Welcome to our dedicated page for Hershey Co news (Ticker: HSY), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Hershey Co stock.
Overview of The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (HSY) stands as an iconic name in the global confectionery and snack manufacturing industry. With a rich history spanning over a century, the company has continuously delivered quality products ranging from chocolate and sweets to mints and an emerging portfolio of savory snacks. Its reputation is built upon a legacy of quality, innovation, and an expansive brand portfolio that resonates with consumers across generations.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
At its core, Hershey focuses on creating delicious, high-quality confectionery products that include a variety of chocolates, candies, and mints, as well as a growing offering in the salty snacks category. The company's operations are underpinned by a solid manufacturing process that emphasizes quality ingredients, operational efficiency, and rigorous quality control measures. Hershey not only delights consumers with its traditional chocolate products but also addresses evolving tastes through strategic acquisitions and innovation in its product mix.
Operational Excellence and Market Presence
Hershey has positioned itself as a major player in the United States confectionery market, controlling a significant share of the domestic chocolate space. Its direct-to-consumer approach, well-established distribution channels, and strong relationships with retailers have allowed it to maintain a commanding presence in a competitive industry. Moreover, the company’s operational strategies emphasize supply chain efficiencies and integrated media planning, ensuring that its products remain accessible while maintaining the highest standards of customer satisfaction.
Global Reach and Brand Diversification
While a substantial portion of sales occurs in North America, Hershey’s global operations extend its reach to approximately 80 countries. This international presence is supported by a diverse brand portfolio that enables the company to cater to a variety of consumer preferences. From the timeless appeal of its classic chocolate bars to newer ventures in salty snacks and innovative confectionery formats, Hershey continues to evolve and diversify, reinforcing its position as a versatile leader in the food manufacturing sector.
Innovation and Strategic Acquisitions
Innovation is a driving force behind Hershey’s sustained growth. The company has strategically expanded its product offerings through targeted acquisitions that have complemented its core business. These acquisitions have allowed Hershey to leverage emerging trends and tap into new consumer segments, thereby enhancing its competitive advantage. The emphasis on integrating new products with its traditional portfolio underscores a commitment to both heritage and forward-thinking strategies.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Dynamics
In a market marked by intense competition, Hershey distinguishes itself through a blend of legacy, quality, and agile market strategies. The company’s deep understanding of industry dynamics—ranging from consumer trends and supply chain management to the complexities of international market expansion—serves as a testament to its enduring expertise. Its integrated approach to marketing and brand management, supported by state-of-the-art technology and data-driven insights, ensures that Hershey remains competitively differentiated in the bustling confectionery and snack sectors.
Commitment to Quality and Corporate Values
Beyond its product offerings, Hershey is synonymous with a longstanding commitment to fair business practices and corporate responsibility. The company's ethos is reflected in its dedication to quality, ethical operations, and building products that bring moments of goodness to consumers. This commitment to excellence permeates all aspects of the business, forming the foundation upon which its products are crafted and its markets are served.
Investor Insights and Financial Relevance
For investors and market analysts, Hershey represents a company with a robust operational model, a diversified product base, and a resilient brand identity. Its well-articulated business strategy, characterized by consistent investments in operational improvements and market expansion initiatives, offers a clear picture of its fundamental value proposition. The company’s market strategy and sustainable operational practices provide valuable insights into its role within the broader consumer goods sector.
Overall, The Hershey Company is a multifaceted enterprise that combines rich heritage with innovative strategies, ensuring that its iconic brands and diverse product portfolio continue to meet evolving consumer demands. Its command over the confectionery space, bolstered by operational excellence and forward-thinking market initiatives, solidifies its stature as a significant and enduring enterprise in the global food manufacturing landscape.
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has announced the pricing of a significant notes offering totaling $2 billion. The offering consists of four tranches: $500 million of 4.550% notes due 2028, $500 million of 4.750% notes due 2030, $500 million of 4.950% notes due 2032, and $500 million of 5.100% notes due 2035.
The company plans to use the proceeds to repay its outstanding 0.900% Senior Notes due 2025 and 3.200% Senior Notes due 2025, along with certain outstanding short-term commercial paper borrowings. The remaining funds will cover offering-related fees and expenses, and support general corporate purposes.
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has announced a public offering of notes. The net proceeds from this offering will be used to:
- Repay outstanding 0.900% Senior Notes due 2025
- Repay 3.200% Senior Notes due 2025
- Pay off certain outstanding short-term commercial paper borrowings
- Cover fees and expenses related to the offering
- Fund general corporate purposes
The company has filed a registration statement with the SEC for this Notes Offering. The offering will be made available through a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, obtainable through various financial institutions including BofA Securities, Citigroup Global Markets, J.P. Morgan Securities, RBC Capital Markets, and U.S. Bancorp Investments.
Hershey (NYSE: HSY) reaffirmed its 2025 financial outlook during its presentation at the 2025 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference. The company expects total net sales growth of at least 2%, with the Sour Strips acquisition contributing approximately 30 basis points to growth, while foreign currency exchange rates are anticipated to be a 30 basis point headwind.
The company's earnings projections indicate a significant decline, with reported earnings per share expected to decrease in the high-40% range and adjusted earnings per share projected to decline in the mid-30% range. During the conference, executives reviewed growth strategies and progress in enhancing commercial capabilities and optimizing their operating model to deliver long-term shareholder value.
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has announced its quarterly dividend declaration. The Board of Directors declared dividends of $1.370 per share on Common Stock and $1.245 per share on Class B Common Stock on February 5, 2025. These dividends will be paid on March 14, 2025, to stockholders of record as of February 17, 2025.
This marks Hershey's 380th consecutive regular dividend on Common Stock and 161st consecutive regular dividend on Class B Common Stock, demonstrating the company's long-standing commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Hershey (HSY) reported Q4 2024 results with consolidated net sales of $2,887.5 million, up 8.7% year-over-year. The company's organic constant currency net sales increased 9.0%. Q4 reported net income was $796.6 million, or $3.92 per share-diluted, up 130.6%.
For full-year 2024, consolidated net sales reached $11,202.3 million, a 0.3% increase, with reported net income of $2,221.2 million, or $10.92 per share-diluted, up 20.5%. Adjusted EPS declined 2.3% to $9.37.
Looking ahead to 2025, Hershey expects net sales growth of at least 2%, primarily driven by price realization. However, the company projects reported earnings per share to decline in the high-40% range and adjusted earnings per share to drop in the mid-30% range, mainly due to higher commodity costs, particularly cocoa prices, rebased incentive compensation, and a higher economic tax rate.
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has announced its participation in the 2025 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference in Orlando, FL. The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET. Michele G. Buck, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Steven E. Voskuil, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will lead the presentation. The event will be accessible via live webcast through The Hershey Company's corporate website under the 'Calendar of Events' section.
Reese's, the #1 candy franchise in the US, is returning to the Big Game with a new 30-second advertisement promoting their Reese's Chocolate Lava Big Cup. The humorous ad, created by Erich & Kallman, features a park ranger reporting from an active volcano where enthusiastic fans attempt to taste actual lava, leading to a public service announcement: 'Don't eat lava. Eat Reese's Chocolate Lava.'
The campaign includes several promotional activities: a voice-activated volcano installation at New Orleans' Riverwalk Outlets offering free product samples, a partnership with the New Heights podcast featuring the Kelce brothers, and Barstool Sports live coverage from New Orleans. The Reese's Chocolate Lava Big Cup is currently available nationwide in standard and king sizes, with a new snack size option launching in March.
FULFIL Nutrition has launched new protein-focused products, including Protein Bites and an expanded bar lineup featuring Reese's Peanut Butter collaboration. The company introduced its BIGGEST Bar (55g) containing 20g of protein, 2g of sugar, and 3-4g net carbs, available in Chocolate Salted Caramel, Chocolate Peanut Caramel, and Chocolate Peanut Butter flavors.
The new Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar made with Reese's Peanut Butter comes in both 55g and 40g sizes, with the latter providing 15g of protein, 3g net carbs, and 1g sugar. The Protein Bites launch offers 7 bites per pouch with 16g protein, 3-4g sugar, and 4g net carbs, available in Chocolate Salted Caramel and Chocolate Peanut Caramel flavors.
Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby has partnered with FULFIL to promote these new products, which are now available on Amazon and retailers nationwide.
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has announced two key leadership appointments effective February 3, 2025. Andrew Archambault has been named President of U.S. Confection, joining from Keurig Dr Pepper, while Veronica Villasenor, a 22-year Hershey veteran, has been appointed President of Salty Snacks.
Archambault will oversee iconic brands including Hershey's, Reese's and Jolly Rancher. He brings extensive experience from KDP, where he served as President of U.S. Refreshment Beverages. Villasenor, previously Vice President of Salty Snacks, succeeds Kristen Riggs, who is departing after 20 years. Both executives will join Hershey's Executive Committee to advance the company's snacking powerhouse vision.
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) announced that Michele Buck, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, will retire on June 30, 2026. Buck will maintain her current roles until a successor is appointed, after which she will transition to a senior advisor role until retirement. The Board has formed a special committee to search for the next CEO, considering both external and internal candidates.
Buck, who will complete 20 years with Hershey, has been credited with expanding the company into broader snacking categories, driving international growth, and building advanced capabilities. Under her leadership, Hershey developed one of the strongest snacking portfolios in the industry.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year 2024 financial outlook and will provide its 2025 outlook during its February earnings release.
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