Hershey Q4 Profit Matches Estimates; Reaffirms 2014 Outlook - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - The Hershey Company (HSY) reported fourth-quarter net income of $186.08 million or $0.82 per share, compared to $149.88 million or $0.66 per share, a year ago. Adjusted earnings was $195.63 million or $0.86 per share, for the quarter.

On average, 17 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report per share of $0.86 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Net sales were $1.96 billion, compared to $1.75 billion, prior year. Analysts expected revenue of $1.89 billion for the quarter.

In 2014, the company expects reported earnings per share in the range of $4.02 to $4.11. Adjusted earnings per share is projected to be in the range of $4.05-$4.13. Analysts expect the company to report fiscal 2014 profit per share of $4.12. The company expects 2014 net sales growth of 5 percent to 7 percent, including the impact of foreign currency exchange rates.