Hershey Reports Lower Profit on Rising Cocoa Costs, Announces Dividend, and Offers Strong 2026 Outlook

Feb 5, 2026

The Hershey Company announced its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results. The company reported lower profit for the quarter due to increased costs from tariffs and rising cocoa prices.

Despite the profit decline, Hershey's adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $1.71, which was higher than analysts' expectations of $1.40, but lower than the $2.69 reported a year earlier.

Hershey's board also declared quarterly dividends of $1.452 per share on its Common Stock and $1.320 per share on its Class B Common Stock.

Looking ahead to 2026, Hershey forecasts sales and profits above Wall Street estimates, supported by steady demand for its products and the benefits of previous price increases. Following the announcement, Hershey's stock price rose by 7.7%.

Why did Hershey's profit drop in the fourth quarter?

Profit dropped because tariffs and higher cocoa prices increased the company's costs.

Did Hershey still perform better than expected?

Yes, Hershey's adjusted earnings surpassed analysts' forecasts for the fourth quarter.

What changes are there to Hershey's dividend?

Hershey declared quarterly dividends of $1.452 per share for Common Stock and $1.320 per share for Class B Common Stock.

What does Hershey expect for 2026?

Hershey expects higher sales and profits in 2026, thanks to strong demand and previous price increases.

Sources
Hershey Declares Quarterly Dividends
PRNewsWire
HERSHEY, Pa., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced quarterly dividends of $1.452 on the Common Stock and $1.320 on the Class B Common Stock.
Hershey Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results; Provides 20...
PRNewsWire
HERSHEY, Pa., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced net sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2025.
Hershey Profit Dragged Down by Tariffs, Cocoa Costs
WSJ
Hershey reported lower fourth-quarter profit as tariff costs and high cocoa prices continued to hurt its bottom line.
Hershey sees strong 2026 even as cocoa costs weigh
Reuters
Hershey forecast annual sales and profit above Wall Street estimates on Thursday, supported by resilient demand for its confectionery and salty snacks and continued benefits of earlier price hikes implemented to absorb rising costs.
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Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY, XETRA:HSY) shares surged 7.7% on Thursday after the chocolate and snack maker reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results and offered a robust outlook for 2026. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.71 for the fourth quarter, beating analysts' expectat...
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A strong fourth quarter looks to be the start of a turnaround. Hershey estimates adjusted earnings will soar in 2026.
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Sales and earnings came in above every analyst estimate, according to FactSet.
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