Hershey Reports Second-Quarter 2022 Financial Results; Raises 2022 Net Sales and Earnings Outlook

HERSHEY, Pa., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced net sales and earnings for the second quarter ended July 3, 2022, and raised its full-year financial outlook.

"Our business momentum continued in the second quarter, with double-digit sales growth in each of our segments resulting in strong earnings per share performance," said Michele Buck, The Hershey Company President and Chief Executive Officer.  "These results reflect the strength and resilience of our categories, consumers' love for our brands, the investments we are making in our business, and the exceptional execution of our dedicated employees.  We are raising our financial expectations for the year and investing more heavily in our brands, capabilities and people in the second half to continue this momentum into 2023."

• Consolidated net sales of $2,372.6 million, an increase of 19.3%.
• Organic, constant currency net sales increased 14.1%.
• The impact of acquisitions on net sales was a 5.3-point benefit² while foreign currency exchange was a 0.1-point headwind.
• Reported net income of $315.6 million and $1.53 earnings per share-diluted, an increase of 5.5%.
• Adjusted earnings per share-diluted of $1.80, an increase of 22.4%.

The Hershey Company is increasing its net sales outlook to reflect continued strength in consumer demand and net price realization.  Price elasticities are expected to moderate from the second quarter, but remain favorable to historical levels, as inflation and fewer government benefits are expected to weaken consumers' buying power. 

Profit from increased sales growth is expected to more than offset higher supply chain costs, elevated advertising and merchandising levels and increased incentive compensation costs, to deliver higher reported and adjusted earnings per share growth.

To reflect this strength in performance and expectations for the second half of the year, the company is raising its full-year financial outlook to the following: 

Below is a reconciliation of projected 2022 and full-year 2021 earnings per share-diluted calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share-diluted:

2022 projected earnings per share-diluted, as presented above, does not include the impact of mark-to-market gains and losses on our commodity derivative contracts that are reflected within corporate unallocated expense in segment results until the related inventory is sold since we are not able to forecast the impact of the market changes.

Consolidated net sales increased 19.3% to $2,372.6 million in the second quarter of 2022, including a 5.3-point benefit from the acquisitions of Pretzels, Dot's and Lily's, while foreign currency exchange was a 0.1-point headwind.  Organic, constant currency net sales increased 14.1% driven by pricing and volume gains across segments.  Net price realization contributed 9.5 points to net sales growth driven by list price increases as well as moderately lower levels of promotional activity.  Volume contributed to an additional 4.6-point benefit driven by the replenishment of distributor inventory levels, primarily in the North America Confectionery segment, along with favorable price elasticities in the North America Salty Snacks and International segments.

Reported gross margin was 42.1% in the second quarter of 2022, compared to 46.5% in the second quarter of 2021, a decrease of 440 basis points.  This decrease was primarily driven by derivative mark-to-market losses, combined with higher supply chain costs and unfavorable mix, which was partially offset by sales growth.  Adjusted gross margin was 43.9% in the second quarter of 2022, a decrease of 250 basis points.  Higher raw material, packaging and logistics cost inflation, as well as labor investments, contributed to this decline, in addition to unfavorable mix from recent acquisitions.  These headwinds were partially offset by accelerating net price realization and volume gains.

Selling, marketing and administrative expenses increased 16.2% in the second quarter of 2022 versus the second quarter of 2021, primarily driven by higher amortization, integration and operating expenses related to recent acquisitions.  Advertising and related consumer marketing expenses increased 3.2% in the second quarter of 2022 versus the same period last year.  Moderate advertising increases across brands and segments without capacity constraints were largely offset by cost efficiencies related to new media partners, primarily benefiting the North America Confectionery segment.  Selling, marketing and administrative expenses, excluding advertising and related consumer marketing, increased 22.4% versus the second quarter of 2021.  This increase was driven by a loss related to the sale of non-operating assets; higher acquisition-related costs; incremental capabilities and technology investments, including the upgrade of the company's enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, as well as related amortization; and salary and benefit inflation.

Second-quarter 2022 reported operating profit was $456.5 million, in line with prior year, resulting in an operating profit margin of 19.2%, a decrease of 380 basis points.  Adjusted operating profit of $526.9 million increased 14.7% versus the second quarter of 2021, resulting in adjusted operating profit margin of 22.2%, a decrease of 90 basis points.  Profit increases in adjusted operating profit were driven by pricing and volume gains, partially offset by broad-based inflation, acquisition-related costs, and higher advertising, capability and technology investments.  Reported operating profit was similarly affected but was further offset by a loss related to the sale of non-operating assets, derivative mark-to-market losses, and higher integration costs related to recent acquisitions.  The aforementioned costs outpaced sales growth resulting in a degradation of reported and adjusted operating margin in the second quarter. 

The reported effective tax rate in the second quarter of 2022 was 21.8%, a decrease of 620 basis points versus the second quarter of 2021.  The adjusted effective tax rate in the second quarter of 2022 was 21.4%, a decrease of 600 basis points versus the second quarter of 2021.  Both the reported and adjusted effective tax rate decreases were driven primarily by higher international tax reserves accrued in the prior year period, as well as the timing of renewable energy tax credits.

The company's second-quarter 2022 results, as prepared in accordance with GAAP, included items positively impacting comparability of $70.4 million, or $0.27 per share-diluted.  For the second quarter of 2021, items positively impacting comparability totaled $2.8 million, or $0.02 per share-diluted.

The following table presents a summary of items impacting comparability in each period (see Appendix I for additional information):

Segment performance for the second quarter of 2022 versus the prior-year period are detailed below. See the schedule of supplementary information within this press release for additional information on segment net sales and profit.

Hershey's North America Confectionery segment net sales were $1,909.1 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 12.9% versus the same period last year.  Excluding the 0.8-point benefit from the acquisition of Lily's and a 0.3-point headwind from foreign currency exchange, organic, constant currency net sales increased 12.4%.  Net price realization was a 9.8-point benefit driven by list price increases as well as a lower level of promotional activity in response to capacity constraints.  Volume drove an additional 2.6-point benefit driven by the replenishment of distributor inventory levels, which contributed approximately 6.0 points to net sales growth and was partially offset by price elasticities.

Hershey's U.S. candy, mint and gum (CMG) retail takeaway for the 12-week period ended July 17, 2022 in the multi-outlet plus convenience store channels (MULO+C) increased 5.0%.  Consumer demand and unit velocities remained steady with strength in take-home chocolate and sweets, while growth in unit pricing drove year-over-year gains.  Hershey's take-home chocolate increased 6.6% in the latest period as at-home consumption remained strong and above pre-pandemic levels.  Momentum of Hershey's sweets brands continued with retail takeaway of 7.7%, driven by Jolly Rancher Gummies and Twizzlers summer programming.  Hershey's CMG share declined 54 basis points as production and on-shelf availability of certain products remained constrained and promotional levels were reduced to enable inventory replenishment.  Declines were in line with expectations and an improvement from the first quarter as on-shelf availability increased.  Hershey's confectionery share remains 83 basis points higher than pre-pandemic levels.

The North America Confectionery segment reported segment income of $618.9 million in the second quarter of 2022, reflecting an increase of 11.6% versus the prior-year period.  The increase in segment income was driven by pricing and volume gains, which were partially offset by higher supply chain costs, increased acquisition costs related to Lily's, higher capability and technology investments and increased trade show and travel expenses as the prior-year period was impacted by pandemic-related restrictions.  The aforementioned costs outpaced sales growth in the second quarter, resulting in segment margin of 32.4%, a decrease of 40 basis points. 

Hershey's North America Salty Snacks segment net sales were $256.3 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 99.9% versus the same period last year.  Sales from the acquisitions of Dot's and Pretzels was a 71.6-point benefit.  Net price realization was a 14.6-point benefit, while volume contributed 13.7 points driven by strong consumer demand and favorable price elasticities.  

Hershey's U.S. salty snack retail takeaway, including Dot's, in MULO+C increased 26.3% in the 12-week period ended July 17, 2022, driven by pricing and strong consumer demand across Hershey's salty snack brands.  SkinnyPop brand retail sales increased 16.9% versus the prior-year period and resulted in a ready-to-eat popcorn share gain of approximately 130 basis points.  Pirate's Booty brand continues to report strong takeaway with retail sales growth of 32.4%.  Both SkinnyPop and Pirate's Booty brands reported double-digit growth across all classes of trade and nearly all pack-types in the period with exceptional strength in multi-packs, which increased 30.4%.  This growth is driven by consumers' demand for convenience and on-the-go snacking along with the company's assortment strategy.  Dot's Homestyle Pretzels brand also had tremendous retail sales growth of 45.4% during the period driven by continued strong distribution gains, resulting in a pretzel category share gain of approximately 340 basis points.

North America Salty Snacks segment income increased 43.7% to $37.4 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $26.0 million in the second quarter of 2021.  Pricing gains and higher volumes offset unfavorable mix, acquisition-related costs and higher supply chain costs due to inflation and higher-than-expected demand, to drive segment income growth in the second quarter.  The aforementioned costs outpaced sales growth in the second quarter, resulting in segment margin of 14.6%, a decrease of 570 basis points. 

Second-quarter 2022 net sales for Hershey's International segment increased 21.3% versus the same period last year to $207.2 million.  Excluding a 0.7-point benefit from foreign currency exchange rates, constant currency net sales increased 20.6%.  Volume gains contributed 17.6 points to net sales growth, driven by the strong consumer buying power and demand across markets.  Price realization was a 3.0-point benefit.

The International segment reported a $30.7 million profit in the second quarter of 2022, reflecting an increase of $3.1 million versus the prior-year period.  The profit increase was driven by volume gains and net price realization, which were partially offset by higher supply chain cost inflation and logistics costs, as well as increased advertising investment, salary and benefit inflation and increased travel expenses.  The aforementioned costs outpaced sales growth in the second quarter, resulting in segment margin of 14.8%, a decrease of 130 basis points.

Hershey's unallocated corporate expense in the second quarter of 2022 was $160.1 million, an increase of $11.5 million, or 7.7%, versus the same period of 2021.  This increase was driven by higher amortization; integration and operating expenses related to recent acquisitions; incremental capabilities and technology investments, including the upgrade of the company's ERP system, as well as related amortization; and salary and benefit inflation.

The Board of Directors of The Hershey Company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.036 on the Common Stock and $0.942 on the Class B Common Stock, payable September 15, 2022, to shareholders of record as of August 19, 2022, representing an increase of 15%, or $0.135 and $0.123 per share, respectively.  It is the 371^st consecutive regular dividend on the Common Stock and the 152^nd consecutive regular dividend on the Class B Common Stock.

At approximately 7 a.m. (Eastern time) today, Hershey will post a pre-recorded management discussion of its second-quarter 2022 results and business update to its website at www.thehersheycompany.com/investors.  In addition, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time) today, the company will host a live question and answer session with investors and financial analysts.  Details to access this call are available on the company's website.

Note:  In this release, for the second-quarter 2022, Hershey references income measures that are not in accordance with GAAP because they exclude certain items impacting comparability, including gains and losses associated with mark-to-market commodity derivatives, business realignment activities, acquisition-related activities, and other miscellaneous losses and benefits.  The company refers to these income measures as "adjusted" or "non-GAAP" financial measures throughout this release.  These non-GAAP financial measures are used in evaluating results of operations for internal purposes and are not intended to replace the presentation of financial results in accordance with GAAP.  Rather, the company believes exclusion of such items provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations.  A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures referenced in this release to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income is provided below.

In the assessment of our results, we review and discuss the following financial metrics that are derived from the reported and non-GAAP financial measures presented above:

We present certain percentage changes in net sales on a constant currency basis, which excludes the impact of foreign currency exchange.  To present this information for historical periods, current period net sales for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, rather than at the actual average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period of the current fiscal year.  As a result, the foreign currency impact is equal to the current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in the average foreign currency exchange rate between the current fiscal period and the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.

A reconciliation between reported net sales growth rates and (i) constant currency net sales growth rates and (ii) organic constant currency net sales growth rates is provided below:

Details of the charges included in GAAP results, as summarized in the press release (above), are as follows:

Derivative mark-to-market losses (gains):  The mark-to-market losses (gains) on commodity derivatives are recorded as unallocated and excluded from adjusted results until such time as the related inventory is sold, at which time the corresponding losses (gains) are reclassified from unallocated to segment income.  Since we often purchase commodity contracts to price inventory requirements in future years, we make this adjustment to facilitate the year-over-year comparison of cost of sales on a basis that matches the derivative gains and losses with the underlying economic exposure being hedged for the period.

Business realignment activities:  We periodically undertake restructuring and cost reduction activities as part of ongoing efforts to enhance long-term profitability.  During the fourth quarter of 2020, we commenced the International Optimization Program to streamline resources and investments in select international markets, including the optimization of our China operating model to improve efficiencies and provide a more sustainable and simplified base going forward. During the second quarter of 2022 and 2021, business realignment charges related primarily to other third-party costs related to this program, as well as severance and employee benefit costs.

Acquisition-related activities:  During the second quarter of 2022, we incurred costs related to the integration of the 2021 acquisitions of Lily's, Dot's and Pretzels.  During the second quarter of 2021, we incurred costs to effectuate the Lily's acquisition.

Noncontrolling interest share of business realignment and impairment charges:  Certain of the business realignment and impairment charges recorded related to the divestiture of Lotte Shanghai Foods Co., Ltd., a joint venture in which we previously owned a 50% controlling interest.  Therefore, we have also adjusted for the portion of these charges included within the income (loss) attributed to the noncontrolling interest.

Other miscellaneous losses (benefits):  During the second quarter of 2022, we recorded a loss on the sale of non-operating assets located in Pennsylvania.  During the second quarter of 2021, we recorded a gain on a receivable previously deemed uncollectible.

Tax effect of all adjustments:  This line item reflects the aggregate tax effect of all pre-tax adjustments reflected in the preceding line items of the applicable table.  The tax effect for each adjustment is determined by calculating the tax impact of the adjustment on the company's quarterly effective tax rate, unless the nature of the item and/or the tax jurisdiction in which the item has been recorded requires application of a specific tax rate or tax treatment, in which case the tax effect of such item is estimated by applying such specific tax rate or tax treatment.

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Many of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "intend," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "strategy," "target" and similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like "could," "may," "might," "should," "will" and "would," among others. These statements are made based upon current expectations that are subject to risk and uncertainty. Because actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the company's securities. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: risks related to the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on our business, suppliers, distributors, consumers, customers, and employees; the scope and duration of the pandemic; government actions and restrictive measures implemented in response to the pandemic, including the distribution of vaccinations and continuation of social distancing guidelines and stay at home orders; disruptions or inefficiencies in our supply chain due to the loss or disruption of essential manufacturing or supply elements or other factors; issues or concerns related to the quality and safety of our products, ingredients or packaging, human and workplace rights, and other environmental, social or governance matters; changes in raw material and other costs, along with the availability of adequate supplies of raw materials; the company's ability to successfully execute business continuity plans to address the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting changes in consumer preferences and the broader economic and operating environment; selling price increases, including volume declines associated with pricing elasticity; market demand for our new and existing products; increased marketplace competition; failure to successfully execute and integrate acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures; changes in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes; political, economic, and/or financial market conditions, including impacts on the business arising from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; risks and uncertainties related to our international operations; disruptions, failures or security breaches of our information technology infrastructure; our ability to hire, engage and retain a talented global workforce, our ability to realize expected cost savings and operating efficiencies associated with strategic initiatives or restructuring programs; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning system; and such other matters as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 2021 and from time to time our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in expectations or events or circumstances.

SOURCE The Hershey Company