HERSHEY CO

Previous wording

Throughout the first six months of 2025, we saw positive consumer behavior shifts towards our products, as well as increased net sales; however, we continued to experience a dynamic macroeconomic environment, including continued price volatility related to select commodities, resulting in corresponding incremental costs and gross margin pressures, and net income declines. Despite specific actions taken to mitigate these gross margin pressures, higher prices for direct materials used to manufacture our products were, and continue to be, the primary incremental cost to our business (see Consolidated Results of Operations included in this MD&A). We utilize many exchange traded commodities for our business that are subject to price volatility, specifically cocoa products, which continued to experience elevated market prices compared to historical levels (see Part I, Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

Current wording

Throughout the first nine months of 2025, we experienced net sales growth, positive changes in consumer behavior, and price inelasticity despite the persistent dynamic macroeconomic environment. However, increasing inflationary pressures, including ongoing price volatility for select commodities and higher manufacturing costs, continued to challenge the business and led to a decrease in net income. Despite a strategic pricing action in the third quarter combined with other specific actions taken to mitigate the gross margin pressures, our direct product inputs continue to be the primary incremental cost to our business (see Consolidated Results of Operations included in this MD&A). We utilize many exchange traded commodities for our business that are subject to price volatility, specifically cocoa products, which continued to experience elevated market prices compared to historical levels (see Part I, Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

Previous wording

Furthermore, certain geopolitical events, specifically changes in global trade policies including recently announced tariffs on U.S. imports and the potential for additional tariffs, have increased global economic and political uncertainty. For the six months ended June 29, 2025, the imposition of tariffs on U.S. imports and retaliatory tariffs, did not have a material impact on our results of operations, commodity prices or supply availability. However, we are continuing to monitor the ongoing negotiations related to tariffs, specifically, goods imported into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and other countries, as well as export markets, in which we have significant business operations, all of which may result in material adverse effects on our results of operations. The scope and length of tariffs, including their effects on the broader economy and our business, remain uncertain. These outcomes may be influenced by factors such as continued U.S. negotiations with impacted countries, retaliatory measures from other nations, possible tariff exemptions, public sentiment toward U.S. products and companies, and the domestic availability of lower-cost alternatives.

Current wording

Furthermore, changes in global trade policies, including tariffs on U.S. imports, continue to increase global economic and political uncertainty. We are continuing to monitor the ongoing negotiations related to tariffs, specifically, goods imported into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and other countries, as well as export markets, in which we have significant business operations, all of which may result in material adverse effects on our results of operations. The scope and length of tariffs, including their effects on the broader economy and our business, remain uncertain. These outcomes may be influenced by factors such as continued U.S. negotiations with impacted countries, retaliatory measures from other nations, possible tariff exemptions, public sentiment toward U.S. products and companies, and the domestic availability of lower-cost alternatives. We expect tariff expense to negatively impact our full year results.

Previous wording

Additionally, with recent leadership changes at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), as well as the Make America Healthy Again movement, the food industry is subject to increasing laws and regulations, including nutrition, food date labeling and traceability recordkeeping requirements, as well as changes in consumer expectations and behavior. For example, in April 2025, it was announced that the FDA intends to phase out the approved use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food products. As a result, the Company has announced the decision to remove all certified Food, Drug & Cosmetic colors from our great tasting snacks by the end of 2027, as a continued effort to ensure consumers have options to fit their lifestyle while maintaining trust and confidence in our products. This did not have a material impact on our consolidated results for the six months ended June 29, 2025, and based on the Company’s initial assessment, the estimated costs associated with this removal are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Current wording

Additionally, leadership changes at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) earlier in 2025, as well as the Make America Healthy Again movement, subject the food industry to increasing laws and regulations, including nutrition, food date labeling and traceability recordkeeping requirements, as well as changes in consumer expectations and behavior. For example, in April 2025 the FDA announced that it would be phasing out the approved use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food products. Therefore, in an effort to be responsive to the evolving regulatory environment and to ensure consumers have options to fit their lifestyle while maintaining trust and confidence in our products, we announced our decision to remove all certified Food, Drug & Cosmetic colors from our great tasting snacks by the end of 2027. The estimated costs associated with this removal are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Previous wording

The CMG consumer takeaway and market share information reflects measured channels of distribution accounting for approximately 90% of our U.S. confectionery retail business. These channels of distribution primarily include food, drug, mass merchandisers, and convenience store channels, plus Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 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.

Current wording

The U.S. candy, mint and gum (“CMG”) consumer takeaway and market share information reflects measured channels of distribution accounting for approximately 90% of our U.S. confectionery retail business. These channels of distribution primarily include food, drug, mass merchandisers, and convenience store channels, plus Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 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.

Previous wording

For the second quarter of 2025, our total U.S. retail takeaway increased 18.5% in the expanded multi-outlet combined plus convenience store channels (Circana MULO + C-Stores), which includes candy, mint, gum, salty snacks and grocery items. Our U.S. candy, mint and gum (“CMG”) consumer takeaway increased 21.8% and experienced a CMG market share increase of 90 basis points. Our Salty consumer takeaway increased 6.1% in the second quarter of 2025 and experienced a Salty market share increase of 26 basis points.

Current wording

For the third quarter of 2025, our total U.S. retail takeaway increased 6.3% in the expanded multi-outlet combined plus convenience store channels (Circana MULO + C-Stores), which includes candy, mint, gum, salty snacks and grocery items. Our CMG consumer takeaway increased 5.4%, despite a CMG market share decrease of 4 basis points. Our Salty consumer takeaway increased 14.2% in the third quarter of 2025 and experienced a Salty market share increase of 48 basis points.

Previous wording

Cost of sales were $1,818.4 million in the second quarter 2025 compared to $1,240.7 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $577.7 million, or 46.6%. The increase was driven by $592.0 million of higher costs, primarily due to unfavorable commodity costs from cocoa, as well as higher sales volume. The increase was partially offset by declines of $14.3 million, primarily related to declines in business realignment expenses, $6.8 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), and favorable foreign exchange rates.

Current wording

Cost of sales were $2,144.1 million in the third quarter 2025 compared to $1,754.8 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $389.3 million, or 22.2%. The increase was driven by higher costs, primarily due to unfavorable commodity costs from cocoa and tariffs. Mark-to-market activity on our commodity derivative instruments intended to economically hedge future years’ commodity purchases contributed a minimal impact (See Part I, Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information).

Previous wording

Gross margin was 30.5% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to 40.2% in the same period of 2024, a decrease of 970 basis points. The decrease was driven by unfavorable commodity costs and higher supply chain costs, partially offset by higher sales volume, favorable price realization, and favorable activity on our mark-to-market impact from commodity derivative instruments.

Current wording

Gross margin was 32.6% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to 41.3% in the same period of 2024, a decrease of 870 basis points. The decrease was driven by unfavorable commodity and tariff costs and unfavorable mix, partially offset by net price realization, supply chain productivity andnet savings related to our AAA Initiative.

Previous wording

SM&A expenses were $603.2 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared to $541.0 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $62.2 million, or 11.5%. Total advertising and related consumer marketing expenses increased 35.5% driven primarily by an increase in the North America Confectionery segment. SM&A expenses, excluding advertising and related consumer marketing, increased 2.2% in the second quarter of 2025 driven by higher compensation costs, partially offset by $11.1 million of incremental business realignment costs.

Current wording

SM&A expenses were $600.5 million in the third quarter of 2025 compared to $591.9 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $8.6 million, or 1.5%. Total advertising and related consumer marketing expenses decreased 5.0%, driven primarily by efficiencies in the North America Confectionery segment. SM&A expenses, excluding advertising and related consumer marketing, increased 5.0% in the third quarter of 2025, driven by higher compensation and consulting costs, partially offset by net savings related to our AAA Initiative.

Previous wording

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 $0.3 million during the second quarter of 2025 versus $4.9 million in the second quarter of 2024. 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.

Current wording

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 $2.2 million during the third quarter of 2025 versus $27.6 million in the third quarter of 2024. 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.

Previous wording

Operating profit was $192.8 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared to $287.9 million in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $95.1 million, or 33.0%. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit and higher SM&A expenses, partially offset by lower business realignment expenses, as noted above. Operating profit margin decreased to 7.4% in 2025 from 13.9% in 2024 driven by the same factors noted above that resulted in lower gross margin for the period.

Current wording

Operating profit was $434.6 million in the third quarter of 2025 compared to $613.2 million in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $178.6 million, or 29.1%. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit and higher SM&A expenses, partially offset by lower business realignment expenses, as noted above. Operating profit margin decreased to 13.7% in 2025 from 20.5% in 2024, driven by the same factors noted above that resulted in lower gross margin for the period.

Previous wording

Net interest expense was $46.0 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared to $41.4 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $4.6 million, or 11.3%. The increase was primarily due to higher long-term debt balances in 2025, driven by the February 2025 debt issuance, versus 2024.

Current wording

Net interest expense was $51.5 million in the third quarter of 2025 compared to $44.3 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $7.2 million, or 16.2%. The increase was primarily due to higher long-term debt balances in 2025, driven by the February 2025 debt issuance, versus 2024.

Previous wording

Other (income) expense, net was net income of $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2025 versus net expense of $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, a net income increase of $2.9 million, or 507.0%. The increase in net income was driven by a gain of $3.6 million on a previously held investment in 2025 versus the second quarter of 2024, partially offset by an increase of $0.7 million of non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

Current wording

Other (income) expense, net was $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2025 versus $50.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, a net decrease of $38.9 million, or 77.6%. The decrease in net expense was predominantly driven by no write-downs on equity investments qualifying for tax credits in the third quarter of 2025 versus $49.6 million of write-downs on equity investments qualifying for tax credits in the third quarter of 2024, partially offset by an increase of $11.3 million of non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

Previous wording

The effective income tax rate was 57.9% for the second quarter of 2025 compared with 26.4% for the second quarter of 2024. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2025 effective tax rate was primarily impacted by tax reserves, foreign rate differential and state taxes. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2024 effective tax rate was primarily impacted by state taxes, tax reserves and unfavorable foreign rate differential, partially offset by the benefit of employee share-based payments.

Current wording

The effective income tax rate was 25.7% for the third quarter of 2025 compared with 14.0% for the third quarter of 2024. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2025 effective tax rate was primarily impacted by state taxes and tax reserves, partially offset by foreign rate differential. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2024 effective tax rate was primarily impacted by investment tax credits, partially offset by state taxes.

Previous wording

Net income was $62.7 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared to $180.9 million in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $118.2 million, or 65.3%. EPS-diluted was $0.31 in the second quarter of 2025 compared to $0.89 in the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of $0.58, or 65.2%. The decrease in both net income and EPS-diluted was driven by lower gross profit, higher SM&A expenses, higher interest expense, and higher income taxes, partially offset by lower business realignment costs and lower other income and expenses.

Current wording

Net income was $276.3 million in the third quarter of 2025 compared to $446.3 million in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $170.0 million, or 38.1%. EPS-diluted was $1.36 in the third quarter of 2025 compared to $2.20 in the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of $0.84, or 38.2%. The decrease in both net income and EPS-diluted was driven by lower gross profit, higher SM&A expenses, higher interest expense, and higher income taxes, partially offset by lower business realignment costs and lower other expenses.

Previous wording

Net sales were $5,420.1 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to $5,327.2 million during the same period of 2024, an increase of $92.9 million, or 1.7%. The net sales increase was driven by favorable price realization of approximately 3% across our reportable segments. The net sales increase was partially offset by a volume decrease of approximately 1%, primarily driven by the North America Confectionery segment, as well as unfavorable foreign currency exchange impact of approximately 1%.

Current wording

Net sales were $8,601.6 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $8,314.7 million during the same period of 2024, an increase of $286.9 million, or 3.4%. The net sales increase was driven by favorable price realization of approximately 4% across our reportable segments. The net sales increase was partially offset by a volume decrease of approximately 1%, primarily driven by price elasticity impacts within the North America Confectionery segment, partially offset by strong results in North America Salty Snacks. Additionally, the 2024 acquisition of Sour Strips contributed a minimal benefit and there was an unfavorable foreign currency exchange impact of less than 1%.

Previous wording

For the first six months of 2025, our total U.S. retail takeaway increased 4.4% in the expanded multi-outlet combined plus convenience store channels (IRI MULO + C-Stores), which includes candy, mint, gum, salty snacks and grocery items. Our U.S. CMG consumer takeaway increased 4.0% and experienced a CMG market share increase of 7 basis points. Our Salty consumer takeaway increased 8.0% and experienced a Salty market share increase of 31 basis points.

Current wording

For the first nine months of 2025, our total U.S. retail takeaway increased 4.9% in the expanded multi-outlet combined plus convenience store channels (IRI MULO + C-Stores), which includes candy, mint, gum, salty snacks and grocery items. Our U.S. CMG consumer takeaway increased 4.4% and experienced a CMG market share decrease of 7 basis points. Our Salty consumer takeaway increased 10.1% and experienced a Salty market share increase of 36 basis points.

Previous wording

Cost of sales were $3,679.6 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to $2,817.4 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $862.2 million, or 30.6%. The increase was driven by $980.1 million of higher costs, primarily related to $244.9 million of unfavorable 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) and unfavorable commodity costs from cocoa. The increase was partially offset by $118.6 million of lower costs, primarily driven by lower supply chain costs and lower business realignment costs.

Current wording

Cost of sales were $5,823.7 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $4,572.2 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $1,251.5 million, or 27.4%. The increase was driven by $1,309.7 million of higher costs, primarily related to $244.4 million of unfavorable 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) and unfavorable commodity costs from cocoa and tariffs. The increase was partially offset by $58.2 million, primarily related to lower sales volume and lower business realignment costs.

Previous wording

Gross margin was 32.1% in the first six months of 2025 compared to 47.1% in the same period of 2024, a decrease of 1,500 basis points. The decrease was driven by higher commodity costs, unfavorable year-over-year mark-to-market impact from commodity derivative instruments, unfavorable product mix, and volume declines. The decrease was partially offset by lower supply chain costs and decreased business realignment costs.

Current wording

Gross margin was 32.3% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to 45.0% in the same period of 2024, a decrease of 1,270 basis points. The decrease was driven by higher commodity and tariff costs, unfavorable year-over-year mark-to-market impact from commodity derivative instruments, unfavorable product mix, and volume declines, partially offset by net price realization, supply chain productivity and net savings related to our AAA Initiative.

Previous wording

SM&A expenses were $1,161.9 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to $1,159.0 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $2.9 million, or 0.3%. Total advertising and related consumer marketing expenses increased 6.0%, driven by increases in the North America Confectionery and North America Salty Snacks segments. SM&A expenses, excluding advertising and related consumer marketing, decreased approximately 2.5% in the first six months of 2025 driven primarily by a decrease of $15.7 million of incremental business realignment costs, partially offset by higher compensation costs.

Current wording

SM&A expenses were $1,762.4 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $1,750.9 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $11.5 million, or 0.7%. Total advertising and related consumer marketing expenses increased 2.1%, driven by increased spending in the North America Confectionery and North America Salty Snacks segments. SM&A expenses, excluding advertising and related consumer marketing, remained flat in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to the first nine months of 2024.

Previous wording

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 $16.6 million during the first six months of 2025 versus $4.9 million in the first six months of 2024. 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.

Current wording

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 $18.8 million during the first nine months of 2025 versus $32.6 million in the first nine months of 2024. 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.

Previous wording

Operating profit was $562.0 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to $1,345.9 million in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $783.9 million, or 58.2%. The decrease was predominantly due to lower gross profit, higher business realignment costs and higher SM&A expenses, as noted above. Operating profit margin decreased to 10.4% in the first six months of 2025 from 25.3% in the same period in 2024 driven by the same factors that resulted in lower gross margin for the period.

Current wording

Operating profit was $996.6 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $1,959.0 million in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $962.4 million, or 49.1%. The decrease was driven by lower gross profit and higher SM&A expenses, partially offset by lower business realignment activities as noted above. Operating profit margin decreased to 11.6% in the first nine months of 2025 from 23.6% in the same period in 2024, driven by the same factors that resulted in lower gross margin for the period.

Previous wording

Net interest expense was $90.7 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to $81.2 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $9.5 million, or 11.7%. The increase was primarily due to higher long-term debt balances in 2025 versus 2024, driven by the February 2025 debt issuance, partially offset by lower short-term debt balances in 2025 versus 2024.

Current wording

Net interest expense was $142.1 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $125.5 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $16.6 million, or 13.2%. The increase was primarily due to higher long-term debt balances in 2025 versus 2024, driven by the February 2025 debt issuance, partially offset by lower short-term debt balances in 2025 versus 2024.

Previous wording

Other (income) expense, net was a net income of $1.4 million in the firstsix months of 2025 versus a net expense of $32.6 million in the firstsix months of 2024, a net income increase of $34.0 million, or 104.3%. The change was predominantly driven by no write-downs on equity investments qualifying for tax credits in the first six months of 2025 versus $31.4 million of write-downs on equity investments qualifying for tax credits in the first six months of 2024. This was partially offset by an increase of $1.4 million of non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

Current wording

Other (income) expense, net was $9.8 million in the first nine months of 2025 versus $82.7 million in the first nine months of 2024, a net income decrease of $72.9 million, or 88.1%. The change was predominantly driven by no write-downs on equity investments qualifying for tax credits in the first nine months of 2025 versus $81.0 million of write-downs on equity investments qualifying for tax credits in the first nine months of 2024. This was partially offset by an increase of $12.7 million of non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

Previous wording

Our effective income tax rate was 39.3% for the first six months of 2025 compared with 20.6% for the first six months of 2024. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2025 effective tax rate was primarily impacted by tax reserves, foreign rate differential and state taxes. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2024 effective tax rate was impacted by investment tax credits partially offset by state taxes.

Current wording

Our effective income tax rate was 33.3% for the first nine months of 2025 compared with 18.6% for the first nine months of 2024. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2025 effective tax rate was primarily impacted by tax reserves, foreign rate differential and state taxes. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2024 effective tax rate was impacted by investment tax credits partially offset by state taxes.

Previous wording

Net income was $286.9 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to $978.3 million in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $691.4 million, or 70.7%. EPS-diluted was $1.41 in the first six months of 2025 compared to $4.80 in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $3.39, or 70.6%. The decrease in both net income and EPS-diluted was driven by lower gross profit, higher business realignment costs, and higher interest expense, partially offset by higher other income and lower income taxes.

Current wording

Net income was $563.2 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $1,424.6 million in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $861.4 million, or 60.5%. EPS-diluted was $2.77 in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $7.00 in the same period of 2024, a decrease of $4.23, or 60.4%. The decrease in both net income and EPS-diluted was driven by lower gross profit, higher interest expense, and higher taxes, partially offset by lower other expenses.

Previous wording

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, Michele Buck, Chairman of the Board, 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.

Current wording

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.

Previous wording

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 24.2% and 29.4% of our net sales for the three months ended June 29, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively, were as follows:

Current wording

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 82.2% and 82.9% of our net sales for the three months ended September 28, 2025 and September 29, 2024, respectively, were as follows:

Previous wording

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 21.1% and 18.0% of our net sales for the three months ended June 29, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively, were as follows:

Current wording

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 10.1% and 9.8% of our net sales for the three months ended September 28, 2025 and September 29, 2024, respectively, were as follows:

Previous wording

Net sales of our North America Salty Snacks segment were $315.5 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared to $289.9 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $25.6 million, or 8.8%. The increase was predominantly due to favorable price realization of approximately 5%, primarily driven by promotion rates, as well as volume increases of approximately 4%, primarily driven by Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels.

Current wording

Net sales of our North America Salty Snacks segment were $321.0 million in the third quarter of 2025 compared to $291.8 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of $29.2 million, or 10.0%. The increase was predominantly due to volume increases of approximately 11%, primarily driven by Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, SkinnyPop and Pirates Booty. The net sales increase was partially offset by unfavorable price realization of approximately 1% as a result of higher trade promotional activities.

Previous wording

Net sales of our North America Salty Snacks segment were $593.3 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to $565.0 million the same period of 2024, an increase of $28.3 million, or 5.0%. The increase reflects a favorable price realization of approximately 5% primarily driven by promotion rates. The increase was further driven by volume growth of approximately 4%, primarily related to Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels and SkinnyPop.

Current wording

Net sales of our North America Salty Snacks segment were $914.3 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $856.8 million the same period of 2024, an increase of $57.5 million, or 6.7%. The increase was driven by volume growth of approximately 6%, primarily related to Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels and SkinnyPop. Price realization was flat in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024.

Previous wording

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 9.3% and 12.2% of our net sales for the three months ended June 29, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively, were as follows:

Current wording

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 7.7% and 7.3% of our net sales for the three months ended September 28, 2025 and September 29, 2024, respectively, were as follows:

Previous wording

Net sales of our International segment were $441.2 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to $475.1 million the same period of 2024, a decrease of $33.9 million, or 7.1%. The decrease was due to an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 7%, driven by Mexico, Brazil and Latin America, and volume declines of approximately 1%, primarily attributable to APAC and India and Mexico, Brazil and Latin America. The decrease was partially offset by a favorable price realization of approximately 1%, driven by Mexico, Brazil and Latin America.

Current wording

Net sales of our International segment were $686.0 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $693.5 million the same period of 2024, a decrease of $7.5 million, or 1.1%. The decrease was due to an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 5%, driven by Mexico and India. The decrease was partially offset by a favorable price realization of approximately 3%, primarily due to strategic pricing actions across key markets. Volume was flat in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024.

Previous wording

In the second quarter of 2025, unallocated corporate expense totaled $181.5 million, as compared to $161.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of $20.0 million, or 12.4%. The increase was primarily driven by higher compensation and benefits costs, partially offset by decreased investments in capabilities and technology, as a result of the completion of the upgrade of the Company’s ERP system across the enterprise in 2024, and lower acquisition and integration costs.

Current wording

In the third quarter of 2025, unallocated corporate expense totaled $194.7 million, as compared to $161.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $32.9 million, or 20.3%. The increase was primarily driven by higher compensation and benefits costs and consulting fees.

Previous wording

In the first six months of 2025, unallocated corporate expense totaled $342.0 million, as compared to $334.4 million in the first six months of 2024, an increase of $7.6 million, or 2.3%. The increase was primarily driven by higher compensation and benefits costs, partially offset by lower investments in capabilities and technology, as a result of the completion of the upgrade of the Company’s ERP system across the enterprise in 2024, as well as lower acquisition and integration costs.

Current wording

In the first nine months of 2025, unallocated corporate expense totaled $536.7 million, as compared to $496.2 million in the first nine months of 2024, an increase of $40.5 million, or 8.2%. The increase was primarily driven by higher compensation and benefits costs and consulting fees, partially offset by lower investments in capabilities and technology, as a result of the completion of our ERP system upgrade in 2024, as well as lower acquisition and integration costs.

Previous wording

At June 29, 2025, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $0.9 billion, an increase of $181.6 million compared to the 2024 year-end balance. Additional detail regarding the net uses of cash are outlined in the following discussion. Additionally, at June 29, 2025, we had outstanding short- and long-term debt totaling $5.6 billion, of which $303.0 million was classified as the current portion of long-term debt. Of the $303.0 million, $300 million of 3.200% Notes are due upon maturity on August 21, 2025. 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.

Current wording

At September 28, 2025, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.2 billion, an increase of $432.3 million compared to the 2024 year-end balance. Additional detail regarding the net uses of cash are outlined in the following discussion. Additionally, at September 28, 2025, we had outstanding short- and long-term debt totaling $5.4 billion, of which $502.3 million was classified as the current portion of long-term debt. Of the $502.3 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.

Previous wording

Approximately 70% of the balance of our cash and cash equivalents at June 29, 2025 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.

Current wording

Approximately 50% of the balance of our cash and cash equivalents at September 28, 2025 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.

Previous wording

We generated cash of $508.9 million from operating activities in the first six months of 2025, a decrease of $385.8 million compared to $894.7 million in the same period of 2024. This decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was mainly driven by the following factors:

Current wording

We generated cash of $1,350.8 million from operating activities in the first nine months of 2025, a decrease of $239.2 million compared to $1,590.0 million in the same period of 2024. This decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was mainly driven by the following factors:

Previous wording

•Other assets and liabilities consumed cash of $495.8 million in 2025, compared to $94.9 million in 2024. This $400.9 million fluctuation was primarily driven by the timing of certain prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Current wording

•Other assets and liabilities consumed cash of $287.1 million in 2025, compared to $51.8 million in 2024. This $235.3 million fluctuation was primarily driven by the timing of certain prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Previous wording

•In the aggregate, select net working capital items, specifically, trade accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, generated cash of $204.3 million in 2025, compared to consumed cash of $141.2 million in 2024. This $63.1 million fluctuation was mainly driven by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to the timing of vendor and supplier payments and a decrease in accounts receivable, partially offset by higher inventory levels.

Current wording

•In the aggregate, select net working capital items, specifically, trade accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, consumed cash of $148.4 million in 2025, compared to $183.9 million in 2024. This $35.5 million fluctuation was mainly driven by an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to the timing of vendor and supplier payments as well as an increase in accounts receivable, partially offset by higher inventory levels.

Previous wording

•Net income adjusted for non-cash charges to operations (including depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, a write-down of equity investments, unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts and other charges) resulted in $20.0 million of lower cash flow in 2025 relative to 2024.

Current wording

•Net income adjusted for non-cash charges to operations (including depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, a write-down of equity investments, unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts and other charges) resulted in $60.0 million of lower cash flow in 2025 relative to 2024.