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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 26% increase in net sales compared to the same period last year, with organic constant currency net sales growth of 26.3% driven by net price realization of approximately five points and volume growth of approximately 21 points [29] - Adjusted gross margin decreased by five to ten basis points to 38.1% due to commodity inflation and incremental tariff expenses, although gross margin was higher than expected due to timing of cocoa hedges and lower tariff expenses [33][40] - Adjusted earnings per share declined by 4.7% year over year, impacted by incremental commodity costs and a higher tax rate [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Confectionery segment net sales grew by 32%, with volume increasing by 25%, benefiting from Easter timing and inventory changes related to ERP system implementation [30] - North America Salty Snacks segment net sales increased by 8.8%, with volume growth of over 4% driven by Dots and Skinny Pop [31] - International segment net sales increased by 4.4%, but volume growth was below expectations primarily due to category softness in Mexico and lower export market demand [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hershey's U.S. retail sales for candy, mint, and gum increased by 21.8%, outpacing the category increase of 17.9% [8] - The company gained approximately 90 basis points of market share in the non-seasonal candy, mint, and gum category [9] - Constant currency net sales in Brazil increased by double digits, while growth in Europe was mid-single digits led by the U.K. [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a leading snacking powerhouse, with a focus on balanced growth and mitigating cocoa inflation through enhanced productivity and strategic pricing [7][21] - A new pricing action on the entirety of the U.S. Confection portfolio is expected to deliver an estimated 16 points of pricing contribution to overall company sales [25] - The company is implementing a Smart Complexity initiative to simplify packaging and optimize manufacturing efficiency, raising its savings target to $400 million [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying trajectory of the business, expecting robust results to continue in the second half of the year [21] - The company anticipates adjusted earnings per share to decline between 36% to 38% for the year due to higher cocoa costs and tariffs [40] - Management remains hopeful for improvements in tariff conditions but does not plan for relief in 2025 [39] Other Important Information - The company announced the appointment of Kirk Tanner as the new President and CEO, effective August 18 [5] - The Pokémon program has shown strong initial velocities, significantly outperforming other limited-time offers [14] - Capital expenditures in Q2 totaled $231 million, with full-year expectations between $425 million and $450 million [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the second half of the year? - Management expects an acceleration in performance to 2% to 4% growth, supported by strong innovation and merchandising plans [38] Question: How is the company addressing cocoa inflation? - The company is implementing pricing actions and hedging strategies to manage cocoa costs and restore margins over time [22][28] Question: What is the outlook for international markets? - The full-year constant currency segment net sales growth outlook for international markets remains low single digits, with expectations for reacceleration in the second half [20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter net sales reported a decline of 13.8% year-over-year, impacted by a 90 basis point headwind from foreign currency translation and a 15-point volume decline due to inventory lapses and fewer shipping days [23][24][29] - Adjusted earnings per share decreased by 32% in the quarter, with expectations for a less severe decline in the second quarter as seasonal impacts reverse [29] - Adjusted gross margin decreased by 370 basis points, with expectations for further compression in the second quarter due to ongoing commodity inflation [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Confectionery segment net sales declined by 15%, with volume down nearly 18%, partially offset by net price realization of around 3% [24][25] - The North America salty snacks segment saw a 1% increase in net sales, with volume growth of nearly 4% driven by brands like Dots and Skinny Pop [25][26] - The salty snacks portfolio is positioned for growth, with Skinnypop consumption increasing by 5.4% and Dots retail takeaway growing by 20.6% [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment organic constant currency net sales declined by 7.9%, with performance ahead of expectations in key markets like Brazil and Mexico [25][15] - The global cocoa grind declined by 3.4% in Q1, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of declines, indicating ongoing demand challenges [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming a leading snacking powerhouse, with strategic acquisitions like Lesser Evil and Fulfill to enhance its portfolio [6][7] - Investment in technology and automation is expected to deliver $125 million in cost savings this year, supporting long-term growth [17][28] - The company plans to launch several new products and partnerships, including a collaboration with Pokémon, to drive consumer engagement [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted heightened cost pressures but emphasized a strong balance sheet that allows for continued investment in the business [6] - The company anticipates a strong second quarter with net sales expected to increase by more than 20% as seasonal impacts reverse [24] - Management remains committed to its financial outlook, despite uncertainties related to tariffs and commodity costs [32] Other Important Information - The company did not repurchase any shares in the first quarter, prioritizing capital for acquisitions instead [30][31] - The adjusted tax rate for the quarter was 24.4%, reflecting challenges in executing tax strategies in a changing global landscape [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the second quarter? - The company expects total net sales to increase by more than 20% in Q2, reversing the impacts seen in Q1 due to Easter and inventory lapses [24] Question: How is the company addressing cocoa price pressures? - The company is engaging with the US government for tariff exemptions and is preparing strategies to mitigate inflation and protect margins [20][21][32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter net sales reported a decline of 13.8% year-over-year, impacted by a 90 basis point headwind from foreign currency translation and a 30 basis point benefit from the Sour Strips acquisition [22][23] - Adjusted earnings per share decreased by 32% in the quarter, with expectations for a less severe decline in the second quarter as seasonal impacts reverse [29] - Adjusted gross margin decreased by 370 basis points, primarily due to commodity inflation and negative sales mix, with expectations for further compression in the second quarter [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Confectionery segment net sales declined by 15%, in line with expectations, with volume down nearly 18% [23][24] - North America salty snacks segment net sales increased by 1%, with volume growth of nearly 4% driven by brands like Dots and Skinny Pop [24][25] - The salty snacks portfolio showed strong performance, with Skinnypop consumption increasing by 5.4% and Dots retail takeaway growing by 20.6% [14][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment organic constant currency net sales declined by 7.9%, with performance ahead of expectations in key markets [24][15] - Constant currency net sales increased mid-teens in Brazil and mid-single digits in Mexico, driven by improved category dynamics [15] - The global cocoa grind declined by 3.4% in Q1, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of declines [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming a leading snacking powerhouse, with strategic acquisitions like Lesser Evil and Fulfill to enhance its portfolio [6][7] - Plans to build momentum in everyday business through innovation and programming, including new product launches and partnerships [12][13] - Continued investment in brands is expected to drive long-term growth, with a full-year advertising spend increase projected in the mid-single digits [16] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted heightened cost pressures but emphasized a strong balance sheet that allows for continued investment [6] - The company anticipates total net sales to increase by more than 20% in Q2, reversing the impacts seen in Q1 [22] - Cocoa prices are expected to build cost pressure each quarter, with robust planning underway to mitigate inflation and protect margins [19][20] Other Important Information - The company is pursuing an exemption request for cocoa tariffs, which cannot be mitigated through sourcing strategies [20][31] - Capital expenditures in Q1 were $146 million, lower than the prior year, with full-year expectations of $425 million to $450 million [30] - The company did not repurchase any shares in Q1, prioritizing capital for announced acquisitions [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for net sales growth in the upcoming quarters? - The company expects total net sales to increase by more than 20% in Q2, reversing the impacts from Q1 [22] Question: How is the company addressing cocoa price pressures? - The company is implementing robust planning to mitigate inflation and protect margins, with a focus on pricing and sourcing strategies [19][20] Question: What is the outlook for advertising spend this year? - The company anticipates a mid-single digit increase in full-year advertising spend, reflecting a commitment to brand investment [16]

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]