Core Insights - The Hershey Company reported fourth-quarter 2025 results with both revenue and earnings exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates, although adjusted earnings per share fell 36.4% year over year [1][10] - The company provided an initial outlook for 2026, expecting sales growth of 4-5% and earnings growth of 30-35% [13][14] Financial Performance - Consolidated net sales reached $3,091 million, a 7% increase from the previous year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,002 million [2] - Adjusted earnings were $1.71 per share, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.40 [1] - Adjusted operating income declined 24% to $529.3 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 17.1%, down 700 basis points year over year [6] Sales Breakdown - North America Confectionery segment net sales were $2.48 billion, up 5.3% year over year, driven by pricing actions despite a decline in volume [7] - The North America Salty Snacks segment saw net sales of $357 million, representing a 28% year-over-year growth, aided by the LesserEvil acquisition [9] - International segment net sales were $255.6 million, a slight increase of 0.4% year over year, but reported a loss of $31.6 million compared to a profit in the prior year [11] Margin and Cost Analysis - Adjusted gross margin was 38.3%, down 650 basis points year over year due to increased cocoa and input costs, tariff expenses of approximately $30 million, and lower volumes [4] - Selling, marketing, and administrative expenses rose 12.1% year over year, driven by higher compensation and brand investment [5] Future Outlook - For 2026, Hershey anticipates net sales growth of 4-5%, with contributions from pricing actions and innovation [13] - Expected adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2026 are projected to be between $8.20 and $8.52, indicating significant growth [14] - Capital expenditures for 2026 are estimated to be between $425 million and $475 million [14]

Core Insights - Hershey forecasts annual sales and profit above Wall Street estimates, driven by strong demand for confectionery and salty snacks, along with benefits from previous price increases [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company anticipates higher annual sales and profit figures compared to Wall Street expectations [1] - Resilient demand for its products is a key factor in this positive outlook [1] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Continued benefits from earlier price hikes are contributing to the company's financial performance [1] - The strong performance in both confectionery and salty snacks indicates a robust market position [1]

Core Insights - The Consumer Staples sector is gaining investor attention as a defensive stronghold amid macroeconomic uncertainty, benefiting from steady demand for essential products [1] - Despite higher interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment, staple consumption remains stable, allowing companies to sustain revenue visibility and cash flow generation [2] - The sector is expected to see a revenue increase of 2.4% while the bottom line is projected to decline by 2.4% this earnings season [3] Key Trends Shaping the Season - Consumer staple companies face challenges from elevated input costs, changing consumer preferences, and increased pricing sensitivity due to tariffs and trade-related levies [4] - Companies are mitigating these challenges by diversifying sourcing, localizing production, and renegotiating supplier contracts, which have stabilized cost structures and improved margin predictability [5] - Pricing discipline and a favorable product mix are crucial for offsetting cost pressures, with companies leveraging brand strength and innovation to protect demand and support profitability [6] Earnings Outlook - Defensive demand, manageable tariff-related pressures, and continued cost discipline position select consumer staple stocks to potentially surpass earnings estimates this season [7] - The Hershey Company (HSY) is well-positioned with strong brand equity, disciplined pricing, and ongoing productivity initiatives, with an Earnings ESP of +0.78% and a Zacks Rank 1 [10][11] - Estee Lauder Companies (EL) is focused on restoring sustainable growth through brand prioritization and innovation, with an Earnings ESP of +6.62 and a Zacks Rank 2 [12][13] - Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH) is driving demand through innovation and strategic partnerships, with an Earnings ESP of +15.27% and a Zacks Rank 3 [14][15] - Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) benefits from global energy drink expansion and strong consumer connections, with an Earnings ESP of +17.16% and a Zacks Rank 3 [16][17]

Core Insights - The Hershey Company (HSY) is expected to report a revenue of $2.99 billion for Q4 2025, reflecting a 3.6% increase from the previous year [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) consensus remains at $1.40, indicating a nearly 48% decline year-over-year [2] Revenue Growth Factors - Hershey's revenue growth is anticipated to be driven by strong demand in its core confectionery portfolio, brand momentum, innovation, and disciplined revenue management [3] - Management noted improving consumption trends, strong performance in flagship brands, and sustained consumer interest in both core and new products during the Q3 earnings call [4] - Seasonal demand for holiday products, effective in-store execution, and marketing support are expected to further enhance revenue growth [4] Pricing and Market Dynamics - Strategic price increases in collaboration with retailers are a significant factor supporting revenue growth [5] - The salty snacks portfolio is performing well, benefiting from consumer trends favoring healthier snacking options [5] - International markets are contributing to growth through brand expansion and distribution, although some regions face macroeconomic and regulatory challenges [5] Profitability Challenges - Despite revenue strength, profitability is likely under pressure due to higher commodity costs and inflation not fully offset by pricing actions [6] - Increased spending on marketing, innovation, and capabilities to support long-term growth is expected to negatively impact near-term earnings [6] - An unfavorable product mix and elevated supply chain costs may further limit earnings improvement [6] Earnings Prediction - The model predicts an earnings beat for Hershey, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +1.66% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]

(the "Company") (A joint stock company incorporated in the People's Republic of China with limited liability) WARNING The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the Securities and Futures Commission take no responsibility for the contents of this Post Hearing Information Pack, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this Post Hearing Information ...

Core Viewpoint - PesoRama Inc. has received final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for its equity financing, which was previously announced in two tranches in November 2025 [1]. Group 1: Equity Financing Details - The final acceptance by TSXV pertains to equity financings announced on November 21, 2025, and November 28, 2025 [1]. - The company clarified that each Unit issued under the equity financing consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, correcting previous statements [6]. - The cash commission paid under the first tranche was $193,700, and a total of 979,960 non-transferrable finder warrants were issued, which also corrects earlier figures [6]. Group 2: Company Overview - PesoRama operates as a value dollar store retailer in Mexico under the JOI DOLLAR PLUS brand, having launched in 2019 [4]. - The company targets high-density, high-traffic locations and currently operates 29 stores offering a variety of merchandise, including household goods, pet supplies, and snack foods [4].

Core Insights - Hershey reported $3.18 billion in revenue for Q3 2025, a year-over-year increase of 6.5% and a surprise of +1.79% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.13 billion [1] - The EPS for the quarter was $1.30, compared to $2.34 a year ago, with a surprise of +19.27% over the consensus estimate of $1.09 [1] Revenue Performance - North America net sales reached $2.94 billion, exceeding the estimated $2.91 billion, reflecting a +6.1% change year-over-year [4] - International net sales were $244.8 million, surpassing the estimated $218.66 million, marking a +12.1% increase compared to the previous year [4] - North America Confectionery net sales were $2.62 billion, slightly above the estimated $2.59 billion, with a +5.6% year-over-year change [4] - North America Salty Snacks net sales amounted to $321.02 million, exceeding the estimated $313.19 million, representing a +10% increase year-over-year [4] Segment Income - North America Confectionery segment income was $571.48 million, above the estimated $556.94 million [4] - Unallocated corporate expenses showed a loss of $193.13 million, better than the average estimate of $-230.9 million [4] - North America Salty Snacks segment income was $57.75 million, slightly below the estimated $58.92 million [4] Stock Performance - Hershey's shares have returned -7.2% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by +3.6% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is considered a top pick for retirement portfolios despite a downgrade in price target and sales growth projections by Evercore ISI [1][2]. Group 1: Sales Growth and Projections - Evercore ISI has reduced its projection for third-quarter consolidated organic sales to 3.5%, down from a consensus expectation of 4.5% [2]. - The expectation for organic sales growth in 2025 has been lowered from 5% to 4.4% [2]. - Increasing price elasticity across Europe is identified as a key factor contributing to slower sales growth [1]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Valuation - Analysts warn that short-term sales risks could lead to a 5–10% decline in Mondelez's stock, positioning it at the lower end of its 10-year price-to-earnings range of 18x [2]. - Despite immediate concerns, Mondelez is still viewed as a solid long-term growth story at a reasonable price [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Mondelez International, Inc. is a Chicago-based international firm specializing in confectionery, cuisine, drinks, and snacks [3].

Core Insights - PesoRama Inc. is set to open two new stores in Mexico, expanding its footprint in the dollar store market [1][4] - The new locations are strategically positioned in high-traffic areas to enhance accessibility for consumers [4] Store Details - Store 29 is located in Roma Norte, covering 6,340 square feet, and is expected to open in November 2025 [2] - Store 30 will be situated approximately 1 km from Zócalo in downtown Mexico City, with a size of 6,620 square feet, also targeting a November 2025 opening [3] Company Overview - PesoRama operates under the JOi Dollar Plus brand and has been active since 2019, focusing on high-density, high-traffic locations in Mexico [7] - The company currently has 28 stores, with the upcoming openings bringing the total to 30, offering a variety of merchandise including household goods, pet supplies, and snack items [7]

Core Insights - Hershey reported $2.61 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 2025, a year-over-year increase of 26% [1] - The EPS for the same period was $1.21, compared to $1.27 a year ago, indicating a slight decline [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.55 billion by 2.62%, while the EPS surprised by 19.8% against the consensus estimate of $1.01 [1] Revenue Performance - North America net sales reached $2.4 billion, surpassing the five-analyst average estimate of $2.32 billion, with a year-over-year change of 28.4% [4] - International net sales were $213.73 million, slightly below the estimated $227.95 million, but still reflecting a 4.4% increase year-over-year [4] - North America Confectionery net sales were $2.09 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $2.02 billion, with a year-over-year change of 32% [4] - North America Salty Snacks net sales were $315.52 million, above the average estimate of $306.06 million, showing an 8.8% year-over-year increase [4] Segment Income - North America Confectionery segment income was $503.93 million, compared to the average estimate of $470.57 million [4] - Unallocated corporate expenses showed a loss of $179.65 million, better than the estimated loss of $220.51 million [4] - North America Salty Snacks segment income was $66.48 million, exceeding the average estimate of $55.67 million [4] Stock Performance - Hershey shares returned +5.9% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.4% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]