Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario as Milton and Catherine Hershey Principal Photography Begins May 2025 Across PennsylvaniaHERSHEY, Pa., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HERSHEY, a major motion picture of chocolate pioneer Milton Hershey and his beloved wife Catherine, 'Kitty', is officially set for production beginning in May 2025. Millions worldwide instantly recognize the distinctive wrapped Hershey's bar, but few know the extraordinary human story behind it. A must-see movie for chocolate-lovers and fan ...

Core Viewpoint - The Hershey Company is acquiring LesserEvil to expand its portfolio into the better-for-you snacking market, aligning with changing consumer preferences [1][3][7] Group 1: Acquisition Details - Hershey plans to acquire LesserEvil, a brand known for organic snacks, which will enhance its snack portfolio [1][2] - The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close later this year [1] - LesserEvil's focus on bold flavors and clean ingredients complements Hershey's existing brands [2][3] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This acquisition will broaden Hershey's healthier snack offerings and introduce new product categories [3] - LesserEvil's manufacturing capabilities are expected to improve production efficiency for Hershey [3] - The move reflects Hershey's strategy to balance its traditional confectionery business with modern snacking trends [3][7] Group 3: Market Context - Hershey is undergoing a transformation to drive long-term growth by streamlining operations and improving efficiency [5] - The company is enhancing its marketing strategy to align with consumer trends and integrate its supply chain [5] - Hershey faces challenges such as high cocoa prices, changing consumer spending habits, and increased competition [6]

Group 1 - The core message of the campaign is to emphasize the importance of taking breaks in a busy world, with KIT KAT® positioning itself as a brand that facilitates these moments of pause [1][2][3] - The Break Brothers are introduced as characters that symbolize the brand's commitment to helping consumers enjoy distraction-free breaks, reinforcing the idea of a "real, crispy, creamy break" [2][3] - The campaign will debut during the NCAA Men's Championship Game on April 7, highlighting the brand's strategy to reach a wide audience through a major sporting event [4][5] Group 2 - The Hershey Company is a leading snacks company with over $11.2 billion in annual revenues, operating in approximately 70 countries and employing more than 20,000 people [6] - The company's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, and Kit Kat®, as well as popular salty snacks like SkinnyPop and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels [6] - Hershey has a long-standing commitment to social responsibility, focusing on education and community support, which has been part of its mission for over 130 years [7]

Company Performance - Hershey's stock closed at $166.83, increasing by 1.76% from the previous session, outperforming the S&P 500's decline of 4.84% [1] - The stock has decreased by 7.39% over the past month, underperforming the Consumer Staples sector's gain of 5.4% and the S&P 500's loss of 4.7% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Hershey is expected to report an EPS of $1.96, reflecting a 36.16% decrease from the same quarter last year [2] - The consensus estimate for quarterly revenue is $2.83 billion, down 13.09% from the previous year [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the fiscal year, earnings are projected at $6.10 per share, a decline of 34.9%, while revenue is expected to be $11.42 billion, indicating a 1.93% increase from the prior year [3] - Recent changes in analyst estimates suggest evolving short-term business trends, with positive revisions indicating confidence in the company's performance [3] Valuation Metrics - Hershey's Forward P/E ratio stands at 26.86, which is higher than the industry average of 22.48 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 5.83, compared to the Food - Confectionery industry's average PEG ratio of 4.32 [7] Industry Context - The Food - Confectionery industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector and currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 216, placing it in the bottom 13% of over 250 industries [8] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]

Core Viewpoint - The Hershey Company has announced a definitive agreement to acquire LesserEvil, a brand known for organic snacks, which will enhance Hershey's snacking portfolio and expand its market reach [1][2]. Company Strategy - The acquisition of LesserEvil is aimed at creating a multi-category, better-for-you snacks platform, allowing Hershey to reach new consumers and eating occasions [2]. - Hershey's President and CEO, Michele Buck, emphasized that LesserEvil complements existing brands and adds manufacturing capabilities to meet growing consumer demand [2]. Brand and Market Position - LesserEvil is recognized for its innovative approach to snacks, focusing on bold flavors and organic ingredients, which aligns with current consumer trends towards healthier options [2][3]. - The leadership team of LesserEvil will remain in place to drive growth and innovation within the company post-acquisition [2]. Cultural Alignment - The CEO of LesserEvil highlighted the cultural fit between the two companies, noting a shared commitment to responsible business practices and long-term vision [3]. - Hershey's legacy and commitment to excellence provide a supportive environment for LesserEvil to continue its growth and impact [3]. Financial Overview - The Hershey Company generates over $11.2 billion in annual revenues and operates in approximately 70 countries, showcasing its significant market presence [6].

Core Insights - The Hershey Company has launched Reese's PB&J Big Cups, combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly with chocolate, available in both strawberry and grape flavors [1][4][5] - The launch coincided with National PB&J Day and was preceded by a playful April Fool's prank suggesting the company would enter the sandwich business [3][5] - Reese's PB&J Big Cups are available in various pack sizes, including standard, king, and snack size multipacks, for a limited time [5][6] Company Overview - The Hershey Company is a leading snacks company with over 20,000 employees globally, generating more than $11.2 billion in annual revenues [7] - The company's product portfolio includes well-known brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat®, and Jolly Rancher, as well as popular salty snacks like SkinnyPop and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels [7] - Hershey has a long-standing commitment to corporate responsibility, focusing on education and community support since its founding [8]

Core Insights - The launch of Hershey's Kisses Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ flavored candies targets the growing demand for unique flavor combinations among Gen Z and Millennials, with 75% of this demographic expressing interest in such snacks [1][3] - The new product features a blend of smooth white creme, cinnamon sugar, and graham-flavored cookie bits, promising a delightful taste experience [2][3] - The limited-edition candies are positioned as ideal for various snacking occasions, enhancing the brand's appeal for family and social gatherings [3][4] Company Overview - The Hershey Company is a leading snacks company with over 20,000 employees globally, generating more than $11.2 billion in annual revenues [6] - The company's product portfolio includes well-known brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, and Kit Kat®, alongside popular salty snacks like SkinnyPop [6] - Hershey has a long-standing commitment to corporate responsibility, focusing on community support and educational initiatives since its founding [7]

Core Insights - The Hershey Company is promoting a new Easter tradition called "egging," which involves surprising friends and family with festive treats and decorations, particularly featuring Reese's and Cadbury products [3][5][6] Group 1: Company Overview - The Hershey Company is an industry-leading snacks company with over 20,000 employees worldwide, generating more than $11.2 billion in annual revenues [7] - The company's portfolio includes iconic brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat®, and Jolly Rancher, as well as popular salty snacks like SkinnyPop and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels [7] Group 2: Marketing Strategy - The campaign aims to inspire consumers to engage in "egging" by providing DIY ideas and tips through partnerships with influencers like Jasmine Roth [4][6] - The initiative encourages sharing experiences on social media to create a community around the new tradition, thereby enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement [8] Group 3: Product Promotion - Reese's and Cadbury have over 14 seasonal egg-shaped products available for consumers to use in their "egging" activities [8] - The campaign emphasizes the fun and joy of surprising loved ones with Easter-themed decorations and treats, reinforcing the emotional connection to the brands [6][5]

Company Overview - The Hershey Company has launched Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, which have been named the Official Gummy of March Madness, enhancing its partnership with the NCAA [1][2] - Hershey's portfolio includes over 20 iconic brands and generates more than $11.2 billion in annual revenues, with products available in approximately 70 countries [9][10] Product Details - Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies were created in partnership with Shaquille O'Neal and launched in 2024, featuring two varieties: Shaq-A-Licious Originals and Shaq-A-Licious Sours [4] - The Originals are shaped like Shaq's face and come in peach, berry punch, and orange flavors, while the Sours include green watermelon, pineapple, and mixed berry flavors [4] Marketing and Promotions - The partnership with the NCAA includes promotional activities during the Final Four weekend, such as product sampling and interactive fan experiences [3] - Hershey's collaboration with Operation Homefront highlights its commitment to community support, particularly in relation to military families [3] Brand and Celebrity Influence - Shaquille O'Neal is a prominent figure in sports and entertainment, known for his successful career as an NBA player and his various business ventures [5][6] - O'Neal's brand resonates with consumers through his "Business of Fun" mantra, which is reflected in the marketing of Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The Hershey Company is currently facing significant challenges, but these challenges may present a unique investment opportunity for long-term investors due to its historical performance and dividend reliability [1][5][11]. Company Overview - The Hershey Company (HSY) is a leading confectioner and snack maker, known for its chocolate products, including the Hershey brand and Reese's [2]. - The company has a history of growth through both organic means and acquisitions, recently expanding into salty snacks by acquiring companies like Dot's Pretzels [2]. Dividend Performance - Hershey has increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years, with an average annual increase of 10% over the past decade [3]. - The current dividend yield is approximately 3.2%, which is at the high end of its historical range, making it attractive for long-term dividend investors [4]. Current Challenges - Hershey's stock has lost over one-third of its value since its peak in 2023, primarily due to skyrocketing cocoa prices and projected declines in adjusted earnings of 30% to 40% by 2025 [5]. - The rise of new weight loss drugs may also reduce demand for sweets and snacks, adding to the company's challenges [6]. Positive Outlook - The Hershey Trust controls 79% of the voting rights and has a vested interest in maintaining a reliable and growing dividend, which may support conservative management practices [7]. - The company is expected to manage high cocoa prices by implementing price hikes and cutting costs, with the potential for market adjustments over time [8]. - Despite a 2% volume decline in 2024, there was a 6% increase in the final quarter, indicating resilience against the impact of weight loss drugs [9]. Investment Perspective - Investing in Hershey stock is seen as a contrarian play, requiring recognition of the company's challenges and belief in its ability to survive them [11]. - Successfully navigating cocoa price disruptions could lead to improved business fortunes and a higher valuation on Wall Street [12].