The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) posted stronger-than-expected quarterly results on Thursday, with solid net sales growth despite volume pressure tied to consumer price sensitivity.
The company flagged ongoing margin headwinds from elevated commodity and tariff costs and higher operating expenses, even as shares rose in premarket trading.
Hershey reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.71, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $1.40.
Quarterly sales of $3.09 billion (+7% year over year) outpaced the Street view of $2.98 billion.
Organic, constant-currency net sales rose 5.7%. Acquisitions added 1.2 points to sales, while currency provided a 0.1-point benefit.
Segment Analysis
Hershey said elasticity-driven volume declines in both the North America Confectionery and International segments partially offset quarterly gains.
Hershey’s North America Confectionery segment net sales were $2,478.5 million in the fourth quarter of …