Hershey Co - HSY STOCK NEWS

The Hershey Company announces an exciting Halloween season with the launch of Chocolate Meltdown: Hershey's After Dark, a new Food Network series premiering on September 27, 2021. This four-episode showcase features talented pastry chefs competing in Hersheypark for prizes, including a year’s supply of Hershey's candy and cash. Hershey, PA, is also hosting unique experiences inspired by the show, including special treats and themed attractions. Consumers can enjoy limited-time offerings at Hershey's Chocolate World and participate in Halloween activities until October 31.

The Hershey Company supported the Crookston, Minn. community by providing chocolate for a S'mores event during their revived "Ox Cart Days" festival, canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Spearheaded by local high school students, the project included building fire tables to foster community connections. The festival, a 30-year tradition, featured three fire tables and 40,000 Hershey's chocolate bars. Local sponsors, businesses, and the fire department contributed to the event's success, highlighting Hershey's commitment to community support and collaboration.

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) announced a quarterly dividend increase of approximately 12%, with the Common Stock dividend rising to $0.901 per share and the Class B Common Stock dividend to $0.819 per share. These dividends were declared on July 23, 2021, and are payable on September 15, 2021, to shareholders of record as of August 20, 2021. This marks the 367th consecutive dividend for Common Stock and the 148th for Class B Common Stock.

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) reported second-quarter 2021 net sales of $1,989.4 million, a 16.5% increase year-over-year. Adjusted earnings per share rose to $1.47, up 12.2%. The full-year net sales growth outlook is now between 6% and 8%, raised from 4% to 6%, largely due to strong recovery in away-from-home consumption. However, the anticipated EPS range has decreased slightly to $6.59 to $6.85 due to costs associated with the acquisition of Lily's Sweets. Gross margins remain strong, although increased supply chain costs and tax reserves may impact profitability.

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) will announce its second-quarter sales and earnings results on July 29, 2021. A conference call is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET that day, where analysts can engage with the company's performance insights. The call will be webcast live on the Hershey corporate website, allowing wider access to interested parties. For more details, visit the CALENDAR OF EVENTS section on their site.

The Hershey Company (HSY) has partnered with Land O'Lakes, Inc. and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to initiate Sustainable Dairy PA, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Hershey has committed $300,000 for agricultural conservation practices on dairy farms supplying milk to the company. The project is set to enhance sustainable farming, benefiting around 119 member farms initially, with the potential to reach 400 farms. This initiative emphasizes the importance of sustainable dairy practices in promoting environmental responsibility while maintaining profitability for farmers.

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has completed its acquisition of Lily's, a leading maker of low-sugar confectionery products, for $425 million. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing Hershey's portfolio in the better-for-you snacking segment. The acquisition aligns with Hershey's multi-pronged strategy to meet growing consumer demand for healthier options. Lily's has expanded its offerings significantly since its inception, reflecting its strong market presence.