Hershey Q1 2026 Earnings Report: Strong Sales Growth and Reaffirmed Full-Year Outlook

The Hershey Company reported strong first-quarter 2026 financial results with consolidated net sales of $3.1 billion, representing a 10.6% increase year-over-year. Organic, constant currency net sales grew 7.9%, driven by approximately 10 points of net price realization, though volume declined 2 points due to price elasticity. Reported net income surged 93.6% to $435.1 million, or $2.13 per diluted share, while adjusted earnings per share increased 12.4% to $2.35. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook, projecting net sales growth of 4-5% and adjusted earnings per share growth of 30-35%. Key drivers included strong performance from Hershey's and Reese's brands, with non-seasonal retail sales lifts of 11% and 10% respectively. The North America Confectionery segment saw 8.3% sales growth, while the North America Salty Snacks segment benefited from the LesserEvil acquisition, contributing 20.4 points to its 26% growth.