Hershey releases transcript of Q2 2026 earnings Q&A session

Hershey held its Q2 2026 earnings Q&A with CEO Kirk Tanner and CFO Steve Voskuil, hosted by IR VP Anoori Naughton.

• U.S. confection retail consumption rose about 3%, understating demand by about 2 points on non-measured channels, Easter timing and inventory replenishment.
• About 1 point of Q3 merchandising shipments moved into Q2; the impact is expected to largely neutralize versus an extra shipping day in Q4.
• Management kept a cautious second-half stance on tougher comparisons, stepped-up investment and macro uncertainty; no additional share buybacks are planned for H2.
• Dots faced supply-chain constraints that lifted spot freight and pressured margins; automation is starting to help now, and added capacity is expected online in 2027.