Hershey Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2012 Results; Updates Outlook for 2013
HERSHEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY):
Fourth quarter and full-year 2012 net sales increase 11.7% and
9.3%, respectively
Fourth quarter earnings per share-diluted of $0.66 as reported and
$0.74 adjusted
Full-year 2012 earnings per share-diluted of $2.89 as reported and
$3.24 adjusted
Outlook for 2013 net sales reaffirmed, earnings per share-diluted
increased:
Full-year net sales expected to increase 5-7%, driven primarily
by volume
Reported earnings per share-diluted expected to be $3.47 to
$3.56
Adjusted earnings per share-diluted expected to increase 10-12%
and be in the $3.56 to $3.63 range, greater than the previous
estimate of an 8-10% increase
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced sales and earnings for
the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012. Consolidated net sales were
$1,751,035,000 compared with $1,567,145,000 for the fourth quarter of
2011. Reported net income for the fourth quarter of 2012 was
$149,879,000 or $0.66 per share-diluted, compared with $142,133,000 or
$0.62 per share-diluted for the comparable period of 2011.
“Hershey’s fourth quarter financial and marketplace results represent a
strong finish to 2012 and validate our strategy of focusing investments
in the U.S. and key international geographies,” said John P. Bilbrey,
President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Company. “As
expected, fourth quarter marketplace performance was solid and we gained
market share in every category – chocolate, non-chocolate, mint and gum.
We had solid seasonal growth in 2012, with retail sell-through in
measured channels in line with our estimates. Additionally, for the
combined four seasons, and the important Halloween period, our market
share gain was identical, 0.8 points. Our solid financial performance
gave us flexibility in our approach to investments in global
go-to-market capabilities that will benefit Hershey over the near and
long-term. We’ll build on our success in 2013 and are confident that our
plans will drive core brand volume growth in U.S. and international
markets.”
As described in the Note, for the fourth quarter of 2012, these results,
prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP), included net pre-tax charges of $24.3 million or
$0.08 per share-diluted. These charges included $7.9 million, or $0.03
per share-diluted, related to the Project Next Century program,
non-service-related pension expense (NSRPE) of $7.6 million, or $0.02
per share-diluted, and acquisition and integration costs related to
Brookside Foods Ltd. (Brookside) of $1.3 million. Additionally, the
Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $7.5 million, or $0.03
per share-diluted, related to its 69 percent investment in Tri-US, Inc.
of Boulder, Colorado, a company that manufactured nutritional beverages
under the “mix1®” brand name. As a result, reported gross margin
of 43.1 percent increased 280 basis points versus last year while
reported income before interest and income taxes (EBIT) margin of 14.4
percent declined 20 basis points versus 2011. For the fourth quarter of
2011, results included pre-tax charges for Project Next Century and the
Global Supply Chain Transformation Program of $27.7 million, or $0.08
per share-diluted, and $1.0 million of NSRPE. Adjusted net income, which
excludes these net charges, was $169,186,000, or $0.74 per
share-diluted, in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with
$160,325,000, or $0.70 per share-diluted, in the fourth quarter of 2011,
an increase of 5.7 percent in adjusted earnings per share-diluted.
For the full-year 2012, consolidated net sales were $6,644,252,000,
compared with $6,080,788,000 in 2011, an increase of 9.3 percent.
Reported net income for 2012 was $660,931,000, or $2.89 per
share-diluted, compared with $628,962,000 or $2.74 per share-diluted,
for 2011. As described in the Note, for the full-years 2012 and 2011,
these results, prepared in accordance with GAAP, included net pre-tax
charges of $117.7 million and $35.0 million, or $0.35 and $0.09 per
share-diluted, respectively. Charges associated with the Project Next
Century program for 2012 and 2011 were $76.3 million and $43.4 million,
or $0.22 and $0.11 per share-diluted, respectively. NSRPE for 2012 and
2011 was $20.6 million and $2.8 million, or $0.06 and $0.01 per
share-diluted, respectively.
Additionally, 2012 results were impacted by acquisition and integration
costs related to the Brookside acquisition of $13.4 million, or $0.04
per share-diluted and the aforementioned non-cash goodwill impairment
charge of $7.5 million, or $0.03 per share-diluted. Net charges in 2011
also included a pre-tax gain on the sale of non-core trademark licensing
rights of $17.0 million, or $0.05 per share-diluted and a $5.8 million,
or $0.02 per share-diluted, charge related to the Global Supply Chain
Transformation Program. As described in the Note, adjusted net income
for each year, which excludes these net charges, was $740,040,000, or
$3.24 per share-diluted in 2012, compared with $650,706,000, or $2.83
per share-diluted in 2011, an increase of 14.5 percent in adjusted
earnings per share-diluted.
In 2013, the Company expects reported earnings per share-diluted of
$3.47 to $3.56. This projection, prepared in accordance with GAAP,
assumes business realignment charges and NSRPE costs of $0.07 to $0.09
per share-diluted. Charges associated with the Project Next Century
program are expected to be $0.03 to $0.05 per share-diluted while NSRPE
is expected to be $0.04 per share-diluted. Despite the impact of these
charges in 2013, reported gross margin is expected to increase 250 to
270 basis points.
Fourth Quarter Performance
Hershey's fourth quarter net sales increased 11.7 percent. As expected,
organic core brand volume trends sequentially improved driven by the
U.S. business. Specifically, volume, excluding the Brookside
acquisition, was a 7.0 point benefit as everyday and seasonal product
volume was more than double the contribution from new products. Net
price realization and foreign currency exchange rates were a 2.3 point
and 0.3 point benefit, respectively. For the fourth quarter and full
year, the Brookside acquisition was a 2.1 point and 1.9 point benefit,
respectively.
Hershey’s U.S. candy, mint and gum (CMG) retail takeaway for the 12
weeks and year ended December 29, 2012, in the expanded all outlet
combined plus convenience store channels (xAOC+C-store), which accounts
for approximately 90 percent of the Company’s U.S. retail business, was
up 7.0 percent and 5.7 percent, resulting in market share gains of 1.2
points and 0.6 points, respectively. U.S. CMG volume and unit trends at
retail continued to progress in the fourth quarter and that is the
expectation for 2013.
Fourth quarter adjusted gross margin increased 140 basis points driven
by net price realization and supply chain productivity and cost savings
initiatives, partially offset by higher input costs. Selling, marketing
and administrative (SM&A) expenses, excluding advertising, increased
about 19 percent in the fourth quarter, slightly greater than initial
estimates, driven by planned investments in global go-to-market
capabilities, selling and marketing costs and other employee-related
expenses. As a result, adjusted EBIT increased 7.4 percent generating
adjusted EBIT margin of 15.8 percent, a 60 basis point decline versus
last year. For the fourth quarter and full year, advertising increased
27 percent and 16 percent, respectively, supporting new product launches
as well as core U.S. and international brands.
Outlook
The Company expects 2013 net sales growth of 5 to 7 percent, including
the impact of foreign currency exchange rates.Net sales will be
driven primarily by core brand volume growth, the U.S. launch of the Brookside
product line in the food, drug and mass channels, as well as innovation
such as Kit Kat mini’s, Twizzlers Bites, Jolly Rancher Bites
and yet to be announced products. In key international markets such as
China, the Company will extend the portfolio with the introduction of Hershey’s
Kisses Deluxe and build on the fourth quarter launch of Hershey’s solid
chocolate products in instant consumable and take home pack types. In
Brazil, new capacity was installed to support geographic expansion of Hershey’s
Mais chocolate.
As stated in October, gross margin is expected to increase in 2013,
driven by productivity, cost savings initiatives and overall input cost
deflation. Therefore, the Company expects 2013 adjusted gross margin
expansion of 180 to 200 basis points. Given this financial flexibility,
in 2013 the Company will accelerate some SM&A investments. Advertising
is expected to increase approximately 20 percent versus last year
resulting in an advertising-to-sales ratio of about 8 percent.
Advertising spending on core U.S. brands is expected to be about in line
with last year’s increase. Incremental advertising in 2013 will support
the Brookside launch and innovation in both the U.S. and international
markets, including a broader advertising campaign of the Hershey’s
brand in China. SM&A expenses, excluding advertising, are expected to
increase at a rate greater than net sales. These investments will build
on the go-to-market capabilities established over the last few years, as
well as the consumer insights work underway in key international markets
for the five global brands - Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s
Kisses, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers – that the
Company believes can transcend borders around the world. Additionally,
the Company will continue to support its Insights Driven Performance
initiative, invest in international selling and marketing functions and
support new products with increased levels of consumer promotion and
sampling to drive trial and repeat. As a result, the Company anticipates
adjusted earnings per share-diluted growth for the full year to bein
the 10 to 12 percent range. This is greater than the previous estimate
of an 8 to 10 percent increase.
“Hershey had a solid 2012 and we expect to build on our success in
2013,” continued Bilbrey. “In 2012 we opened one of the most
technologically advanced chocolate manufacturing facilities in our
hometown of Hershey, Pa, initiated and completed construction of a new
innovation center in Shanghai, successfully integrated the Brookside
business and increased market share in key geographies as well as across
all channels in our U.S. business. While the macroeconomic environment
remains challenging, we are well positioned to succeed in the
marketplace and deliver on our commitments in 2013,” Bilbrey concluded.
Note: In this release, Hershey
references income measures that are not in accordance with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) because they exclude
business realignment and impairment charges, business acquisition
closing and integration costs, certain gains and losses, and
non-service-related pension costs. These non-GAAP financial measures are
used in evaluating results of operations for internal purposes. These
non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of
financial results in accordance with GAAP. Rather, the Company believes
exclusion of such items provides additional information to investors to
facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. A
reconciliation is provided below of earnings per share-diluted in
accordance with GAAP as presented in the Consolidated Statements of
Income to non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude business
realignment and impairment charges as well as non-service-related
pension expense in 2012 and 2011, closing and integration costs
primarily related to the Brookside acquisition in 2012 and a gain on the
sale of trademark licensing rights recorded in the third quarter of 2011.
Fourth Quarter Ended
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2011
Percent
Percent
of Net
of Net
In thousands except per share amounts
Dollars
Sales
Dollars
Sales
Gross Profit/Gross Margin
$
755,208
43.1
%
$
631,206
40.3
%
GSCT charges included in cost of sales
—
5,816
Project Next Century (credits)/charges included in cost of sales
(1,658
)
15,934
NSRPE included in cost of sales
1,680
—
Acquisition (credits) included in cost of sales
(57
)
—
Adjusted non-GAAP Gross Profit/Gross Margin
$
755,173
43.1
%
$
652,956
41.7
%
EBIT/EBIT Margin
$
252,617
14.4
%
$
229,009
14.6
%
(Credits)/charges included in cost of sales
(35
)
21,750
Project Next Century charges included in SM&A
308
941
NSRPE included in SM&A
5,873
993
Acquisition costs included in SM&A
1,400
—
Business Realignment & Impairment charges, net
16,734
5,041
Adjusted non-GAAP EBIT/EBIT Margin
$
276,897
15.8
%
$
257,734
16.4
%
Net Income/Net Margin
$
149,879
8.6
%
$
142,133
9.1
%
(Credits)/charges included in cost of sales
(35
)
21,750
Charges included in SM&A
7,581
1,934
Business Realignment & Impairment charges, net
16,734
5,041
Tax impact of net charges/(credits)
(4,973
)
(10,533
)
Adjusted non-GAAP Net Income/Net Margin
$
169,186
9.7
%
$
160,325
10.2
%
EPS - Diluted
$
0.66
$
0.62
Charges included in cost of sales
—
0.06
Charges included in SM&A
0.02
—
Business Realignment & Impairment charges, net
0.06
0.02
Adjusted non-GAAP EPS - Diluted
$
0.74
$
0.70
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2011
Percent
Percent
of Net
of Net
In thousands except per share amounts
Dollars
Sales
Dollars
Sales
Gross Profit/Gross Margin
$
2,859,882
43.0
%
$
2,531,892
41.6
%
GSCT charges included in cost of sales
—
5,816
Project Next Century charges included in cost of sales
36,383
39,280
NSRPE included in cost of sales
8,607
—
Acquisition costs included in cost of sales
4,080
—
Adjusted non-GAAP Gross Profit/Gross Margin
$
2,908,952
43.8
%
$
2,576,988
42.4
%
EBIT/EBIT Margin
$
1,111,148
16.7
%
$
1,055,028
17.4
%
Charges included in cost of sales
49,070
45,096
Project Next Century charges included in SM&A
2,446
4,961
NSRPE included in SM&A
11,965
2,849
Gain on sale of trademark rights included in SM&A
—
(17,034
)
Acquisition costs included in SM&A
9,294
—
Business Realignment & Impairment charges/(credits), net
44,938
(886
)
Adjusted non-GAAP EBIT/EBIT Margin
$
1,228,861
18.5
%
$
1,090,014
17.9
%
Net Income/Net Margin
$
660,931
9.9
%
$
628,962
10.3
%
Charges included in cost of sales
49,070
45,096
Charges/(credits) included in SM&A
23,705
(9,224
)
Business Realignment & Impairment charges/(credits), net
44,938
(886
)
Tax impact of net charges/(credits)
(38,604
)
(13,242
)
Adjusted non-GAAP Net Income/Net Margin
$
740,040
11.1
%
$
650,706
10.7
%
EPS - Diluted
$
2.89
$
2.74
Charges included in cost of sales
0.14
0.12
Charges/(credits) included in SM&A
0.07
(0.03
)
Business Realignment & Impairment charges, net
0.14
—
Adjusted non-GAAP EPS - Diluted
$
3.24
$
2.83
In 2011, the Company recorded GAAP charges of $43.4 million, or $0.11
per share-diluted, attributable to Project Next Century and $5.8
million, or $0.02 per share-diluted, related to the Global Supply Chain
Transformation (GSCT) program and $2.8 million, or $0.01 per
share-diluted, of non-service-related pension expense (NSRPE).
Additionally, in the third quarter of 2011, the Company recorded a
pre-tax gain on the sale of certain trademark licensing rights of $17.0
million, or $0.05 per share-diluted. In 2012, the Company recorded GAAP
charges of $76.3 million, or $0.22 per share-diluted, attributable to
the Project Next Century program and $20.6 million, or $0.06 per
share-diluted, of NSRPE. Additionally, 2012 results were impacted by
acquisition and integration costs related to the Brookside acquisition
of $13.4 million, or $0.04 per share-diluted and the aforementioned
non-cash goodwill impairment of $7.5 million, or $0.03 per
share-diluted. In 2013 the Company expects to record total GAAP charges
of about $10 million to $15 million, or $0.03 to $0.05 per
share-diluted, attributable to Project Next Century and $13.2 million,
or $0.04 per share-diluted, of non-service related pension expenses
(NSRPE).
Below is a reconciliation of earnings per share-diluted in accordance
with GAAP to non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share-diluted:
This release contains statements that are forward-looking. These
statements are made based upon current expectations that are subject to
risk and uncertainty. Because actual results may differ materially from
those contained in the forward-looking statements, you should not place
undue reliance on the forward-looking statements when deciding whether
to buy, sell or hold the Company’s securities. Factors that could cause
results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: issues or
concerns related to the quality and safety of our products, ingredients
or packaging; changes in raw material and other costs; selling price
increases, including volume declines associated with pricing elasticity;
market demand for our new and existing products; increased marketplace
competition; disruption to our supply chain; failure to successfully
identify, execute and integrate acquisitions, divestitures and joint
ventures; changes in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes;
political, economic, and/or financial market conditions; risks and
uncertainties related to our international operations and related growth
targets; disruptions, failures or security breaches of our information
technology infrastructure; the impact of future developments related to
the investigation by government regulators of alleged pricing practices
by members of the confectionery industry, including risks from current
or subsequent litigation or further government action; pension cost
factors, such as actuarial assumptions, market performance and employee
retirement decisions and funding requirements; our ability to achieve
ongoing annual savings from supply chain realignment initiatives; and
such other matters as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
2011. All information in this press release is as of January 31, 2013.
The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement
to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s
expectations.
Live Web Cast
As previously announced, the Company will hold a conference call with
analysts today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will be
web cast live via Hershey’s corporate website www.thehersheycompany.com.
Please go to the Investor Relations section of the website for further
details.
The Hershey Company
Summary of Consolidated Statements of Income
for the periods ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
(in thousands except per share amounts)
Fourth Quarter
Twelve Months
2012
2011
2012
2011
Net Sales
$
1,751,035
$
1,567,145
$
6,644,252
$
6,080,788
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Sales
995,827
935,939
3,784,370
3,548,896
Selling, Marketing and Administrative
485,857
397,156
1,703,796
1,477,750
Business Realignment and Impairment Charges/(Credits), net
16,734
5,041
44,938
(886
)
Total Costs and Expenses
1,498,418
1,338,136
5,533,104
5,025,760
Income Before Interest and Income Taxes (EBIT)
252,617
229,009
1,111,148
1,055,028
Interest Expense, net
22,666
21,314
95,569
92,183
Income Before Income Taxes
229,951
207,695
1,015,579
962,845
Provision for Income Taxes
80,072
65,562
354,648
333,883
Net Income
$
149,879
$
142,133
$
660,931
$
628,962
Net Income Per Share
- Basic
- Common
$
0.69
$
0.65
$
3.01
$
2.85
- Basic
- Class B
$
0.62
$
0.59
$
2.73
$
2.58
- Diluted
- Common
$
0.66
$
0.62
$
2.89
$
2.74
Shares Outstanding
- Basic
- Common
163,349
165,023
164,406
165,929
- Basic
- Class B
60,630
60,632
60,630
60,645
- Diluted
- Common
227,264
229,117
228,337
229,919
Key Margins:
Gross Margin
43.1
%
40.3
%
43.0
%
41.6
%
EBIT Margin
14.4
%
14.6
%
16.7
%
17.4
%
Net Margin
8.6
%
9.1
%
9.9
%
10.3
%
The Hershey Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
(in thousands of dollars)
Assets
2012
2011
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
728,272
$
693,686
Accounts Receivable - Trade (Net)
461,383
399,499
Deferred Income Taxes
122,224
136,861
Inventories
633,262
648,953
Prepaid Expenses and Other
168,344
167,559
Total Current Assets
2,113,485
2,046,558
Net Plant and Property
1,674,071
1,559,717
Goodwill
588,003
516,745
Other Intangibles
214,713
111,913
Deferred Income Taxes
12,448
33,439
Other Assets
152,119
138,722
Total Assets
$
4,754,839
$
4,407,094
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Loans Payable
$
375,898
$
139,673
Accounts Payable
441,977
420,017
Accrued Liabilities
650,906
612,186
Taxes Payable
2,329
1,899
Total Current Liabilities
1,471,110
1,173,775
Long-Term Debt
1,530,967
1,748,500
Other Long-Term Liabilities
668,732
603,876
Deferred Income Taxes
35,657
—
Total Liabilities
3,706,466
3,526,151
Total Stockholders' Equity
1,048,373
880,943
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
4,754,839
$
4,407,094
The Hershey Company FINANCIAL CONTACT: Mark
Pogharian, 717-534-7556 or MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff
Beckman, 717-534-8090
Press Release $HSY The Hershey Company
HERSHEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY):
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced sales and earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012. Consolidated net sales were $1,751,035,000 compared with $1,567,145,000 for the fourth quarter of 2011. Reported net income for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $149,879,000 or $0.66 per share-diluted, compared with $142,133,000 or $0.62 per share-diluted for the comparable period of 2011.
“Hershey’s fourth quarter financial and marketplace results represent a strong finish to 2012 and validate our strategy of focusing investments in the U.S. and key international geographies,” said John P. Bilbrey, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Company. “As expected, fourth quarter marketplace performance was solid and we gained market share in every category – chocolate, non-chocolate, mint and gum. We had solid seasonal growth in 2012, with retail sell-through in measured channels in line with our estimates. Additionally, for the combined four seasons, and the important Halloween period, our market share gain was identical, 0.8 points. Our solid financial performance gave us flexibility in our approach to investments in global go-to-market capabilities that will benefit Hershey over the near and long-term. We’ll build on our success in 2013 and are confident that our plans will drive core brand volume growth in U.S. and international markets.”
As described in the Note, for the fourth quarter of 2012, these results, prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), included net pre-tax charges of $24.3 million or $0.08 per share-diluted. These charges included $7.9 million, or $0.03 per share-diluted, related to the Project Next Century program, non-service-related pension expense (NSRPE) of $7.6 million, or $0.02 per share-diluted, and acquisition and integration costs related to Brookside Foods Ltd. (Brookside) of $1.3 million. Additionally, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $7.5 million, or $0.03 per share-diluted, related to its 69 percent investment in Tri-US, Inc. of Boulder, Colorado, a company that manufactured nutritional beverages under the “mix1®” brand name. As a result, reported gross margin of 43.1 percent increased 280 basis points versus last year while reported income before interest and income taxes (EBIT) margin of 14.4 percent declined 20 basis points versus 2011. For the fourth quarter of 2011, results included pre-tax charges for Project Next Century and the Global Supply Chain Transformation Program of $27.7 million, or $0.08 per share-diluted, and $1.0 million of NSRPE. Adjusted net income, which excludes these net charges, was $169,186,000, or $0.74 per share-diluted, in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with $160,325,000, or $0.70 per share-diluted, in the fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of 5.7 percent in adjusted earnings per share-diluted.
For the full-year 2012, consolidated net sales were $6,644,252,000, compared with $6,080,788,000 in 2011, an increase of 9.3 percent. Reported net income for 2012 was $660,931,000, or $2.89 per share-diluted, compared with $628,962,000 or $2.74 per share-diluted, for 2011. As described in the Note, for the full-years 2012 and 2011, these results, prepared in accordance with GAAP, included net pre-tax charges of $117.7 million and $35.0 million, or $0.35 and $0.09 per share-diluted, respectively. Charges associated with the Project Next Century program for 2012 and 2011 were $76.3 million and $43.4 million, or $0.22 and $0.11 per share-diluted, respectively. NSRPE for 2012 and 2011 was $20.6 million and $2.8 million, or $0.06 and $0.01 per share-diluted, respectively.
Additionally, 2012 results were impacted by acquisition and integration costs related to the Brookside acquisition of $13.4 million, or $0.04 per share-diluted and the aforementioned non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $7.5 million, or $0.03 per share-diluted. Net charges in 2011 also included a pre-tax gain on the sale of non-core trademark licensing rights of $17.0 million, or $0.05 per share-diluted and a $5.8 million, or $0.02 per share-diluted, charge related to the Global Supply Chain Transformation Program. As described in the Note, adjusted net income for each year, which excludes these net charges, was $740,040,000, or $3.24 per share-diluted in 2012, compared with $650,706,000, or $2.83 per share-diluted in 2011, an increase of 14.5 percent in adjusted earnings per share-diluted.
In 2013, the Company expects reported earnings per share-diluted of $3.47 to $3.56. This projection, prepared in accordance with GAAP, assumes business realignment charges and NSRPE costs of $0.07 to $0.09 per share-diluted. Charges associated with the Project Next Century program are expected to be $0.03 to $0.05 per share-diluted while NSRPE is expected to be $0.04 per share-diluted. Despite the impact of these charges in 2013, reported gross margin is expected to increase 250 to 270 basis points.
Fourth Quarter Performance
Hershey's fourth quarter net sales increased 11.7 percent. As expected, organic core brand volume trends sequentially improved driven by the U.S. business. Specifically, volume, excluding the Brookside acquisition, was a 7.0 point benefit as everyday and seasonal product volume was more than double the contribution from new products. Net price realization and foreign currency exchange rates were a 2.3 point and 0.3 point benefit, respectively. For the fourth quarter and full year, the Brookside acquisition was a 2.1 point and 1.9 point benefit, respectively.
Hershey’s U.S. candy, mint and gum (CMG) retail takeaway for the 12 weeks and year ended December 29, 2012, in the expanded all outlet combined plus convenience store channels (xAOC+C-store), which accounts for approximately 90 percent of the Company’s U.S. retail business, was up 7.0 percent and 5.7 percent, resulting in market share gains of 1.2 points and 0.6 points, respectively. U.S. CMG volume and unit trends at retail continued to progress in the fourth quarter and that is the expectation for 2013.
Fourth quarter adjusted gross margin increased 140 basis points driven by net price realization and supply chain productivity and cost savings initiatives, partially offset by higher input costs. Selling, marketing and administrative (SM&A) expenses, excluding advertising, increased about 19 percent in the fourth quarter, slightly greater than initial estimates, driven by planned investments in global go-to-market capabilities, selling and marketing costs and other employee-related expenses. As a result, adjusted EBIT increased 7.4 percent generating adjusted EBIT margin of 15.8 percent, a 60 basis point decline versus last year. For the fourth quarter and full year, advertising increased 27 percent and 16 percent, respectively, supporting new product launches as well as core U.S. and international brands.
Outlook
The Company expects 2013 net sales growth of 5 to 7 percent, including the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Net sales will be driven primarily by core brand volume growth, the U.S. launch of the Brookside product line in the food, drug and mass channels, as well as innovation such as Kit Kat mini’s, Twizzlers Bites, Jolly Rancher Bites and yet to be announced products. In key international markets such as China, the Company will extend the portfolio with the introduction of Hershey’s Kisses Deluxe and build on the fourth quarter launch of Hershey’s solid chocolate products in instant consumable and take home pack types. In Brazil, new capacity was installed to support geographic expansion of Hershey’s Mais chocolate.
As stated in October, gross margin is expected to increase in 2013, driven by productivity, cost savings initiatives and overall input cost deflation. Therefore, the Company expects 2013 adjusted gross margin expansion of 180 to 200 basis points. Given this financial flexibility, in 2013 the Company will accelerate some SM&A investments. Advertising is expected to increase approximately 20 percent versus last year resulting in an advertising-to-sales ratio of about 8 percent. Advertising spending on core U.S. brands is expected to be about in line with last year’s increase. Incremental advertising in 2013 will support the Brookside launch and innovation in both the U.S. and international markets, including a broader advertising campaign of the Hershey’s brand in China. SM&A expenses, excluding advertising, are expected to increase at a rate greater than net sales. These investments will build on the go-to-market capabilities established over the last few years, as well as the consumer insights work underway in key international markets for the five global brands - Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers – that the Company believes can transcend borders around the world. Additionally, the Company will continue to support its Insights Driven Performance initiative, invest in international selling and marketing functions and support new products with increased levels of consumer promotion and sampling to drive trial and repeat. As a result, the Company anticipates adjusted earnings per share-diluted growth for the full year to be in the 10 to 12 percent range. This is greater than the previous estimate of an 8 to 10 percent increase.
“Hershey had a solid 2012 and we expect to build on our success in 2013,” continued Bilbrey. “In 2012 we opened one of the most technologically advanced chocolate manufacturing facilities in our hometown of Hershey, Pa, initiated and completed construction of a new innovation center in Shanghai, successfully integrated the Brookside business and increased market share in key geographies as well as across all channels in our U.S. business. While the macroeconomic environment remains challenging, we are well positioned to succeed in the marketplace and deliver on our commitments in 2013,” Bilbrey concluded.
Note: In this release, Hershey references income measures that are not in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) because they exclude business realignment and impairment charges, business acquisition closing and integration costs, certain gains and losses, and non-service-related pension costs. These non-GAAP financial measures are used in evaluating results of operations for internal purposes. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of financial results in accordance with GAAP. Rather, the Company believes exclusion of such items provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. A reconciliation is provided below of earnings per share-diluted in accordance with GAAP as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income to non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude business realignment and impairment charges as well as non-service-related pension expense in 2012 and 2011, closing and integration costs primarily related to the Brookside acquisition in 2012 and a gain on the sale of trademark licensing rights recorded in the third quarter of 2011.
Business Realignment & Impairment charges/(credits), net
Business Realignment & Impairment charges/(credits), net
In 2011, the Company recorded GAAP charges of $43.4 million, or $0.11 per share-diluted, attributable to Project Next Century and $5.8 million, or $0.02 per share-diluted, related to the Global Supply Chain Transformation (GSCT) program and $2.8 million, or $0.01 per share-diluted, of non-service-related pension expense (NSRPE). Additionally, in the third quarter of 2011, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of certain trademark licensing rights of $17.0 million, or $0.05 per share-diluted. In 2012, the Company recorded GAAP charges of $76.3 million, or $0.22 per share-diluted, attributable to the Project Next Century program and $20.6 million, or $0.06 per share-diluted, of NSRPE. Additionally, 2012 results were impacted by acquisition and integration costs related to the Brookside acquisition of $13.4 million, or $0.04 per share-diluted and the aforementioned non-cash goodwill impairment of $7.5 million, or $0.03 per share-diluted. In 2013 the Company expects to record total GAAP charges of about $10 million to $15 million, or $0.03 to $0.05 per share-diluted, attributable to Project Next Century and $13.2 million, or $0.04 per share-diluted, of non-service related pension expenses (NSRPE).
Below is a reconciliation of earnings per share-diluted in accordance with GAAP to non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share-diluted:
Total Business Realignment and Impairment Charges
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains statements that are forward-looking. These statements are made based upon current expectations that are subject to risk and uncertainty. Because actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the Company’s securities. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: issues or concerns related to the quality and safety of our products, ingredients or packaging; changes in raw material and other costs; selling price increases, including volume declines associated with pricing elasticity; market demand for our new and existing products; increased marketplace competition; disruption to our supply chain; failure to successfully identify, execute and integrate acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures; changes in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes; political, economic, and/or financial market conditions; risks and uncertainties related to our international operations and related growth targets; disruptions, failures or security breaches of our information technology infrastructure; the impact of future developments related to the investigation by government regulators of alleged pricing practices by members of the confectionery industry, including risks from current or subsequent litigation or further government action; pension cost factors, such as actuarial assumptions, market performance and employee retirement decisions and funding requirements; our ability to achieve ongoing annual savings from supply chain realignment initiatives; and such other matters as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2011. All information in this press release is as of January 31, 2013. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations.
Live Web Cast
As previously announced, the Company will hold a conference call with analysts today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will be web cast live via Hershey’s corporate website www.thehersheycompany.com. Please go to the Investor Relations section of the website for further details.
Business Realignment and Impairment Charges/(Credits), net
Assets
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
The Hershey Company
FINANCIAL CONTACT:
Mark Pogharian, 717-534-7556
or
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Beckman, 717-534-8090
Source: The Hershey Company