Summary by Futu AI
On August 1, 2024, The Hershey Company reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. The company experienced a significant decrease in consolidated net sales, which dropped by 16.7% to $2,074.5 million. This decline was attributed to a roughly 9-point decrease due to planned inventory reductions in North America Confectionery and International segments, and an approximate 7-point decline from lower retailer inventory levels and seasonal shipment timing. Reported net income also fell sharply by 55.1% to $180.9 million, or $0.89 per share-diluted. Adjusted earnings per share-diluted saw a decrease of 36.8% to $1.27. Hershey's President and CEO, Michele Buck, acknowledged the impact of consumers pulling back on discretionary spending but expressed confidence in the company's growth in the confection category and momentum in Salty Snacks. The company also updated its full-year financial outlook for 2024, projecting net sales growth of around 2%, a decrease in reported earnings per share growth by 3% to 1%, and a slight decrease in adjusted earnings per share growth.