Hershey Co
F:HSY
Hershey Co
In the heart of Pennsylvania, amid the rolling hills, Hershey Co. has crafted a legacy as enduring as its rich, cocoa-laden confections. Founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894, the company began its journey with the ambitious vision of making chocolate accessible to everyone, not just the elite. Today, Hershey Co. stands as a titan in the global confectionery market, renowned for its iconic chocolate bars, Reese's peanut butter cups, and a diverse array of sweet treats. Operating within three primary segments—North America's Confectionery, International and Other, and North America's Salty Snacks—the company skillfully navigates the complexities of a billion-dollar industry. It combines innovation with its storied brand image to deliver products that resonate with consumers globally.
Central to its success, Hershey's business model hinges on producing and marketing its goods across a well-oiled distribution network that taps into retail giants, wholesale distributors, and direct-to-consumer channels. This extensive reach ensures its products find their way into countless homes and celebrations. Yet, Hershey does not rest on the laurels of its renowned brand; it continually evolves by expanding its portfolio, including acquisitions like Amplify Snack Brands, to diversify into the snacking industry. This strategic blend of tradition and innovation enables Hershey to not only sustain its celebrated status but also to sweeten its financial performance year after year.
In the heart of Pennsylvania, amid the rolling hills, Hershey Co. has crafted a legacy as enduring as its rich, cocoa-laden confections. Founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894, the company began its journey with the ambitious vision of making chocolate accessible to everyone, not just the elite. Today, Hershey Co. stands as a titan in the global confectionery market, renowned for its iconic chocolate bars, Reese's peanut butter cups, and a diverse array of sweet treats. Operating within three primary segments—North America's Confectionery, International and Other, and North America's Salty Snacks—the company skillfully navigates the complexities of a billion-dollar industry. It combines innovation with its storied brand image to deliver products that resonate with consumers globally.
Central to its success, Hershey's business model hinges on producing and marketing its goods across a well-oiled distribution network that taps into retail giants, wholesale distributors, and direct-to-consumer channels. This extensive reach ensures its products find their way into countless homes and celebrations. Yet, Hershey does not rest on the laurels of its renowned brand; it continually evolves by expanding its portfolio, including acquisitions like Amplify Snack Brands, to diversify into the snacking industry. This strategic blend of tradition and innovation enables Hershey to not only sustain its celebrated status but also to sweeten its financial performance year after year.
Revenue Growth: Hershey delivered 4.4% net sales growth for 2025, with fourth quarter sales up 7%.
Margin Pressure: Gross margin fell 650 basis points in Q4 due to cocoa inflation and tariffs, but recovery is expected in 2026.
Salty Snacks Strength: Salty Snacks segment saw robust growth, led by SkinnyPop and Dot's Pretzels, and boosted by the LesserEvil acquisition.
International Resilience: International business grew 2.2% organically for the year, with share gains in key markets despite volume declines in Q4.
Cost Savings: The AAA program delivered over $300 million in net savings over two years, with $100 million more targeted in 2026.
2026 Outlook: Management guided for 4–5% net sales growth and about 400 basis points of gross margin recovery in 2026, plus increased investment in brands and R&D.
Dividend Raised: Hershey increased its dividend by 6% due to strong cash flow and confidence in future performance.
