Sector: Consumer Staples|Industry: Confectioners|Market Cap: $34.90B|Employees: 20.5K
The Hershey Company is a global confectionery leader, known for producing chocolate, sweets, mints, and other snacks. They are the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a leading snack maker in the United States. The company markets and distributes its products under more than 90 brand names in approximately 80 countries worldwide.
Net sales decreased by 1.4% YoY to $2,987.5 million, primarily due to a 3% volume decline. This was partially offset by a 2% favorable price realization. This indicates pricing power but weakening demand.
Gross margin decreased by 360 basis points YoY to 41.3%, primarily due to unfavorable commodity costs (especially cocoa), higher supply chain costs, and increased business realignment costs. This suggests profitability is being squeezed by external factors.
Net income decreased by 13.9% YoY to $446.3 million, and EPS-diluted decreased by 12.7% YoY to $2.20. This reflects the combined impact of lower sales, declining margins, and higher business realignment costs.