Hershey outlines growth strategy at investor day, reaffirms 2026 guidance

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) held its 2026 Investor Day at the New York Stock Exchange, where executives presented the company's strategic priorities for sustained growth in the snacking market.

Chief Executive Officer Kirk Tanner outlined Hershey's approach to expand beyond its core confection brands into premium, better-for-you options and accelerate growth in salty and functional snacking categories. The company plans to leverage what it calls a "One Hershey Commercial Model" to integrate its sweet, salty, and functional snacking operations.

The strategy includes modernizing the supply chain through automation, technology, and AI-enabled decision making to deliver productivity gains. Hershey executives also discussed plans for a five-year innovation pipeline designed to grow core brands while expanding into faster-growing snacking segments.

The company reaffirmed its fiscal year 2026 financial guidance, projecting net sales growth of 4% to 5% and organic net sales growth of 2.5% to 3.5%. Hershey expects reported earnings per share growth of 79% to 89% and adjusted earnings per share growth of 30% to 35%. The net sales growth projection includes an approximate 150 basis point benefit from the 2025 acquisition of LesserEvil, LLC.

The presentation outlined four key areas of focus: expanding the product portfolio and innovation pipeline, implementing an integrated commercial model across snacking categories, modernizing supply chain operations, and establishing a path to restore margins and earnings growth.

The information was provided in a company press release issued in connection with the investor day event.

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