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Hershey Reports Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Updates 2024 Net Sales and Earnings Outlook

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Hershey reported Q3 2024 financial results with consolidated net sales of $2,987.5 million, a 1.4% decrease. Net income was $446.3 million, or $2.20 per share-diluted, down 12.7%. The company reduced its full-year outlook, now expecting flat net sales growth (previously ~2%) and reported earnings per share decline of 9% to 6%. Gross margin decreased 360 basis points to 41.3%, primarily due to higher commodity costs and unfavorable input cost timing. The company faces challenges from historically high cocoa prices and a challenging consumer environment, focusing on driving top-line growth through store presence, portfolio expansion, and seasonal strength.

Hershey ha riportato i risultati finanziari del terzo trimestre 2024 con vendite nette consolidate di 2.987,5 milioni di dollari, in diminuzione dell'1,4%. Il reddito netto è stato di 446,3 milioni di dollari, ovvero 2,20 dollari per azione diluita, in calo del 12,7%. L'azienda ha ridotto le previsioni per l'intero anno, ora prevedendo una crescita delle vendite nette stabile (precedentemente circa il 2%) e un calo degli utili per azione del 9% a 6%. Il margine lordo è diminuito di 360 punti base, attestandosi al 41,3%, principalmente a causa dell'aumento dei costi delle materie prime e della tempistica sfavorevole dei costi di input. L'azienda affronta sfide a causa dei prezzi storicamente elevati del cacao e di un ambiente di consumo difficile, concentrandosi sull'incremento della crescita del fatturato attraverso la presenza nei negozi, l'espansione del portafoglio e la forza stagionale.

Hershey reportó los resultados financieros del tercer trimestre de 2024 con ventas netas consolidadas de 2.987,5 millones de dólares, lo que representa una disminución del 1,4%. El ingreso neto fue de 446,3 millones de dólares, o 2,20 dólares por acción diluida, lo que supone una caída del 12,7%. La compañía redujo sus pronósticos para todo el año, ahora esperando un crecimiento estable en las ventas netas (anteriormente ~2%) y un descenso de las ganancias por acción del 9% a 6. El margen bruto disminuyó en 360 puntos básicos alcanzando un 41,3%, principalmente debido al aumento de los costos de las materias primas y la desfavorable temporalidad de los costos de insumos. La empresa enfrenta desafíos debido a los históricamente altos precios del cacao y a un complicado entorno del consumidor, enfocándose en impulsar el crecimiento de la facturación a través de la presencia en tiendas, la expansión de la cartera y la demanda estacional.

허쉬는 2024년 3분기 재무 결과를 발표했으며, 총 순매출은 2,987.5 백만 달러로 1.4% 감소했습니다. 순이익은 446.3 백만 달러로 주당 희석액 2.20 달러로 12.7% 감소했습니다. 이 회사는 연간 전망을 하향 조정했으며, 이제 순매출 성장률이 0%에 이를 것으로 예상하고 (이전에는 약 2%) 주당 수익이 9% 감소하여 6%로 예상하고 있습니다. 총매출이익률은 360베이시스포인트 감소하여 41.3%에 도달했으며, 이는 주로 원자재 비용 상승과 불리한 투입 비용 시기에 기인합니다. 이 회사는 역사적으로 높은 코코아 가격과 어려운 소비자 환경에서 어려움을 겪고 있으며, 매장 존재감, 포트폴리오 확장 및 계절적 강점을 통해 매출 성장을 촉진하는 데 집중하고 있습니다.

Hershey a annoncé les résultats financiers du troisième trimestre 2024, avec un chiffre d'affaires net consolidé de 2 987,5 millions de dollars, soit une baisse de 1,4%. Le revenu net s'est établi à 446,3 millions de dollars, soit 2,20 dollars par action diluée, en baisse de 12,7%. L'entreprise a revu à la baisse ses prévisions pour l'année entière, s'attendant désormais à une croissance des ventes nets stable (auparavant ~2%) et à une baisse des bénéfices par action de 9% à 6 dollars. La marge brute a diminué de 360 points de base, atteignant 41,3%, principalement en raison de l'augmentation des coûts des matières premières et d'une temporalité défavorable des coûts des intrants. L'entreprise fait face à des défis dus à des prix du cacao historiquement élevés et à un environnement de consommation difficile, se concentrant sur la croissance du chiffre d'affaires grâce à la présence en magasin, l'expansion de son portefeuille et la force saisonnière.

Hershey hat die Finanzzahlen des 3. Quartals 2024 veröffentlicht, mit konsolidierten Nettoumsätzen von 2.987,5 Millionen Dollar, was einem Rückgang von 1,4% entspricht. Der Nettogewinn betrug 446,3 Millionen Dollar oder 2,20 Dollar je verwässerter Aktie, ein Rückgang von 12,7%. Das Unternehmen hat seine Gesamtjahresprognose gesenkt und erwartet nun ein stabiles Wachstum der Nettoumsätze (zuvor etwa 2%) sowie einen Rückgang des Ergebnisses je Aktie um 9% auf 6 Dollar. Die Bruttomarge sank um 360 Basispunkte auf 41,3%, was hauptsächlich auf gestiegene Rohstoffpreise und ungünstige Zeitrahmen der Inputkosten zurückzuführen ist. Das Unternehmen sieht sich Herausforderungen durch historisch hohe Kakaopreise und ein schwieriges Verbraucherumfeld gegenüber und konzentriert sich darauf, das Umsatzwachstum durch Präsenz in den Geschäften, Portfolioerweiterung und saisonale Stärke voranzutreiben.

Positive
  • Price realization of approximately 2 points across segments
  • Dot's Homestyle Pretzels retail sales increased 31.1% with 443-basis point pretzel category share gain
  • Expected Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative savings of approximately $100 million
Negative
  • Net sales decreased 1.4% to $2,987.5 million
  • Net income declined 12.7% to $446.3 million
  • Gross margin decreased 360 basis points to 41.3%
  • Reduced full-year guidance from 2% growth to flat sales
  • North America Salty Snacks segment sales decreased 15.5%
  • SkinnyPop ready-to-eat popcorn sales declined 5.5%

Insights

Hershey's Q3 results reveal significant headwinds, with $2.99B in revenue down 1.4% and adjusted EPS declining 10% to $2.34. The company faces pressure from historically high cocoa prices and challenging consumer environment, leading to reduced 2024 guidance. Key concerns include:

  • Gross margin contracted 460 basis points to 40.3% due to higher commodity costs and unfavorable mix
  • North America Confectionery segment income dropped 14.5%
  • Full-year outlook revised down from 2% growth to flat sales, with EPS now expected to decline mid-single digits

While cost-saving initiatives target $100M in savings, near-term profitability challenges persist. The stock likely faces continued pressure until commodity costs stabilize.

HERSHEY, Pa., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced net sales and earnings for the third quarter ended September 29, 2024 and updated its 2024 net sales and earnings outlook.

"We believe in the resiliency of our snacking categories and the strength of our brands," said Michele Buck, The Hershey Company President and Chief Executive Officer. "While year-to-date results have been affected by historically high cocoa prices and a challenging consumer environment, we are laser-focused on controlling what we can and are acting with immediacy to deliver value to customers, consumers and shareholders. Our priorities are to drive top-line and market share growth by winning in-store with key customers, expanding our chocolate portfolio, accelerating sweets, and maximizing our seasonal strength."

Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Results Summary1

  • Consolidated net sales of $2,987.5 million, a decrease of 1.4%.
  • Organic, constant currency net sales decreased 1.0%.
  • Reported net income of $446.3 million, or $2.20 per share-diluted, a decrease of 12.7%
  • Adjusted earnings per share-diluted of $2.34, a decrease of 10.0%.




1 All comparisons for the third quarter of 2024 are with respect to the third quarter ended October 1, 2023

2024 Full-Year Financial Outlook

The Company is reducing its net sales growth, reported earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share outlook for the year.

 

2024 Full-Year Outlook


Prior Guidance

Current Guidance

Net sales growth


~2%

Flat

Reported earnings per share growth


(3)% to (1)%

(9)% to (6)%

Adjusted earnings per share growth


Down slightly

Down mid-single-digits

 

The Company also expects:

  • An overall economic tax outlook that is relatively unchanged but reflects higher investment in tax credits and a lower tax rate versus the previous outlook:
    • A reported and adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 11%;
    • Other expense, which primarily reflects the write-down of equity investments that qualify for a tax credit, of approximately $260 million to $270 million;
  • Interest expense of approximately $170 million, reflecting a higher interest rate environment;
  • Capital expenditures of approximately $575 million to $600 million, driven by core confection capacity expansion and continued investments in a digital infrastructure; and
  • Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative savings of approximately $100 million.

Below is a reconciliation of current projected 2024 and full-year 2023 earnings per share-diluted calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share-diluted:

 


2024 (Projected)


2023

Reported EPS – Diluted

$8.27 - $8.46


$9.06

Derivative mark-to-market losses


0.29

Business realignment activities

0.65 - 0.69


0.01

Acquisition and integration-related activities

0.20 - 0.25


0.37

Tax effect of all adjustments reflected above

(0.21)


(0.14)

Adjusted EPS – Diluted

$9.00 - $9.10


$9.59

 

2024 projected earnings per share-diluted, as presented above, does not include the impact of mark-to-market gains and losses on our commodity derivative contracts that are reflected within corporate unallocated expense in segment results until the related inventory is sold since we are not able to forecast the impact of the market changes.

Third-Quarter 2024 Components of Net Sales Growth

A reconciliation between reported net sales growth rates and constant currency net sales growth rates, along with the contribution from net price realization and volume, is provided below:

 


Three Months Ended September 29, 2024


Percentage
Change as
Reported


Impact of
Foreign
Currency
Exchange


Percentage
Change on
Constant
Currency
Basis


Organic Price

(Rounded)*


Organic
Volume/Mix

(Rounded)*

North America Confectionery

0.8 %


(0.1) %


0.9 %


2 %


(2) %











North America Salty Snacks

(15.5) %


— %


(15.5) %


2 %


(17) %











International

(3.9) %


(4.1) %


0.2 %


1 %


(1) %











Total Company

(1.4) %


(0.4) %


(1.0) %


2 %


(3) %

*Percentage changes may not compute directly as shown due to rounding of amounts presented above.

 

The Company presents certain percentage changes in net sales on a constant currency basis, which excludes the impact of foreign currency exchange. To present this information for historical periods, current period net sales for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, rather than at the actual average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period of the current fiscal year. As a result, the foreign currency impact is equal to the current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in the average foreign currency exchange rate between the current fiscal period and the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.

Third-Quarter 2024 Consolidated Results 

Consolidated net sales decreased 1.4% to $2,987.5 million in the third quarter of 2024. Organic, constant currency net sales decreased 1.0%, as net price realization of approximately 2 points was more than offset by decreased volume across segments and the lap of planned inventory increases within the North America Salty Snacks segment ahead of the ERP system implementation in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Reported gross margin was 41.3% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 44.9% in the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of 360 basis points driven by higher commodity costs, unfavorable input cost timing, fixed cost deleverage, and unfavorable mix that more than offset net price realization, productivity gains, and derivative mark-to-market gains. Adjusted gross margin was 40.3% in the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of 460 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2023, as higher commodity costs, unfavorable input cost timing, fixed cost deleverage, and unfavorable mix more than offset price realization and productivity gains.

Selling, marketing and administrative expenses decreased 5.2% in the third quarter of 2024 versus the third quarter of 2023, driven by reduced advertising and related consumer marketing expenses, lower compensation and benefit costs and fewer capability and technology investments versus the prior year. Advertising and related consumer marketing expenses decreased 0.6% in the third quarter of 2024 versus the same period last year, as efficiencies in consumer marketing related expenses in North America Confectionery were partially offset by increases in North America Salty Snacks and International. Selling, marketing and administrative expenses, excluding advertising and related consumer marketing, decreased 7.5% versus the third quarter of 2023 driven by reduced compensation and benefit costs and fewer capability and technology investments versus the prior year.

Third quarter 2024 reported operating profit was $613.2 million, a decrease of 16.7% versus the third quarter of 2023, resulting in a reported operating profit margin of 20.5%, a decrease of 380 basis points versus the prior year period.  Adjusted operating profit of $654.0 million decreased 13.2% versus the third quarter of 2023. This resulted in an adjusted operating profit margin of 21.9%, a decline of 300 basis points versus the third quarter of 2023. Decreases in both reported and adjusted operating profit and profit margin were driven by higher commodity costs, unfavorable input cost timing, fixed cost deleverage, and unfavorable mix that more than offset price realization, productivity gains, cost saving initiatives, and reduced compensation and benefit costs.

The reported effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2024 was 14.0%, a decrease of 660 basis points versus the third quarter of 2023. The adjusted effective tax rate was 15.2%, a decrease of 520 basis points versus the third quarter of 2023. Both the reported and adjusted effective tax rate decreases were driven by an increase in renewable energy tax credits versus the year-ago period.

The Company's third-quarter 2024 results, as prepared in accordance with GAAP, included items positively impacting comparability of $40.8 million, or $0.14 per share-diluted. For the third quarter of 2023, items positively impacting comparability totaled $17.5 million, or $0.08 per share-diluted.

The following table presents a summary of items impacting comparability in each period (see Appendix I for additional information):

 


Pre-Tax (millions)


Earnings Per Share-Diluted


Three Months Ended


Three Months Ended


September 29,
2024


October 1,
2023


September 29,
2024


October 1,
2023









Derivative mark-to-market (gains) losses

$                 (31.1)


$                     1.8


$                 (0.15)


$                   0.01

Business realignment activities

49.1


(0.4)


0.24


Acquisition and integration-related activities

22.8


16.1


0.11


0.08

Tax effect of all adjustments reflected above



(0.06)


(0.01)


$                   40.8


$                   17.5


$                   0.14


$                   0.08

 

Segment performance for the third quarter of 2024 versus the prior year period is detailed below. See the table on components of net sales growth and the schedule of supplementary information within this press release for additional information on segment net sales and profit.

North America Confectionery
Hershey's North America Confectionery segment net sales were $2,477.3 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 0.8% versus the same period last year. Organic, constant currency net sales increased 0.9% as approximately 2 points of price realization and approximately 1 point of inventory timing benefit more than offset consumption driven volume declines.

Hershey's U.S. candy, mint and gum (CMG) retail takeaway in the multi-outlet plus convenience store channels (MULO+ w/ Convenience2) decreased 2.6% for the 12-week period ended September 29, 2024. Hershey's CMG share declined 97 basis points compared to the prior year. Organic net sales outpaced retail takeaway due to the timing of seasonal shipments versus sell-through, as well as the timing of shipments related to retailer inventory replenishment.

The North America Confectionery segment reported segment income of $724.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of 14.5% versus the prior year period, resulting in a segment margin of 29.3% in the quarter, a decrease of 520 basis points. Segment income declines were driven by higher commodity costs, unfavorable input cost timing, fixed cost deleverage, and unfavorable mix, which more than offset price realization, productivity initiative savings and efficiencies in non-media marketing investment.

North America Salty Snacks
Hershey's North America Salty Snacks segment net sales were $291.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of 15.5% versus the same period last year. Volume declined approximately 17 points, of which approximately 13 points related to lapping planned inventory increases ahead of the ERP system implementation in the fourth quarter of 2023. Execution-driven shipment delays into the fourth quarter and retailer inventory reductions amounted to an incremental mid-single-digit headwind. Excluding these inventory and timing impacts, the base business grew low-single-digits, driven by approximately 2 points of price realization.

Hershey's U.S. salty snack retail takeaway for the 12-week period ended September 29, 2024 in MULO+ w/ Convenience2 increased 2.8% versus the prior year period. SkinnyPop ready-to-eat popcorn takeaway declined 5.5%, reflecting continued category softness and the planned movement of a large promotional program into the fourth quarter. SkinnyPop ready-to-eat share declined 62 basis points in the quarter. Dot's Homestyle Pretzels retail sales increased 31.1% in the quarter, resulting in a 443-basis point pretzel category share gain. 





MULO+ w/Convenience expanded in the second quarter of 2024 to include club, drug, and e-commerce customers previously classified as unmeasured

North America Salty Snacks segment income was $54.0 million in the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of 5.9% versus the third quarter of 2023, resulting in a segment margin of 18.5%, an increase of 190 basis points versus the prior year period. Segment income declines were driven by lower sales, while margin expansion was driven by productivity initiatives and the lapping of product removal costs in the prior year period, which more than offset higher brand investment.

International
Third quarter 2024 net sales for Hershey's International segment decreased 3.9% versus the same period last year to $218.4 million. Organic, constant currency net sales increased 0.2% driven by price realization of approximately 1 point. Volume declined approximately 1% reflecting higher competitive activity in Brazil and ongoing market softness in Mexico, in part offset by growth in Europe and Latin America.

The International segment reported a $14.2 million profit in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a decrease of $17.5 million versus the prior year period driven by reduced sales, higher commodity costs and unfavorable mix. This resulted in a segment margin of 6.5%, a decrease of 740 basis points versus the prior year period.

Unallocated Corporate Expense
Hershey's unallocated corporate expense in the third quarter of 2024 was $139.0 million, a decrease of $44.2 million, or 24.1%, versus the same period of 2023. This decrease was driven by lower compensation and benefit costs and reduced capability and technology investments related to the upgrade of the Company's ERP system.

Live Webcast
At approximately 7 a.m. (Eastern time) today, Hershey will post a pre-recorded management discussion of its third-quarter 2024 results and business update to its website at www.thehersheycompany.com/investors. In addition, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time) today, the Company will host a live question and answer session with investors and financial analysts. Details to access this call are available on the Company's website.

Note: In this release, for the third quarter of 2024, Hershey references income measures that are not in accordance with GAAP because they exclude certain items impacting comparability, including gains and losses associated with mark-to-market commodity derivatives, business realignment activities and acquisition and integration-related activities. The Company refers to these income measures as "adjusted" or "non-GAAP" financial measures throughout this release. These non-GAAP financial measures are used in evaluating results of operations for internal purposes and are not intended to replace the presentation of financial results in accordance with GAAP. Rather, the Company believes exclusion of such items provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures referenced in this release to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income is provided below.

 

Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Consolidated results

Three Months Ended

In thousands except per share data

September 29, 2024


October 1, 2023

Reported gross profit

$                 1,232,719


$                 1,360,253

Derivative mark-to-market (gains) losses

(31,083)


1,752

Business realignment activities

1,457


(506)

Acquisition and integration-related activities

1,720


15

Non-GAAP gross profit

$                 1,204,813


$                 1,361,514





Reported operating profit

$                    613,164


$                    735,949

Derivative mark-to-market (gains) losses

(31,083)


1,752

Business realignment activities

49,129


(426)

Acquisition and integration-related activities

22,777


16,125

Non-GAAP operating profit

$                    653,987


$                    753,400





Reported provision for income taxes

$                      72,446


$                    134,836

Derivative mark-to-market (gains) losses*

(4,499)


(1,853)

Business realignment activities*

11,867


(133)

Acquisition and integration-related activities*

5,518


3,879

Non-GAAP provision for income taxes

$                      85,332


$                    136,729





Reported net income

$                    446,301


$                    518,577

Derivative mark-to-market (gains) losses

(26,584)


3,605

Business realignment activities

37,262


(293)

Acquisition and integration-related activities

17,259


12,246

Non-GAAP net income

$                    474,238


$                    534,135





Reported EPS - Diluted

$                           2.20


$                           2.52

Derivative mark-to-market (gains) losses

(0.15)


0.01

Business realignment activities

0.24


Acquisition and integration-related activities

0.11


0.08

Tax effect of all adjustments reflected above**

(0.06)


(0.01)

Non-GAAP EPS - Diluted

$                           2.34


$                           2.60








* The tax effect for each adjustment is determined by calculating the tax impact of the adjustment on the Company's quarterly effective tax rate, unless the nature of the item and/or the tax jurisdiction in which the item has been recorded requires application of a specific tax rate or tax treatment, in which case the tax effect of such item is estimated by applying such specific tax rate or tax treatment.
** Adjustments reported above are reported on a pre-tax basis before the tax effect described in the reconciliation above for non-GAAP provision for income taxes.

 

In the assessment of our results, we review and discuss the following financial metrics that are derived from the reported and non-GAAP financial measures presented above:

 


Three Months Ended


September 29, 2024


October 1, 2023

As reported gross margin

41.3 %


44.9 %

Non-GAAP gross margin (1)

40.3 %


44.9 %





As reported operating profit margin

20.5 %


24.3 %

Non-GAAP operating profit margin (2)

21.9 %


24.9 %





As reported effective tax rate

14.0 %


20.6 %

Non-GAAP effective tax rate (3)

15.2 %


20.4 %







(1)

Calculated as non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of net sales for each period presented.



(2)

Calculated as non-GAAP operating profit as a percentage of net sales for each period presented.



(3)

Calculated as non-GAAP provision for income taxes as a percentage of non-GAAP income before taxes (calculated as non-GAAP operating profit minus non-GAAP interest expense, net plus or minus non-GAAP other (income) expense, net).

 

Appendix I
Details of the charges included in GAAP results, as summarized in the press release (above), are as follows:

Derivative mark-to-market (gains) losses: The mark-to-market (gains) losses on commodity derivatives are recorded as unallocated and excluded from adjusted results until such time as the related inventory is sold, at which time the corresponding (gains) losses are reclassified from unallocated to segment income. Since we often purchase commodity contracts to price inventory requirements in future years, we make this adjustment to facilitate the year-over-year comparison of cost of sales on a basis that matches the derivative gains and losses with the underlying economic exposure being hedged for the period.

Business realignment activities: We periodically undertake restructuring and cost reduction activities as part of ongoing efforts to enhance long-term profitability. During the first quarter of 2024, we commenced the Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative to improve supply chain and manufacturing-related spend, optimize selling, general and administrative expenses, leverage new technology and business models to further simplify and automate processes, and generate long-term savings. During the third quarter of 2024, business realignment charges related primarily to third-party costs supporting the design and implementation of the new organizational structure, as well as severance and employee benefit costs. During the fourth quarter of 2020, we commenced the International Optimization Program to streamline resources and investments in select international markets, including the optimization of our China operating model to improve efficiencies and provide a more sustainable and simplified base going forward. During the third quarter of 2023, we recognized a benefit in business realignment activities. This program was completed in 2023.

Acquisition and integration-related activities: During the third quarter of 2024, we incurred integration-related costs for the acquisition of two manufacturing plants from Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing, Inc. ("Weaver") and the integration of the 2021 acquisitions of Dot's Pretzels, LLC ("Dot's") and Pretzels Inc. ("Pretzels") into our North America Salty Snacks segment. During the third quarter of 2023, we incurred costs related to the acquisition of two manufacturing plants from Weaver, the integration of the 2021 acquisitions of Dot's and Pretzels into our North America Salty Snacks segment and costs related to building and upgrading our new ERP system for implementation across our North America Salty Snacks segment in the fourth quarter of 2023. 

Tax effect of all adjustments: This line item reflects the aggregate tax effect of all pre-tax adjustments reflected in the preceding line items of the applicable table. The tax effect for each adjustment is determined by calculating the tax impact of the adjustment on the Company's quarterly effective tax rate, unless the nature of the item and/or the tax jurisdiction in which the item has been recorded requires application of a specific tax rate or tax treatment, in which case the tax effect of such item is estimated by applying such specific tax rate or tax treatment.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to our 2024 Full-year Financial Outlook and other statements regarding our business outlook and financial performance. Many of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "intend," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "strategy," "target" and similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like "could," "may," "might," "should," "will" and "would," among others. These statements are made based upon current expectations that are subject to risk and uncertainty. Because actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the Company's securities. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: disruptions or inefficiencies in our supply chain due to the loss or disruption of essential manufacturing or supply elements or other factors; issues or concerns related to the quality and safety of our products, ingredients or packaging, human and workplace rights, and other environmental, social or governance matters; changes in raw material and other costs, along with the availability of adequate supplies of raw materials and the Company's ability to successfully hedge against volatility in raw material pricing; the Company's ability to successfully execute business continuity plans to address changes in consumer preferences and the broader economic and operating environment; selling price increases, including volume declines associated with pricing elasticity; market demand for our new and existing products; increased marketplace competition; failure to successfully execute and integrate acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures; changes in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes; political, economic, and/or financial market conditions, including with respect to inflation, rising interest rates, slower growth or recession, and other events beyond our control such as the impacts on the business arising from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; risks and uncertainties related to our international operations; disruptions, failures or security breaches of our information technology infrastructure and that of our customers and partners (including our suppliers); our ability to hire, engage and retain a talented global workforce, our ability to realize expected cost savings and operating efficiencies associated with strategic initiatives or restructuring programs; complications with the design, implementation or usage of our new enterprise resource planning system, including the ability to support post-implementation efforts and maintain enhancements, new features or modifications; and such other matters as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company's expectations.

 

The Hershey Company

Consolidated Statements of Income

for the periods ended September 29, 2024 and October 1, 2023

(unaudited) (in thousands except percentages and per share amounts)
















Three Months Ended


Nine Months Ended





September 29, 2024


October 1, 2023


September 29, 2024


October 1, 2023











Net sales



$     2,987,494


$     3,029,987


$     8,314,723


$     8,507,881

Cost of sales


1,754,775


1,669,734


4,572,178


4,633,207

Gross profit



1,232,719


1,360,253


3,742,545


3,874,674









Selling, marketing and administrative expense

591,920


624,304


1,750,888


1,777,695

Business realignment costs

27,635



32,572


441










Operating profit

613,164


735,949


1,959,085


2,096,538

Interest expense, net


44,316


39,755


125,511


114,101

Other (income) expense, net


50,101


42,781


82,695


130,248










Income before income taxes


518,747


653,413


1,750,879


1,852,189

Provision for income taxes


72,446


134,836


326,231


339,444











Net income

$        446,301


$        518,577


$     1,424,648


$     1,512,745











Net income per share

- Basic

- Common

$              2.26


$              2.60


$              7.19


$              7.56


- Diluted

- Common

$              2.20


$              2.52


$              7.00


$              7.36


- Basic

- Class B

$              2.05


$              2.36


$              6.53


$              6.93











Shares outstanding

- Basic

- Common

147,938


150,116


148,474


149,307


- Diluted

- Common

203,030


205,488


203,631


205,613


- Basic

- Class B

54,614


54,614


54,614


55,447











Key margins:










Gross margin


41.3 %


44.9 %


45.0 %


45.5 %

Operating profit margin


20.5 %


24.3 %


23.6 %


24.6 %

Net margin


14.9 %


17.1 %


17.1 %


17.8 %

 

 

The Hershey Company

Supplementary Information – Segment Results

for the periods ended September 29, 2024 and October 1, 2023

(unaudited) (in thousands except percentages)


















Three Months Ended


Nine Months Ended




September 29, 2024


October 1, 2023


% Change


September 29, 2024


October 1, 2023


% Change

Net sales:













North America Confectionery


$      2,477,303


$      2,457,647


0.8 %


$      6,764,439


$      6,902,891


(2.0) %

North America Salty Snacks


291,835


345,182


(15.5) %


856,835


887,532


(3.5) %

International


218,356


227,158


(3.9) %


693,449


717,458


(3.3) %

Total


$      2,987,494


$      3,029,987


(1.4) %


$      8,314,723


$      8,507,881


(2.3) %














Segment income:













North America Confectionery


$         724,822


$         847,469


(14.5) %


$      2,137,514


$      2,392,397


(10.7) %

North America Salty Snacks


53,977


57,389


(5.9) %


144,887


147,934


(2.0) %

International


14,207


31,688


(55.2) %


81,967


127,838


(35.8) %

Total segment income


793,006


936,546


(15.3) %


2,364,368


2,668,169


(11.4) %

Unallocated corporate expense (1)


139,018


183,146


(24.1) %


465,935


513,284


(9.2) %

Unallocated mark-to-market (gains)
losses on commodity derivatives (2)


(31,083)


1,753


NM


(195,727)


5,217


NM

Costs associated with business
realignment initiatives


49,129


(426)


NM


104,795


3,440


NM

Acquisition and integration-related
activities


22,778


16,124


41.3 %


30,280


49,690


(39.1) %

Operating profit


613,164


735,949


(16.7) %


1,959,085


2,096,538


(6.6) %

Interest expense, net


44,316


39,755


11.5 %


125,511


114,101


10.0 %

Other (income) expense, net


50,101


42,781


17.1 %


82,695


130,248


(36.5) %

Income before income taxes


$         518,747


$         653,413


(20.6) %


$      1,750,879


$      1,852,189


(5.5) %

















(1)

Includes centrally-managed (a) corporate functional costs relating to legal, treasury, finance and human resources, (b) expenses associated with the oversight and administration of our global operations, including warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, information systems and global shared services, (c) non-cash stock-based compensation expense and (d) other gains or losses that are not integral to segment performance.

(2)

Net (gains) losses on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in unallocated derivative losses (gains).

NM - not meaningful

 

 




Three Months Ended


Nine Months Ended




September 29, 2024


October 1, 2023


September 29, 2024


October 1, 2023

Segment income as a percent of net sales:









    North America Confectionery


29.3 %


34.5 %


31.6 %


34.7 %

    North America Salty Snacks


18.5 %


16.6 %


16.9 %


16.7 %

    International


6.5 %


13.9 %


11.8 %


17.8 %

 

 

The Hershey Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets

as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023

(in thousands of dollars)





Assets

September 29, 2024


December 31, 2023


(unaudited)



Cash and cash equivalents

$                          614,951


$                          401,902

Accounts receivable - trade, net

1,142,514


823,617

Inventories

1,301,956


1,340,996

Prepaid expenses and other

492,383


345,588





Total current assets

3,551,804


2,912,103





Property, plant and equipment, net

3,389,034


3,309,678

Goodwill

2,692,195


2,696,050

Other intangibles

1,818,980


1,879,229

Other non-current assets

1,129,029


1,061,427

Deferred income taxes

40,368


44,454





Total assets

$                    12,621,410


$                    11,902,941





Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity








Accounts payable

$                      1,214,564


$                      1,086,183

Accrued liabilities

807,392


867,815

Accrued income taxes

71,836


29,457

Short-term debt

1,196,403


719,839

Current portion of long-term debt

904,819


305,058





Total current liabilities

4,195,014


3,008,352





Long-term debt

3,189,079


3,789,132

Other long-term liabilities

709,359


660,673

Deferred income taxes

322,989


345,698





Total liabilities

8,416,441


7,803,855





Total stockholders' equity

4,204,969


4,099,086





Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$                    12,621,410


$                    11,902,941

 

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SOURCE The Hershey Company

FAQ

What was Hershey's (HSY) revenue in Q3 2024?

Hershey reported consolidated net sales of $2,987.5 million in Q3 2024, representing a decrease of 1.4% compared to the same period last year.

What is Hershey's (HSY) updated sales guidance for 2024?

Hershey revised its 2024 net sales growth guidance from approximately 2% to flat growth, reflecting challenging market conditions.

How did Hershey's (HSY) gross margin perform in Q3 2024?

Hershey's reported gross margin was 41.3% in Q3 2024, a decrease of 360 basis points compared to 44.9% in Q3 2023, primarily due to higher commodity costs and unfavorable input cost timing.

What was Hershey's (HSY) earnings per share in Q3 2024?

Hershey reported earnings of $2.20 per share-diluted in Q3 2024, a decrease of 12.7% compared to the same period last year.

The Hershey Company

NYSE:HSY

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35.15B
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Confectioners
Sugar & Confectionery Products
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HERSHEY