Shares of candy and snack company Hershey (HSY 4.08%) went up on Thursday after the company reported financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024. As of 2:30 p.m. ET, Hershey stock was up about 5%.A good end to a challenging yearIn Q4, Hershey outperformed expectations on both the top and the bottom line. It generated nearly $2.9 billion in net sales, which was up almost 9% year over year. And it had net income of nearly $800 million, which more than doubled from the same quarter of 2023.Hershey stock m ...

Hershey expects the surge in cocoa prices to continue to outpace the company’s price increases on its chocolate products.As a result, the company expects to see its adjusted gross profit margin contract this year, Hershey Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steve Voskuil said Thursday (Feb. 6) in prepared remarks for the company’s quarterly earnings call.“Historically high cocoa prices, sugar and other raw material inflation, along with incremental labor inflation, new tariffs and negative pro ...

The Hershey Company (HSY) reported solid fourth-quarter 2024 results, as both top and bottom lines improved year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Management remains impressed with the strong consumer response to innovation, marketing initiatives and in-store execution. While rising cocoa prices are expected to create considerable pressure on 2025 earnings, the focus remains on sustaining top-line and market share growth, executing transformation and productivity initiatives, and positioning t ...

Key TakeawaysHershey beat profit and sales estimates as the chocolate maker's price hikes helped to offset the higher cost of cocoa.The company also cut selling, marketing, and administrative expenses.Hershey warned that the soaring price of cocoa will hurt full-year earnings. Shares of The Hershey Co. (HSY) advanced 5% Thursday when the chocolate maker reported better-than-anticipated results as price hikes helped offset the rising cost of cocoa. The company with brands including its namesake chocolate bar ...

The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 6, 2025 8:30 AM ET Company Participants Anoori Naughton - Senior Director of Investor Relations Michele Buck - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steve Voskuil - Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Andrew Lazar - Barclays Ken Goldman - J.P. Morgan Max Gumport - BNP Robert Moskow - TD Cowen Alexia Howard - Bernstein Peter Galbo - Bank of America Todd Palmer - Citi Jim Salera - Stephens Leah J ...

Hershey (HSY) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.69 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.38 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.02 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 13.03%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this chocolate bar and candy maker would post earnings of $2.50 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.34, delivering a surprise of -6.40%.Over the last four quarters, ...

Hershey announced better-than-expected earnings despite rising raw material costs, driven by robust pricing strategies and diversifying its portfolio.The Hershey Company (HSY 0.81%), a leading North American confectionery and snack company, released its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings on February 6, 2025.The results exceeded market expectations, with key metrics such as Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) reported at $2.69, well above the analyst estimate of $2.37. Revenue came in at $2,887.5 million, beating fo ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales growth of 8.7% in Q4 2024, with organic constant currency net sales growing 9%, slightly ahead of expectations [22] - Adjusted earnings per share for Q4 were $2.69, supported by strong productivity and cost management despite low double-digit input cost inflation [27] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 60 basis points in Q4, reflecting stronger pricing and productivity gains [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Confectionery segment reported an organic constant currency net sales increase of 5.9%, driven by approximately four points of price realization [22] - North America Salty Snacks segment saw a significant increase of 35.9% in net sales, reflecting a tailwind from inventory adjustments and strong performance in brands like Skinny Pop and Dots pretzels [24] - Retail sales in North American salty snacks accelerated to 7.1% in Q4, with Skinny Pop retail sales increasing by 4.7% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The International segment experienced organic constant currency net sales growth of 15%, driven by strong holiday and innovation contributions [23] - In Mexico and EMEA, the company reported double-digit constant currency organic sales growth, while India saw high single-digit growth [14] - Cocoa market remains volatile, with high prices expected to pressure earnings in 2025, although supply fundamentals are improving [16][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving top-line growth and share momentum while executing transformation and efficiency programs [6] - Plans for 2025 include a strong year of innovation and media investment across the confection business, with fewer but larger innovations [11] - The company aims to improve its cost structure by nearly $900 million between 2023 and 2026 while investing in capabilities and technology [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the pressure from rising cocoa prices but emphasized a focus on long-term growth and efficiency [18] - The company expects net sales growth of at least 2% for the full year 2025, driven primarily by price realization [15] - Management expressed confidence in navigating short-term market challenges while maintaining a focus on long-term growth strategies [35] Other Important Information - The company welcomed new leadership for its U.S. Confectionery and Salty Snacks divisions, aiming to leverage fresh perspectives and internal knowledge [20] - The company plans to maintain its dividend and elevate share buybacks as a priority, projecting a decline in shares outstanding by approximately 50 basis points for the year [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for cocoa prices in 2025? - Management indicated that cocoa prices are expected to remain high, impacting earnings, but they have good visibility into costs and supply [16][30] Question: How does the company plan to address input cost inflation? - The company is focused on productivity and cost management, with a target to improve its cost structure significantly over the next few years [19] Question: What are the growth expectations for the International segment? - The International segment is expected to see continued expansion driven by household penetration, distribution, and innovation momentum, despite some competitive pressures [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales growth of 8.7% in Q4 2024, with organic constant currency net sales growing 9%, slightly ahead of expectations [23] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 60 basis points in Q4, reflecting stronger pricing and productivity gains [26] - Adjusted earnings per share for Q4 were $2.69, supported by robust net sales growth and effective cost management [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Confectionery segment saw an organic constant currency net sales increase of 5.9%, driven by approximately four points of price realization [24] - North America Salty Snacks segment experienced a significant increase of 35.9% in net sales, aided by inventory adjustments and strong performance from Skinny Pop and Dots pretzels [25] - Retail sales in North American salty snacks accelerated to 7.1% in Q4, with Skinny Pop and Dots pretzels contributing to growth [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. Candy, mint, and gum retail sales increased by 2% in Q4, indicating seasonal strength and growth in everyday business [7] - International segment achieved double-digit constant currency organic sales growth in Mexico and EMEA, with high single-digit growth in India [14] - Cocoa market remains volatile, with high prices expected to pressure earnings in 2025, although supply fundamentals indicate a slight surplus [16][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving top-line growth and share momentum while executing transformation and efficiency programs [6] - Plans for 2025 include a strong year of innovation and media investment across the confection business [11] - The company aims to improve its cost structure by nearly $900 million between 2023 and 2026 while investing in capabilities and technology [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the pressure from rising cocoa prices but emphasized a commitment to long-term growth and efficiency [18] - The company expects net sales growth of at least 2% for the full year 2025, driven primarily by price realization [15] - Management expressed confidence in navigating short-term market challenges while focusing on long-term growth strategies [37] Other Important Information - The AAA program delivered $143 million in net savings in 2024, exceeding the target, with an increased savings target of $350 million for 2025 [27] - The company plans to maintain its dividend and prioritize share buybacks, projecting a decline in shares outstanding by approximately 50 basis points for the year [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for cocoa prices in 2025? - Management indicated that cocoa prices are expected to remain high, impacting earnings, but they have good visibility into costs and supply [31] Question: How does the company plan to address competitive pressures in international markets? - The company expects continued expansion driven by household penetration, distribution, and innovation momentum despite competitive pressures [14] Question: What are the key growth drivers for the North America Salty Snacks segment? - Growth is expected to be driven by increased distribution, merchandising, media, and innovation, with solid mid-single-digit growth anticipated [25]

Exhibit 99.1 FINANCIAL CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: Anoori Naughton Allison Kleinfelter anaughton@hersheys.com akleinfelter@hersheys.com Hershey Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results; Provides 2025 Outlook HERSHEY, Pa., February 6, 2025 - The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced net sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2024. "I am pleased to see the consumer response to our agile innovation, marketing and in-store execution as we end the year wit ...