Sensient Technologies reported that diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2008 rose 16.2 percent to 43 cents, compared to 37 cents in the prior year’s comparable period. Revenue reached a record level of $307.4 million, up 7.8 percent from the first quarter of 2007. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on revenue of 6 percent in the quarter. First quarter 2008 operating income increased 15.8 percent on higher sales and improved margins.      “For the first quarter,...