The Hershey Company (HSY) Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference 2025 summary

Opening remarks and leadership

• Leadership team highlighted, including CEO, CFO, and Head of Investor Relations.

• CEO emphasized long-term growth prospects in snacking and adaptability to consumer trends.

• Transformation efforts have strengthened the foundation for future growth.

• Confidence expressed in delivering sustained earnings growth as cocoa costs normalize.

Key takeaways

• Consumer trends indicate sustained growth in snacking, aligning with strategic priorities and opportunities.

• Strong legacy of evolving with consumer preferences, expanding into new categories, and leveraging digital and retail shifts.

• Technology-enabled transformation is enhancing cost structure and operational agility, supporting long-term profit growth.

• Profit and earnings growth prospects remain robust as cost pressures, especially cocoa, are expected to normalize.

Business performance and strategy

• Achieved 4.6% organic revenue growth and 10.6% adjusted EPS growth over seven years.

• Operating profit grew 7.8% and free cash flow 10.3%, outpacing industry benchmarks.

• Focus on building resilience to cocoa cost fluctuations and diversifying supply chain.

• Consumer sentiment and snacking frequency remain strong, with better-for-you snacking up 12%.

• Gen Z and millennials projected to drive 69% of global spending by 2040.