The Hershey Company

04/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2026 09:52

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ending March 29, 2026 (Form 10-Q)

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") is intended to provide an understanding of Hershey's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year to year. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 29, 2026 ("this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q"). This discussion contains a number of forward-looking statements, all of which are based on current expectations. Actual results may differ materially. Refer to the Safe Harbor Statement below as well as the Risk Factors and other information contained in our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K for information concerning the key risks to achieving future performance goals.
The MD&A is organized in the following sections:
•Overview
•Trends Affecting Our Business
•Consolidated Results of Operations
•Segment Results
•Liquidity and Capital Resources
•Safe Harbor Statement
OVERVIEW
Hershey is a global confectionery leader known for making more moments of goodness through chocolate, sweets, mints and other great tasting snacks. We are the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America, a leading snack maker in the United States ("U.S.") and a global leader in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery. We market, sell and distribute our products under more than 85 brand names in approximately 65 countries worldwide.
Our principal product offerings include chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products; gum and mint refreshment products and protein bars; pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings and beverages; and snack items such as spreads, bars, and snack bites and mixes, popcorn and pretzels.
Business Acquisition
On November 18, 2025, we completed the acquisition of LesserEvil, LLC ("LesserEvil"), previously a privately held company that produces and sells organic popcorn and puffed snack products to retailers and distributors in the United States and Canada. The acquisition complements Hershey's existing portfolio and increases manufacturing capacity.
The Hershey Company | Q1 2026 Form 10-Q | Page 31
TRENDS AFFECTING OUR BUSINESS
Throughout the first three months of 2026, we experienced net sales growth and positive consumer sentiment for our brands, despite the persistent dynamic macro environment, which continues to put pressure on our business. Specifically, higher manufacturing and supply costs continue to challenge the business and drive incremental cost to our business (see ConsolidatedResults of Operations included in this MD&A). Additionally, we utilize many exchange traded commodities for our business that are subject to price volatility, specifically cocoa products, which has continued to improve during the first three months of 2026 (see Part I, Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).
Furthermore, changes in global trade policies, including tariffs on U.S. imports, and certain geopolitical events, specifically the conflict in the Middle East, continue to increase global economic and political uncertainty. We are continuing to monitor the ongoing regulations related to tariffs, specifically, goods imported into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and other countries, as well as export markets, as it was ruled by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on February 20, 2026, that while certain tariffs imposed by the current U.S. administration do remain in full effect, there are other tariffs imposed that were deemed to not have such authority to do so. Therefore, companies now may have considerations around refund requests and as such, the Company is currently assessing the potential for refunds and the impact refunds may have on our results of operations. As such, the scope and length of tariffs, including their effects on the broader economy and our business, remain uncertain, but we expect tariff expense to continue to negatively impact our results of operations. Additionally, we are actively monitoring the evolving conflict in the Middle East and the potential impact on our business. For the first three months of 2026, this conflict did not have a material impact on our commodity prices or supply availability. However, we are continuing to monitor for any significant escalation or expansion of economic or supply chain disruptions or broader inflationary costs, which may result in material adverse effects on our results of operations.
As of March 29, 2026, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our key strategic initiatives and other material cash requirements in both the short-term and in the long-term; however, we continue to evaluate and take action, as necessary, to preserve adequate liquidity and ensure that our business can operate effectively during the current economic environment. We continue to monitor our discretionary spending across the organization (see Liquidity and Capital Resources included in this MD&A).
Based on the length and severity of the fluctuating macroeconomic environment, including price volatility for our commodities, fluctuations in consumer shopping and consumption behavior, and ongoing changes in geopolitical events, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, as well as the conflict in the Middle East, we may continue to experience increasing supply chain costs, higher inflation and other impacts to our business. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of these evolving impacts on our business, consolidated results of operations, segment results, liquidity and capital resources.
The Hershey Company | Q1 2026 Form 10-Q | Page 32
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended
March 29, 2026 March 30, 2025 Percent Change
In millions of dollars except per share amounts
Net sales $ 3,104.2 $ 2,805.4 10.6 %
Cost of sales 1,881.4 1,861.1 1.1 %
Gross profit 1,222.7 944.3 29.5 %
Gross margin 39.4 % 33.7 %
Selling, marketing & administrative ("SM&A") expenses 576.0 558.7 3.1 %
SM&A expense as a percent of net sales 18.6 % 19.9 %
Business realignment activities 6.0 16.4 (63.4) %
Operating profit 640.7 369.2 73.5 %
Operating profit margin 20.6 % 13.2 %
Interest expense, net 49.8 44.6 11.6 %
Other (income) expense, net (1.8) 0.9 NM
Provision for income taxes 157.6 99.5 58.5 %
Effective income tax rate 26.6% 30.7%
Net income $ 435.1 $ 224.2 94.1 %
Net income per share-diluted $ 2.13 $ 1.10 93.6 %
NOTE: Percentage changes may not compute directly as shown due to rounding of amounts presented above.
NM = not meaningful
Results of Operations - First Quarter 2026 vs. First Quarter 2025
Net Sales
Net sales were $3,104.2 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $2,805.4 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $298.8 million, or 10.6%. The net sales increase reflects a favorable price realization of approximately 10% primarily related to pricing actions within the North America Confectionery and International segments. Additionally, the 2025 acquisition of LesserEvil contributed a 2% benefit, with an additional 1% benefit being provided by foreign currency exchange rates. The increase was partially offset by a volume decrease of approximately 2%, primarily driven by declines in North America Confectionery and International segments, which more than offset the volume growth in the North America Salty Snacks segment.
Key U.S. Marketplace Metrics
For the first quarter of 2026, our total U.S. retail takeaway increased 9.3% in the expanded multi-outlet combined plus convenience store channels (MULO+ w/ Convenience), which includes candy, mint, gum, salty snacks and grocery items. Our U.S. candy, mint and gum ("CMG") consumer takeaway increased 8.1%, despite a CMG market share decline. Our Salty consumer takeaway, excluding LesserEvil, increased 9.8% in the first quarter of 2026 and experienced a Salty, excluding LesserEvil, market share increase.
The consumer takeaway and market share information reflect measured channels of distribution accounting for approximately 90% of our U.S. confectionery and salty snack retail businesses. These channels of distribution primarily include food, drug, mass merchandisers and convenience store channels, partial dollar, club and military channels. These metrics are based on measured market scanned purchases as reported by Circana, the Company's market insights and analytics provider, and provide a means to assess our retail takeaway and market position relative to the overall category.
The Hershey Company | Q1 2026 Form 10-Q | Page 33
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin
Cost of sales were $1,881.4 million in the first quarter 2026 compared to $1,861.1 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $20.3 million, or 1.1%. The increase was driven by $269.9 million of higher costs, predominantly due to unfavorable commodity and tariff costs. The increase was partially offset by declines of $249.6 million, primarily due to supply chain productivity and transformation program net savings and $24.9 million of favorable mark-to-market activity on our commodity derivative instruments intended to economically hedge future years' commodity purchases (See Part I, Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information).
Gross margin was 39.4% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 33.7% in the same period of 2025, an increase of 570 basis points. The increase was driven by favorable net price realization partially offset by unfavorable supply chain and tariff costs and volume declines.
SM&A Expenses
SM&A expenses were $576.0 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $558.7 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $17.3 million, or 3.1%. Total advertising and related consumer marketing expenses increased 5.8%, driven by investments in advertising and related consumer marketing expenses in the North America Salty Snacks and International segments. SM&A expenses, excluding advertising and related consumer marketing, increased 1.8% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by higher capability and technology investments, partially offset by lower compensation and benefit costs and lower consulting fees, as well as net savings related to to our AAA Initiative versus the prior year.
Business Realignment Activities
We periodically undertake business realignment activities designed to increase our efficiency and focus our business in support of our key growth strategies. Excluding the portion recorded within Cost of Sales and SM&A expenses (as noted above), we recorded business realignment costs of $6.0 million during the first quarter of 2026 versus $16.4 million in the first quarter of 2025. The costs related to the AAA Initiative, which commenced in 2024, focused on leveraging new technology to improve supply chain and manufacturing-related spend, and optimize selling, general and administrative expenses. Costs associated with business realignment activities are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Income as described in Note 9 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
Operating Profit and Operating Profit Margin
Operating profit was $640.7 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $369.2 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $271.5 million, or 73.5%. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit as well as lower business realignment expenses, partially offset by increased SM&A expenses, as noted above. Operating profit margin increased to 20.6% in 2026 from 13.2% in 2025, driven by the same factors noted above that resulted in higher gross margin for the period.
Interest Expense, Net
Net interest expense was $49.8 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $44.6 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $5.2 million, or 11.6%. The increase was primarily due to the timing of the February 2025 debt issuance.
Other (Income) Expense, Net
Other (income) expense, net was income of $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2026 versus expense of $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2025, a change of $2.7 million. The decrease in net expense was predominantly driven by a decrease of $2.4 million of non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans in the first quarter of 2026 versus the same period of 2025.
Income Taxes and Effective Tax Rate
The effective income tax rate was 26.6% for the first quarter of 2026 compared with 30.7% for the first quarter of 2025. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2026 and 2025 effective tax rates were primarily impacted by state taxes and foreign tax differential.
The Hershey Company | Q1 2026 Form 10-Q | Page 34
Net Income and Earnings Per Share-diluted
Net income was $435.1 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $224.2 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $210.9 million, or 94.1%. EPS-diluted was $2.13 in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $1.10 in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of $1.03, or 93.6%. The increase in both net income and EPS-diluted was driven by higher gross profit, lower business realignment costs and lower other (income) expense, partially offset by higher SM&A expenses, higher interest expense, and higher income taxes. Higher income taxes were driven by higher income before income taxes, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate.
The Hershey Company | Q1 2026 Form 10-Q | Page 35
SEGMENT RESULTS
The summary that follows provides a discussion of the results of operations of our three segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks and International. For segment reporting purposes, we use "segment income" to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Segment income excludes unallocated general corporate administrative expenses, unallocated mark-to-market gains and losses on commodity derivatives, business realignment and impairment charges, acquisition-related costs and other unusual gains or losses that are not part of our measurement of segment performance. These items of our operating income are largely managed centrally at the corporate level and are excluded from the measure of segment income reviewed by our Chief Operating Decision Maker, Kirk Tanner, President and Chief Executive Officer, and used for resource allocation and internal management reporting and performance evaluation. Segment income and segment income margin, which are presented in the segment discussion that follows, are non-GAAP measures and do not purport to be alternatives to operating income as a measure of operating performance. We believe that these measures are useful to investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating ongoing operating profitability as well as in evaluating operating performance in relation to our competitors, as they exclude the activities that are not directly attributable to our ongoing segment operations. Refer to Note 13 Segment Information in our audited consolidated financial statements for reconciliations of net sales for our reportable segments to consolidated total net sales and of segment operating income to consolidated income before taxes.
Our segment results, including a reconciliation to our consolidated results, were as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 29, 2026 March 30, 2025
In millions of dollars
Net Sales:
North America Confectionery $ 2,489.9 $ 2,300.1
North America Salty Snacks 350.1 277.8
International 264.2 227.5
Total $ 3,104.2 $ 2,805.4
Segment Income:
North America Confectionery $ 792.4 $ 696.4
North America Salty Snacks 34.3 41.9
International 15.3 28.7
Total segment income 841.9 767.0
Unallocated corporate expense (1) 157.7 160.4
Unallocated mark-to-market losses on commodity derivatives (2) 30.2 211.5
Costs associated with business realignment activities 13.4 25.9
Operating profit 640.7 369.2
Interest expense, net 49.8 44.6
Other (income) expense, net (1.8) 0.9
Income before income taxes $ 592.7 $ 323.7
(1)Includes centrally-managed (a) corporate functional costs relating to legal, treasury, finance and human resources, (b) expenses associated with the oversight and administration of our global operations, including warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, information systems and global shared services, (c) non-cash stock-based compensation expense, (d) acquisition and integration-related costs and (e) other gains or losses that are not integral to segment performance.
(2)Net losses (gains) on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in unallocated derivative losses (gains). See Note 13 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
North America Confectionery
The North America Confectionery segment is responsible for our chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery market position in the United States and Canada. This includes developing and growing our business in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery, gum and refreshment products, protein bars, spreads, snack bites and mixes, as well as pantry and food service lines. While a less significant component, this segment also includes our retail operations, including Hershey's Chocolate World stores in Hershey, Pennsylvania; New York, New York; Las Vegas, Nevada; Niagara Falls (Ontario) and Singapore, as well as operations associated with licensing the use of certain trademarks and products to third parties around the world. North America Confectionery results, which accounted for 80.2% and 82.0% of our net sales for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively, were as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 29, 2026 March 30, 2025 Percent Change
In millions of dollars
Net sales $ 2,489.9 $ 2,300.1 8.3 %
Segment income 792.4 696.4 13.8 %
Segment margin 31.8 % 30.3 %
NOTE: Percentage changes may not compute directly as shown due to rounding of amounts presented above.
Results of Operations - First Quarter 2026 vs. First Quarter 2025
Net sales of our North America Confectionery segment were $2,489.9 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $2,300.1 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $189.8 million, or 8.3%. The increase was driven by favorable price realization of approximately 12%, primarily due to the pricing action announced in 2025. Additionally, there was a minimal benefit from foreign currency exchange rates. Volume declined approximately 4%, driven by price elasticity and one fewer shipping day, partially offset by the timing of shipments and strong innovation performance.
Our North America Confectionery segment income was $792.4 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $696.4 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $96.0 million, or 13.8%. The increase was driven primarily by higher net sales, favorable mix, and net savings related to our AAA Initiative, partially offset by volume declines, and increased commodity and tariff costs.
North America Salty Snacks
The North America Salty Snacks segment is responsible for our grocery and snacks market positions, including our salty snacking products. North America Salty Snacks results, which accounted for 11.3% and 9.9% of our net sales for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively, were as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 29, 2026 March 30, 2025 Percent Change
In millions of dollars
Net sales $ 350.1 $ 277.8 26.0 %
Segment income 34.3 41.9 (18.1) %
Segment margin 9.8 % 15.1 %
NOTE: Percentage changes may not compute directly as shown due to rounding of amounts presented above.
Results of Operations - First Quarter 2026 vs. First Quarter 2025
Net sales of our North America Salty Snacks segment were $350.1 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $277.8 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $72.3 million, or 26.0%. The increase was predominantly due to the acquisition of LesserEvil in November 2025, which provided a benefit of approximately 20%. Further, volume increased approximately 5%, primarily driven by Dot's and Reese's Filled Pretzels. Price realization was flat in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period of 2025.
Our North America Salty Snacks segment income was $34.3 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $41.9 million in the same period of 2025, a decrease of $7.6 million, or 18.1%. The decrease was primarily due to higher supply chain costs, including costs related to a voluntary temporary product withdrawal, and increased SM&A expenses.
International
The International segment includes all other countries where we currently manufacture, import, market, sell or distribute chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery and other products. We currently have operations and manufacture product in Mexico, Brazil, India and Malaysia, primarily for consumers in these regions, and also distribute and sell confectionery products in export markets of Latin America, as well as Europe, Asia-Pacific ("APAC"), the Middle East and Africa ("MEA") and other regions. International results, which accounted for 8.5% and 8.1% of our net sales for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively, were as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 29, 2026 March 30, 2025 Percent Change
In millions of dollars
Net sales $ 264.2 $ 227.5 16.1 %
Segment income 15.3 28.7 (46.8) %
Segment margin 5.8 % 12.6 %
NOTE: Percentage changes may not compute directly as shown due to rounding of amounts presented above.
Results of Operations - First Quarter 2026 vs. First Quarter 2025
Net sales of our International segment were $264.2 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $227.5 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of $36.7 million, or 16.1%. The increase was due to favorable price realization of approximately 12%, resulting from strategic pricing actions across key markets, as well as a favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 6.8%. The increase was partially offset by volume declines of approximately 2%, primarily driven by price elasticity across markets.
Our International segment generated income of $15.3 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $28.7 million in income in the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $13.4 million, or 46.8%, driven by higher commodity and manufacturing costs and advertising investment, partially offset by favorable price realization, supply chain productivity, and net savings related to our AAA Initiative.
Unallocated Corporate Expense
Unallocated corporate expense includes centrally-managed (a) corporate functional costs relating to legal, treasury, finance and human resources, (b) expenses associated with the oversight and administration of our global operations, including warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, information systems and global shared services, (c) non-cash stock-based compensation expense, (d) acquisition and integration-related costs and (e) other gains or losses that are not integral to segment performance.
In the first quarter of 2026, unallocated corporate expense totaled $157.7 million, as compared to $160.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $2.7 million, or 1.7%. The decrease was primarily driven by lower compensation and benefits costs, as well as consulting fees, partially offset by continued investments in technology.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Historically, our primary source of liquidity has been cash generated from operations. Domestic seasonal working capital needs, which typically peak during the summer months, are generally met by utilizing cash on hand, bank borrowings or the issuance of commercial paper. Commercial paper may also be issued, from time to time, to finance ongoing business transactions, such as the repayment of long-term debt, business acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes.
At March 29, 2026, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $877.0 million, a decrease of $48.8 million compared to the 2025 year-end balance. Additional detail regarding the net uses of cash are outlined in the following discussion. Additionally, at March 29, 2026, we had outstanding short- and long-term debt totaling $5.4 billion, of which $504.1 million was classified as the current portion of long-term debt. Of the $504.1 million, $500 million of 2.300% Notes are due upon maturity on August 15, 2026. We believe we can satisfy these debt obligations with cash generated from our operations, issuing new debt, and/or by borrowing on our unsecured credit facility.
Approximately 50% of the balance of our cash and cash equivalents at March 29, 2026 was held by subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States. A majority of our cash and cash equivalents balance is distributable to the United States without material tax implications, such as withholding tax. We intend to continue to reinvest the remainder of this balance outside of the United States for which there would be a material tax implication to distributing for the foreseeable future and, therefore, have not recognized additional tax expense on these earnings. We believe that our existing sources of liquidity are adequate to meet anticipated funding needs at comparable risk-based interest rates for the foreseeable future. Acquisition spending and/or share repurchases could potentially increase our debt. Operating cash flow and access to capital markets are expected to satisfy our various short- and long-term cash flow requirements, including acquisitions and capital expenditures.
The Hershey Company | Q1 2026 Form 10-Q | Page 36
Cash Flow Summary
The following table is derived from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
Three Months Ended
In millions of dollars March 29, 2026 March 30, 2025
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 468.8 $ 396.7
Investing activities (117.1) (147.0)
Financing activities (402.8) 537.1
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 2.3 (2.3)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ (48.8) $ 784.5
Operating activities
We generated cash of $468.8 million from operating activities in the first three months of 2026, an increase of $72.1 million compared to $396.7 million in the same period of 2025. This increase in net cash provided by operating activities was mainly driven by the following factors:
•Other assets and liabilities consumed cash of $157.8 million in 2026, compared to $369.9 million in 2025. This $212.1 million fluctuation was primarily driven by the timing of certain prepaid expenses and other current assets.
•Net income adjusted for non-cash charges to operations (including depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts and other charges) resulted in $107.3 million of higher cash flow in 2026 relative to 2025.
•The variance in operating cash flows related to income taxes reflects timing differences between actual tax expense and quarterly estimated tax payments. We paid cash of $24.4 million for income taxes during 2026, compared to $38.9 million in the same period of 2025.
•The increase in cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by the following net cash outflows:
◦In the aggregate, select net working capital items, specifically, trade accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, consumed cash of $230.6 million in 2026, compared to generating cash of $55.4 million in 2025. This $286.0 million fluctuation was mainly driven by an increase in trade accounts receivable and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, due to the timing of vendor and supplier payments, partially offset by lower inventory levels.
Investing activities
We used cash of $117.1 million for investing activities in the first three months of 2026, a decrease of $29.9 million compared to $147.0 million in the same period of 2025. This decrease in net cash used in investing activities was mainly driven by the following factors:
•Capital spending. Capital expenditures, including capitalized software, capacity expansion, innovation and cost savings, were $114.6 million in the first three months of 2026 compared to $145.5 million in the same period of 2025. The decrease in our 2026 capital expenditures is largely driven by the wind down of our key strategic initiatives, as we expect 2026 capital expenditures, including capitalized software, to be in the range of approximately $425 million to $475 million, reflecting a trend towards historical levels. We intend to use our existing cash and internally generated funds to meet our 2026 capital requirements.
•Investments in partnerships qualifying for tax credits. We make investments in partnership entities that in turn make equity investments in projects eligible to receive federal historic and renewable energy tax credits. We received payments of approximately $3.6 million in the first three months of 2026, which is consistent with the same period of 2025.
•Other investing activities. In the first three months of 2026 and 2025, our other investing activities were minimal.
The Hershey Company | Q1 2026 Form 10-Q | Page 37
Financing activities
We used cash of $402.8 million for financing activities in the first three months of 2026, a decrease of $939.9 million compared to cash generated of $537.1 million in the same period of 2025. This decrease in net cash generated in financing activities was mainly driven by the following factors:
•Short-term borrowings, net. In addition to utilizing cash on hand, we use short-term borrowings (commercial paper and bank borrowings) to fund seasonal working capital requirements and ongoing business needs. During the first three months of 2026, we used cash of $48.0 million to reduce short-term foreign bank borrowings. During the first three months of 2025, we used cash of $1.2 billion to reduce short-term commercial paper borrowings and short-term foreign bank borrowings.
•Long-term debt borrowings and repayments. During the first three months of 2026, long-term debt borrowings and repayments were minimal. During the first three months of 2025, we issued $500 million of 4.550% Notes due in February 2028, $500 million of 4.750% Notes due in February 2030, $500 million of 4.950% Notes due in February 2032 and $500 million of 5.100% Notes due in February 2035 (together, the "2025 Notes"). Proceeds from the issuance of the 2025 Notes, net of discounts and issuance costs, totaled $2.0 billion. We had minimal payment activity.
•Dividend payments. Total dividend payments to holders of our Common Stock and Class B Common Stock were $288.0 million during the first three months of 2026, an increase of $16.4 million compared to $271.6 million in the same period of 2025. Details regarding our 2026 cash dividends paid to stockholders are as follows:
Quarter Ended
In millions of dollars except per share amounts March 29, 2026
Dividends paid per share - Common stock $ 1.452
Dividends paid per share - Class B common stock $ 1.320
Total cash dividends paid $ 288.0
Declaration date February 4, 2026
Record date February 17, 2026
Payment date March 16, 2026
•Share repurchases. We repurchase shares of Common Stock to offset the dilutive impact of treasury shares issued under our equity compensation plans. The value of these share repurchases in a given period varies based on the volume of stock options exercised and our market price. In addition, we periodically repurchase shares of Common Stock pursuant to Board-authorized programs intended to drive additional stockholder value. We used cash for total share repurchases in the open market to replace Treasury Stock issued for stock options and incentive compensation of $69.3 million during the first three months of 2026. We did not repurchase any shares during the first three months of 2025.
•Proceeds from exercised stock options and employee tax withholding. During the first three months of 2026, we received $15.0 million from employee exercises of stock options and paid $11.0 million of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards. During the first three months of 2025, we received $2.7 million from employee exercises of stock options and paid $12.6 million of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards. Variances are driven primarily by the number of shares exercised and the share price at the date of grant.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information on recently adopted and issued accounting standards is included in Note 1 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
For information regarding the Company's critical accounting estimates, refer to Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the Company's critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2025.
The Hershey Company | Q1 2026 Form 10-Q | Page 38
Safe Harbor Statement
We are subject to changing economic, competitive, regulatory and technological risks and uncertainties that could have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we note the following factors that, among others, could cause future results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, expectations and assumptions that we have discussed directly or implied in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 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.
The factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results projected in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the following:
•Our Company's reputation or brand image might be impacted as a result of issues, concerns or regulatory changes relating to the quality and safety of our products, ingredients or packaging, human and workplace rights, and other environmental, social or governance matters, which in turn could result in litigation or otherwise negatively impact our operating results;
•Disruption to our manufacturing operations or supply chain could impair our ability to produce or deliver finished products, resulting in a negative impact on our operating results;
•We might not be able to hire, engage and retain the talented global human capital we need to drive our growth strategies;
•Risks associated with climate change and other environmental impacts, and increased focus and evolving views of our customers, stockholders and other stakeholders on climate change issues, could negatively affect our business and operations;
•Increases in raw material and energy costs along with the availability of adequate supplies of raw materials could continue to affect future financial results;
•Price increases may not be sufficient to offset cost increases and maintain profitability or may result in sales volume declines associated with pricing elasticity;
•Market demand for new and existing products could decline;
•Increased marketplace competition could hurt our business;
•Our financial results may be adversely impacted by the failure to successfully execute or integrate acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures;
•Our international operations may not achieve projected growth objectives, which could adversely impact our overall business and results of operations;
•We may not fully realize the expected cost savings and/or operating efficiencies associated with our strategic initiatives or restructuring programs, which may have an adverse impact on our business;
•Changes in governmental laws, regulations and policies, including taxes and tariffs, could increase our costs and liabilities or impact demand for our products;
•Political, economic and/or financial market conditions, including impacts on our business arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, could negatively impact our financial results;
The Hershey Company | Q1 2026 Form 10-Q | Page 39
•Disruptions, failures or security breaches of our information technology infrastructure could have a negative impact on our operations and financial results;
•Complications with the design or implementation of our enterprise resource planning system could adversely impact our business and operations; and
•Such other matters as discussed in our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors."
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in expectations or events or circumstances after the date this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is filed.
The Hershey Company published this content on April 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via EDGAR on April 30, 2026 at 15:52 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]