Jersey, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The Color Group operates under the following trade names:

Sensient Food Colors (food and beverage colors);

Sensient Pharmaceutical Coating Systems (pharmaceutical colors and coatings);

Sensient Cosmetic Technologies (cosmetic colors and ingredients and systems);

Sensient Inks (specialty inks); and

Sensient Industrial Colors (paper colors; and industrial colors for plastics, leather, wood stains, antifreeze and other uses).

The Company believes that its advanced process technology, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment, world class application chemists and a complete range of synthetic and natural color products constitute the basis for its market leadership position.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the results of operations for the Company’s color business in China, South Korea and Japan, which were previously reported in the Asia Pacific segment, are now reported in the Color segment. All prior year results have been restated to reflect these changes.
Asia Pacific Group

The Asia Pacific Group focuses on marketing the Company’s diverse product line in the Pacific Rim under the Sensient name. Through these operations, the Company offers a full range of products from its Flavors & Fragrances Group and Color Group, as well as products developed by regional technical teams to appeal to local preferences.

Sales, marketing and technical functions are managed through the Asia Pacific Group’s headquarters in Australia. Manufacturing operations are located in Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and the Philippines.  The Asia Pacific Group maintains offices for local technical support, as well as sales, in China, India, Indonesia, Korea and Thailand, and for research and development in Singapore.

Corporate

Corporate provides management, administrative and support services to the Company from its headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Company’s corporate expenses and restructuring and other costs are included in the “Corporate & Other” category.

Research and Development/Quality Assurance

The development of specialized products and services is a complex technical process calling upon the combined knowledge and talents of the Company’s research, development and quality assurance personnel.  The Company believes that its competitive advantage lies in its ability to work with its customers to develop and deliver high-performance products that address the distinct needs of those customers.

The Company’s research, development and quality assurance personnel support the Company’s efforts to improve existing products and develop new products tailored to customer needs, while providing on-going technical support and know-how to the Company’s manufacturing activities. The Company employed 722 people in research and development, quality assurance, quality control and lab technician positions as of December 31, 2016.

Expenditures for research and development related to continuing operations in calendar year 2016 were $40.9 million, compared with $35.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, and $35.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2014.  As part of its commitment to quality as a competitive advantage, the Company’s production facilities hold various certifications, such as those under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and those recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), including the Safe Quality Food Program (SQF), British Retail Consortium (BRC), Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000) and International Featured Standards (IFS), for certifying the safety and quality of its products and production processes.

Products and Application Activities

The Company’s strategic focus is on the manufacture and marketing of high-performance components that bring life to products.  Accordingly, the Company devotes considerable attention and resources to the development of product applications and processing improvements to support its customers’ numerous new and reformulated products.  The majority of the proprietary processes and formulae developed by the Company are maintained as trade secrets and under confidentiality agreements with customers.

Within the Flavors & Fragrances Group, development activity is focused on ingredients, flavors and fragrances as well as flavor and fragrance systems that are responsive to consumer trends and the processing needs of our food and beverage customers.  These activities include the development of functional ingredient systems for foods and beverages, savory flavors, and ingredient systems for prepared foods and flavors and ingredients for dairy, confectionery and other applications.  The Company believes that the development of yeast derivatives and other specialty ingredients also provides growth opportunities in bionutrients and biotechnology markets, such as pharmaceuticals, vitamins, vaccines and bioremediation.

Within the Color Group, development activity for food and beverage product lines is focused on value-added products derived from synthetic dyes and pigments and natural food and beverage colors and on color systems.  The Company also produces a diverse line of colors and ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications and technical colors for industrial applications.

Raw Materials

The Company uses a wide range of raw materials in producing its products. Chemicals used to produce certified colors are obtained from several domestic and foreign suppliers.  Raw materials for natural colors, such as carmine, beta-carotene, annatto and turmeric, are purchased from overseas and U.S. sources.

In the production of flavors and fragrances, the principal raw materials include essential oils, aroma chemicals, botanicals, fruits and juices, and are obtained from domestic and foreign suppliers.  Flavor enhancers and secondary flavors are produced from brewers’ yeast and vegetable materials such as corn and soybeans.  Chili peppers, onion, garlic and other vegetables are acquired under annual contracts with numerous growers in the western United States and Europe.  The Company has expanded its sources of vegetables to include growers in China.
The Company believes that its ability to reformulate its products and the general availability of alternate sources of materials would enable it to maintain its competitive position in the event of an interruption in the supply of raw materials from a single supplier.

Competition

All Company products are sold in highly competitive markets.  While no single factor is determinative, the Company’s competitive position is based principally on process and applications expertise, quality, technological advances resulting from its research and development, and customer service and support.  Because of its highly differentiated products, the Company competes with only a few companies across multiple product lines, and is more likely to encounter competition specific to a particular product line.

·
Flavors & Fragrances. Competition to supply the flavors and fragrances industries has taken on an increasingly global nature.  Most of the Company’s customers do not buy their entire flavor and/or fragrance products from a single supplier and the Company does not compete with a single supplier in all product categories.  Competition for the supply of flavors and fragrances is based on the development of customized ingredients for new and reformulated customer products, as well as on quality, customer service and price. Competition to supply dehydrated vegetable products is present through several large and small domestic competitors, as well as competitors in other countries.  Competition for the supply of dehydrated vegetables is based principally on product quality, customer service and price.
·
Color. Competition in the color market is diverse, with the majority of the Company’s competitors specializing in either synthetic dyes and pigments or natural colors.  The Company believes that it gains a competitive advantage as the only major basic manufacturer of a full range of color products, including synthetic dyes and pigments as well as natural colors. Competition in the supply of cosmetic colors and ingredients, specialty inks and pharmaceutical excipients is based on the development of customized products and solutions as well as quality, customer service and price.  The Company believes that its reputation and capacity as a color producer as well as its product development give it a competitive advantage in these markets.
·
Asia Pacific. Because of the broad array of products available to customers of the Asia Pacific Group, the Company believes that it is able to offer a wider product base than many of its competitors.  Competition is based upon reliability in product quality, service and price as well as technical support available to customers.

Foreign Operations

Additional information regarding the Company’s foreign operations is set forth in Note 11, Segment and Geographic Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Patents, Formulae and Trademarks

The Company owns or controls many patents, formulae and trademarks related to its businesses.  The businesses are not materially dependent upon any particular patent or trademark; however, trademarks, patents and formulae are important to the business of the Company.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016, the Company employed 4,083 persons worldwide.

Regulation

Compliance with government provisions regulating discharges into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, did not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations for the year covered by this report.  Current compliance is not expected to have a material adverse effect in the next two years.  The production, packaging, labeling and distribution of certain of the products of the Company in the U.S. are subject to the regulations of various federal, state and local governmental agencies, in particular the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  The Company is subject to similar regulations in many international markets.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors.

As with any business, the Company’s business and operations involve risks and uncertainties.  In addition to the other discussions in this report, particularly those under the headings “Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Operations & Financial Condition” and “Forward-Looking Statements” above, the following factors should be considered:

·
Our recent restructurings may not be as effective as we anticipate and we may fail to realize the expected cost savings.
During 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we announced and engaged in various restructuring activities.  These activities require the devotion of significant resources and management attention and may pose significant risks. Our ability to realize anticipated cost savings may be affected by a number of factors, including our ability to effectively reduce overhead, rationalize manufacturing capacity and shift production to more efficient facilities. Furthermore, our restructurings may not be as effective as we anticipate, and we may fail to realize the cost savings we expect from these restructurings. Actual charges, costs and adjustments due to restructuring activities may vary materially from our estimates and our restructuring activities may require cash and non-cash costs or charges in excess of budgeted amounts, which could reduce anticipated cost savings and could have an adverse effect on our margins and earnings.

·
The impact of currency exchange rate fluctuation may negatively affect our results.

We report the results of our foreign operations in the applicable local currency and then translate those results into U.S. dollars at applicable exchange rates. The applicable exchange rates between and among local currencies, foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar have fluctuated and will continue to do so in the future. These fluctuations have impacted our results of operations in recent periods as discussed in more detail in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this annual report on Form 10-K. Such currency exchange rate volatility may also adversely impact our financial condition or liquidity. While we may use forward exchange contracts and foreign currency denominated debt to manage our exposure to foreign exchange risk, such risk management strategies may not be effective and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

·
In some product lines, most of our sales are made to a relatively small number of customers; if we lose any of those customers, sales and operating results could decline.

In some of our product lines, our sales are concentrated to a small number of customers.  While we do not currently have any single customer that we consider to be significant to us as a whole, the loss of a significant customer of a product line could substantially affect the sales and profitability of that line, which may cause us to re-evaluate that line.  Those developments could affect our results.  In addition, the financial condition of our customers may adversely affect their ability to buy from us or to pay for products that they have already purchased.

·
Many of our products are used in items for human consumption and contact.  We may be subject to product liability claims and product recalls, which could negatively impact our profitability and corporate image.

We sell flavors, fragrances and colors which are used in foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other items for human consumption or contact.  These products involve risks such as product contamination or spoilage, product tampering and other adulteration.  We may be subject to liability if the consumption or use of our flavors, fragrances and colors, or products which incorporate ingredients we manufacture, cause injury, illness or death.  In addition, we or our customers may need to recall products in the event of contamination or damage.

A significant product defect, product liability judgment or product recall may negatively impact our profitability for a period of time depending on publicity, product availability, scope, competitive reaction and consumer attitudes.  Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness, injury or death could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and our corporate image.

·
Consolidation has resulted in customers with increased buying power, which can affect our profitability.

Many of our customers have consolidated in recent years and we expect the combination trend to continue.  These consolidations have often produced large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power who are more capable of resisting price increases.  If the larger size or greater buying power of those customers results in additional negotiating strength, the prices we are able to charge could be negatively affected and our profitability could decline.

·
Intense competition may result in reduced sales and profitability.

The industries and markets in which we operate are highly competitive.  That competition can reduce both our sales and the prices at which we are able to sell our products, which can negatively affect our profitability.

·
Our sales and profitability are affected by changing consumer preferences and changing technologies.

Although we do not generally make or sell proprietary consumer products, many of our products are sold to companies which develop and market consumer products.  Sales of flavors, fragrances, colors and inks depend in part upon our customers’ ability to identify and meet consumer preferences and their sales and marketing efforts, all of which are beyond our control.  Our sales could also be affected by changing technologies that could impact consumer demand for products that contain our flavors, fragrances, colors and inks.  Therefore, we depend upon our customers’ ability to create markets for the consumer products which incorporate many of the flavors, fragrances, colors and inks which we manufacture. In addition, if we cannot adequately anticipate and respond to the needs of our customers as they evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and technologies, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
·
If we do not maintain an efficient cost structure, our profitability could decrease.

Our success depends in part on our ability to maintain an efficient cost structure.  We regularly initiate cost-reduction measures that could impact our manufacturing, sales, operations and information systems functions.  If we do not continue to manage costs and achieve additional efficiencies, or we do not successfully implement related strategies, our competitiveness and our profits could decrease.
·
Commodity, energy and transportation price volatility and increases or material shortages may reduce our profits.
We use many different commodities as raw ingredients.  We also use raw materials whose production is energy intensive.  In addition, various energy sources are used in our production and distribution processes. Commodity and energy prices are subject to significant volatility caused by market fluctuations, supply and demand, currency fluctuation, production and transportation disruption, world events and changes in governmental programs.  Commodity and energy price increases will raise both our raw material costs and operating costs.  We may not be able to increase our product prices enough to offset these increased costs.  Increasing our prices also may reduce sales volume and related profitability.

In addition, we obtain some of the raw materials that we use from a single supplier or a limited number of suppliers, and problems with those suppliers could affect the availability of those materials.  Even if there are multiple suppliers of a particular raw material, there are occasional shortages.  An unavailability or shortage of a raw material could negatively affect our operations using that raw material and thus our results.

·
There are many laws and regulations applicable to our industries.  Compliance with those requirements is costly to us and can affect our operations.  Failure to comply could also be costly and disruptive.

Our facilities and products are subject to many laws and regulations relating to the environment, health, safety and the content, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, quality and safety of food, drugs, cosmetics, other consumer products, specialty inks and industrial colors.  These laws and regulations are administered in the United States by the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor and other federal and state governmental agencies.  We are subject to similar governmental regulation and oversight abroad.  Compliance with these laws and regulations can be costly and affect our operations.  Also, if we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to administrative penalties and injunctive relief, civil and criminal remedies, fines and recalls of our products.  Our customers, particularly those in the pharmaceutical industry, are also subject to laws and regulations that may impose costs on or create risk for us.

·
Environmental compliance may be costly to us.

Our operations are subject to extensive and stringent laws and regulations which pertain to the discharge of materials into the environment, the handling and disposition of wastes and air emissions.  These rules operate or will operate at both the federal and state levels in the United States, and there are analogous laws at many of our overseas locations.  Environmental regulations, and the potential failure to comply with them, can have serious consequences, including the costs of compliance and defense, interference with our operations or the ability to obtain required permits, civil, criminal and administrative penalties and negative publicity.

·
Operating in foreign countries and emerging markets exposes us to increased risks, including economic, political and international operation risks.

We operate, manufacture and sell our products in many foreign countries and emerging markets.  The international aspects of our business subject us to risks that could materially impact our operating results, including: difficulties in staffing and managing foreign personnel in diverse cultures; transportation delays or interruptions; and the effects of international political developments and political and economic instability.  In addition, changes in policies by the United States or foreign governments could negatively affect our operating results due to changes in duties, tariffs, trade regulations, taxes or limitations on currency or fund transfers.

On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom (U.K) held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union, commonly referred to as “Brexit”. As a result of the referendum, it is expected that the British government will begin negotiating the terms of the U.K.’s future relationship with the European Union. Although it is unknown what the terms will be, it is possible that there will be greater restrictions on imports and exports between the U.K. and European Union countries, increased regulatory complexities and economic uncertainties in the region. These changes may adversely affect our operations and financial results.
·
We depend on certain key personnel, and the loss of these persons may harm our business.

Our success depends in large part on the continued service and availability of our key management and technical personnel, and on our ability to attract and retain qualified new personnel.  The competition for these individuals can be significant, and the loss of key employees could harm our business.   In addition, we need to provide for smooth transitions when replacing key management and technical personnel positions, and our operations and results may be negatively affected if we are not able to do so.

·
We may not successfully complete and integrate past and future acquisitions, which could adversely affect our operating results.
We have acquired many companies and operations in the past and may continue growth by acquisition in the future.  Our future growth through acquisitions could involve significant risks that may have a material adverse effect on us.  We may also be at risk for factors associated with acquisitions that the Company has made in the past.  Acquired companies may also have significant latent liabilities which may not be discovered before an acquisition or fully reflected in the price we pay.

We may also need to finance future acquisitions, and the terms of any financing, and the need to ultimately repay or refinance any indebtedness, may have negative effects on us.  Acquisitions also could have a dilutive effect on our financial results.  Acquisitions also generally result in goodwill, which would need to be written off against earnings in the future if it becomes impaired.

·
Our ability to successfully maintain and upgrade our information technology systems, and to effectively respond to failures, disruptions or breaches of our information technology systems, may affect our competitiveness and our profits could decrease.
Our success depends in part on our ability to maintain a current information technology platform for our business to operate.  We routinely review and upgrade our information technology systems in order to better manage and report the sales, manufacturing and other operations of our business.  If we do not continue to maintain our information technology platforms and successfully implement upgrades to systems, our competitiveness and profits could decrease.  Furthermore, our information technology systems may be susceptible to failures, disruptions, breaches, theft and other similar cyber-security events.  The impact of any such event and the effectiveness of our response thereto may adversely affect our operations and subject us to increased operating costs.

·
World events and natural disasters are beyond our control and could affect our results.

World events can adversely affect national, international and local economies.  Economies can also be affected by natural disasters or by epidemics.  Such events and conditions, as well as uncertainty or impairment of financial markets, have adversely affected and could continue to affect our revenues and profitability, particularly if they occur in locations in which we or our customers have significant operations. In addition, while we have manufacturing facilities throughout the world, certain of our facilities are the sole manufacturer of a specific product and a disruption in manufacturing could lead to increased costs of relocating or replacing the production of a product, or reformulating a product, which could have an adverse effect on our results.

Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.

The Company received comment letters from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Corporation Finance dated June 24, 2015 and August 6, 2015 regarding its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders. The Company responded to the staff comments on July 8, 2015 and August 18, 2015, respectively, with supplemental information and analyses. The staff comments related to various matters, including the Company’s disclosures of its restructuring activities, its treatment of long-lived assets, and its use of non-GAAP financial measures. The comment letters and the Company’s response letters are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website.

As of the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, the Company has not received confirmation from the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and Exchange Commission that their review process relating to the comment letters had been completed. If the Company receives additional comments from the staff, the Company intends to attempt to resolve such additional comments promptly.

Refer to Item 3 for information about the informal inquiry the Company received from the staff of Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement on October 22, 2015.

Item 2.
Properties.

We lease our corporate headquarters offices, which are located at 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We own our Color Group headquarters offices located in St. Louis, Missouri.  We lease our Asia Pacific Group headquarters offices located in Dandenong South, Australia. We own a part, and lease a part, of our Flavors & Fragrances Group headquarters offices located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. As of December 31, 2016, the locations of our production properties by reportable segment are as follows:
Color Group:
U.S. – St. Louis, Missouri; and South Plainfield, New Jersey*.
International – Jundiai, Brazil*; Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Saint Ouen L’Aumone, France*; Geesthacht, Germany; Reggio Emilia, Italy; Lerma, Mexico; Johannesburg, South Africa; Morges, Switzerland; and Kings Lynn, United Kingdom*.

Flavors & Fragrances Group:
U.S. – Livingston and Turlock, California; Amboy, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Harbor Beach, Michigan; and Juneau, Wisconsin.
International – Heverlee, Belgium; Qingdao, China*; San Jose, Costa Rica*; Marchais and Strasbourg, France; Celaya and Tlalnepantla, Mexico; Elburg, Netherlands; Granada, Spain; and Wales and Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.

Asia Pacific:
U.S. – None.
International – Keysborough, Australia; Guangzhou, China*; Hitachi, Japan; Auckland, New Zealand; Manila, Philippines*; and Bangkok, Thailand*.

*   Indicates a leased property at the location.

All properties are owned except as otherwise indicated above.  All facilities are considered to be in good condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and suitable and adequate for the Company’s requirements.

Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.

Commercial Litigation

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Civil Complaint

On September 21, 2015, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a civil complaint against Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC (SNI) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.  SNI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The EEOC’s complaint alleges that SNI failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, when it terminated five employees in 2011.  The EEOC seeks to enjoin SNI from engaging in employment practices that discriminate on the basis of disability; asks the Court to order SNI to implement policies, practices, and programs to ensure it does not violate the ADA; and requests back pay with prejudgment interest, reinstatement, front pay, compensation for past and future pecuniary and non-pecuniary losses, and punitive damages on behalf of the five named former employees and any similarly aggrieved individuals.  Recoverable compensatory and punitive damages are subject to statutory caps.  The complaint does not request a specific damages amount.  To date, the EEOC has provided the Company with a list of 13 additional potentially aggrieved former employees not listed in the complaint who may have been terminated in violation of the ADA during the relevant time period.  In its discovery responses, the EEOC has identified 3 of those 13 former employees as additional claimants for whom the Agency seeks relief.

On September 20, 2016, the Company and the EEOC engaged in a mediation session in which the parties worked to settle this matter.  As of December 31, 2016 and the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, the parties are still negotiating and attempting to finalize the terms of a settlement agreement, but the Company accrued $0.6 million for the settlement of this matter during 2016.

SEC Inquiry

On October 22, 2015, the Company received an informal inquiry from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement requesting the voluntary provision of documents and information generally related to the Company’s disclosures of its restructuring activities, its treatment of long-lived assets, and its use of non-GAAP financial measures in its SEC filings and 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders. The Company is fully cooperating with the inquiry and is unable to predict the outcome of the inquiry or its potential impact.

Other Claims and Litigation

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.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosure.

Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Registrant

The executive officers of the Company and their ages as of February 20, 2017, are as follows:

Name
Age
Position
Paul Manning
42
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Kimberly Chase
48
Vice President and Treasurer
Michael C. Geraghty
55
President, Color Group
Gautam Grover
47
President, Flavors & Fragrances Group
Jeffrey T. Makal
53
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
John J. Manning
48
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Kimberly A. Morin
54
Vice President, Human Resources
Stephen J. Rolfs
52
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Robert J. Wilkins
60
President, Asia Pacific Group

The Company has employed all of the individuals named above, in substantively their current positions, for at least the past five years except as follows.  Mr. Paul Manning has held his present office since April 21, 2016, and previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer (February 2014 – April 2016), President and Chief Operating Officer (October 2012 – February 2014) and President, Color Group (2010 – October 2012).  Ms. Chase has held present office since October 20, 2016, and previously served as Assistant Treasurer (March 2015 – October 2016), Treasury Consultant (December 2013 – March 2015) and Treasury Director (August 2010 – December 2013). Mr. Geraghty has held his present office since October 18, 2012, and previously served as General Manager, Food Colors USA (April 2011 – October 2012).  Mr. Grover has held his present office since December 3, 2015.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Grover served as Vice President, Strategy (September 2012 – November 2015) and Vice President, Logistics Services (January 2013 – November 2015) for US Foods, Inc. and as Director, Strategy and Business Development and Business Director – Asia for Brady Corporation (2009 to September 2012).  Mr. John Manning has held his present office since April 21, 2016, and previously served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel (January 2013 – April 2016).  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. John Manning served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (2004 – December 2012) and Deputy Criminal Chief (2006 – December 2012) for the United States Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Wisconsin.  Ms. Morin has held her present office since October 20, 2015, and previously served as Human Resources Director, Flavors & Fragrances Group (August 2013 – October 2015).  Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Morin served as Vice President Human Resources for Harbor Light Hospice, Inc., from April 2012 to August 2013, and as Senior Human Resources Director of Exel from 2005 to April 2012.  Mr. Rolfs has held his present position since February 7, 2015, and previously served as Senior Vice President, Administration (July 2013 – February 2015) and Vice President, Administration (2010 – July 2013).
PART II

Item 5.
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The only market in which the common stock of the Company is listed is the New York Stock Exchange. The range of the high and low sales prices as quoted in the New York Stock Exchange – Composite Transaction tape for the common stock of the Company and the amount of dividends declared for the fiscal years 2016 and 2015 are set forth below:

Market Price
Dividends
Declared
High
Low
Per Share
2016
First Quarter
$
65.75
$
52.69
$
0.27
Second Quarter
72.53
62.63
0.27
Third Quarter
76.15
68.64
0.27
Fourth Quarter
83.38
68.51
0.30
2015
First Quarter
$
68.99
$
56.71
$
0.25
Second Quarter
70.53
64.04
0.25
Third Quarter
69.87
59.34
0.27
Fourth Quarter
67.47
59.54
0.27

In 2016 and 2015, common stock dividends were paid on a quarterly basis, and it is expected that quarterly dividends will continue to be paid in the future. On October 20, 2016, the Company announced an increase in its cash dividend on its common stock from an annual rate of $1.08 per share to an annual rate of $1.20 per share, commencing with the quarterly dividend paid on December 1, 2016, to shareholders of record on November 7, 2016.

This graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return for the Company’s common stock over the last five years to the total returns on the Standard & Poor’s Midcap Specialty Chemicals Index (the “S&P Midcap Specialty Chemicals Index”), the Standard & Poor’s Midcap Food Products Index (the “S&P Midcap Food Products Index”) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “S&P 500 Index”). The graph assumes a $100 investment made on December 31, 2011, and reinvestment of dividends. The stock performance shown on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Sensient Technologies Corporation
$
100
$
96
$
134
$
169
$
179
$
227
S&P Midcap Specialty Chemicals Index
100
137
171
197
190
238
S&P Midcap Food Products Index
100
106
150
219
229
278
S&P 500 Index
100
106
153
174
176
197

Standard & Poor’s and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC.
On August 21, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to five million shares. As of February 16, 2017, 3,605,840 shares had been repurchased under this authorization. The Company repurchased 302,221 shares during the fourth quarter of 2016 and a total of 702,698 shares during 2016.

The following table provides the specified information about the repurchases of shares by the Company during the fourth quarter of 2016. All shares were purchased under the authorization described above. There is no expiration date for this authorization.

Period
Total number of
shares purchased
Average price
paid per share
Total number of shares purchased as
part of a publicly announced plan
Maximum number of shares that may be
purchased under publicly announced plans
October 1 to 31, 2016
134,727
$
73.90
134,727
1,592,254
November 1 to 30, 2016
161,994
74.03
161,994
1,430,260
December 1 to 31, 2016
5,500
76.95
5,500
1,424,760
Total
302,221
$
74.02
302,221

The number of shareholders of record on February 16, 2017, was 2,425.

Information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference into Item 11 of Part III of this report.
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.

The following selected financial data is derived from our consolidated financial statements. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and with Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Quarterly Data
(in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited)
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Full
Year
2016
Revenue
$
342,468
$
360,836
$
349,662
$
330,244
$
1,383,210
Gross profit
115,843
124,434
122,563
112,587
475,427
Earnings from continuing operations
31,193
24,751
35,619
31,350
122,913
(Loss) Gain from discontinued operations, net of tax
(22
)
3,365
3,343
Net earnings
31,171
28,116
35,619
31,350
126,256
Earnings per basic share:
Continuing operations
0.70
0.56
0.80
0.71
2.76
Discontinued operations
0.08
0.08
Earnings per basic share
0.70
0.63
0.80
0.71
2.84
Earnings per diluted share:
Continuing operations
0.69
0.55
0.79
0.70
2.74
Discontinued operations
0.08
0.07
Earnings per diluted share
0.69
0.63
0.79
0.70
2.82
2015
Revenue
$
346,226
$
346,009
$
344,533
$
339,196
$
1,375,964
Gross profit
117,433
118,155
112,772
106,073
454,433
Earnings from continuing operations
30,735
29,542
27,638
19,332
107,247
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(209
)
(92
)
(47
)
(114
)
(462
)
Net earnings
30,526
29,450
27,591
19,218
106,785
Earnings per basic share:
Continuing operations
0.65
0.64
0.61
0.43
2.34
Discontinued operations
(0.01
)
Earnings per basic share
0.65
0.64
0.61
0.43
2.33
Earnings per diluted share:
Continuing operations
0.65
0.64
0.61
0.43
2.32
Discontinued operations
(0.01
)
Earnings per diluted share
0.64
0.63
0.60
0.43
2.31
Five Year Review
(in thousands except percentages, employee and per share data)
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Summary of Operations
Revenue
$
1,383,210
100.0
%
$
1,375,964
100.0
%
$
1,447,821
100.0
%
$
1,462,126
100.0
%
$
1,453,555
100.0
%
Cost of products sold
907,783
65.6
921,531
67.0
959,311
66.3
987,080
67.5
990,911
68.2
Selling and administrative expenses
289,818
21.0
288,092
20.9
357,845
24.7
301,266
20.6
269,765
18.6
Operating income
185,609
13.5
166,341
12.1
130,665
9.0
173,780
11.9
192,879
13.3
Interest expense
18,324
1.3
16,945
1.2
16,067
1.1
16,147
1.1
16,901
1.2
Earnings before income taxes
167,285
12.1
149,396
10.9
114,598
7.9
157,633
10.8
175,978
12.1
Income taxes
44,372
3.2
42,149
3.1
32,827
2.3
43,335
3.0
50,896
3.5
Earnings from continuing operations
122,913
8.9
107,247
7.8
81,771
5.6
114,298
7.8
125,082
8.6
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
3,343
0.2
(462
)
-
(8,125
)
(0.6
)
(1,003
)
(0.1
)
(1,174
)
(0.1
)
Net earnings
$
126,256
9.2
%
$
106,785
7.8
%
$
73,646
5.1
%
$
113,295
7.7
%
$
123,908
8.5
%
Earnings per basic share:
Continuing operations
$
2.76
$
2.34
$
1.69
$
2.30
$
2.52
Discontinued operations
0.08
(0.01
)
(0.17
)
(0.02
)
(0.02
)
Earnings per basic share
$
2.84
$
2.33
$
1.52
$
2.28
$
2.50
Earnings per diluted share:
Continuing operations
$
2.74
$
2.32
$
1.67
$
2.29
$
2.51
Discontinued operations
0.07
(0.01
)
(0.17
)
(0.02
)
(0.02
)
Earnings per diluted share
$
2.82
$
2.31
$
1.51
$
2.27
$
2.49
Other Related Data
Dividends per share, declared and paid
$
1.11
$
1.04
$
0.98
$
0.91
$
0.87
Average common shares outstanding:
Basic
44,523
45,910
48,525
49,755
49,596
Diluted
44,843
46,204
48,819
49,934
49,822
Book value per common share
$
18.83
$
18.78
$
21.94
$
24.72
$
23.09
Price range per common share
52.69 -
83.38
56.71 -
70.53
46.08 -
63.35
35.54 -
53.35
33.13 -
41.08
Share price at December 31
78.58
62.82
60.34
48.52
35.56
Capital expenditures
81,216
79,941
79,398
104,246
103,806
Depreciation
45,714
46,694
50,225
50,716
46,992
Amortization
1,305
1,245
1,231
1,300
1,360
Total assets
1,667,860
1,703,732
1,772,039
1,870,813
1,781,821
Long-term debt
582,780
613,502
450,548
347,529
333,479
Total debt
603,358
634,157
466,436
354,579
353,527
Shareholders’ equity
835,741
845,127
1,046,935
1,242,684
1,153,898
Return on average shareholders’ equity
14.7
%
11.6
%
6.4
%
9.5
%
11.3
%
Total debt to total capital
41.9
%
42.9
%
30.8
%
22.2
%
23.5
%
Employees
4,083
4,032
4,053
4,130
3,983

The 2016 results include charges of $26.1 million ($21.1 million after tax, or $0.47 per share) related to the restructuring and other divestiture costs. The restructuring costs pertain to the Company’s 2014 Restructuring Plan related to eliminating underperforming operations, consolidating manufacturing facilities and improving efficiencies within the Company, and the other costs pertain to the Company’s divestiture.
The 2015 results include charges of $43.6 million ($33.6 million after tax, or $0.73 per share) related to the restructuring and other acquisition related costs.  The restructuring costs pertain to the Company’s 2014 Restructuring Plan related to eliminating underperforming operations, consolidating manufacturing facilities and improving efficiencies within the Company, and the other costs pertain to acquisition related costs.

The 2014 results include charges of $90.6 million ($65.5 million after tax, or $1.34 per share) related to the restructuring and other proxy contest costs. The restructuring costs pertain to the Company’s 2014 Restructuring Plan related to eliminating underperforming operations, consolidating manufacturing facilities and improving efficiencies within the Company, and the other costs pertain to proxy contest costs.

The 2013 results include a charge of $31.7 million ($22.0 million after tax, or $0.44 per share) related to the 2013 restructuring program related to the relocation of the Flavors & Fragrances Group headquarters to Chicago, as well as a profit improvement plan across all segments of the Company.
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

OVERVIEW
Sensient Technologies Corporation (the “Company”) is a global developer, manufacturer and supplier of flavor and fragrance systems for the food, beverage, personal care and household-products industries. In addition, the Company is a developer, manufacturer and supplier of colors for businesses worldwide. The Company provides natural and synthetic color systems for use in foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals; colors and other ingredients for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and specialty inks; and technical colors for industrial applications. The Company’s three reportable segments are the Flavors & Fragrances Group and the Color Group, which are managed on a product-and-services basis, and the Asia Pacific Group, which is managed on a geographic basis. The Company’s corporate expenses and restructuring and other costs are included in the “Corporate & Other” category.

The Company’s 2016 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.74 in 2016 and $2.32 in 2015. Included in the 2016 and 2015 results, were $26.1 million and $43.6 million, respectively, of restructuring and other costs, or 47 cents per share and 73 cents per share, respectively. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, which exclude these restructuring and other costs, were $3.21 in 2016 and $3.05 in 2015 (see discussion below regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures and the Company’s Restructuring Activities and Divestiture).

The Company’s net cash provided by operating activities was $222.5 million in 2016, an increase from the $128.0 million reported in 2015. The Company’s total debt decreased to $603 million as of December 31, 2016, from $634.2 million as of December 31, 2015. Since 1962, the Company has continued without interruption to pay a quarterly cash dividend. In 2016, the Company increased the quarterly dividend by 3 cents per share from 27 cents to 30 cents per share, or $1.20 per share on an annualized basis. In addition, the Company repurchased $50.1 million of Company stock in 2016, which is in addition to the $176.6 million repurchased in 2015.

Additional information on the results is included below.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
2016 vs. 2015

Revenue
Sensient’s revenue was approximately $1.4 billion in both 2016 and 2015. The impact of foreign exchange rates reduced consolidated revenue by 2% in 2016.

Gross Profit
The Company’s gross margin was 34.4% in 2016 and 33.0% in 2015. Included in the cost of products sold are $2.1 million and $6.1 million of restructuring costs for 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in the gross margin is primarily a result of higher selling prices and volumes, mainly in the Color segment, savings associated with the 2014 Restructuring Plan ($7.9 million) and reduced restructuring costs, partially offset by higher raw material costs and manufacturing costs. Restructuring costs reduced gross margin by 10 basis points and 50 basis points in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expense as a percent of revenue was 21.0% in 2016 and 20.9% in 2015. Restructuring and other costs of $24.0 million and $37.5 million for 2016 and 2015, respectively, were included in selling and administrative expense. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of revenue in 2016 were comparable to 2015 as a result of higher performance based executive compensation ($7.6 million) and professional fees ($6.2 million), partially offset by lower restructuring and other costs ($13.5 million). Restructuring and other costs increased selling and administrative expense as a percent of revenue by 180 basis points and 270 basis points in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Operating Income
Operating income was $185.6 million in 2016 and $166.3 million in 2015. Operating margins increased to 13.4% in 2016 from 12.1% in 2015. Restructuring and other costs reduced operating margins by 190 basis points and 320 basis points in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Additional information on segment results can be found in the Segment Information section.

Interest Expense
Interest expense was $18.3 million in 2016 and $16.9 million in 2015. The increase in expense was primarily due to the increase in average debt outstanding, which was partially offset by lower average interest rates.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 26.5% in 2016 and 28.2% in 2015. The effective tax rates in both 2016 and 2015 were impacted by audit settlements, mix of foreign earnings and restructuring and other costs. The effective tax rate in 2015 was also impacted by changes in estimates associated with the finalization of prior year tax items. In total, the net impact of these discrete items and restructuring and other costs reduced the effective income tax rate by 1.2% for 2016 and 2.4% for 2015.

2016
2015
Rate before restructuring and discrete items
27.7
%
30.6
%
Restructuring impact
1.0
%
0.9
%
Discrete items
(2.2
%)
(3.3
%)
Reported effective tax rate
26.5
%
28.2
%

Restructuring
The Company incurred restructuring costs in both continuing and discontinued operations. The discussion in this note relates to the combination of both continuing and discontinued operations unless otherwise noted. Restructuring costs related to discontinued operations are recorded in discontinued operations within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings and are discussed in more detail in Note 14, Discontinued Operations .

In March 2014, the Company announced that it was initiating a restructuring plan (“2014 Restructuring Plan” or “Plan”) to eliminate underperforming operations, consolidate manufacturing facilities and improve efficiencies within the Company. The Company determined that it had redundant manufacturing capabilities in both North America and Europe and that it could lower costs and operate more efficiently by consolidating into fewer facilities. Eight facilities were identified for consolidation in the Flavors & Fragrances segment, four in North America and four in Europe. To date, closures have been announced in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States; Cornwall, Mississauga and Halton Hills, Canada; Bremen, Germany; and Milan, Italy. The Company also plans to sell its two European Natural Ingredients facilities, as discussed below. In addition, the Company discontinued one of the businesses in the Color segment, located near Leipzig, Germany, because it did not fit with the Company’s long-term strategic plan and it had generated losses for several years. In 2015, the Company identified additional opportunities to consolidate manufacturing operations at one of the Color segment’s facilities in Europe and eliminate additional positions in the European Flavors & Fragrances businesses.

Based on this Plan, the Company determined that certain long-lived assets associated with the underperforming operations were impaired. The Company reduced the carrying amounts of these assets to their aggregate respective fair values, which were determined based on independent market valuations. The fair values of the remaining long-lived assets are estimated to be approximately $14 million, which includes certain of the land, buildings and equipment in the assets held for sale, as noted below. Also, certain machinery and equipment has been identified to be disposed of at the time of the facility closures and the associated depreciation for these assets has been accelerated. The Company recorded long-lived asset impairments, including the impairment charges and accelerated depreciation of $1.9 million, $14.5 million and $70.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Since initiating the Plan, the Company has recorded $87 million of long-lived asset impairments, including the impairment charges and accelerated depreciation. In addition, certain intangible assets, inventory and other current assets were also determined to be impaired and were written down.

The Company has also incurred employee separation and other restructuring costs as a result of this Plan. The Company anticipates that it will reduce headcount by approximately 400 positions at the affected facilities, primarily in the Flavors & Fragrances segment, related to direct and indirect labor at manufacturing sites. As of December 31, 2016, 300 positions had been eliminated as a result of this Plan.

As mentioned above, the Company plans to sell its European Natural Ingredients business, a business in the Flavors & Fragrances segment. This business has two facilities, located in Marchais, France, and Elburg, the Netherlands. The European Natural Ingredients business has not generated significant profits for several years and it does not fit with the Company’s long-term strategic plan. The Company is currently working to sell this business and anticipates selling the business within the next year. Upon the completion of a sale of this business, the Company anticipates recognizing an additional non-cash loss of approximately $20 million.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company has recorded assets held for sale of land, buildings and equipment of $7.2 million related to the 2014 Restructuring Plan. In addition, $19.5 million of inventory, receivables and other assets are included in assets held for sale related to the anticipated sale of the European Natural Ingredients business. The Company also has $3.8 million of liabilities held for sale related to the anticipated sale of the European Natural Ingredients business.

The Company recorded total restructuring costs of $11.1 million, $42.8 million and $98.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, in accordance with GAAP and based on an internal review of the affected facilities and consultation with legal and other advisors. Since initiating the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company has incurred $95 million of non-cash related restructuring costs and $57 million of cash related restructuring costs for a total of $152 million of restructuring costs through December 31, 2016. The Company expects to incur approximately $20 million of additional non-cash related restructuring costs and $2 million of additional cash related restructuring costs for a total of $22 million of additional restructuring costs, by the end of 2017.
The Company expects that the closure and sale of these operations will significantly lower the Company’s operating costs over the next few years. Upon initiating the Plan, the Company estimated the annual cost reductions to be approximately $30 million, when fully implemented. The U.S. dollar has strengthened considerably since the initiation of the Plan, and as a result the dollar value of the cost savings has been reduced. In 2015, the Company identified additional cost savings opportunities, and as a result of these actions, the current estimate of annual cost savings is approximately $27 million. The Company has also implemented price increases to further mitigate the impact of foreign currency movements. Since initiating the Plan, the Company has realized total savings of approximately $22 million as of December 31, 2016, of which $9.1 million was recognized in 2016. The remaining savings are expected to be realized in 2017. The Company intends to continue to optimize production at the consolidating sites after the completion of the restructuring activities.

In connection with the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company approved a plan to dispose of a certain business, located near Leipzig, Germany, within the Color segment. Production ceased in 2014 and the business met the criteria to be reported as a discontinued operation. In 2016, the facility and remaining assets were sold for a gain of $0.2 million. In addition, the entity was liquidated resulting in a reclassification of the cumulative translation adjustment related to that entity of $3.3 million into net earnings.

Divestiture
In 2016, the Board of Directors authorized management to explore strategic alternatives for a production facility and certain related business lines within the Flavors & Fragrances segment in Strasbourg, France. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has recorded assets held for sale of inventory and other assets of $14.8 million and $1.5 million of liabilities held for sale related to the sale. In addition, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $10.8 million during 2016, in selling and administrative expense, reducing the carrying value of the long-lived assets for this facility to zero. An estimate of the fair value of this business less cost to sell was determined to be lower than its carrying value. The difference between the fair value and its carrying value exceeded the existing net book value of the long-lived assets. In addition, the Company incurred $0.7 million of outside professional fees and other related costs as a result of the then anticipated divestiture.

On January 6, 2017, the Company completed the sale of this facility and certain related business lines for approximately $12.5 million. As a result, in the Company’s first quarter 2017 consolidated condensed financial statements, the Company will recognize an additional non-cash loss of approximately $6 million.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Within the following tables, the Company reports certain non-GAAP financial measures, including: (1) adjusted operating income, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations (which exclude restructuring and other costs) and (2) percentage changes in revenue, operating income, diluted EPS, adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted EPS on a local currency basis (which eliminate the effects that result from translating its international operations into U.S. dollars). The other costs in 2016 are for the divestiture related costs discussed under “ Divestiture ” above, and the other costs in 2015 are acquisition related costs.

The Company has included each of these non-GAAP measures in order to provide additional information regarding our underlying operating results and comparable year-over-year performance. Such information is supplemental to information presented in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation. Rather, they should be considered together with GAAP measures and the rest of the information included in this report. Management internally reviews each of these non-GAAP measures to evaluate performance on a comparative period-to-period basis and to gain additional insight into underlying operating and performance trends, and the Company believes the information can be beneficial to investors for the same purposes. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(In thousands except per share amounts)
2016
2015
% Change
Operating Income from continuing operations (GAAP)
$
185,609
$
166,341
11.6
%
Restructuring – Cost of products sold
2,065
6,098
Restructuring – Selling and administrative
12,486
36,705
Other – Selling and administrative (1)
11,535
823
Adjusted operating income
$
211,695
$
209,967
0.8
%
Net Earnings from continuing operations (GAAP)
$
122,913
$
107,247
14.6
%
Restructuring & other, before tax
26,086
43,626
Tax impact of restructuring & other
(4,999
)
(10,017
)
Adjusted net earnings
$
144,000
$
140,856
2.2
%
Diluted EPS from continuing operations (GAAP)
$
2.74
$
2.32
18.1
%
Restructuring & other, net of tax
0.47
0.73
Adjusted diluted EPS
$
3.21
$
3.05
5.2
%

(1)
The other costs in 2016 are for the divestiture related costs discussed under “ Divestiture ” above and the other costs in 2015 are acquisition related costs.

The following table summarizes the percentage change in the 2016 results compared to the 2015 results in the respective financial measures.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016
Total
Foreign Exchange
Rates
Local Currency
Revenue
Flavors & Fragrances
(2.9
%)
(1.8
%)
(1.1
%)
Color
4.6
%
(2.9
%)
7.5
%
Asia Pacific
9.3
%
(1.3
%)
10.6
%
Total Revenue
0.5
%
(2.1
%)
2.6
%
Operating Income From Continuing Operations
Flavors & Fragrances
1.4
%
(1.7
%)
3.0
%
Color
8.5
%
(2.5
%)
11.0
%
Asia Pacific
6.2
%
(1.9
%)
8.1
%
Corporate & Other
(10.5
%)
(1.5
%)
(9.0
%)
Operating Income from continuing operations
11.6
%
(2.2
%)
13.8
%
Diluted EPS from continuing operations
18.1
%
(2.6
%)
20.7
%
Adjusted operating income (1)
0.8
%
(2.3
%)
3.2
%
Adjusted diluted EPS (1)
5.2
%
(2.6
%)
7.9
%

(1)
Refer to table above for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company determines its operating segments based on information utilized by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. Segment performance is evaluated on operating income of the respective business units before restructuring and other costs, which are reported in Corporate & Other, interest expense and income taxes.

The Company’s reportable segments consist of the Flavors & Fragrances, Color and Asia Pacific segments.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the results of operations for the Company’s color business in China, South Korea and Japan, which were previously reported in the Asia Pacific segment, are now reported in the Color segment. All prior year results have been restated to reflect each of these changes.

Flavors & Fragrances
Revenue for the Flavors & Fragrances segment was $795.3 million in 2016 and $819.0 million in 2015, a decrease of 2.9%. Foreign exchange rates reduced revenue by 1.8% in 2016. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to lower revenue in North America ($13.3 million), Europe ($9.9 million) and Latin America ($0.6 million). The lower revenue in North America was primarily due to lower volumes ($29.0 million) and the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($2.2 million) partially offset by higher selling prices ($18.0 million). The lower revenue in Europe was primarily a result of the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($7.2 million) and lower volumes ($4.4 million), partially offset by higher selling prices ($1.7 million). The lower revenue in Latin America was primarily due to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($5.6 million) partially offset by higher selling prices ($2.6 million) and volumes ($2.4 million).

Gross margin increased 40 basis points to 27.5% in 2016 from 27.1% in 2015. The increase was primarily due to the impact of higher selling prices and savings associated with the 2014 Restructuring Plan partially offset by higher raw material costs and lower volume and product mix.

Segment operating income for the Flavors & Fragrances segment was $123.5 million in 2016, and $121.9 million in 2015, an increase of 1.4%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment operating income by 1.7% in 2016. The higher segment operating income was primarily a result of higher segment operating income in North America ($5.8 million) partially offset by lower segment operating income in Europe ($3.4 million) and lower segment operating income in Latin America ($0.8 million). The higher operating income in North America was primarily due to higher selling prices ($18.0 million), savings associated with the Restructuring Plan ($4.4 million), lower manufacturing and other costs ($3.1 million) and profit on the sale of an import right ($2.2 million) partially offset by higher raw material costs ($9.8 million), volume and product mix ($11.6 million) and unfavorable exchange rates ($0.4 million). The lower operating income in Europe was primarily due to higher manufacturing and other costs ($9.9 million), volume and product mix ($0.3 million) and the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($0.3 million) partially offset by savings associated with the 2014 Restructuring Plan ($3.8 million), higher selling prices ($1.7 million) and lower raw material costs ($1.6 million). The lower operating income in Latin America was primarily due to higher raw material costs ($2.6 million), higher manufacturing and other costs ($1.9 million) and the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($1.2 million) partially offset by higher selling prices ($2.6 million) and volume and product mix ($2.3 million). Segment operating margin increased 60 basis points in 2016 to 15.5% from 14.9% in 2015.

Color
Revenue for the Color segment was $502.1 million in 2016, and $480.0 million in 2015, an increase of 4.6%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment revenue by 2.9% in 2016. The increase in revenue was primarily due to higher revenue in non-food colors ($22.0 million) and food and beverage colors ($0.2 million). The higher revenue in non-food colors was primarily due to higher volumes ($27.5 million), primarily in cosmetic colors and specialty inks, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($3.7 million) and lower selling prices ($1.9 million). The higher revenue in food and beverage colors was primarily due to higher selling prices ($8.8 million) and volumes ($1.3 million) partially offset by the impact of unfavorable exchange rates ($10.0 million).

Gross margin for the Color segment increased 140 basis points to 41.9% in 2016 from 40.5% in 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher volumes and product mix, selling prices and lower manufacturing costs partially offset by the unfavorable impact of exchange rates and higher raw material costs.

Segment operating income for the Color segment was $104.8 million in 2016 and $96.6 million in 2015, an increase of 8.5%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment operating income by 2.5% in 2016. The higher segment operating income was due to higher non-food colors ($7.2 million) and food and beverage colors ($1.0 million). The higher operating income for non-food colors was primarily due to volume and product mix ($14.3 million), partially offset by higher manufacturing and other costs ($4.2 million), lower selling prices ($1.9 million), higher raw material costs ($0.6 million) and the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($0.6 million). The higher profit for food and beverage colors is primarily due to higher selling prices ($8.8 million), volume and product mix ($2.8 million) and savings associated with the 2014 Restructuring Plan ($0.5 million), partially offset by higher raw material costs ($4.8 million), manufacturing and other costs ($4.6 million) and the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($1.8 million). Segment operating margin was 20.9% in 2016 and 20.1% in 2015.
Asia Pacific
Revenue for the Asia Pacific segment was $127.5 million in 2016, and $116.7 million in 2015, an increase of 9.3%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment revenue by 1.3% in 2016.  The higher segment revenue was due to higher volumes ($9.6 million) and selling prices ($2.9 million) partially offset by the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($1.7 million).

Gross margin for the Asia Pacific segment decreased 10 basis points to 37.7% in 2016 from 37.8% in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to higher manufacturing costs and raw material costs partially offset by higher selling prices and volumes and product mix.

Segment operating income for the Asia Pacific segment was $25.2 million in 2016 and $23.7 million in 2015, an increase of 6.2%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment operating income by 1.9% in 2016. The higher segment operating income was a result of volume and product mix ($4.5 million) and higher selling prices ($2.9 million), partially offset by higher manufacturing and other costs ($5.2 million), raw material costs ($0.2 million) and the unfavorable impact of exchange rates ($0.5 million). Segment operating margin was 19.7% in 2016 and 20.3% in 2015.

Corporate & Other
The Corporate & Other expenses were $67.9 million in 2016 and $75.8 million in 2015, a decrease of 10.5%, primarily due to lower restructuring and other costs ($17.5 million) partially offset by higher performance based executive compensation ($7.6 million) and professional services ($3.5 million).  The Company evaluates segment performance before restructuring and other costs, and reports all of the restructuring and other costs in Corporate & Other.  Restructuring and other costs were $26.1 million and $43.6 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
2015 vs. 2014

Revenue
Sensient’s revenue was $1.4 billion in both 2015 and 2014. The impact of foreign exchange rates reduced consolidated revenue by 7.4% in 2015.

Gross Profit
The Company’s gross margin was 33.0% in 2015 and 33.7% in 2014. Included in the cost of products sold are $6.1 million and $1.9 million of restructuring costs for 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in the gross margin is primarily due to the lower volumes in the Color segment’s specialty inks business and higher restructuring costs. Restructuring costs reduced gross margin by 50 basis points and 20 basis points in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expense as a percent of revenue was 20.9% in 2015 and 24.7% in 2014. Restructuring and other costs of $37.5 million and $88.6 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively, were included in selling and administrative expense. The decrease in selling and administrative expense as a percent of revenue is primarily a result of the decrease in restructuring and other costs, and lower corporate expenses, primarily a reduction of performance based executive compensation costs of $6.8 million. Restructuring and other costs increased selling and administrative expense as a percent of revenue by 270 basis points and 610 basis points in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Operating Income
Operating income was $166.3 million in 2015 and $130.7 million in 2014. Operating margins increased to 12.1% in 2015 from 9.0% in 2014. Restructuring and other costs reduced operating margins by 320 basis points and 630 basis points in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Additional information on segment results can be found in the Segment Information section.

Interest Expense
Interest expense was $16.9 million in 2015 and $16.1 million in 2014. The increase in expense was primarily due to the increase in average debt outstanding which was partially offset by the lower average interest rates.

Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 28.2% in 2015 and 28.6% in 2014. The effective tax rates in both 2015 and 2014 were impacted by changes in estimates associated with the finalization of prior year tax items, audit settlements, mix of foreign earnings and restructuring costs. In total, net impact of the discrete items and restructuring costs reduced the effective income tax rate by 2.4% for 2015 and had no net impact on the rate in 2014.

2015
2014
Rate before restructuring and discrete items
30.6
%
28.6
%
Restructuring impact
0.9
%
0.8
%
Discrete items
(3.3
%)
(0.8
%)
Reported effective tax rate
28.2
%
28.6
%
Acquisition
On June 29, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of the business and net assets of Xennia Technology Ltd. (“Xennia”) for $8.4 million. The Xennia business has been integrated with the specialty inks business in the Color segment. The Company acquired goodwill and intangibles of approximately $6.2 million and has incurred acquisition related costs of $0.8 million, which are included in Corporate & Other.

Restructuring
In 2014, the Company announced that it was initiating its 2014 Restructuring Plan. The Company recorded $42.8 million and $98.4 million of restructuring costs in 2015 and 2014, respectively. For further information on the 2014 Restructuring Plan, see the discussion on pages 18 and 19 of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Operations and Financial Condition.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Within the following tables, the Company reports certain non-GAAP financial measures, including: (1) adjusted operating income, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations (which exclude restructuring and other costs) and (2) percentage changes in revenue, operating income, diluted EPS, adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted EPS on a local currency basis which eliminates the effects that result from translating its international operations into U.S. dollars. The other costs in 2015 are acquisition related costs, and the other costs in 2014 are for the 2014 proxy contest.

The Company has included each of these non-GAAP measures in order to provide additional information regarding our underlying operating results and comparable year-over-year performance. Such information is supplemental to information presented in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation. Rather, they should be considered together with GAAP measures and the rest of the information included in this report. Management internally reviews each of these non-GAAP measures to evaluate performance on a comparative period-to-period basis and to gain additional insight into underlying operating and performance trends, and the Company believes the information can be beneficial to investors for the same purposes. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(In thousands except per share amounts)
2015
2014
% Change
Operating Income from continuing operations (GAAP)
$
166,341
$
130,665
27.3
%
Restructuring - Cost of products sold
6,098
1,914
Restructuring - Selling and administrative
36,705
85,458
Other – Selling and administrative (1)
823
3,178
Adjusted operating income
$
209,967
$
221,215
(5.1
%)
Net Earnings from continuing operations (GAAP)
$
107,247
$
81,771
31.2
%
Restructuring & other, before tax
43,626
90,550
Tax impact of restructuring & other
(10,017
)
(25,014
)
Adjusted net earnings
$
140,856
$
147,307
(4.4
%)
Diluted EPS from continuing operations (GAAP)
$
2.32
$
1.67
38.9
%
Restructuring & other, net of tax
0.73
1.34
Adjusted diluted EPS
$
3.05
$
3.02
1.0
%

(1)
The other costs in 2015 are acquisition related costs, and the other costs in 2014 are for the 2014 proxy contest.
The following table summarizes the percentage change in the 2015 results compared to the 2014 results in the respective financial measures.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015
Total
Foreign
Exchange Rates
Local Currency
Revenue
Flavors & Fragrances
(3.8
%)
(6.7
%)
2.9
%
Color
(7.6
%)
(8.8
%)
1.1
%
Asia Pacific
(1.3
%)
(7.0
%)
5.7
%
Total Revenue
(5.0
%)
(7.4
%)
2.5
%
Operating Income From Continuing Operations
Flavors & Fragrances
0.8
%
(2.9
%)
3.7
%
Color
(16.9
%)
(8.6
%)
(8.3
%)
Asia Pacific
3.4
%
(5.6
%)
9.0
%
Corporate & Other
(41.4
%)
(9.9
%)
(31.5
%)
Operating Income from continuing operations
27.3
%
(1.5
%)
28.8
%
Diluted EPS from continuing operations
38.9
%
(1.2
%)
40.1
%
Adjusted operating income (1)
(5.1
%)
(6.7
%)
1.6
%
Adjusted diluted EPS (1)
1.0
%
(7.3
%)
8.3
%
(1)
Refer to table above for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures

SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company determines its operating segments based on information utilized by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. Segment performance is evaluated on operating income of the respective business units before restructuring charges, which are reported in Corporate & Other.

The Company’s reportable segments consist of the Flavors & Fragrances, Color and Asia Pacific segments.  Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the results of operations for the Company’s color business in China, South Korea and Japan which were, previously reported in the Asia Pacific segment, are now reported in the Color segment. All prior year results have been restated to reflect each of these changes.
Flavors & Fragrances
Revenue for the Flavors & Fragrances segment was $819.0 million in 2015 and $851.5 million in 2014, a decrease of 3.8%. Foreign exchange rates reduced revenue 6.7% in 2015. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to lower revenue in Europe ($31.8 million) and Latin America ($2.6 million) partially offset by higher revenue in North America ($1.8 million). The lower revenue in Europe was primarily a result of the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange rates ($40.9 million) partially offset by higher selling prices ($6.9 million) and volumes ($2.3 million). The lower revenue in Latin America was a result of the impact of unfavorable exchange rates ($6.3 million) partially offset by higher selling prices ($2.9 million) and volumes ($0.8 million). The higher revenue in North America was primarily a result of higher selling prices ($13.2 million) partially offset by the impact of unfavorable exchange rates ($9.7 million) and volumes ($1.8 million).

Gross margin increased 20 basis points to 27.1% in 2015 from 26.9% in 2014. The increase was primarily due to the impact of higher selling prices, product mix and savings associated with the 2014 Restructuring Plan partially offset by higher raw material costs.

Segment operating income for the Flavors & Fragrances segment was $121.9 million in 2015 and $120.9 million in 2014, an increase of 0.8%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment operating income by 2.9% in 2015. The higher segment operating income was primarily a result of higher segment operating income in Europe ($2.3 million) and lower segment operating income in North America ($1.2 million). The higher operating income in Europe was primarily due to higher selling prices ($6.9 million), product mix ($4.3 million) and savings associated with the Restructuring Plan ($2.2 million) partially offset by higher raw material costs ($7.0 million), manufacturing and other costs ($3.8 million) and unfavorable exchange rates ($0.3 million). The lower operating income in North America was primarily due to higher raw material costs ($14.3 million), higher manufacturing and other costs ($3.6 million), unfavorable exchange rates ($1.8 million) and unfavorable product mix ($2.0 million) partially offset by higher selling prices ($13.2 million), savings associated with the 2014 Restructuring Plan ($5.7 million) and volumes ($1.7 million). Segment operating margin increased 70 basis points in 2015 to 14.9% from 14.2% in 2014.
Color
Revenue for the Color segment was $480.0 million in 2015 and $519.6 million in 2014, a decrease of 7.6%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment revenue 8.8% in 2015. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to lower revenue in non-food colors ($30.1 million) and food and beverage colors ($9.5 million). The lower revenue in non-food colors was primarily due to the impact of unfavorable exchange rates ($18.2 million), lower volumes ($13.4 million), primarily specialty inks, and lower selling prices ($5.1 million) partially offset by higher volumes resulting from the Xennia acquisition ($6.6 million). The lower revenue in food and beverage colors was primarily due to the impact of unfavorable exchange rates ($27.2 million), partially offset by higher selling prices ($13.1 million) and volumes ($4.6 million), which includes approximately $4 million from a one-off fourth quarter sale of natural colors.

Gross margin for the Color segment decreased 130 basis points to 40.5% in 2015 from 41.8% in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of the lower volumes, primarily specialty inks, and higher raw material costs, partially offset by higher selling prices and product mix.

Segment operating income for the Color segment was $96.6 million in 2015 and $116.2 million in 2014, a decrease of 16.9%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment operating income by 8.6% in 2015. The lower segment operating income was due to lower non-food colors ($20.0 million) partially offset by higher food and beverage colors ($0.4 million). The lower operating income for non-food colors was primarily due to volume and product mix ($5.6 million), primarily specialty inks, unfavorable exchange rates ($4.8 million), lower selling prices ($5.1 million) and higher manufacturing and other costs ($4.5 million). The higher operating income for food and beverage colors was primarily due to the higher selling prices ($13.1 million), and volumes and product mix ($3.2 million), which includes approximately $2 million from a one-off fourth quarter sale of natural colors, partially offset by higher raw material costs ($10.6 million) and unfavorable exchange rates ($5.2 million). Segment operating margin was 20.1% in 2015 and 22.4% in 2014.

Asia Pacific
Revenue for the Asia Pacific segment was $116.7 million in 2015 and $118.3 million in 2014, a decrease of 1.3%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment revenue by 7.0% in 2015.  Higher volumes ($5.9 million) and selling prices ($0.9 million) were offset by unfavorable exchange rates ($8.4 million).

Gross margin for the Asia Pacific segment increased 60 basis points to 37.8% in 2015 from 37.2% in 2014.  The increase was primarily due to the higher selling prices and favorable product mix.

Segment operating income for the Asia Pacific segment was $23.7 million in 2015 and $22.9 million in 2014, an increase of 3.4%. Foreign exchange rates reduced segment operating income by 5.6% in 2015. The higher segment operating income was a result of volume and product mix ($5.5 million) and selling prices ($0.9 million) partially offset by the impact of unfavorable exchange rates ($1.3 million) and higher manufacturing and other costs ($4.0 million). Segment operating margin was 20.3% in 2015 and 19.4% in 2014.

Corporate & Other
The Corporate & Other expenses were $75.8 million in 2015 and $129.4 million in 2014, a decrease of 41.4%, primarily due to lower restructuring and other costs and lower costs for performance based compensation. The Company evaluates segment performance before restructuring costs, and reports all of the restructuring and other costs in Corporate & Other.  Restructuring and other costs were $43.6 million and $90.6 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL POSITION
Financial Condition
The Company’s financial position remains strong. The Company is in compliance with its loan covenants calculated in accordance with applicable agreements as of December 31, 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company entered into an accounts receivable securitization program, whereby the Company sold certain trade receivables, which were removed from the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, for $40 million. The proceeds received from this program, are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, see Note 8, Securitization , for additional information.

The Company expects its cash flow from operations and its existing debt capacity can be used to meet anticipated future cash requirements for operations, capital expenditures, dividend payments, acquisitions and stock repurchases. The impact of inflation on both the Company’s financial position and its results of operations has been minimal and is not expected to significantly affect 2017 results.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $222.5 million in 2016, $128.0 million in 2015 and $189.2 million in 2014.  Operating cash flow provided the primary source of funds for operating needs, capital expenditures, shareholder dividends, acquisitions, and share repurchases. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 2016 is primarily due to increased cash earnings, favorable changes in working capital and the impact of the accounts receivable securitization program mentioned above. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in 2015 is primarily due to the impact of foreign currency, higher payments of restructuring costs and higher receivable balances.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $75.2 million in 2016, $75.8 million in 2015 and $79.1 million in 2014. Capital expenditures were $81.2 million in 2016, $79.9 million in 2015 and $79.4 million in 2014.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $128.0 million in 2016, $50.1 million in 2015 and $98.6 million in 2014. The Company had a net decrease in debt of $24.5 million in 2016, a net increase in debt of $174.6 million in 2015 and a net increase in debt of $85.8 million in 2014. Sensient purchased $50.1 million, $176.6 million and $137.2 million of Company stock, which settled in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The Company has paid uninterrupted quarterly cash dividends since commencing public trading in its stock in 1962. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company increased its quarterly dividend from 27 cents per share to 30 cents per share. Dividends paid per share were $1.11 in 2016, $1.04 cents in 2015 and 98 cents in 2014. Total dividends paid were $49.6 million, $48.1 million and $47.9 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Sensient purchased 0.7 million shares of Company stock in 2016 for a total cost of $47.5 million, 2.7 million shares of Company stock in 2015 for a total cost of $178.0 million and 2.5 million shares of Company stock in 2014 for a total cost of $138.3 million. In July 2014, the Board approved a share repurchase program under which the Company was authorized to repurchase five million shares of Company stock in addition to amounts remaining from a prior Board authorization. As of December 31, 2016, 1.4 million shares were available to be repurchased under existing authorizations. The Company’s share repurchase program has no expiration date.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
In preparing the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., management is required to make estimates and assumptions that have an impact on the asset, liability, revenue and expense amounts reported. These estimates can also affect supplemental information disclosures of the Company, including information about contingencies, risk and financial condition. The Company believes, given current facts and circumstances, that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, adhere to accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and are consistently applied. Inherent in the nature of an estimate or assumption is the fact that actual results may differ from estimates and estimates may vary as new facts and circumstances arise. The Company makes routine estimates and judgments in determining the net realizable value of accounts receivable, inventories, property, plant and equipment, and prepaid expenses. Management believes the Company’s most critical accounting estimates and assumptions are in the following areas:

Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue (net of estimated discounts, allowances and returns) when title passes, the customer is obligated to pay the Company and the Company has no remaining obligations. Such recognition typically corresponds with the shipment of goods.

Goodwill Valuation
The Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill annually utilizing several valuation methodologies, including a discounted cash flow model. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other , in the third quarter of 2016. In conducting its annual test for impairment, the Company performed a quantitative assessment of the fair values for each of its reporting units and compared each of these values to the net book value of each reporting unit. Fair value is estimated using both a discounted cash flow analysis and an analysis of comparable company market values. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its net book value, no impairment exists. The Company’s three reporting units each had goodwill recorded and were tested for impairment. All three reporting units had fair values that were over 100% above their respective net book values. Changes in estimates of future cash flows caused by items such as unforeseen events or changes in market conditions could negatively affect the reporting units’ fair value and result in an impairment charge.
Income Taxes
The Company estimates its income tax expense in each of the taxing jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company is subject to a tax audit in each of these jurisdictions, which could result in changes to the estimated tax expense. The amount of these changes would vary by jurisdiction and would be recorded when probable and estimable. These changes could impact the Company’s financial statements. Management has recorded valuation allowances to reduce the Company’s deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Examples of deferred tax assets include deductions, net operating losses and tax credits that the Company believes will reduce its future tax payments. In assessing the future realization of these assets, management has considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies. An adjustment to the recorded valuation allowance as a result of changes in facts or circumstances could result in a significant change in the Company’s tax expense. The Company does not provide for deferred taxes on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries, which are considered to be invested indefinitely.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method with the exception of certain locations of the Flavors & Fragrances Group where cost is determined using a weighted average method. Market is determined on the basis of estimated realizable values. Cost includes direct materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead.

The Company estimates any required write-downs for inventory obsolescence by examining inventories on a quarterly basis to determine if there are any damaged items or slow moving products in which the carrying values could exceed net realizable value. Inventory write-downs are recorded as the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated market value. While significant judgment is involved in determining the net realizable value of inventory, the Company believes that inventory is appropriately stated at the lower of cost of market.

Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to litigation and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its businesses or arising under applicable laws and regulations. Estimating liabilities and costs associated with these matters requires the judgment of management, who rely in part on information from Company legal counsel. When it is probable that the Company has incurred a liability associated with claims or pending or threatened litigation matters and the Company’s exposure is reasonably estimable, the Company records a charge against earnings. The Company recognizes related insurance reimbursement when receipt is deemed probable. The Company’s estimate of liabilities and related insurance recoveries may change as further facts and circumstances become known.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The Company is subject to certain contractual obligations, including long-term debt, operating leases, manufacturing purchases and pension benefit obligations. The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $3.3 million as of December 31, 2016. However, the Company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period of potential cash settlement of the liabilities and, therefore, has not included unrecognized tax benefits in the following table of significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016.

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD
(in thousands)
Total
1 year
2-3 years
4-5 years
> 5 years
Long-term debt
$
582,780
$
103,774
$
55,972
$
237,055
$
185,979
Interest payments on long-term debt
55,184
13,896
21,588
14,386
5,314
Operating lease obligations
25,292
8,205
9,086
4,529
3,472
Manufacturing purchase commitments
58,397
42,849
15,548
-
-
Pension funding obligations
30,180
2,182
5,481
4,114
18,403
Total contractual obligations
$
751,833
$
170,906
$
107,675
$
260,084
$
213,168

NEW PRONOUNCEMENTS
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes , which requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The ASU simplifies the current guidance, which requires entities to separately present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The guidance can be applied retrospectively or prospectively. The Company retrospectively applied the guidance to all prior periods. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2016. As a result, the Company reclassified $17.1 million of current deferred tax assets to Deferred Tax Asset Noncurrent as of December 31, 2015. The Company also reclassified $7.3 million of current deferred tax assets to Deferred Tax Liability Noncurrent as of December 31, 2015.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability. Also, on August 18, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements , to clarify that the SEC staff would not object to deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The guidance is required to be retrospectively applied to all prior periods. The Company adopted these ASUs in the first quarter of 2016. As a result, the Company reclassified $0.4 million of debt fees from Other Assets to Long Term Debt as of December 31, 2015. The Company’s debt fees associated with the Company’s revolving loan agreement remain classified in Other Assets.

In July 2015, the FASB affirmed its proposed one-year deferral of the effective date for ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under this proposal, the requirements of the new standard are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The proposal also permits entities to adopt the standard for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has begun to review the impact of this standard on the Company’s financial statements. The Company currently recognizes revenue (net of estimated discounts, allowances and returns) when title to goods passes, the customer is obliged to pay the Company and the Company has no remaining obligations. Such recognition typically corresponds with the shipment of goods. The Company has created a project team to review this new standard in relationship to its existing contracts and other relevant documents across all of the Company’s operating segments. The Company plans to incorporate this new standard using the Full Retrospective transition method. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of this standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . Under this guidance, inventory that is accounted for using first-in, first-out or average cost method shall be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, as opposed to the lower of cost or market measurement under current guidance. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. This new guidance is required to be retrospectively applied to all prior periods. We are currently evaluating the expected impact of this standard.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , which requires lessees to recognize the lease assets and lease liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet and to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about lease transactions. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the expected impact of this standard.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, primarily the accounting for the associated income taxes. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2016 and it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company entered into an accounts receivable securitization program with a commitment size of $40 million, whereby transactions under the program are accounted for as sales of trade receivables in accordance with ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing , and removed from the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. See Note 8, Accounts Receivable Securitization , for more information.
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

The Company is exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures on a consolidated basis, the Company nets the exposures to take advantage of natural offsets. The Company also enters into various derivative transactions for some of the remaining exposures pursuant to the Company’s policies covering hedging practices. The financial impacts of these hedging instruments are offset by corresponding changes in the underlying exposures being hedged.

The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Note 1 and Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements include a discussion of the Company’s accounting policies for financial instruments.

A key part of the Company’s strategy is to expand into new geographic markets. Because the Company manufactures and sells its products throughout the world, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The major foreign currency exposures involve the markets in Western Europe, Latin America and Canada. The primary purpose of the Company’s foreign currency hedging activities is to protect against the volatility associated with foreign currency sales, purchases of materials, and other assets and liabilities created during the normal course of business. The Company generally utilizes foreign exchange contracts with durations of less than 18 months that may or may not be designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging . The net fair value of these instruments, based on dealer quotes, was a liability of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. At December 31, 2016, the potential gain or loss in the fair value of the Company’s outstanding foreign exchange contracts, assuming a hypothetical 10% fluctuation in the currencies of such contracts, would be approximately $0.3 million. However, any change in the value of the contracts, real or hypothetical, would be significantly offset by a corresponding change in the value of the underlying hedged items. In addition, this hypothetical calculation assumes that each exchange rate would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar.

The Company has certain debt denominated in Euros and Swiss Francs. These non-derivative debt instruments act as partial hedges of the Company’s Euro and Swiss Franc net asset positions. The potential increase or decrease in the annual U.S. dollar interest expense of the Company’s outstanding foreign currency-denominated debt, assuming a hypothetical 10% fluctuation in the currencies of such debt, would be approximately $0.4 million at December 31, 2016. However, any change in interest expense from fluctuations in currency, real or hypothetical, would be significantly offset by a corresponding change in the value of the foreign income before interest. In addition, this hypothetical calculation assumes that each exchange rate would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar.

The Company manages its debt structure and interest rate risk through the use of fixed rate and floating rate debt and through the use of derivatives. The Company’s primary exposure is to interest rates in the U.S. and Western Europe. At December 31, 2016, the potential increase or decrease in annual interest expense, assuming a hypothetical 10% fluctuation in interest rates of floating rate debt, would be approximately $0.6 million.

The Company is the purchaser of certain commodities, such as corn, sugar, soybean meal and fruits. The Company generally purchases these commodities based upon market prices that are established with the vendor as part of the purchase process. In general, the Company does not use commodity financial instruments to hedge commodity prices due to a high correlation between the commodity cost and the ultimate selling price of the Company’s products. On occasion, the Company may enter into non-cancelable forward purchase contracts, as deemed appropriate, to reduce the effect of price fluctuations on future manufacturing requirements.

Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The financial statements required by this item are set forth below and the supplementary data required by this item are set forth in Item 5 above.

Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of 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 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness, as of December 31, 2016, of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Act.  It is management’s policy to maintain a control-conscious environment through an effective system of internal accounting controls. These controls are supported by the careful selection of competent and knowledgeable personnel and by the communication of standard accounting and reporting policies and procedures throughout the Company. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.  In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) .  Based on that assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. Their opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is set forth below.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2016, that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.
Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance.

Information required by this item regarding directors and officers, corporate governance and other matters appearing under “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2016 (“2017 Proxy Statement”), is incorporated by reference. Additional information required by this item regarding executive officers appears at the end of Part I above, and information required by this item regarding codes of conduct and ethics for officers appears at the beginning of Part I above.

Item 11.
Executive Compensation.

Information required by this item relating to compensation of directors and officers is incorporated by reference from the “Election of Directors,” “Executive Compensation,” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” portions of the 2017 Proxy Statement. Information required by this item relating to the Compensation and Development Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors is incorporated by reference from the headings “Compensation and Development Committee Report” and “Election of Directors” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.

Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by this item regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters appearing under “Principal Shareholders” in the 2017 Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference. The information required by this item regarding appearing under “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2017 Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference.

Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.

The information required by this item regarding certain relationships and related party transactions and director independence appearing at the end of “Election of Directors” and under “Transactions With Related Persons” in the 2017 Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The disclosure regarding principal accountant fees and services appearing under “Audit Committee Report” in the 2017 Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference.
PART IV

Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

Documents filed:

1 and 2:
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule. See below for “List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule.”

3:
See Exhibit Index following this report.

List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule
1.
Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements of Sensient Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries are included in this annual report on Form 10-K:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
58
Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2016 and 2015
35
Consolidated Statements of Earnings – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
33
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
34
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
37
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
38-57
2.
Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
60

All other schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable, not required by the instructions or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary.

None.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands except per share amounts)
2016
2015
2014
Revenue
$
1,383,210
$
1,375,964
$
1,447,821
Cost of products sold
907,783
921,531
959,311
Selling and administrative expenses
289,818
288,092
357,845
Operating income
185,609
166,341
130,665
Interest expense
18,324
16,945
16,067
Earnings before income taxes
167,285
149,396
114,598
Income taxes
44,372
42,149
32,827
Earnings from continuing operations
122,913
107,247
81,771
Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
3,343
(462
)
(8,125
)
Net earnings
$
126,256
$
106,785
$
73,646
Earnings per common share:
Basic:
Continuing operations
$
2.76
$
2.34
$
1.69
Discontinued operations
0.08
(0.01
)
(0.17
)
Earnings per common share
$
2.84
$
2.33
$
1.52
Diluted:
Continuing operations
$
2.74
$
2.32
$
1.67
Discontinued operations
0.07
(0.01
)
(0.17
)
Earnings per common share
$
2.82
$
2.31
$
1.51
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic
44,523
45,910
48,525
Diluted
44,843
46,204
48,819

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
Net earnings
$
126,256
$
106,785
$
73,646
Cash flow hedges adjustment, net of tax of $89, $61 and $153, respectively
(249
)
(160
)
423
Pension adjustment, net of tax of $785, $613 and $226, respectively
1,856
777
1,598
Foreign currency translation on net investment hedges
6,989
7,542
12,677
Tax effect of current year activity on net investment hedges
(2,733
)
(2,966
)
(4,947
)
Foreign currency translation on long-term intercompany loans
(494
)
(10,681
)
(8,325
)
Reclassification of cumulative translation to net earnings from liquidated entity
(3,257
)
-
-
Other foreign currency translation
(45,515
)
(79,446
)
(92,556
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
82,853
$
21,851
$
(17,484
)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands except share and per share amounts)
December 31,
2016
2015
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
25,865
$
11,997
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for losses of $4,836 and $3,871, respectively
194,509
232,047
Inventories
404,320
409,159
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
50,974
44,673
Assets held for sale
41,393
31,029
Total current assets
717,061
728,905
Other assets
70,462
71,117
Deferred tax assets
12,120
25,177
Intangible assets – at cost, less accumulated amortization of $16,314 and $15,176, respectively
8,126
9,209
Goodwill
383,568
399,646
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Land
33,015
33,975
Buildings
265,157
274,318
Machinery and equipment
643,869
664,917
Construction in progress
79,981
62,515
1,022,022
1,035,725
Less accumulated depreciation
(545,499
)
(566,047
)
476,523
469,678
Total assets
$
1,667,860
$
1,703,732
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable
$
92,450
$
95,442
Accrued salaries, wages and withholdings from employees
26,502
23,530
Other accrued expenses
54,752
61,701
Income taxes
14,080
7,504
Short-term borrowings
20,578
20,655
Liabilities held for sale
5,313
4,090
Total current liabilities
213,675
212,922
Deferred income taxes
9,650
5,640
Other liabilities
6,103
7,534
Accrued employee and retiree benefits
19,911
19,007
Long-term debt
582,780
613,502
Shareholders’ Equity:
Common stock, par value $0.10 a share, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 53,954,874 shares
5,396
5,396
Additional paid in capital
107,686
109,974
Earnings reinvested in the business
1,378,923
1,302,302
Treasury stock, 9,716,504 and 9,174,843 shares, respectively, at cost
(442,799
)
(402,483
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(213,465
)
(170,062
)
835,741
845,127
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,667,860
$
1,703,732

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net earnings
$
126,256
$
106,785
$
73,646
Adjustments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
47,019
47,939
51,456
Share-based compensation
7,709
1,598
6,265
Net loss on assets
9,755
13,190
70,745
Liquidation of foreign entity
(3,257
)
Deferred income taxes
10,428
(4,452
)
(16,780
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable
31,144
(21,721
)
(10,582
)
Inventories
(20,064
)
3,041
64
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(671
)
2,698
6,479
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses
2,332
(8,792
)
6,745
Accrued salaries, wages and withholdings from employees
3,347
(2,851
)
(365
)
Income taxes
5,959
(5,520
)
7,047
Other liabilities
2,521
(3,868
)
(5,532
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
222,478
128,047
189,188
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
(81,216
)
(79,941
)
(79,398
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
6,254
12,912
1,029
Acquisition of new business
(8,393
)
Other investing activities
(241
)
(372
)
(780
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(75,203
)
(75,794
)
(79,149
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from additional borrowings
222,562
331,277
213,985
Debt payments
(247,092
)
(156,662
)
(128,186
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(50,100
)
(176,566
)
(137,192
)
Dividends paid
(49,635
)
(48,110
)
(47,893
)
Proceeds from options exercised and other equity transactions
(3,706
)
(73
)
733
Net cash used in financing activities
(127,971
)
(50,134
)
(98,553
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(5,436
)
(10,451
)
(10,993
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
13,868
(8,332
)
493
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
11,997
20,329
19,836
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
25,865
$
11,997
$
20,329
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest
$
18,474
$
16,839
$
16,158
Income taxes
29,217
46,281
42,335
Capitalized interest
1,061
944
1,449

See notes to consolidated financial statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands except share and per share amounts)
Common
Additional
Paid-in
Earnings
Reinvested
in the
Treasury Stock
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Stock
Capital
Business
Shares
Amount
(Loss) Income
Balances at December 31, 2013
$
5,396
$
105,119
$
1,217,874
4,105,827
$
(91,707
)
$
6,002
Net earnings
73,646
Other comprehensive income
(91,130
)
Cash dividends paid – $0.98 per share
(47,893
)
Share-based compensation
6,265
Stock options exercised
(161
)
(27,001
)
753
Non-vested stock issued upon vesting
(1,206
)
(40,300
)
1,206
Benefit plans
510
(18,185
)
406
Purchase of treasury stock
2,500,000
(138,288
)
Other
442
9,550
(299
)
Balances at December 31, 2014
5,396
110,969
1,243,627
6,529,891
(227,929
)
(85,128
)
Net earnings
106,785
Other comprehensive income
(84,934
)
Cash dividends paid – $1.04 per share
(48,110
)
Share-based compensation
1,598
Stock options exercised
(356
)
(21,000
)
788
Non-vested stock issued upon vesting
(3,080
)
(74,300
)
3,080
Benefit plans
416
(15,165
)
546
Purchase of treasury stock
2,733,301
(178,037
)
Other
427
22,116
(931
)
Balances at December 31, 2015
5,396
109,974
1,302,302
9,174,843
(402,483
)
(170,062
)
Net earnings
126,256
Other comprehensive income
(43,403
)
Cash dividends paid – $1.11 per share
(49,635
)
Share-based compensation
7,709
Stock options exercised
(650
)
(30,500
)
1,354
Non-vested stock issued upon vesting
(7,769
)
(172,147
)
7,769
Benefit plans
229
(15,839
)
698
Purchase of treasury stock
702,698
(47,534
)
Other
(1,807
)
57,449
(2,603
)
Balances at December 31, 2016
$
5,396
$
107,686
$
1,378,923
9,716,504
$
(442,799
)
$
(213,465
)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations
Sensient Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries (the “Company”), is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and fragrances. The Company uses advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty inks and colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company’s three reportable segments are the Flavors & Fragrances Group and the Color Group, which are managed on a product line basis, and the Asia Pacific Group, which is managed on a geographic basis. The Company’s corporate expenses and restructuring and other costs are included in the “Corporate & Other” category.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The results of operations for one of the Company’s business units within the Color Group have been reported as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. See Note 14, Discontinued Operations, for further information regarding discontinued operations.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of management’s estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses during the reporting period and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue (net of estimated discounts, allowances and returns) when title to goods passes, the customer is obligated to pay the Company and the Company has no remaining obligations. Such recognition typically corresponds with the shipment of goods.

Cost of Products Sold
Cost of products sold includes materials, labor and overhead expenses incurred in the manufacture of our products. Cost of products sold also includes charges for obsolete and slow moving inventories, as well as costs for quality control, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, other costs of our internal distribution network and costs incurred for shipping and handling. The Company records fees billed to customers for shipping and handling as revenue.

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses primarily include the salaries and related costs for executive, finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, research and development and legal personnel as well as salaries and related costs of salespersons and commissions paid to external sales agents.

Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition as cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable
Receivables are recorded at their face amount, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on customer-specific analysis and general matters such as current assessments of past due balances and economic conditions. Specific accounts are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is deemed that the receivable is no longer collectible.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market is determined on the basis of estimated realizable values. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method with the exception of certain locations of the Flavors & Fragrances Group where cost is determined using a weighted average method. Inventories include finished and in-process products totaling $273.8 million and $291.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and raw materials and supplies of $130.5 million and $117.3 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost reduced by accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful life of the related asset using the straight-line method for financial reporting. The estimated useful lives for buildings and leasehold improvements range from 5 to 40 years. Machinery and equipment have estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 20 years. Interest costs on significant projects constructed or developed for the Company’s own use are capitalized as part of the asset.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying value of goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when an indicator of impairment occurs. The impairment assessment includes comparing the carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, of each reporting unit to its respective fair value as of the date of the assessment. Fair value was estimated based upon an evaluation of the reporting unit’s estimated future discounted cash flow as well as the public trading and private transaction valuation multiples for comparable companies. The Company performed such a quantitative analysis in 2016, which indicated a substantial premium compared to the carrying value of net assets, including goodwill. In 2015, the Company completed a qualitative assessment in comparison to the quantitative assessment performed in 2014, noting no indicators of a change in fair value. The Company did not record impairment charges for any of its reporting units in 2016, 2015 or 2014.

The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized on a straight-line basis to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed, ranging from 5 to 20 years. These assets include technological know-how, customer relationships, patents, trademarks and non-compete agreements, among others.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs undiscounted cash flow analyses to determine if potential impairment exists. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on the difference between fair value and carrying value. Impairment losses were recorded as a result of the Company’s 2014 Restructuring Plan as well and the Company’s anticipated divestiture. See Note 13, Restructuring Charges, and Note 15 , Divestiture , for additional information.

Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency and interest rate exposures which exist as part of ongoing business operations. All derivative transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to the Company’s risk management policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

The primary objectives of the foreign exchange risk management activities are to understand and mitigate the impact of potential foreign exchange fluctuations on the Company’s financial results and its economic well-being. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, along with the gain or loss on the hedged item, are recorded in current period earnings. Generally, these risk management transactions involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to protect against exposure resulting from recorded accounts receivable and payable. The Company may utilize forward exchange contracts, generally with maturities of less than 18 months, which qualify as cash flow hedges. Generally, these foreign exchange contracts are intended to offset the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on non-functional currency denominated sales and purchases. For derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges, gains and losses are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (“OCI”) until the underlying transaction is recognized in earnings.

Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge accounting is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the transaction and on an ongoing basis. Any ineffective portions are recognized in earnings immediately.

The Company’s existing cash flow hedges are highly effective. As a result, any current impact on earnings due to cash flow hedge ineffectiveness is immaterial.

Interest Rate Hedging
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through its corporate borrowing activities. The objective of the Company’s interest rate risk management activities is to manage the levels of the Company’s fixed and floating interest rate exposure to be consistent with the Company’s preferred mix. The interest rate risk management program may include entering into interest rate swaps, which qualify as fair value hedges, when there is a desire to modify the Company’s exposure to interest rates. Gains or losses on fair value hedges are recognized in earnings, net of gains and losses on the fair value of the hedged instruments.

Net Investments Hedging
The Company may enter into foreign-denominated debt to be used as a non-derivative instrument to hedge the Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries. The change in the carrying amount of the foreign-denominated debt on the Company’s books, attributable to changes in the spot foreign exchange rate, is a hedge of the net investment in its foreign subsidiaries. Changes in the fair value of debt designated as a net investment hedge are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI.

Commodity Purchases
The Company purchases certain commodities in the normal course of business that result in physical delivery of the goods and, hence, are excluded from ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging .
Translation of Foreign Currencies
For all significant foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from the translation of foreign accounts into U.S. dollars are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI. Transaction gains and losses that occur as a result of transactions denominated in non-functional currencies are included in earnings and were not significant during the three-year period ended December 31, 2016.

Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of each award based on the fair value of the instrument at the time of grant as summarized in Note 6, Share-Based Compensation.

Income Taxes
The Company recognizes a current tax liability or asset for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. The measurement of current and deferred tax liabilities and assets is based on provisions of enacted tax law. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits for which the utilization of the asset is not considered likely.

Earnings Per Share
The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) is the dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested stock. Diluted EPS assumes that non-vested stock has vested and all dilutive stock options, for which the average market price exceeds the exercise price (in-the-money), are exercised. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price (out-of-the-money) have an anti-dilutive effect on EPS, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands except per share amounts)
2016
2015
2014
Numerator :
Net earnings from continuing operations
$
122,913
$
107,247
$
81,771
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average common shares
44,523
45,910
48,525
Effect of dilutive securities
320
294
294
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - diluted weighted average shares outstanding
44,843
46,204
48,819
Earnings per common share from continuing operations
Basic
$
2.76
$
2.34
$
1.69
Diluted
$
2.74
$
2.32
$
1.67

The Company has a share-based compensation plan under which employees may be granted share-based awards in which non-forfeitable dividends are paid on non-vested shares for certain awards. As such, these shares are considered participating securities under the two-class method of calculating EPS as described in ASC 260, Earnings per Share. The two-class method of calculating EPS did not have a material impact on the Company’s EPS calculations as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, there were no anti-dilutive stock options. All EPS amounts are presented on a diluted basis unless otherwise noted.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated OCI is composed primarily of foreign currency translation, pension liability and unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges. See Note 9, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, for additional information.

Research and Development
Research and development costs are recorded in selling and administrative expenses in the year they are incurred. Research and development costs related to continuing operations were $40.9 million, $35.1 million and $35.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Advertising
Advertising costs are recorded in selling and administrative expenses as they are incurred. Advertising costs related to continuing operations were $2.3 million, $1.7 million and $1.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Environmental Liabilities
The Company records liabilities related to environmental remediation obligations when estimated future expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Such accruals are adjusted as further information becomes available or as circumstances change. Estimated future expenditures are discounted to their present value when the timing and amount of future cash flows are fixed and readily determinable. Recoveries of remediation costs from other parties, if any, are recognized as assets when their receipt is realizable.
Subsequent Events
The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued. On January 6, 2017, the Company completed the sale of a facility and certain related business lines within the Flavors & Fragrance segment in Europe. See Note 15, Divestiture , for additional information regarding this subsequent event.

New Pronouncements
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes , which requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The ASU simplifies the current guidance, which requires entities to separately present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The guidance can be applied retrospectively or prospectively. The Company retrospectively applied the guidance to all prior periods. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2016. As a result, the Company reclassified $17.1 million of current deferred tax assets to Deferred Tax Asset Noncurrent as of December 31, 2015. The Company also reclassified $7.3 million of current deferred tax assets to Deferred Tax Liability Noncurrent as of December 31, 2015.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability. Also, on August 18, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements , to clarify that the SEC staff would not object to deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The guidance is required to be retrospectively applied to all prior periods. The Company adopted these ASUs in the first quarter of 2016. As a result, the Company reclassified $0.4 million of debt fees from Other Assets to Long Term Debt as of December 31, 2015. The Company’s debt fees associated with the Company’s revolving loan agreement remain classified in Other Assets.

In July 2015, the FASB affirmed its proposed one-year deferral of the effective date for ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under this proposal, the requirements of the new standard are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The proposal also permits entities to adopt the standard for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has begun to review the impact of this standard on the Company’s financial statements. The Company currently recognizes revenue (net of estimated discounts, allowances and returns) when title to goods passes, the customer is obliged to pay the Company and the Company has no remaining obligations. Such recognition typically corresponds with the shipment of goods. The Company has created a project team to review this new standard in relationship to its existing contracts and other relevant documents across all of the Company’s operating segments The Company plans to incorporate this new standard using the Full Retrospective transition method. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of this standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . Under this guidance, inventory that is accounted for using first-in, first-out or average cost method shall be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, as opposed to the lower of cost or market measurement under current guidance. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. This new guidance is required to be retrospectively applied to all prior periods. We are currently evaluating the expected impact of this standard.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , which requires lessees to recognize the lease assets and lease liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet and to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about lease transactions. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the expected impact of this standard.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, primarily the accounting for the associated income taxes. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2016 and it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

2. Acquisitions

On June 29, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of the net assets and business of Xennia Technology Ltd. (“Xennia”). The Company paid $8.4 million of cash for this acquisition. Xennia is a European manufacturer of specialty inks used in digital printing. Xennia’s operations are included in the Color segment.

The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The purchase price exceeded the carrying value of the net assets by approximately $6.2 million. The Company identified intangible assets, principally technological know-how of $1.1 million, trade names of $0.6 million and allocated the remaining excess of $4.5 million to goodwill. The Company incurred $0.8 million of acquisition related costs for the year ended December 31, 2015, which are recorded in Corporate & Other.
3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, goodwill is the only intangible asset that is not subject to amortization. The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

2016
2015
(In thousands except weighted average amortization years)
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Years
Cost
Accumulated
Amortization
Cost
Accumulated
Amortization
Technological know-how
20.0
$
7,315
$
(5,195
)
$
7,387
$
(4,738
)
Customer relationships
20.0
6,561
(4,610
)
6,575
(4,332
)
Patents, trademarks, non-compete agreements and other
19.3
10,564
(6,509
)
10,423
(6,106
)
Total finite-lived intangibles
19.7
$
24,440
$
(16,314
)
$
24,385
$
(15,176
)
In 2015, the Company identified $1.7 million of intangible assets, primarily technological know-how and trade names, related to the acquisition of Xennia, which are included in the above table.

Amortization of intangible assets was $1.3 million in 2016 and $1.2 million in both 2015 and 2014. Estimated amortization expense each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2016, is $1.4 million in 2017; $1.3 million in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and $1.1 million in 2021.

The changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, by reportable business segment, were as follows:

(In thousands)
Flavors &
Fragrances
Color
Asia Pacific
Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
126,023
$
295,115
$
2,976
$
424,114
Currency translation impact
(11,675
)
(17,272
)
(26
)
(28,973
)
Acquisition
4,505
4,505
Balance as of December 31, 2015
114,348
282,348
2,950
399,646
Currency translation impact
(4,158
)
(10,342
)
(757
)
(15,257
)
Goodwill Held for Sale (1)
(821
)
(821
)
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$
109,369
$
272,006
$
2,193
$
383,568

(1)
A portion of the Flavors & Fragrances’ segment goodwill was moved to Assets Held for Sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a result of the divestiture. See Note 15, Divestiture , for additional information.
4. Debt

Long-term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following unsecured obligations at December 31:

(in thousands)
2016
2015
3.66% senior notes due November 2023
$
75,000
$
75,000
3.06% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2023
40,226
41,545
1.85% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2022
70,316
72,623
4.47% senior notes due November 2018
25,000
25,000
4.14% senior notes due November 2017
25,000
25,000
4.91% senior notes due through May 2017
66,000
77,000
3.77% senior notes due November 2016
25,000
Term loan
118,313
167,875
Long-term revolving credit facility
162,079
103,343
Various other notes
1,099
1,491
583,033
613,877
Less debt fees
(253
)
(375
)
Total long-term debt
$
582,780
$
613,502

The Company has a $520 million credit facility, originally consisting of a $170 million term loan and a $350 million revolver. Of the $170 million term loan, $118 million remains outstanding as of December 31, 2016. This credit facility will mature on November 6, 2020. Interest rates on borrowings under the current credit facility are at LIBOR plus a margin based on the Company’s leverage ratio. Currently, when fully drawn, the interest rate under the credit facility would be LIBOR plus 1.50%.

The borrowings under the long-term revolving credit facility had an average interest rate of 1.40% and 1.36% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The aggregate amounts of contractual maturities on long-term debt of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2016, are as follows: 2017, $103.8 million; 2018, $38.9 million; 2019, $17.1 million; 2020, $236.9 million; and 2021, $0.1 million.

The Company has approximately $103.8 million of long-term debt that matures in 2017. The Company is able and intends to refinance these maturities under the long-term revolving credit facility. Accordingly, that maturing debt has been classified as long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company had $256 million available under the revolving credit facility and $41 million available under other lines of credit from several banks at December 31, 2016.

Substantially all of the senior loan agreements contain restrictions concerning interest coverage, borrowings and investments. The Company is in compliance with all of these restrictions at December 31, 2016. The following table summarizes the Company’s most restrictive loan covenants calculated in accordance with the applicable agreements as of December 31, 2016:

Actual
Required
Debt to EBITDA (1) (Maximum)
2.51
3.5
Interest Coverage (Minimum)
7.35
2.0
(1)
Debt to EBITDA is defined in the Company’s debt covenants as total funded debt divided by the Company’s consolidated operating income excluding non-operating gains and losses and depreciation and amortization.
The Company had stand-by and trade letters of credit outstanding of $6.8 million and $6.3 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Short-term Borrowings
The Company’s short-term borrowings consisted of the following items at December 31:
(in thousands)
2016
2015
Uncommitted loans
$
20,435
$
18,580
Loans of foreign subsidiaries
143
2,075
Total
$
20,578
$
20,655
The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings were 2.26% and 1.62% at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
5. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity

The Company may use derivative instruments for the purpose of hedging currency, commodity and interest rate exposures, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. As a policy, the Company does not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor does the Company hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged transaction. Hedge accounting, which generally results in the deferral of derivative gains and losses until such time as the underlying transaction is recognized in net earnings, is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the transaction and on an ongoing basis. Any ineffective portions are recognized in earnings immediately.

The Company manages its exposure to foreign exchange risk by the use of forward exchange contracts to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on non-functional currency sales, purchases, and other known foreign currency exposures. These forward exchange contracts generally have maturities of less than 18 months. The Company also uses certain debt denominated in foreign currencies to manage the net asset positions of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s primary hedging activities and their accounting treatment are summarized below:

Forward Exchange Contracts
Certain forward exchange contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. The Company had $25.4 million and $35.2 million of forward exchange contracts, designated as hedges, outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the amount deferred in OCI was not material to the financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, a loss of $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, were reclassified into net earnings in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings that offset the earnings impact of the related non-functional asset or liability hedged in the same period. In addition, the Company utilizes forward exchange contracts that are not designated as cash flow hedges and the results of these transactions are not material to the financial statements.

Net Investment Hedges
The Company has certain debt denominated in Euros and Swiss Francs. These debt instruments have been designated as partial hedges of the Company’s Euro and Swiss Franc net asset positions. Changes in the fair value of this debt attributable to changes in the spot foreign exchange rate are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the total value of the Company’s Euro and Swiss Franc debt designated as net investment hedges was $195.6 million and $162.5 million, respectively. The impact of foreign exchange rates on these debt instruments has decreased debt by $7.0 million and $7.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts have been recorded as foreign currency translation in OCI.

Concentrations of Credit Risk
Counterparties to forward exchange contracts consist of large international financial institutions. While these counterparties may expose the Company to potential losses due to the credit risk of non-performance, losses are not anticipated. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited by the large number of customers, generally short payment terms and their dispersion across geographic areas.

6. Share-Based Compensation

The Company has various stock plans under which employees and directors may be granted non-vested stock which vests over a specific time period. The 2007 Stock Plan also allows for the granting of non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options. Upon vesting, the stock options allow the participant to purchase common stock at 100% of the closing market price on the day the options were granted. No options were granted in 2016, 2015 or 2014.

As of December 31, 2016, there were 1.1 million shares available to be granted as non-vested stock under the Company’s existing stock plans.

Stock options became exercisable over a three-year vesting period, or earlier upon retirement, and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Expense for stock options was recognized on a straight-line basis over three years from the date of grant or over the period from the date of grant until the participant was retirement-eligible, whichever was less. Treasury shares are issued for non-vested stock awards and for the exercise of stock options.
The following table summarizes the transactions involving the Company’s stock option plans:
(In thousands except exercise price and life)
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
(Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
93
$
23.04
2.2
$
2,374
Exercised
(27
)
21.92
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
66
23.49
1.7
2,438
Exercised
(21
)
20.59
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
45
24.84
1.2
1,715
Exercised
(30
)
23.11
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
15
28.45
0.9
735
Exercisable at December 31, 2016
15
$
28.45
0.9
$
735

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $1.3 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016, all stock options outstanding were vested.

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2016:
Range of Exercise Price
(In thousands except life and exercise price)
$
26.12 – 30.06
$
30.07 – 30.07
Options outstanding
6
9
Weighted average remaining contractual life, in years
0.3
1.3
Weighted average exercise price
$
26.12
$
30.07
Options exercisable
6
9
Weighted average exercise price
$
26.12
$
30.07

The Company’s stock plans also provide for the awarding of non-vested stock. Prior to December 2014, expense for shares of non-vested stock is recognized over the vesting period or during the period from the date of grant until the participant reaches age 65, whichever is shorter. The vesting period is five years for awards granted prior to December 2013 and three years beginning with awards granted in December 2013. During the period of restriction, the holder of non-vested stock has voting rights and is entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock.

The December 2013 grant consisted of 50% performance stock units and 50% time-vesting stock. The number of shares issued under the performance stock units was based on certain performance metrics measured over a two-year performance period and the awards had a three-year vesting period. Two-year performance that exceeded the stated performance metrics would have resulted in an award up to 150% of the original grant. The holders of the performance stock units were not entitled to vote or receive dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock, until the units vested and the shares of stock were issued.

The grants issued after December 2013 consisted of 100% performance stock unit awards which are based on a three-year performance and vesting period and a pro-rata vesting upon retirement. Three-year performance that exceeds the stated performance metrics would result in an award up to 150% of the original grant. The holders of the performance stock units are not entitled to vote or receive dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock, until the units have vested and the shares of stock are issued.

The Company expenses awards for non-vested stock, including time-vesting stock and performance stock units, based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant.
The following table summarizes the non-vested stock and performance stock unit activity:

(In thousands except fair value)
Shares
Grant Date
Weighted Average
Fair Value
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
497
$
38.46
$
24,095
Granted
171
55.21
Vested
(40
)
27.15
Cancelled
(24
)
40.84
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
604
43.84
36,454
Granted
154
60.65
Vested
(74
)
35.51
Cancelled
(142
)
47.02
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
542
48.94
34,063
Granted
119
69.92
Vested
(172
)
43.42
Cancelled
(54
)
52.41
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
435
$
56.44
$
34,184

The total intrinsic values of shares vested during 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $12.8 million, $4.8 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016, total remaining unearned compensation, net of expected forfeitures, related to non-vested stock and performance stock units was $13.6 million, which will be amortized over the weighted average remaining service period of 1.51 years.

Total pre-tax share-based compensation recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings was $7.7 million, $1.6 million and $6.3 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Tax related benefits of $2.8 million, $0.5 million and $2.4 million were also recognized in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $0.7 million, $0.4 million and $0.6 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is reflected in cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

7. Retirement Plans

The Company provides benefits under defined contribution plans including a savings plan and an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”). The savings plan covers substantially all domestic salaried and certain non-union hourly employees and provides for matching contributions up to 4% of each employee’s salary. The ESOP covers substantially all domestic employees and provides for contributions based on a percentage of each employee’s compensation as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. Total expense for the Company’s defined contribution plans was $6.7 million in 2016, $5.4 million in 2015, and $5.0 million in 2014.

Although the Company intends for these defined contribution plans to be the primary retirement benefit for most employees, the Company also has several defined benefit plans. The funded status of the defined benefit plans was as follows at December 31:

(in thousands)
2016
2015
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
46,359
$
55,396
Service cost
2,091
2,692
Interest cost
1,669
1,803
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
(2,306
)
(2,379
)
Benefits paid
(8,280
)
(10,708
)
Actuarial loss (gain)
1,906
(1,173
)
Curtailment gain
-
(121
)
Other
252
849
Benefit obligation at end of year
41,691
46,359
Plan assets at beginning of year
36,236
39,520
Company contributions
6,947
10,204
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
(3,714
)
(2,859
)
Benefits paid
(8,280
)
(10,708
)
Actual gain on plan assets
4,952
79
Plan assets at end of year
36,141
36,236
Funded status
$
(5,550
)
$
(10,123
)
Accumulated benefit obligation
$
40,743
$
45,217
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:

(in thousands)
2016
2015
Accrued employee and retiree benefits
$
(14,510
)
$
(14,129
)
Other accrued expenses
(765
)
(5,927
)
Other assets
9,725
9,933
Net liability
$
(5,550
)
$
(10,123
)

Components of annual benefit cost:

(In thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Service cost
$
2,091
$
2,692
$
2,523
Interest cost
1,669
1,803
2,390
Expected return on plan assets
(1,141
)
(1,210
)
(1,791
)
Amortization of prior service cost
-
-
171
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
193
228
(305
)
Settlement expense
543
1,119
1,467
Curtailment gain
-
(104
)
(754
)
Defined benefit expense
$
3,355
$
4,528
$
3,701

Weighted average liability assumptions as of December 31:

2016
2015
Discount rate
3.48
%
3.94
%
Expected return on plan assets
2.85
%
3.40
%
Rate of compensation increase
0.43
%
0.35
%

Weighted average cost assumptions for the year ended December 31:

2016
2015
Discount rate
3.94
%
3.70
%
Expected return on plan assets
3.40
%
3.32
%
Rate of compensation increase
0.35
%
0.37
%

The aggregate amounts of benefits expected to be paid from defined benefit plans in each of the next five years subsequent to December 31, 2016, which include employees’ expected future service, are as follows: 2017, $2.2 million; 2018, $3.3 million; 2019, $2.2 million; 2020, $1.7 million; 2021, $2.4 million and $18.4 million in total for the years 2022 through 2026.

The Company expects to contribute $1.0 million to defined benefit plans in 2017.

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31 were as follows:

(In thousands)
2016
2015
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
$
3,384
$
5,725

The pension adjustments, net of tax, recognized in OCI, were as follows:

(In thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period
$
1,312
$
(140
)
$
(387
)
Amortization of actuarial loss, included in defined benefit expense
544
917
1,252
Amortization of prior service cost, included in defined benefit expense
-
-
733
Pension adjustment, net of tax
$
1,856
$
777
$
1,598

The estimated actuarial loss for the defined benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into periodic benefit cost during 2017 is $0.1 million.
The investment objectives and target allocations for the Company’s pension plans related to the assets of the plans are reviewed on a regular basis. The investment objectives for the pension assets are to maximize the return on assets while maintaining an overall level of risk appropriate for a retirement fund and ensuring the availability of funds for the payment of retirement benefits. The levels of risk assumed by the pension plans are determined by market conditions, the rate of return expectations and the liquidity requirements of each pension plan. The actual asset allocations of each pension plan are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they are in line with the target allocations.

The following table presents the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Fair Value
as of
December 31,
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2016
Using Fair Value Hierarchy
Fair Value
as of
December 31,
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2015
Using Fair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands)
2016
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
2015
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Equity Funds
Domestic
$
5,830
$
5,830
$
$
$
6,064
$
6,064
$
$
International
254
106
148
179
3
176
International Fixed Income Funds
23,156
851
22,305
22,374
711
21,663
Other investments
6,901
45
6,856
7,619
40
7,579
Total assets at fair value
$
36,141
$
6,832
$
29,309
$
$
36,236
$
6,818
$
29,418
$

The Company is required to categorize pension plan assets based on the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1:
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2:
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data.
Level 3:
Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

8.  Accounts Receivable Securitization

During October 2016, the Company entered into an accounts receivable securitization program with a commitment size of $40 million, whereby transactions under the program are accounted for as sales of trade receivables in accordance with ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing. Sales of trade receivables under the program are recorded as a reduction of accounts receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Proceeds received, including collections on the deferred purchase price receivable, are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The initial trade receivables sold to the third-party financial institution, Wells Fargo, in October 2016, totaled $60.6 million, for which $40 million in proceeds was received. The fair value of the receivables sold equaled the carrying cost at the time of sale and no gain or loss was recorded as a result of the sale. The sale also resulted in the recording of a deferred purchase price amount which represents the retained interest in the sold receivables. This amount is adjusted each month based on collections and other activity. The fair value of the deferred purchase price receivable recorded on the initial sale in October 2016 was $20.6 million. The Company estimates the fair value of the deferred purchase price receivable based on historical performance of similar receivables including an allowance for doubtful accounts, as well as estimated cash discounts to be taken by customers and potential credits issued to customers. The Company deems the interest rate risk related to the deferred purchase price receivable to be de minimis primarily due to the short average collection cycle of the related receivables. As of December 31, 2016, the trade receivables sold to Wells Fargo totaled $58.7 million. The fair value of the deferred purchase price receivable was $18.7 million; which is recorded in Trade Accounts Receivable in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table summarizes the changes in OCI for 2016:

(In thousands)
Cash Flow
Hedges (a)
Pension
Items (a)
Foreign Currency
Items
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
164
$
(4,393
)
$
(165,833
)
$
(170,062
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(1,094
)
1,312
(41,753
)
(41,535
)
Amounts reclassified from OCI
845
544
(3,257
)
(1,868
)
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$
(85
)
$
(2,537
)
$
(210,843
)
$
(213,465
)
(a)
Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.
During 2016, the Company completed the liquidation of a business unit within the Color segment, resulting in the reclassification of the cumulative translation adjustment into net earnings. See Note 14, Discontinued Operations , for additional information. See Note 7, Retirement Plans, for more information on the pension items reclassified out of OCI and into Selling and Administrative expenses in the Statement of Earnings during 2016. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity, for additional information on the Company’s cash flow hedges.

10. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for continuing operations was as follows:

(In thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Currently payable:
Federal
$
12,145
$
20,794
$
18,642
State
2,631
2,936
2,264
Foreign
19,168
23,873
25,435
33,944
47,603
46,341
Deferred (benefit) expense:
Federal
7,630
5,779
1,532
State
1,656
(772
)
(935
)
Foreign
1,142
(10,461
)
(14,111
)
10,428
(5,454
)
(13,514
)
Income taxes
$
44,372
$
42,149
$
32,827

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
(in thousands)
2016
2015
Deferred tax assets:
Benefit plans
$
11,040
$
12,901
Liabilities and reserves
15,733
18,986
Operating loss and credit carryovers
49,778
59,013
Other
3,181
3,226
Gross deferred tax assets
79,732
94,126
Valuation allowance
(35,426
)
(36,008
)
Deferred tax assets
44,306
58,118
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
(1,186
)
(1,850
)
Other assets
(353
)
(907
)
Goodwill
(27,863
)
(27,824
)
Other
(12,434
)
(8,000
)
Deferred tax liabilities
(41,836
)
(38,581
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
2,470
$
19,537
At December 31, 2016, foreign operating loss carryovers were $123.0 million. Included in the foreign operating loss carryovers are losses of $17.2 million that expire through 2031 and $105.8 million that do not have an expiration date. At December 31, 2016, state operating loss carryovers were $141.7 million, all of which expire through 2031. The effective tax rate for continuing operations differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as described below:

2016
2015
2014
Taxes at statutory rate
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
1.4
1.7
1.9
Tax credits
(1.8
)
(0.7
)
(0.4
)
Taxes on foreign earnings
(4.4
)
(0.8
)
(4.7
)
Resolution of prior years’ tax matters
-
(0.3
)
(0.6
)
U.S. manufacturing deduction
(2.0
)
(1.9
)
(2.0
)
Valuation allowance adjustments
(0.3
)
(5.0
)
0.2
Other, net
(1.4
)
0.2
(0.8
)
Effective tax rate
26.5
%
28.2
%
28.6
%

Taxes on foreign earnings include the difference between the tax rates applied to foreign earnings relative to the U.S. statutory tax rate, accruals for foreign unrecognized tax benefits, and the impact of the U.S. foreign tax credit. The impact on the Company’s effective tax rate varies from year to year based on the mix of earnings, increases in foreign unrecognized tax benefits, and the expected realization of U.S. foreign tax credits generated each year.

The 2015 reduction in the effective tax rate from the valuation allowance adjustments is the result of a tax audit settlement and a change in projections on the utilization of certain deferred tax assets.

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:

(In thousands)
2016
2015
2014
United States
$
96,963
$
87,749
$
56,211
Foreign
70,322
61,647
58,387
Total
$
167,285
$
149,396
$
114,598

Federal and state income taxes are provided on international subsidiary income distributed to or taxable in the United States during the year. At December 31, 2016, federal and state taxes have not been provided for approximately $379.1 million of unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be invested indefinitely. Determination of the deferred tax liability on such earnings is not practicable.

A reconciliation of the change in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(in thousands)
2016
2015
Balance at beginning of year
$
4,963
$
13,940
Increases for tax positions taken in the current year
570
1,322
Increases for tax positions taken in prior years
1,204
1,061
Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities
(1,172
)
(10,610
)
Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations
(426
)
(278
)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
(192
)
(472
)
Balance at the end of year
$
4,947
$
4,963

The amount of the unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was approximately $3.3 million. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties were reported as an income tax liability in each period. The $10.6 million decrease in 2015, related to Settlements with Tax Authorities was due to a 2015 audit settlement. A portion of this decrease reduced the Company’s deferred tax assets and an immaterial amount was recognized in net earnings. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits relates to multiple jurisdictions and is reported in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2016.

The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2016, will decrease by approximately $0.4 million during 2017, of which $0.4 million is estimated to impact the effective tax rate. The potential decrease relates to various tax matters for which the statute of limitations may expire or will be otherwise settled in 2017. The amount that is ultimately recognized in the financial statements will be dependent upon various factors including potential increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of examinations, settlements and other unanticipated items that may occur during the year. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2012.
11. Segment and Geographic Information
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of the respective business units before restructuring and other charges, interest expense and income taxes (“ segment operating income ”). Total revenue and segment operating income by business segment and geographic region include both sales to customers, as reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and intersegment sales, which are accounted for at prices that approximate market prices and are eliminated in consolidation.

Assets by business segment and geographic region are those assets used in the Company’s operations in each segment and geographic region. Segment assets reflect the allocation of goodwill to each segment. Corporate & Other assets consist primarily of fixed assets and investments.

Segment Information
The Company determines its operating segments based on information utilized by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. Segment performance is evaluated on operating income of the respective business units before restructuring charges which are reported in Corporate & Other.

The Company’s three reportable segments are Flavors & Fragrances and Color segments, which are managed on a product line basis, and the Asia Pacific segment, which is managed on a geographic basis. The Company’s Flavors & Fragrances segment produces flavor and fragrance products that impart a desired taste, texture, aroma or other characteristic to a broad range of consumer and other products. The Color segment produces natural and synthetic color systems for pharmaceuticals, foods and beverages; colors and formulations for cosmetics; and technical colors for industrial applications. The Asia Pacific segment is managed on a geographic basis and produces color, flavor and fragrance products for the Asia Pacific countries. The Company’s corporate expenses and restructuring and other costs are included in the “Corporate & Other” category.

The results of operations for the Company’s color business in China, South Korea and Japan, which were previously reported in the Asia Pacific segment, are now reported in the Color segment. All prior year results have been restated to reflect each of these changes.

Restructuring and other costs related to continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, are further described in Note 13, Restructuring Charges, and Note 15, Divestiture, and are included in the operating income (loss) results in Corporate & Other below. Consistent with presentation in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows, the below amounts for assets, capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization include discontinued operations for all periods presented and are included in Corporate & Other. In addition, the Company’s corporate expenses are included in Corporate & Other.
(In thousands)
Flavors &
Fragrances
Color
Asia Pacific
Corporate
& Other
Consolidated
2016:
Revenue from external customers
$
768,956
$
487,071
$
127,183
$
$
1,383,210
Intersegment revenue
26,300
15,002
286
41,588
Total revenue
795,256
502,073
127,469
1,424,798
Operating income (loss)
123,530
104,785
25,161
(67,867
)
185,609
Interest expense
18,324
18,324
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations
123,530
104,785
25,161
(86,191
)
167,285
Assets
784,421
672,028
94,957
116,454
1,667,860
Capital expenditures
57,622
15,422
5,199
2,973
81,216
Depreciation and amortization
22,897
19,021
2,442
2,659
47,019
2015:
Revenue from external customers
$
793,386
$
466,095
$
116,483
$
$
1,375,964
Intersegment revenue
25,623
13,871
180
39,674
Total revenue
819,009
479,966
116,663
1,415,638
Operating income (loss)
121,874
96,611
23,684
(75,828
)
166,341
Interest expense
16,945
16,945
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations
121,874
96,611
23,684
(92,773
)
149,396
Assets
806,401
712,580
76,884
107,867
1,703,732
Capital expenditures
56,233
18,933
2,643
2,132
79,941
Depreciation and amortization
24,049
19,002
1,876
3,012
47,939
2014:
Revenue from external customers
$
825,976
$
503,800
$
118,045
$
$
1,447,821
Intersegment revenue
25,570
15,765
205
41,540
Total revenue
851,546
519,565
118,250
1,489,361
Operating income (loss)
120,888
116,238
22,898
(129,359
)
130,665
Interest expense
16,067
16,067
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations
120,888
116,238
22,898
(145,426
)
114,598
Assets
819,366
752,422
80,158
120,093
1,772,039
Capital expenditures
41,244
31,883
2,010
4,261
79,398
Depreciation and amortization
26,316
19,332
1,984
3,824
51,456
Geographic Information
The Company has manufacturing facilities or sales offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and Africa.

The Company’s annual revenue from continuing operations summarized by geographic location is as follows:

(In thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Revenue from external customers:
North America
$
745,660
$
744,481
$
750,345
Europe
342,818
349,100
389,588
Asia Pacific
196,884
177,559
193,163
Other
97,848
104,824
114,725
Consolidated
$
1,383,210
$
1,375,964
$
1,447,821
Long-lived assets:
North America
$
548,674
$
541,654
$
566,236
Europe
361,029
397,244
423,972
Asia Pacific
30,006
26,589
29,948
Other
11,090
9,340
14,229
Consolidated
$
950,799
$
974,827
$
1,034,385

Sales in the United States, based on the final country of destination of the Company’s products, were $595.0 million, $592.9 million and $573.6 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. No other country of destination exceeded 10% of consolidated sales. Total long-lived assets in the United States amounted to $495.3 million, $486.1 million and $479.4 million at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Product Information
The Company’s revenue from continuing operations summarized by product portfolio is as follows:

(In thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Traditional Flavors & Fragrances
$
653,794
$
667,941
$
715,789
Natural Ingredients
240,710
240,793
227,538
Food & Beverage Colors
299,415
298,457
307,343
Non-Food Colors
230,879
208,447
238,691
Interdivision Revenue
(41,588
)
(39,674
)
(41,540
)
Consolidated
$
1,383,210
$
1,375,964
$
1,447,821

12. Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value for financial assets and liabilities, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s only assets and liabilities subject to this standard are forward contracts, investments in a money market fund and municipal bonds, and defined benefit plan assets (See Note 7, Retirement Plans, for additional information on the defined benefit plan assets). The net fair value of the forward exchange contracts based on current pricing obtained for comparable derivative products (Level 2 inputs) was a liability of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The fair value of the investments based on December 31, 2016 and 2015, market quotes (Level 1 inputs) was an asset of $1.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and short-term borrowings approximated fair values as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, is estimated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements (Level 2 inputs). The carrying value of the long-term debt at December 31, 2016 and 2015, was $582.8 million and $613.5 million, respectively. The fair value of the long-term debt at December 31, 2016 and 2015, was approximately $599.1 million and $625.3 million, respectively.
13. Restructuring Charges

The Company incurred restructuring costs in both continuing and discontinued operations. The discussion in this note relates to the combination of both continuing and discontinued operations unless otherwise noted. Restructuring costs related to discontinued operations are recorded in discontinued operations within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings and are discussed in more detail in Note 14, Discontinued Operations .

In March 2014, the Company announced that it was initiating a restructuring plan (“2014 Restructuring Plan” or “Plan”) to eliminate underperforming operations, consolidate manufacturing facilities and improve efficiencies within the Company. The Company determined that it had redundant manufacturing capabilities in both North America and Europe and that it could lower costs and operate more efficiently by consolidating into fewer facilities. Eight facilities were identified for consolidation in the Flavors & Fragrances segment, four in North America and four in Europe. To date, closures have been announced in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States; Cornwall, Mississauga and Halton Hills, Canada; Bremen, Germany; and Milan, Italy. The Company also plans to sell its two European Natural Ingredients facilities, as discussed below. In addition, the Company discontinued one of the businesses in the Color segment, located near Leipzig, Germany, because it did not fit with the Company’s long-term strategic plan and it had generated losses for several years. In 2015, the Company identified additional opportunities to consolidate manufacturing operations at one of the Color segment’s facilities in Europe and eliminate additional positions in the European Flavors & Fragrances businesses.

Based on this Plan, the Company determined that certain long-lived assets associated with the underperforming operations were impaired. The Company reduced the carrying amounts of these assets to their aggregate respective fair values, which were determined based on independent market valuations. The fair values of the remaining long-lived assets are estimated to be approximately $14 million, which includes certain of the land, buildings and equipment in the assets held for sale, as noted below. Also, certain machinery and equipment has been identified to be disposed of at the time of the facility closures and the associated depreciation for these assets has been accelerated. The Company recorded long-lived asset impairments, including the impairment charges and accelerated depreciation of $1.9 million, $14.5 million and $70.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Since initiating the Plan, the Company has recorded $87 million of long-lived asset impairments, including the impairment charges and accelerated depreciation. In addition, certain intangible assets, inventory and other current assets were also determined to be impaired and were written down.

The Company has also incurred employee separation and other restructuring costs as a result of this Plan. The Company anticipates that it will reduce headcount by approximately 400 positions at the affected facilities, primarily in the Flavors & Fragrances segment, related to direct and indirect labor at manufacturing sites. As of December 31, 2016, 300 positions had been eliminated as a result of this Plan.

As mentioned above, the Company plans to sell its European Natural Ingredients business, a business in the Flavors & Fragrances segment. This business has two facilities, located in Marchais, France, and Elburg, the Netherlands. The European Natural Ingredients business has not generated significant profits for several years and it does not fit with the Company’s long-term strategic plan. The Company is currently working to sell this business and anticipates selling the business within the next year. Upon the completion of a sale of this business, the Company anticipates recognizing an additional non-cash loss of approximately $20 million.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company has recorded assets held for sale of land, buildings and equipment of $7.2 million related to the 2014 Restructuring Plan. In addition, $19.5 million of inventory, receivables and other assets are included in assets held for sale related to the anticipated sale of the European Natural Ingredients business. The Company also has $3.8 million of liabilities held for sale related to the anticipated sale of the European Natural Ingredients business.

The Company recorded total restructuring costs of $11.1 million, $42.8 million and $98.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, in accordance with GAAP and based on an internal review of the affected facilities and consultation with legal and other advisors. Since initiating the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company has incurred $95 million of non-cash related restructuring costs and $57 million of cash related restructuring costs for a total of $152 million of restructuring costs through December 31, 2016. The Company expects to incur approximately $20 million of additional non-cash related restructuring costs and $2 million of additional cash related restructuring costs for a total of $22 million of additional restructuring costs by the end of 2017.

The Company expects that the closure and sale of these operations will significantly lower the Company’s operating costs over the next few years. Upon initiating the Plan, the Company estimated the annual cost reductions to be approximately $30 million, when fully implemented. The U.S. dollar has strengthened considerably since the initiation of the Plan, and as a result the dollar value of the cost savings has been reduced. In 2015, the Company identified additional cost savings opportunities, and as a result of these actions, the current estimate of annual cost savings is approximately $27 million. The Company has also implemented price increases to further mitigate the impact of foreign currency movements. Since initiating the Plan, the Company has realized total savings of approximately $22 million as of December 31, 2016, of which $9.1 million was recognized in 2016. The remaining savings are expected to be realized in 2017. The Company intends to continue to optimize production at the consolidating sites after the completion of the restructuring activities.
In connection with the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company approved a plan to dispose of a certain business, located near Leipzig, Germany, within the Color segment. Production ceased in 2014 and the business met the criteria to be reported as a discontinued operation. In 2016, the facility and remaining assets were sold for a gain of $0.2 million. In addition, the entity was liquidated resulting in a reclassification of the cumulative translation adjustment related to that entity of $3.3 million into net earnings.

The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of each segment before restructuring costs. All restructuring costs related to continuing operations are recorded in Corporate & Other. The following table summarizes the restructuring expense by segment and discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:

(In thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Flavors & Fragrances
$
13,719
$
37,309
$
83,871
Color
81
2,113
-
Asia Pacific
-
82
261
Corporate and Other
751
3,299
3,240
Total Continuing Operations
14,551
42,803
87,372
Discontinued Operations
(3,485
)
43
10,998
Total Restructuring (1)
$
11,066
$
42,846
$
98,370
(1)
In 2014, the Company recorded $3.2 million of proxy costs related to the 2014 proxy contest. These costs were included in this disclosure in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders. These costs have been removed from the disclosure to conform to current year presentation.
The Company recorded restructuring costs in continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016, as follows:

(In thousands)
Selling &
Administrative
Cost of
Products Sold
Total
Employee separation
$
1,279
$
-
$
1,279
Long-lived asset impairment
1,659
-
1,659
Loss on asset sales
212
-
212
Write-down of inventory
-
2,065
2,065
Other costs (1)
9,336
-
9,336
Total
$
12,486
$
2,065
$
14,551
(1)
Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, temporary labor, moving costs and other related costs.

The Company recorded restructuring costs in continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, as follows:

(In thousands)
Selling &
Administrative
Cost of
Products Sold
Total
Employee separation
$
7,155
$
-
$
7,155
Long-lived asset impairment
14,551
-
14,551
Gain on asset sales
(1,301
)
-
(1,301
)
Write-down of inventory
-
6,098
6,098
Other costs (1)
16,300
-
16,300
Total
$
36,705
$
6,098
$
42,803
(1)
Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, moving costs and other related costs.
The Company recorded restructuring costs in continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2014, as follows:

(In thousands)
Selling &
Administrative
Cost of
Products Sold
Total
Employee separation
$
17,794
$
-
$
17,794
Long-lived asset impairment
63,431
-
63,431
Gain on asset sales
(602
)
-
(602
)
Write-down of inventory
-
1,914
1,914
Other costs (1)
4,835
-
4,835
Total (2)
$
85,458
$
1,914
$
87,372

(1)
Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, moving costs and other related costs.
(2)
In 2014, the Company recorded $3.2 million of proxy costs related to the 2014 proxy contest. These costs were included in this disclosure in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders. These costs have been removed from the disclosure to conform to current year presentation.
The following table summarizes the accrual activity for the restructuring liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

(In thousands)
Employee
Separations
Other Costs
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
14,909
$
897
$
15,806
Expense activity (1)
6,853
16,748
23,601
Cash spent (1)
(10,174
)
(16,733
)
(26,907
)
Translation adjustment
(1,328
)
-
(1,328
)
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
10,260
$
912
$
11,172
Expense activity
1,279
9,336
10,615
Cash spent
(4,434
)
(9,678
)
(14,112
)
Translation adjustment
(146
)
-
(146
)
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$
6,959
$
570
$
7,529
(1)
In 2014, the Company recorded $3.2 million of proxy costs related to the 2014 proxy contest.  These costs were included in this disclosure in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders.  These costs have been removed from the disclosure to conform to current year presentation.

14. Discontinued Operations

In connection with the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company approved a plan to dispose of a business unit within the Color segment, located near Leipzig, Germany. Since 2014, the business has met the criteria to be presented as a discontinued operation as established in ASC Subtopic 205-20, Discontinued Operations . The results of this business have been reported as a discontinued operation in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings for all periods presented. During 2016, the facility and remaining assets were sold for a gain of $0.2 million. In addition, the entity was liquidated resulting in a reclassification of the cumulative translation adjustment of $3.3 million into net earnings.

The following table summarizes the discontinued operation’s results, which are included in the loss from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

(In thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Net sales
$
-
$
187
$
5,197
Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
3,410
(471
)
(11,496
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(67
)
9
3,371
Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
3,343
$
(462
)
$
(8,125
)
15. Divestiture

In 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized management to explore strategic alternatives for a facility and certain related business lines within the Flavors & Fragrances segment in Strasbourg, France. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has recorded assets held for sale of inventory and other assets of $14.8 million and $1.5 million of liabilities held for sale related to the sale. In addition, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $10.8 million during 2016, in selling and administrative expense, reducing the carrying value of the long-lived assets for this facility to zero. An estimate of the fair value of this business less cost to sell was determined to be lower than its carrying value. The difference between the fair value and its carrying value exceeded the existing net book value of the long-lived assets. In addition, the Company incurred $0.7 million of outside professional fees and other related costs as a result of the then anticipated divestiture.

On January 6, 2017, the Company completed the sale of this facility and certain related business lines for approximately $12.5 million. As a result, in the Company’s first quarter 2017 consolidated condensed financial statements, the Company will recognize an additional non-cash loss of approximately $6 million.

16. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under operating lease arrangements. Aggregate minimum rental commitments at December 31, 2016, for all noncancelable operating leases with an initial lease term greater than one year for the years ending December 31 are as follows: 2017, $8.2 million; 2018, $5.5 million; 2019, $3.6 million; 2020, $2.7 million; 2021, $1.8 million and $3.5 million thereafter.

Rent expense from continuing operations totaled $12.4 million, $12.3 million and $10.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Commercial Litigation

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Civil Complaint
On September 21, 2015, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a civil complaint against Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC (SNI) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. SNI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The EEOC’s complaint alleges that SNI failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, when it terminated five employees in 2011. The EEOC seeks to enjoin SNI from engaging in employment practices that discriminate on the basis of disability; asks the Court to order SNI to implement policies, practices, and programs to ensure it does not violate the ADA; and requests back pay with prejudgment interest, reinstatement, front pay, compensation for past and future pecuniary and non-pecuniary losses, and punitive damages on behalf of the five named former employees and any similarly aggrieved individuals.  Recoverable compensatory and punitive damages are subject to statutory caps. The complaint does not request a specific damages amount.  To date, the EEOC has provided the Company with a list of 13 additional potentially aggrieved former employees not listed in the complaint who may have been terminated in violation of the ADA during the relevant time period. In its discovery responses, the EEOC has identified 3 of those 13 former employees as additional claimants for whom the Agency seeks relief.

On September 20, 2016, the Company and the EEOC engaged in a mediation session in which the parties worked to settle this matter.  As of December 31, 2016 and the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, the parties are still negotiating and attempting to finalize the terms of a settlement agreement, but the Company accrued $0.6 million for the settlement of this matter during 2016.

Other Claims
The Company is subject to various claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company establishes reserves for claims and proceedings when it is probable that liabilities exist and reasonable estimates of loss can be made. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of these matters, based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, we do not believe that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position. However, actual outcomes may be different from those expected and could have a material effect on our results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Sensient Technologies Corporation
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sensient Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in index at Item 15. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sensient Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Sensient Technologies Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 23, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 23, 2017
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Sensient Technologies Corporation
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We have audited Sensient Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Sensient Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Sensient Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the COSO criteria .

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Sensient Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 and our report dated February 23, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 23, 2017
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in thousands); Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Valuation Accounts Deducted in the Balance Sheet From the Assets to Which They Apply
Balance
at Beginning
of Period
Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Additions
Recorded
During
Acquisitions
Deductions
(A)
Balance at
End of
Period
2014
Allowance for losses:
Trade accounts receivable
$
4,327
$
896
$
0
$
1,385
$
3,838
2015
Allowance for losses:
Trade accounts receivable
$
3,838
$
1,459
$
0
$
1,426
$
3,871
2016
Allowance for losses:
Trade accounts receivable
$
3,871
$
1,747
$
0
$
782
$
4,836
(A) Accounts written off, net of recoveries.
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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
/s/ John J. Manning
John J. Manning
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Dated: February 23, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below as of February 23, 2017, by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.

/s/ Paul Manning
/s/ Mario Ferruzzi
Paul Manning
Mario Ferruzzi
Chairman of the Board, President and
Director
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Stephen J. Rolfs
/s/ Donald W. Landry
Stephen J. Rolfs
Donald W. Landry
Senior Vice President and
Director
Chief Financial Officer
/s/ Jeffrey T. Makal
/s/ Scott C. Morrison
Jeffrey T. Makal
Scott C. Morrison
Vice President, Controller and
Director
Chief Accounting Officer
/s/ Hank Brown
/s/ Deborah McKeithan-Gebhardt
Hank Brown
Deborah McKeithan-Gebhardt
Director
Director
/s/ Joseph Carleone
/s/ Elaine R. Wedral
Joseph Carleone
Elaine R. Wedral
Director
Director
/s/ Edward H. Cichurski
/s/ Essie Whitelaw
Edward H. Cichurski
Essie Whitelaw
Director
Director
/s/ Fergus M. Clydesdale
Fergus M. Clydesdale
Director
SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX
2016 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Exhibit
Number
Description
Incorporated by
Reference from
Filed
Herewith
3.1
Sensient Technologies Corporation Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 (Commission File No.1-7626)
3.2
Sensient Technologies Corporation Amended and Restated By-Laws
Exhibit 3.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
4.1(a)
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of March 22, 2011
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2011 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
4.1(b)
First Amendment dated as of November 6, 2015 to Note Purchase Agreement dated as of March 22, 2011
Exhibit 10.4 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 6, 2015 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
4.2(a)
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of April 5, 2013
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 5, 2013 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
4.2(b)
First Amendment dated as of November 6, 2015 to Note Purchase Agreement dated as of April 5, 2013
Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 6, 2015 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
4.3
First Amendment dated as of November 6, 2015 to Note Purchase Agreement dated as of November 19, 2009
Exhibit 10.5 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 6, 2015 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
4.4
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of November 6, 2015
Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 6, 2015 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10
Material Contracts
10.1
Management Contracts or Compensatory Plans
10.1(a)
Executive Employment Contract dated as of February 9, 2017, between Sensient Technologies Corporation and Paul Manning
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 9, 2017 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(b)
Form of Change of Control Employment and Severance Agreement
Exhibit 10.1(b)(3) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(c)(1)
Sensient Technologies Corporation 2002 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan (superseded)
Appendix C to Definitive Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on March 15, 2004 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(c)(2)
Sensient Technologies Corporation 2012 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan
Exhibit 10.1(c)(2) to Annual Report of Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX
2016 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Exhibit
Number
Description
Incorporated by
Reference from
Filed
Herewith
10.1(d)
Universal Foods Corporation 1994 Employee Stock Plan
Exhibit 10.2(f) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(d)(1)
Amendment of Universal Foods Corporation 1994 Employee Stock Plan
Exhibit 10.1(e)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(e)
Universal Foods Corporation 1998 Stock Option Plan
Exhibit 10.2(h) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(e)(1)
Amendment of Universal Foods Corporation 1998 Stock Option Plan
Exhibit 10.1(f)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for-the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(f)
Universal Foods Corporation 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
Appendix A to Definitive Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on December 17, 1999 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(f)(1)
Amendment of Universal Foods Corporation 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
Exhibit 10.1(g)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(g)
Sensient Technologies Corporation 2002 Stock Option Plan
Appendix B to Definitive Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on March 22, 2002 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(g)(1)
Amendment No. 1 to the Sensient Technologies Corporation 2002 Stock Option Plan
Exhibit 10.11 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(g)(2)
Form of Sensient Technologies Corporation 2002 Stock Option Plan Restricted Stock Agreement
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(h)
Sensient Technologies Corporation 2007 Stock Plan
Appendix B to Definitive Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on March 15, 2013 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(i)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 28, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(i)(1)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Non-Employee Directors’ Retirement Plan
Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2013 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(j)(1)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Frozen Management Income Deferral Plan
Exhibit 10.5(a) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX
2016 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Exhibit
Number
Description
Incorporated by
Reference from
Filed
Herewith
10.1(j)(2)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Management Income Deferral Plan
Exhibit 10.5(b) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(k)(1)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Frozen Executive Income Deferral Plan
Exhibit 10.4(a) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(k)(2)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Executive Income Deferral Plan
Exhibit 10.4(b) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(l)
Amended and Restated Sensient Technologies Corporation Rabbi Trust “A” Agreement dated November 30, 2009, between Sensient Technologies Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Exhibit 10.1(l) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(m)
Amended and Restated Sensient Technologies Corporation Rabbi Trust “B” Agreement dated November 30, 2009, between Sensient Technologies Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Exhibit 10.1(m) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(n)
Amended and Restated Sensient Technologies Corporation Rabbi Trust “C” Agreement dated November 30, 2009, between Sensient Technologies Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Exhibit 10.1(n) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(o)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan for Elected Corporate Officers
Appendix B to Definitive Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on March 17, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(p)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Management Incentive Plan for Group Presidents
Exhibit 10.9 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(q)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Management Incentive Plan for Corporate Management
Exhibit 10.7 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(r)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Management Incentive Plan for Group/Division Management
Exhibit 10.8 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(s)(1)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan A Agreement
Exhibit 10.1(s) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(s)(2)
Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Sensient Technologies Corporation Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan A
Exhibit 10.1(s)(2) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (Commission file No. 1-7626)
SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX
2016 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Exhibit
Number
Description
Incorporated by
Reference From
Filed
Herewith
10.1(s)(3)
Form of Amendment No. 2 to the Sensient Technologies Corporation Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan A
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 22, 2010 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(t)(1)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan B Agreement
Exhibit 10.1(t) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(t)(2)
Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Sensient Technologies Corporation Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan B
Exhibit 10.1(t)(2) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(t)(3)
Form of Amendment No. 2 to the Sensient Technologies Corporation Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan B
Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 22, 2010 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(u)(1)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Frozen Supplemental Benefit Plan
Exhibit 10.6(a) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(u)(2)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Supplemental Benefit Plan
Exhibit 10.6(b) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(v)
Sensient Technologies Corporation Policy on Recovery of Incentive Compensation from Executives
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2011 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.1(w)
Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement
Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 28, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.2(a)
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 24, 2014
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 24, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.2(b)
First Amendment dated as of November 6, 2015 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 24, 2014
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 6, 2015 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.3
Credit Agreement dated as of October 7, 2008
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 7, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.4
Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of October 3, 2016
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 3, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX
2016 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Exhibit
Number
Description
Incorporated by
Reference From
Filed
Herewith
10.5
Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of October 3, 2016
Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 3, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
10.6
Performance Undertaking made as of October 3, 2016
Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 3, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
X
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
X
Certifications of Sensient’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act
X
Certifications of Sensient’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 United States Code § 1350
X
101.INS*
Instance Document
X
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
X
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
X
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
X
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
X
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
X

*The following financial information is formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and furnished electronically herewith: (i) Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
E-5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part IItem 1. BusinessItem 1A. Risk FactorsItem 1B. Unresolved Staff CommentsItem 2. PropertiesItem 3. Legal ProceedingsItem 4. Mine Safety DisclosurePart IIItem 5. Market For The Registrant S Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases Of Equity SecuritiesItem 6. Selected Financial DataItem 7. Management S Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results Of OperationItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary DataItem 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial DisclosureItem 9A. Controls and ProceduresItem 9B. Other InformationPart IIIItem 10. Directors, Executive Officers Of The Registrant and Corporate GovernanceItem 11. Executive CompensationItem 12. Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder MattersItem 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director IndependenceItem 14. Principal Accountant Fees and ServicesPart IVItem 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement SchedulesItem 16. Form 10-k Summary

Exhibits

21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant 23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP 31 Certifications of Sensients President and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act 32 Certifications of Sensients President and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 United States Code 1350