Hershey (HSY) Faces Challenges in the Market, Stock Hits Two-Year Low\n\nHershey (HSY) is facing a challenging end to the year, with its shares hitting a two-year low and down 21% compared to a year ago. This decline is in stark contrast to earlier this year when the company’s stock reached an all-time high in May. Since then, Hershey has faced numerous challenges such as commodity inflation, pricing power, volume decline, and fierce competition. These factors have contributed to the Consumer Staples Select Sector (XLP) index’s 5% decline over the past year, compared to the S&P 500’s 25% gain.\n\nAfter a meeting with Hershey executives, JP Morgan analyst Ken Goldman expressed caution about the company’s performance. He noted that the company’s tone was not confidence-inspiring and that the consensus estimate for a flattish gross margin next year may be overly optimistic. Hershey has reiterated its 2023 full-year outlook, expecting net sales growth of 8%, earnings per share growth of 13%-15%, and adjusted earnings per share growth of 11%-12%.\n\nHershey’s outlook is not helped by higher prices for two key ingredients, sugar and cocoa. While sugar prices have been volatile, they are currently up 4% compared to last year. This is a significant decrease from the 40% jump seen in early November. According to Andraia Torsiello, a Mintec US sugar analyst, supply availability has improved, especially in Brazil and India. In the US, sugar beet harvest hit a record high in 2023. On the other hand, cocoa prices have increased by 65% compared to last year due to irregular weather patterns limiting exports from India and Thailand. This trend is expected to continue through the first quarter of 2024, according to David Branch of Wells Fargo. While Hershey’s CEO Michele Buck has stated that the company has strategies in place to offset rising costs, statements made to Goldman have raised concerns about the company’s pricing power.\n\nInnovation May Be Key to Boosting Hershey’s Performance\n\nInnovation may be the key to boosting Hershey’s performance, as the company faces challenges in the confectionary market. In October, Hershey saw a 1% decrease in volume, while prices increased by 11.1% in North America. This decline in volume can be attributed to consumers facing headwinds such as high interest rates, the return of student loan payments, and sticky inflation. As a result, they are cutting back on small indulgences like chocolates. Hershey remains committed to innovation and has stated that it is a key part of their longer-term strategy. The company also acknowledges the importance of being sensitive to consumer needs.\n\n Hershey (HSY) is facing challenges in the market, with its stock hitting a two-year low and facing headwinds such as commodity inflation, pricing power, and fierce competition. The company remains committed to its 2023 full-year outlook and has strategies in place to offset rising costs.