EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 47111
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 47111_10-K_2022_0000047111-22-000017.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. BUSINESS
The Hershey Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 24, 1927 as a successor to a business founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey. In this report, the terms “Hershey,” “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” mean The Hershey Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which it has a controlling financial interest, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Hershey is a global confectionery leader known for making more moments of goodness through chocolate, sweets, mints and other great tasting snacks. We are the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America, a leading snack maker in the United States and a global leader in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery. We market, sell and distribute our products under more than 100 brand names in approximately 80 countries worldwide.
Reportable Segments
Since December 31, 2014, the Company has reported its operations through two segments: (i) North America and (ii) International and Other. After the completion of the Company’s acquisitions of Dot’s Pretzels, LLC (“Dot’s”) and Pretzels Inc. (“Pretzels”) in December 2021, as described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, management of the Company has elected to begin reporting its operations through three reportable segments. Therefore, effective in the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company realigned its former two reportable segments into three reportable segments: (i) North America Confectionery, (ii) North America Salty Snacks and (iii) International.
This new organizational structure aligns with how our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) manages our business, including resource allocation and performance assessment, and further aligns with our product categories and the key markets we serve. We have retroactively reflected these changes in all historical periods presented.
•North America Confectionery - This segment is responsible for our traditional chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery market position in the United States and Canada. This includes chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery, gum and refreshment products, protein bars, spreads, snack bites and mixes, as well as pantry and food service lines. This segment also includes our retail operations, including Hershey’s Chocolate World stores in Hershey, Pennsylvania; New York, New York; Las Vegas, Nevada; Niagara Falls (Ontario) and Singapore, as well as operations associated with licensing the use of certain of the Company’s trademarks and products to third parties around the world.
•North America Salty Snacks - This segment is responsible for our salty snacking products in the United States. This includes ready-to-eat popcorn, baked and trans fat free snacks, pretzels and other snacks.
•International - International is a combination of all other operating segments that are not individually material, including those geographic regions where we operate outside of North America. We currently have operations and manufacture product in Mexico, Brazil, India and Malaysia, primarily for consumers in these regions, and also distribute and sell confectionery products in export markets of Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Europe, Africa and other regions.
Financial and other information regarding our reportable segments is provided in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Business Acquisitions and Divestitures
In December 2021, we completed the acquisition of Pretzels, previously a privately held company that manufactures and sells pretzels and other salty snacks for other branded products and private labels in the United States. Pretzels is an industry leader in the pretzel category with a product portfolio that includes filled, gluten free and seasoned pretzels, as well as extruded snacks that complements Hershey’s snacks portfolio. Based in Bluffton, Indiana, Pretzels operates three manufacturing locations in Indiana and Kansas. Pretzels provides Hershey deep pretzel category and product expertise and the manufacturing capabilities to support brand growth and future pretzel innovation. Additionally, we completed the acquisition of Dot’s, previously a privately held company that produces and sells pretzels and other snack food products to retailers and distributors in the United States, with Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels snacks as its primary product. Dot’s is the fastest-growing scale brand in the pretzel category and complements Hershey’s snacks portfolio. Pretzels and Dot’s are expected to generate aggregate annualized net sales over $300 million.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 2
In June 2021, we completed the acquisition of Lily’s Sweets, LLC (“Lily’s”), previously a privately held company that sells a line of sugar-free and low-sugar confectionery foods to retailers and distributors in the United States and Canada. Lily’s products include dark and milk chocolate style bars, baking chips, peanut butter cups and other confection products that complement Hershey’s confectionery and confectionery-based portfolio. Lily’s is expected to generate annualized net sales over $100 million.
In January 2021, we completed the divestiture of Lotte Shanghai Foods Co., Ltd. (“LSFC”), which was previously included within the International segment results in our consolidated financial statements. Total proceeds from the divestiture and the impact on our consolidated financial statements were immaterial.
During the second quarter of 2020, we completed the divestitures of KRAVE Pure Foods, Inc. (“Krave”), which was previously included within the North America Salty Snacks segment, and the Scharffen Berger and Dagoba brands, both of which were previously included within the North America Confectionery segment results in our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2019, we completed the acquisition of ONE Brands, LLC (“ONE Brands”), previously a privately held company that sells a line of low-sugar, high-protein nutrition bars to retailers and distributors in the United States, with the ONE bar as its primary product.
Products and Brands
Our principal product offerings include chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products; gum and mint refreshment products and protein bars; snack items such as popcorn, pretzels, spreads, snack bites and mixes; and pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings and beverages.
•Within our North America Confectionery segment, our product portfolio includes a wide variety of chocolate offerings marketed and sold under the renowned brands of Hershey’s, Reese’s and Kisses, along with other popular chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery brands such as Jolly Rancher, Almond Joy, Brookside, barkTHINS, Cadbury, Good & Plenty, Heath, Kit Kat®, Payday, Rolo®, Twizzlers, Whoppers and York. Our protein bar products include ONE bar and our gum and mint products include Ice Breakers mints and chewing gum, Breath Savers mints and Bubble Yum bubble gum. We also have pantry items, including baking products, toppings and sundae syrups sold under the Hershey’s, Reese’s, Heath and Lily’s brands, as well as Hershey’s and Reese’s chocolate spreads and snack bites and mixes.
•Within our North America Salty Snacks segment, we have our salty snack items. This includes ready-to-eat SkinnyPop popcorn, baked and trans fat free Pirates Booty snacks, Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels snacks and other snack brands such as Paqui.
•Within our International segment, we manufacture, market and sell many of these same brands, as well as other brands that are marketed regionally, such as Pelon Pelo Rico confectionery products in Mexico, IO-IO snack products in Brazil and Sofit beverage products in India.
Principal Customers and Marketing Strategy
Our customers are mainly wholesale distributors, chain grocery stores, mass merchandisers, chain drug stores, vending companies, wholesale clubs, convenience stores, dollar stores, concessionaires and department stores. The majority of our customers, with the exception of wholesale distributors, resell our products to end-consumers in retail outlets in North America and other locations worldwide.
In 2021, approximately 30% of our consolidated net sales were made to McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest wholesale distributors in the United States (“U.S.”) to convenience stores, drug stores, wholesale clubs and mass merchandisers and the primary distributor of our products to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
The foundation of our marketing strategy is our strong brand equities, product innovation and the consistently superior quality of our products. We devote considerable resources to the identification, development, testing, manufacturing and marketing of new products. We utilize a variety of promotional programs directed towards our customers, as well as advertising and promotional programs for consumers of our products, to stimulate sales of certain products at various times throughout the year.
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In conjunction with our sales and marketing efforts, our efficient product distribution network helps us maintain sales growth and provide superior customer service by facilitating the shipment of our products from our manufacturing plants to strategically located distribution centers. We primarily use common carriers to deliver our products from these distribution points to our customers.
Raw Materials and Pricing
Cocoa products, including cocoa liquor, cocoa butter and cocoa powder processed from cocoa beans, are the most significant raw materials we use to produce our chocolate products. These cocoa products are purchased directly from third-party suppliers, who source cocoa beans that are grown principally in Far Eastern, West African, Central and South American regions. West Africa accounts for approximately 70% of the world’s supply of cocoa beans.
Adverse changes in climate or extreme weather, crop disease, political unrest and other problems in cocoa-producing countries have caused price fluctuations in the past, but have never resulted in the total loss of a particular producing country’s cocoa crop and/or exports. In the event that a significant disruption occurs in any given country, we believe cocoa from other producing countries and from current physical cocoa stocks in consuming countries would provide a significant supply buffer.
Our trading company in Switzerland performs all aspects of cocoa procurement, including price risk management, physical supply procurement and sustainable sourcing oversight. The trading company optimizes the supply chain for our cocoa requirements, with a strategic focus on gaining real time access to cocoa market intelligence. It also provides us with the ability to recruit and retain world class commodities traders and procurement professionals and enables enhanced collaboration with commodities trade groups, the global cocoa community and sustainable sourcing resources.
We also use substantial quantities of sugar, corn products, Class II and IV dairy products, wheat products, peanuts, almonds and energy in our production process. Most of these inputs for our domestic and Canadian operations are purchased from suppliers in the United States. For our international operations, inputs not locally available may be imported from other countries.
We change prices and weights of our products when necessary to accommodate changes in input costs, the competitive environment and profit objectives, while at the same time maintaining consumer value. Price increases and weight changes help to offset increases in our input costs, including raw and packaging materials, fuel, utilities, transportation costs and employee benefits. When we implement price increases, there is usually a time lag between the effective date of the list price increases and the impact of the price increases on net sales, in part because we typically honor previous commitments to planned consumer and customer promotions and merchandising events subsequent to the effective date of the price increases. In addition, promotional allowances may be increased subsequent to the effective date, delaying or partially offsetting the impact of price increases on net sales.
Competition
Many of our confectionery brands enjoy wide consumer acceptance and are among the leading brands sold in the marketplace in North America and certain international markets. We sell our brands in highly competitive markets with many other global multinational, national, regional and local firms. Some of our competitors are large companies with significant resources and substantial international operations. Competition in our product categories is based on product innovation, product quality, price, brand recognition and loyalty, effectiveness of marketing and promotional activity, the ability to identify and satisfy consumer preferences, as well as convenience and service. We have also experienced increased competition from other snack items, and through innovation and acquisitions, we are continuing to expand the boundaries of our brands to capture new snacking occasions.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 4
Working Capital, Seasonality and Backlog
Our sales are typically higher during the third and fourth quarters of the year, representing seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. We manufacture primarily for stock and typically fill customer orders within a few days of receipt. Therefore, the backlog of any unfilled orders is not material to our total annual sales. Additional information relating to our cash flows from operations and working capital practices is provided in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
Trademarks, Service Marks and License Agreements
We own various registered and unregistered trademarks and service marks. The trademarks covering our key product brands are of material importance to our business. We follow a practice of seeking trademark protection in the United States and other key international markets where our products are sold. We also grant trademark licenses to third parties to produce and sell pantry items, flavored milks and various other products primarily under the Hershey’s and Reese’s brand names.
Furthermore, we have rights under license agreements with several companies to manufacture and/or sell and distribute certain products. Our rights under these agreements are extendible on a long-term basis at our option. Our most significant licensing agreements are as follows:
Company
Brand Location Requirements
Kraft Foods Ireland Intellectual Property Limited/Cadbury UK Limited York
Peter Paul Almond Joy
Peter Paul Mounds Worldwide
None
Cadbury UK Limited Cadbury
Caramello United States
Minimum sales requirement exceeded in 2021
Société des Produits Nestlé SA
Kit Kat®
Rolo®
United States
Minimum unit volume sales exceeded in 2021
Iconic IP Interests, LLC Good & Plenty
Heath
Jolly Rancher
Milk Duds
Payday
Whoppers
Worldwide
None
Research and Development
We engage in a variety of research and development activities in a number of countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, India and Malaysia. We develop new products, improve the quality of existing products, improve and modernize production processes and develop and implement new technologies to enhance the quality and value of both current and proposed product lines. Information concerning our research and development expense is contained in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Food Quality and Safety Regulation
The manufacture and sale of consumer food products is highly regulated. In the United States, our activities are subject to regulation by various government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as various state and local agencies. Similar agencies also regulate our businesses outside of the United States.
We believe our Product Excellence Program provides us with an effective product quality and safety program. This program is integral to our global supply chain platform and is intended to ensure that all products we purchase, manufacture and distribute are safe, are of high quality and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Through our Product Excellence Program, we evaluate our supply chain including ingredients, packaging, processes, products, distribution and the environment to determine where product quality and safety controls are necessary. We
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identify risks and establish controls intended to ensure product quality and safety. Various government agencies and third-party firms as well as our quality assurance staff conduct audits of all facilities that manufacture our products to assure effectiveness and compliance with our program and applicable laws and regulations.
Environmental Considerations
Beyond ordinary course operating and capital expenditures we make to comply with government regulations, including environmental laws and regulations, we have made a number of voluntary commitments to protect and reduce our environmental impacts in recent years, including efforts to eliminate deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions across our supply chain. Our climate change related investments and expenditures primarily focus on achieving a 50% absolute reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions and a 25% absolute reduction in our Scope 3 GHG emissions by 2030 (compared to a 2018 baseline), as well as having 100% of plastic packaging be reusable, recyclable or compostable and 25 million pounds of packaging be eliminated by 2030. The annual operating and capital expenditures associated with these ordinary course payments and additional climate change commitments are not material with respect to our results of operations, capital expenditures or competitive position.
Sustainability
The Company’s commitment to sustainability started with our founder’s belief in responsible citizenship. He was a purpose-driven leader who believed we could use chocolate to Make More Moments of Goodness in the world for our consumers today and for many generations to come. This belief resulted in a strong investment in local communities and the establishment of Milton Hershey School for disadvantaged kids. We continue that legacy today through our holistic environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) strategy: our Shared Goodness Promise, which guides how we empower the remarkable people who make and sell our brands, interact with farming communities that grow our ingredients, deliver on our commitments to consumers, customers, and external stakeholders, protect the environment and support children and youth.
To learn more about our sustainability goals, progress and initiatives, as well as review our annual ESG Report (formerly known as our Sustainability Report) and accompanying suite of ESG reporting frameworks, policies, and disclosures, access the Sustainability section of our website at: https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/sustainability.html.
Financial Information by Geographic Area
Our principal operations and markets are located in the United States. The percentage of total consolidated net sales for our businesses outside of the United States was 13.0% for 2021, 13.6% for 2020 and 15.8% for 2019. The percentage of total long-lived assets outside of the United States was 18.8% as of December 31, 2021 and 19.7% as of December 31, 2020.
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2021, the Company employed approximately 16,620 full-time and 2,370 part-time employees worldwide. Collective bargaining agreements covered approximately 6,235 employees, or approximately 33% of the Company’s employees worldwide. During 2022, agreements are expected to be negotiated for certain employees at four facilities outside of the United States, comprising approximately 62% of total employees under collective bargaining agreements. We believe our efforts in managing our workforce have been effective, as evidenced by a strong culture and a good relationship between the Company and our employees.
We are a purpose-driven company and for more than a century, our iconic brands have been built on a foundation of community investment and connections between people around the world. We could not have achieved this without our remarkable employees who make our purpose a reality. As a result, our human capital strategies are material to our operations and core to the long-term success of the Company.
•Our People, Safety and Employee Engagement. Our employees are among our most important resources and are critical to our continued success. We provide a workplace that develops, supports and motivates our people. The overall well-being and safety of our employees remains one of our top priorities. We continue to invest in training, workplace resources and leading systems and processes to ensure the responsible management of all facilities. Additionally, in 2021, we changed our global employee survey from an annual basis to continuous listening surveys throughout the year. These shorter and faster surveys reach all of our
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employees around the world to hear their thoughts on the Company’s direction and their place in it. The change from an annual survey to continuous touchpoints allows for real-time feedback and action from the Company. These surveys are further supplemented with quarterly and informative enterprise and team town halls, which, in conjunction with the continuous listening surveys, generate stronger employee engagement with the Company’s strategy, initiatives and leadership.
•Talent Acquisition, Development and Training. Hiring and developing our employees is critically important to our operations and we are focused on creating experiences and programs that foster growth and performance. We provide all employees the chance to learn, grow and own their work. We have partnered with leading online content experts and increased internal learning development to expand our catalog of online and classroom courses. Additionally, we have co-created a culture of development with the enthusiastic support of our employees. Through individual development plans, learning opportunities, feedback and coaching, employees can build careers at The Hershey Company, as evidenced by the fact that the majority of our eight executive officers were promoted from within the organization (see Information about Our Executive Officers).
•Compensation, Benefits and Wellness. In addition to offering competitive, fair and transparent compensation, we also offer a suite of benefits, including comprehensive health and meaningful retirement benefits to eligible employees, tying incentive compensation to both business and individual performance, offering parental leave and adoption benefits and maintaining an employee stock purchase plan. We also provide a number of innovative programs designed to promote physical and emotional well-being, including ergonomic workspaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center at our Hershey, Pennsylvania campus and private rooms designed for quiet reflection, prayer or wellness breaks. The Company also offers SmartFlex benefits which is our suite of policies that allows individuals to create their own balance between work and personal life, including flexing work time based on work priorities or personal commitments, such as caring for children or family members. We believe that this flexibility improves productivity, job satisfaction and increases employee engagement. Additionally, in 2021, we introduced the “Best of Both” flexible work model for corporate and commercial employees to balance work and personal well-being. This model allows employees the option to work either remote, in-office, or both, depending on individual needs, personal schedules and work demands. This offers the benefits of flexibility and in-person collaboration, while maintaining productivity and overall job satisfaction.
•Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Our diverse and inclusive culture makes the difference across all areas of the business. Our gender representation includes women occupying many of the top positions in the Company, including Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Growth Officer, and approximately 50% representation across the Company. In 2020, we achieved 1:1 aggregate gender pay and in 2021, we achieved 1:1 aggregate people of color pay equity for salaried employees in the United States. Additionally, five of our 12 Board members are women (42% representation, an increase of 6% compared to 2020). Additionally, we create a welcoming and inclusive work environment for all employees around the world. Our eight employee-led Business Resource Groups, which include Abilities First, African American, Asian, GenH (Generations), Latino, Prism (LGBTQ), Veteran’s and Women’s, play a critical role in attracting diverse talent, providing mentoring and career development opportunities, delivering commercial business insights and connecting people to the Company and the communities where we do business. In 2021, the Company was ranked #10 on DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity and was ranked #1 on Forbes Top Female Friendly Companies.
•Community and Social Impact. Our philanthropy and volunteerism efforts reflect how we live out the Company’s value of making moments of goodness, from supporting causes our employees care about to investing in the long-term success of the communities where we live and work. We work closely with counterparts in each of our plant and office locations across the United States and globally to identify local community needs and craft tailored approaches to provide support. This work includes forging partnerships with local non-governmental organizations, providing grants and contributions and organizing volunteer service activities and employee fundraisers.
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Available Information
The Company's website address is www.thehersheycompany.com. We file or furnish annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may obtain a copy of any of these reports, free of charge, from the Investors section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site that also contains these reports at www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of the Company’s annual report will be made available, free of charge, on written request to the Company.
We have a Code of Conduct that applies to our Board of Directors (“Board”) and all Company officers and employees, including, without limitation, our Chief Executive Officer and “senior financial officers” (including the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and persons performing similar functions). You can obtain a copy of our Code of Conduct, as well as our Corporate Governance Guidelines and charters for each of the Board’s standing committees, from the Investors section of our website at: https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/investors.html. If we change or waive any portion of the Code of Conduct that applies to any of our directors, executive officers or senior financial officers, we will post that information on our website. Information found on the Company’s website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any other report filed with the SEC.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully read the following discussion of significant factors, events and uncertainties when evaluating our business and the forward-looking information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The events and consequences discussed in these risk factors could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. While we believe we have identified and discussed below the key risk factors affecting our business, these risk factors do not identify all the risks we face, and there may be additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know or that we do not currently believe to be significant that may have a material adverse effect on our business, performance or financial condition in the future.
Risks Related to Macroeconomic Conditions
Our business and financial results may be negatively impacted by the failure to successfully manage a disruption in consumer and trade patterns, as well as operational challenges associated with the actual or perceived effects of a disease outbreak, including epidemics, pandemics or similar widespread public health concerns, such as the current coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) global pandemic.
Our operations are impacted by consumer spending levels, impulse purchases, the availability of our products at retail and our ability to manufacture, store and distribute products to our customers and consumers in an effective and efficient manner. The fear of exposure to or actual effects of a disease outbreak, epidemic, pandemic or similar widespread public health concern, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can negatively impact our overall business and financial results. Specific factors that may impact our operations, some of which have had an unfavorable impact on our operations as a result of COVID-19, include, but are not limited to:
•Significant reductions or volatility in demand for one or more of our products, which may be caused by, among other things: the temporary inability of consumers to purchase our products due to illness, quarantine or other travel restrictions, or financial hardship, shifts in demand away from one or more of our products, or pantry-loading activity; if prolonged, such impacts may further increase the difficulty of planning for operations and may negatively impact our results;
•Significant reductions in the availability of one or more of our products as a result of retailers, common carriers or other shippers modifying restocking, fulfillment and shipping practices;
•The inability to meet our customers’ needs and achieve cost targets due to disruptions in our manufacturing operations or supply arrangements caused by the loss or disruption of essential manufacturing and supply elements such as raw materials or finished product components, transportation resources, workforce availability, or other manufacturing and distribution capability;
•The inability to effectively manage evolving health and welfare strategies, including but not limited to ongoing or not yet fully known costs related to operational adjustments to ensure continued employee and consumer safety and adherence to health guidelines as they are modified and supplemented;
•An inability to effectively modify our trade promotion and advertising activities to reflect changing consumer viewing and shopping habits due to the cancellation or postponement of major sporting and entertainment events, reduced in-store visits, travel restrictions and a shift in customer advertising priorities, among other things;
•The failure of third parties on which we rely, including those third parties who supply our ingredients, packaging, capital equipment and other necessary operating materials, contract manufacturers, distributors, contractors, commercial banks and external business partners, to meet their obligations to the Company, or significant disruptions in their ability to do so, which may be caused by their own financial or operational difficulties and may negatively impact our operations; or
•Significant changes in the political conditions in markets in which we manufacture, sell or distribute our products, including quarantines, governmental or regulatory actions, closures or other restrictions that limit or close our operating and manufacturing facilities, restrict our employees’ ability to travel or perform necessary business functions, or otherwise prevent our third-party partners, suppliers, or customers from sufficiently
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staffing operations, including operations necessary for the production, distribution, sale, and support of our products, which could negatively impact our results.
With respect to COVID-19, the situation remains dynamic and subject to rapid and possibly material change. The Company’s efforts to manage and mitigate these factors may ultimately be unsuccessful, and the effectiveness of these efforts depends on factors beyond our control, including the duration and severity of any disease outbreak, as well as third-party actions taken in response.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
Our Company’s reputation or brand image might be impacted as a result of issues or concerns relating to the quality and safety of our products, ingredients or packaging, human and workplace rights, and other environmental, social or governance matters, which in turn could result in litigation or otherwise negatively impact our operating results.
In order to sell our iconic, branded products, we need to maintain a good reputation with our customers, consumers, suppliers, vendors and employees, among others. Issues related to the quality and safety of our products, ingredients or packaging could jeopardize our Company’s image and reputation. We have in the past and may in the future need to recall products if any of our products become unfit for consumption. Negative publicity related to these types of concerns, or related to product contamination or product tampering, whether valid or not, could decrease demand for our products or cause production and delivery disruptions. In addition, negative publicity related to our environmental, social or governance practices could also impact our reputation with customers, consumers, suppliers and vendors.
We have in the past and in the future could potentially be subject to litigation or government actions as a result of issues or concerns relating to the quality and safety of our products, ingredients or packaging, human and workplace rights, and other environmental, social or governance matters, which could result in payments of fines or damages. Costs associated with these potential actions, as well as the potential impact on our reputation or ability to sell our products, could negatively affect our operating results.
Disruption to our manufacturing operations or supply chain could impair our ability to produce or deliver finished products, resulting in a negative impact on our operating results.
Approximately 70% of our manufacturing capacity is located in the United States. Disruption to our global manufacturing operations or our supply chain could result from, among other factors, the following:
•Natural disaster;
•Pandemic outbreak of disease;
•Climate change and severity of extreme weather;
•Fire or explosion;
•Terrorism or other acts of violence;
•Labor strikes or other labor activities;
•Unavailability of raw or packaging materials;
•Operational and/or financial instability of key suppliers, and other vendors or service providers; and
•Suboptimal production planning which could impact our ability to cost-effectively meet product demand.
We believe that we take adequate precautions to mitigate the impact of possible disruptions. We have strategies and plans in place to manage disruptive events if they were to occur, including our global supply chain strategies and our principle-based global labor relations strategy. If we are unable, or find that it is not financially feasible, to effectively plan for, mitigate or manage operational stability and business resiliency, particularly within our international markets and snacks portfolio, due to the potential impacts of such disruptive events on our manufacturing operations or supply chain, our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted if such events were to occur.
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We might not be able to hire, engage and retain the talented global human capital we need to drive our growth strategies.
Our future success depends upon our ability to identify, hire, develop, engage and retain talented personnel across the globe. Competition for global talent is intense, and we might not be able to identify and hire the personnel we need to continue to evolve and grow our business. In particular, if we are unable to hire the right individuals to fill new or existing senior management positions as vacancies arise, our business performance may be impacted.
Activities related to identifying, recruiting, hiring and integrating qualified individuals require significant time and attention. We may also need to invest significant amounts of cash and equity to attract talented new employees, and we may never realize returns on these investments.
In addition to hiring new employees, we must continue to focus on retaining and engaging the talented individuals we need to sustain our core business and lead our developing businesses into new markets, channels and categories. This may require significant investments in training, coaching and other career development and retention activities. If we are not able to effectively retain and grow our talent, our ability to achieve our strategic objectives will be adversely affected, which may impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks associated with climate change and other environmental impacts, and increased focus and evolving views of our customers, stockholders and other stakeholders on climate change issues, could negatively affect our business and operations.
Climate-related changes can increase variability in, or otherwise impact, natural disasters, including weather patterns, with the potential for increased frequency and severity of significant weather events, natural hazards, rising mean temperature and sea levels, and long-term changes in precipitation patterns. Climate change or weather-related disruptions to our supply chain can impact the availability and cost of materials needed for manufacturing and could increase insurance and other operating costs.
Increased focus on climate change has led to legislative and regulatory efforts to combat both potential causes and adverse impacts of climate change, including regulation of GHG emissions. New or increasing laws and regulations related to GHG emissions and other climate change related concerns may adversely affect us, our suppliers and our customers, and may require additional capital investments. Our value chain faces similar challenges as our products rely on agricultural ingredients and a global supply chain. Climate change poses a significant and increasing risk to global food production systems and to the safety and resilience of the communities where we live, work and source our ingredients. The GHG impacts of land-use change are most pronounced in our cocoa supply chain, where we have already been working for several years to prevent deforestation. Additionally, any non-compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements could negatively impact our reputation and ability to do business.
Investors, customers, advisory services, government regulators and other market participants have increasingly focused on the environmental or sustainability practices of companies, including Hershey. Shareholders and financial institutions have increasingly evaluated a company’s ESG practices, disclosures and performance before making investments or other financial decisions. We believe our practices, disclosures and performance are strong and growing. However, if our environmental goals do not meet investor or other external stakeholder expectations and standards, our access to capital may be negatively impacted. An enforcement action could harm our reputation, financial position and ability to grow. A failure to meet expectations may adversely affect our results of operations, ability to manage our liquidity, or implement our strategies.
The Company publishes its environmental goals, with a particular focus on achieving a 50% absolute reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions and a 25% absolute reduction in our Scope 3 GHG emissions by 2030 (compared to a 2018 baseline), as well as having 100% of plastic packaging be reusable, recyclable or compostable and 25 million pounds of packaging be eliminated by 2030. The costs of these voluntary commitments may be greater than expected, and there can be no assurance the Company will achieve its goals, or meet the evolving sustainability expectations and standards of our investors or other external stakeholders. Any failure to achieve our goals, a perception of our failure to act responsibly with respect to the environment, or failure to respond to new or evolving legal and regulatory requirements or other sustainability concerns could adversely affect our business, reputation and increase risk of litigation.
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The effects and costs of climate change, or any failure to meet related requirements and expectations, could have a negative impact on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to the Industry in Which We Operate
Increases in raw material and energy costs along with the availability of adequate supplies of raw materials could affect future financial results.
We use many different commodities for our business, including cocoa products, sugar, corn products, dairy products, wheat products, peanuts, almonds, natural gas and diesel fuel.
Commodities are subject to price volatility and changes in supply caused by numerous factors, including:
•Commodity market fluctuations;
•Currency exchanges rates;
•Imbalances between supply and demand;
•Rising levels of inflation related to domestic and global economic conditions or supply chain issues;
•The effects of climate change and extreme weather on crop yield and quality;
•Speculative influences;
•Trade agreements among producing and consuming nations;
•Supplier compliance with commitments;
•Import/export requirements for raw materials and finished goods;
•Political unrest in producing countries;
•Introduction of living income premiums or similar requirements; and
•Changes in governmental agricultural programs and energy policies.
Although we use forward contracts and commodity futures and options contracts where possible to hedge commodity prices, commodity price increases ultimately result in corresponding increases in our raw material and energy costs. If we are unable to offset cost increases for major raw materials and energy, there could be a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Price increases may not be sufficient to offset cost increases and maintain profitability or may result in sales volume declines associated with pricing elasticity.
We may be able to pass some or all raw material, energy and other input cost increases to customers by increasing the selling prices of our products or decreasing the size of our products; however, higher product prices or decreased product sizes may also result in a reduction in sales volume and/or consumption. If we are not able to increase our selling prices or reduce product sizes (including if inflation outpaces our pricing elasticity) sufficiently, or in a timely manner, to offset increased raw material, energy or other input costs, including packaging, freight, direct labor, overhead and employee benefits, or if our sales volume decreases significantly, there could be a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Market demand for new and existing products could decline.
We operate in highly competitive markets and rely on continued demand for our products. To generate revenues and profits, we must sell products that appeal to our customers and to consumers. Our continued success is impacted by many factors, including the following:
•Effective retail execution;
•Appropriate advertising campaigns and marketing programs;
•Our ability to secure adequate shelf space at retail locations;
•Our ability to drive sustainable innovation and maintain a strong pipeline of new products in the confectionery and broader snacking categories;
•Changes in product category consumption;
•Our response to consumer demographics and trends, including but not limited to, trends relating to store trips and the impact of the growing digital commerce channel; and
•Consumer health concerns, including obesity and the consumption of certain ingredients.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 12
There continues to be competitive product and pricing pressures in the markets where we operate, as well as challenges in maintaining profit margins. We must maintain mutually beneficial relationships with our key customers, including retailers and distributors, to compete effectively. Our largest customer, McLane Company, Inc., accounted for approximately 30% of our total net sales in 2021. McLane Company, Inc. is one of the largest wholesale distributors in the United States to convenience stores, drug stores, wholesale clubs and mass merchandisers, including Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Increased marketplace competition could hurt our business.
The global confectionery and snacks packaged goods industry is intensely competitive and consolidation in this industry continues. Some of our competitors are large companies that have significant resources and substantial international operations. We continue to experience increased levels of in-store activity for other snack items, which has pressured confectionery category growth. In order to protect our existing market share or capture increased market share in this highly competitive retail environment, we may be required to increase expenditures for promotions and advertising, and must continue to introduce and establish new products. Due to inherent risks in the marketplace associated with advertising and new product introductions, including uncertainties about trade and consumer acceptance, increased expenditures may not prove successful in maintaining or enhancing our market share and could result in lower sales and profits. In addition, we may incur increased credit and other business risks because we operate in a highly competitive retail environment.
Risks Related to Strategic Initiatives
Our financial results may be adversely impacted by the failure to successfully execute or integrate acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures.
From time to time, we may evaluate potential acquisitions, divestitures or joint ventures that align with our strategic objectives. The success of such activity depends, in part, upon our ability to identify suitable buyers, sellers or business partners; perform effective assessments prior to contract execution; negotiate contract terms; and, if applicable, obtain government approval. These activities may present certain financial, managerial, staffing and talent, and operational risks, including diversion of management’s attention from existing core businesses; difficulties integrating or separating businesses from existing operations; and challenges presented by acquisitions or joint ventures which may not achieve sales levels and profitability that justify the investments made. If the acquisitions, divestitures or joint ventures are not successfully implemented or completed, there could be a negative impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In 2021, we successfully completed the divestiture of LSFC as we better prioritize resources against assets and brands that fit our business model and scale capabilities. Additionally, we completed the acquisitions of Lily’s in June 2021 and Dot’s and Pretzels in December 2021. While we believe significant operating synergies can be obtained in connection with these acquisitions, achievement of these synergies will be driven by our ability to successfully leverage Hershey’s resources, expertise, capability-building, distribution locations and customer base. In addition, the acquisitions of Dot’s and Pretzels are important steps in our journey to expand our breadth in snacking, as they should enable us to bring scale and category management capabilities to a key sub-segment of the warehouse snack aisle. If we are unable to successfully couple Hershey’s scale and expertise in brand building with Lily’s, Dot’s and Pretzels’ existing operations, it may impact our ability to expand our snacking footprint at our desired pace.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 13
Our international operations may not achieve projected growth objectives, which could adversely impact our overall business and results of operations.
In 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, we derived approximately 13.0%, 13.6% and 15.8% of our net sales from customers located outside of the United States. Additionally, approximately 19% of our total long-lived assets were located outside of the United States as of December 31, 2021. As part of our strategy, we have made investments outside of the United States, particularly in Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, Brazil and India. As a result, we are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to international sales and operations, including:
•The inability to manage operational stability and business resiliency within our international markets due to unforeseen global economic and environmental changes resulting in business interruption, supply constraints, inflation, deflation or decreased demand;
•The inability to establish, develop and achieve market acceptance of our global brands in international markets;
•Difficulties and costs associated with compliance and enforcement of remedies under a wide variety of complex laws, treaties and regulations;
•Unexpected changes in regulatory environments;
•Political and economic instability, including the possibility of civil unrest, terrorism, mass violence or armed conflict;
•Nationalization of our properties by foreign governments;
•Tax rates that may exceed those in the United States and earnings that may be subject to withholding requirements and incremental taxes upon repatriation;
•Potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws;
•The imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers, other trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements;
•Increased costs, disruptions in shipping or reduced availability of freight transportation;
•The impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies;
•Failure to gain sufficient profitable scale in certain international markets resulting in an inability to cover manufacturing fixed costs or resulting in losses from impairment or sale of assets; and
•Failure to recruit, retain and build a talented and engaged global workforce.
If we are not able to achieve our projected international growth objectives and mitigate the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our international operations, there could be a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We may not fully realize the expected costs savings and/or operating efficiencies associated with our strategic initiatives or restructuring programs, which may have an adverse impact on our business.
We depend on our ability to evolve and grow, and as changes in our business environment occur, we may adjust our business plans by introducing new strategic initiatives or restructuring programs to meet these changes. Recently introduced strategic initiatives include our efforts to continue to expand our presence in digital commerce, to transform our manufacturing, commercial and corporate operations through digital technologies and to enhance our data analytics capabilities to develop new commercial insights. If we are not able to capture our share of the expanding digital commerce market, if we do not adequately leverage technology to improve operating efficiencies or if we are unable to develop the data analytics capabilities needed to generate actionable commercial insights, our business performance may be impacted, which may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, from time to time we implement business realignment activities to support key strategic initiatives designed to maintain long-term sustainable growth, such as the International Optimization Program, which we commenced in the fourth quarter of 2020. This program is intended to increase our operating effectiveness and efficiency, to reduce our costs and/or to generate savings that can be reinvested in other areas of our business. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully implement these strategic initiatives and restructuring programs, that we will achieve or sustain the intended benefits under these programs, or that the benefits, even if achieved, will be adequate to meet our long-term growth and profitability expectations, which could in turn adversely affect our business.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 14
Risks Related to Governmental and Regulatory Changes
Changes in governmental laws and regulations could increase our costs and liabilities or impact demand for our products.
Changes in laws and regulations and the manner in which they are interpreted or applied may alter our business environment. These negative impacts could result from changes in food and drug laws, laws related to advertising and marketing practices, accounting standards, taxation compliance and requirements, competition laws, employment laws, import/export requirements and environmental laws, among others. It is possible that we could become subject to additional liabilities in the future resulting from changes in laws and regulations that could result in an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Political, economic and/or financial market conditions could negatively impact our financial results.
Our operations are impacted by consumer spending levels and impulse purchases, which are affected by general macroeconomic conditions, consumer confidence, employment levels, the availability of consumer credit and interest rates on that credit, consumer debt levels, energy costs and other factors. Volatility in food and energy costs, sustained global recessions, broad political instability, rising unemployment, pandemic outbreak of disease, climate change, weather, natural and other disasters and declines in personal spending could adversely impact our revenues, profitability and financial condition.
Changes in financial market conditions may make it difficult to access credit markets on commercially acceptable terms, which may reduce liquidity or increase borrowing costs for our Company, our customers and our suppliers. A significant reduction in liquidity could increase counterparty risk associated with certain suppliers and service providers, resulting in disruption to our supply chain and/or higher costs, and could impact our customers, resulting in a reduction in our revenue, or a possible increase in bad debt expense.
Risks Related to Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Disruptions, failures or security breaches of our information technology infrastructure could have a negative impact on our operations.
Information technology is critically important to our business operations. We use information technology to manage all business processes including manufacturing, financial, logistics, sales, marketing and administrative functions. These processes collect, interpret and distribute business data and communicate internally and externally with employees, suppliers, customers and others.
We are regularly the target of cyber and other security threats. Therefore, we continuously monitor and update our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events that could have a security impact. We invest in industry standard security technology to protect the Company’s data and business processes against risk of data security breach and cyber attack. Our data security management program includes identity, trust, vulnerability and threat management business processes as well as adoption of standard data protection policies. We measure our data security effectiveness through industry-accepted methods and remediate significant findings. Additionally, we certify our major technology suppliers and any outsourced services through accepted security certification standards. We maintain and routinely test backup systems and disaster recovery, along with external network security penetration testing by an independent third party as part of our business resiliency preparedness. We also have processes in place to prevent disruptions resulting from our implementation of new software and systems.
While we have been subject to cyber attacks and other security breaches, these incidents did not have a significant impact on our business operations. We believe our security technology tools and processes provide adequate measures of protection against security breaches and in reducing cybersecurity risks. Nevertheless, despite continued vigilance in these areas, disruptions in or failures of information technology systems are possible and could have a negative impact on our operations or business reputation. Failure of our systems, including failures due to cyber attacks that would prevent the ability of systems to function as intended, could cause transaction errors, loss of customers and sales, and could have negative consequences to our Company, our employees and those with whom we do business. This in turn could have a negative impact on our financial condition and results or operations. In addition, the cost to remediate any damages to our information technology systems suffered as a result of a cyber attack could be significant.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 15
Complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning system could adversely impact our business and operations.
We rely extensively on information systems and technology to manage our business and summarize operating results. We are in the process of a multi-year implementation of a new global enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. This ERP system will replace our existing operating and financial systems. The ERP system is designed to accurately maintain the Company’s financial records, enhance operational functionality and provide timely information to the Company’s management team related to the operation of the business. The ERP system implementation process has required, and will continue to require, the investment of significant personnel and financial resources. We may not be able to successfully implement the ERP system without experiencing further delays, increased costs and other difficulties. If we are unable to successfully design and implement the new ERP system as planned, our financial positions, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted. Additionally, if we do not effectively implement the ERP system as planned or the ERP system does not operate as intended, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could be adversely affected or our ability to assess those controls adequately could be further delayed.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 16

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal properties include the following:
Country
Location Type
Status
(Own/Lease)
United States Hershey, Pennsylvania
(2 principal plants) Manufacturing-confectionery products and pantry items Own
Lancaster, Pennsylvania Manufacturing-confectionery products Own
Hazleton, Pennsylvania Manufacturing-confectionery products Own
Robinson, Illinois Manufacturing-confectionery products and pantry items Own
Stuarts Draft, Virginia Manufacturing-confectionery products and pantry items Own
Edgerton, Kansas Manufacturing-salty snack products Own
Bluffton, Indiana Manufacturing-salty snack products Lease
Plymouth, Indiana Manufacturing-salty snack products Lease
Lawrence, Kansas Manufacturing-salty snack products Lease
Annville, Pennsylvania Distribution Own
Palmyra, Pennsylvania Distribution Own
Edwardsville, Illinois Distribution Own
Ogden, Utah Distribution Own
Kennesaw, Georgia Distribution Lease
Whitestown, Indiana Distribution Lease
Hershey, Pennsylvania Corporate administrative Lease
New York, New York Retail Lease
Canada Brantford, Ontario Distribution Own
Mexico Monterrey, Mexico Manufacturing-confectionery products Own
El Salto, Mexico Manufacturing-confectionery products and pantry items Own
Malaysia Johor, Malaysia Manufacturing-confectionery products Own
In addition to the locations indicated above, we also own or lease several other properties and buildings worldwide which we use for manufacturing, sales, distribution and administrative functions. Our facilities are well maintained and generally have adequate capacity to accommodate seasonal demands, changing product mixes and certain additional growth. We regularly improve our facilities to incorporate the latest technologies. The largest facilities are located in Hershey, Lancaster and Hazleton, Pennsylvania; Monterrey and El Salto, Mexico; and Stuarts Draft, Virginia. The U.S., Canada and Mexico facilities in the table above primarily support our North America Confectionery and North America Salty Snacks segments, while the Malaysia facility primarily serves our International segment. As discussed in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we do not manage our assets on a segment basis given the integration of certain manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and other activities in support of our global operations.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information on legal proceedings is included in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 17
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM. INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers of the Company, their positions and, as of February 16, 2022, their ages are set forth below.
Name Age Positions Held During the Last Five Years
Michele G. Buck 60 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (October 2019);
President and Chief Executive Officer (March 2017);
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (June 2016)
Jennifer L. McCalman (1)
44 Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer (February 2021);
Senior Director, Global Controller (March 2019)
Charles R. Raup 54 President, U.S. (January 2020); Vice President, U.S. CMG (June 2018);
Vice President and General Manager, Chocolate (August 2017);
Vice President and General Manager, Mexico (October 2015)
Jason R. Reiman 50 Senior Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer (June 2019);
Vice President, Supply Chain Operations (August 2018);
Vice President, US Supply Chain Operations (July 2017);
Vice President, International Operations (May 2017);
Vice President, AEMA Supply Chain Operations (October 2015)
Kristen J. Riggs 43 Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer (January 2020);
Vice President, Innovation and Strategic Growth Platforms (September 2019);
Vice President, Commercial Planning (June 2018);
Vice President, Brand Commercialization (July 2017);
Senior Director, Reese’s (October 2015)
Christopher M. Scalia 46 Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer (January 2020);
Vice President, Global Human Resources (March 2018);
Vice President, Talent, HR Operations and Analytics (December 2014)
James Turoff 45 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (May 2021);
Acting General Counsel (December 2020);
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel (March 2019);
Vice President, SEC, Corporate Governance & Compliance (March 2018);
Associate General Counsel, Securities & Governance and Business Transformation (May 2017);
Associate General Counsel, AEMEA and Securities & Governance (October 2015)
Steven E. Voskuil (2)
53 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (February 2021);
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer (November 2019);
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (May 2019)
There are no family relationships among any of the above-named officers of our Company.
(1) Ms. McCalman was appointed Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer effective February 23, 2021. Prior to joining our Company she was Senior Director, Assistant Corporate Controller for Keurig Dr. Pepper (formerly Keurig Green Mountain) (May 2017) and Director, Assistant Corporate Controller (December 2011).
(2) Mr. Voskuil was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer effective May 13, 2019. Prior to joining our Company he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Avanos Medical, Inc. (November 2014).
Our Executive Officers are generally appointed each year at the organization meeting of the Board in May.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 18
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our Common Stock is listed and traded principally on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HSY.” The Class B Common Stock (“Class B Stock”) is not publicly traded.
The closing price of our Common Stock on December 31, 2021, was $193.47. There were 24,619 stockholders of record of our Common Stock and 6 stockholders of record of our Class B Stock as of December 31, 2021.
We paid $686.0 million in cash dividends on our Common Stock and Class B Stock in 2021 and $640.7 million in 2020. The annual dividend rate on our Common Stock in 2021 was $3.410 per share.
On February 2, 2022, our Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.901 per share of Common Stock payable on March 15, 2022, to stockholders of record as of February 18, 2022. It is the Company’s 369th consecutive quarterly Common Stock dividend. A quarterly dividend of $0.819 per share of Class B Stock also was declared.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
There were no purchases of shares of Common Stock made by or on behalf of Hershey, or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of Hershey, for each fiscal month in the three months ended December 31, 2021.
In July 2018, our Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase authorization. As of December 31, 2021, approximately $110 million remained available for repurchases of our Common Stock under this program. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date. In May 2021, our Board of Directors approved an additional $500 million share repurchase authorization. This program is to commence after the existing 2018 authorization is completed and is to be utilized at management’s discretion.
In February 2022, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the Trust, pursuant to which the Company purchased 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock from the Trust at a price equal to $203.35 per share, for a total purchase price of $203.4 million.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 19
Stockholder Return Performance Graph
The following graph compares our cumulative total stockholder return (Common Stock price appreciation plus dividends, on a reinvested basis) over the last five fiscal years with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the Standard & Poor’s Packaged Foods Index.
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among The Hershey Company, the S&P 500 Index,
and the S&P Packaged Foods Index
*$100 invested on December 31, 2016 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
December 31,
Company/Index 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
The Hershey Company $ 100 $ 112 $ 109 $ 153 $ 162 $ 210
S&P 500 Index $ 100 $ 122 $ 116 $ 153 $ 181 $ 233
S&P 500 Packaged Foods Index $ 100 $ 101 $ 82 $ 108 $ 113 $ 127
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [RESERVED]
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 20

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to provide an understanding of Hershey’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year to year. The MD&A should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”
The MD&A is organized in the following sections:
•Business Model and Growth Strategy
•Overview
•Trends Affecting Our Business
•Consolidated Results of Operations
•Segment Results
•Liquidity and Capital Resources
•Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
BUSINESS MODEL AND GROWTH STRATEGY
We are the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America, a leading snack maker in the United States and a global leader in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery. We report our operations through three segments: (i) North America Confectionery, (ii) North America Salty Snacks and (iii) International, as discussed in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our vision is to be a snacking powerhouse. We aspire to be a leader in meeting consumers’ evolving snacking needs while strengthening the capabilities that drive our growth. We are focused on four strategic imperatives to ensure the Company’s success now and in the future:
•Drive Core Confection Business and Broaden Participation in Snacking. We continue to be the undisputed leader in U.S. confection by taking actions to deepen our consumer connections and utilize our beloved brands to deliver meaningful innovation, while also diversifying our portfolio to capture profitable and incremental growth across the broader snacking continuum.
◦Our products frequently play an important role in special moments among family and friends. Seasons are an important part of our business model and for consumers, they are highly anticipated, cherished times, centered around traditions. For us, it’s an opportunity for our brands to be part of many connections during the year when family and friends gather.
◦Innovation is an important lever in this variety-seeking category and we are leveraging work from our proprietary demand landscape analytical tool to shape our future innovation and make it more impactful. We are becoming more disciplined in our focus on platform innovation, which should enable sustainable growth over time and significant extensions to our core.
◦To expand our breadth in snacking, we are focused on expanding the boundaries of our core confection brands to capture new snacking occasions and increasing our exposure into new snack categories through acquisitions. Our expansion into snacking is being fueled by the recent acquisitions of Dot’s and Pretzels in December 2021, which is included in our North America Salty Snacks segment.
•Deliver Profitable International Growth. We are focused on ensuring that we efficiently allocate our resources to the areas with the highest potential for profitable growth. We have reset our international investment strategy, while holding fast to our belief that our targeted emerging market strategy will deliver long-term, profitable growth. The uncertain macroeconomic environment in many of these markets is expected to continue and we aim to ensure our investments in these international markets are appropriate relative to the size of the opportunity.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 21
•Expand Competitive Advantage through Differentiated Capabilities. In order to generate actionable insights, we must acquire, integrate, access and utilize vast sources of the right data in an effective manner. We are working to leverage our advanced data and analytical techniques to gain a deep understanding of our consumers, our customers, our shoppers, our end-to-end supply chain, our retail environment and key economic drivers at both a macro and precision level, including digital transformation and new media models. In addition, we are in the process of transforming our supply chain capabilities and enterprise resource planning system, which will enable employees to work more efficiently and effectively.
•Responsibly Manage Our Operations to Ensure the Long-Term Sustainability of Our Business, Our Planet and Our People. We are a purpose-driven company and for more than a century, our iconic brands have been built on a foundation of community investment and connections between people around the world. We could not have achieved this without our remarkable employees who make our purpose a reality. We believe our long-standing values make our Company a special place to work.
◦We believe our employees are among our most important resources and are critical to our continued success. In 2021, we changed our global employee survey from an annual basis to continuous listening surveys throughout the year. These shorter and faster surveys reach all of our employees around the world to hear their thoughts on the Company’s direction and their place in it. The change from an annual survey to continuous touchpoints allows for real-time feedback and action from the Company and creates stronger employee engagement with the Company’s strategy, initiatives and leadership.
◦Our diverse and inclusive culture makes the difference across all areas of the business. Our gender representation includes women occupying many of the top positions in the Company, including Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Growth Officer, and approximately 50% representation across the Company. In 2020, we achieved 1:1 aggregate gender pay and in 2021, we achieved 1:1 aggregate people of color pay equity for salaried employees in the United States.
◦We have made strong progress on our ESG priorities and continue to elevate these ESG initiatives for a greater global impact. While we focus on sustainability and social impact across our value chain, we continue to improve and focus on the lives of cocoa farmers and cocoa communities, the environmental priorities of climate change and the role of packaging in our business, responsibly and sustainably sourcing the inputs to our products and increasing investments in human rights and diversity initiatives and growing diverse representation across the organization.
OVERVIEW
Hershey is a global confectionery leader known for making more moments of goodness through chocolate, sweets, mints and other great tasting snacks. We are the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America, a leading snack maker in the United States and a global leader in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery. We market, sell and distribute our products under more than 100 brand names in approximately 80 countries worldwide.
Our principal product offerings include chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products; gum and mint refreshment products and protein bars; pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings and beverages; and snack items such as spreads, meat snacks, bars and snack bites and mixes, popcorn and protein bars.
Business Acquisitions and Divestitures
In December 2021, we completed the acquisition of Pretzels, previously a privately held company that manufactures and sells pretzels and other salty snacks for other branded products and private labels in the United States. Pretzels is an industry leader in the pretzel category with a product portfolio that includes filled, gluten free and seasoned pretzels, as well as extruded snacks that complements Hershey’s snacks portfolio. Based in Bluffton, Indiana, Pretzels operates three manufacturing locations in Indiana and Kansas. Pretzels provides Hershey deep pretzel category and product expertise and the manufacturing capabilities to support brand growth and future pretzel innovation. Additionally, we completed the acquisition of Dot’s, previously a privately held company that produces and sells pretzels and other snack food products to retailers and distributors in the United States, with Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels snacks as its primary product. Dot’s is the fastest-growing scale brand in the pretzel category and complements Hershey’s snacks portfolio. Pretzels and Dot’s are expected to generate aggregate annualized net sales over $300 million.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 22
In June 2021, we completed the acquisition of Lily’s Sweets, LLC (“Lily’s”), previously a privately held company that sells a line of sugar-free and low-sugar confectionery foods to retailers and distributors in the United States and Canada. Lily’s products include dark and milk chocolate style bars, baking chips, peanut butter cups and other confection products that complement Hershey’s confectionery and confectionery-based portfolio. Lily’s is expected to generate annualized net sales over $100 million.
In January 2021, we completed the divestiture of Lotte Shanghai Foods Co., Ltd. (“LSFC”), which was previously included within the International segment results in our consolidated financial statements. Total proceeds from the divestiture and the impact on our consolidated financial statements were immaterial.
During the second quarter of 2020, we completed the divestitures of KRAVE Pure Foods, Inc. (“Krave”), which was previously included within the North America Salty Snacks segment, and the Scharffen Berger and Dagoba brands, both of which were previously included within the North America Confectionery segment results in our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2019, we completed the acquisition of ONE Brands, LLC (“ONE Brands”), previously a privately held company that sells a line of low-sugar, high-protein nutrition bars to retailers and distributors in the United States, with the ONE bar as its primary product.
TRENDS AFFECTING OUR BUSINESS
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization designated COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has spread worldwide and impacted various markets around the world, including the U.S. Various policies and initiatives have been implemented to reduce the global transmission of COVID-19.
Since the onset of COVID-19, there has been minimal disruption to our supply chain network. However, during 2021, continued strong demand for consumer goods and the effects of COVID-19 mitigation strategies have led to broad-based supply chain disruptions across the U.S. and globally, including inflation on many consumer products, labor shortages and demand outpacing supply. As a result, we experienced corresponding incremental costs and gross margin pressures during the year ended December 31, 2021 (see Results of Operations included in this MD&A). We are working closely with our business units, contract manufacturers, distributors, contractors and other external business partners to minimize the potential impact on our business.
During 2021, many state governments began easing COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in increased travel during the summer and holiday seasons, full capacity at major sporting and entertainment events, increased occupancy limits for indoor gatherings and the removal of face covering requirements (subject to certain exceptions). This contributed to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and the spread of COVID-19 variants, which experts believe has peaked in recent weeks in many jurisdictions. The availability of vaccinations (including vaccine boosters) continues to increase around the world, albeit with slower than anticipated rollouts and challenges within certain countries.
We experienced an increase in our net sales and net income during the year ended December 31, 2021, which was primarily driven by strong everyday performance on our core U.S. confection brands and salty snack brands (see Segment Results included in this MD&A), partially offset by the aforementioned supply chain disruptions and gross margin pressures. As of December 31, 2021, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our key strategic initiatives and other material cash requirements; however, we continue to evaluate and take action, as necessary, to preserve adequate liquidity and ensure that our business can operate effectively during the current economic environment. We continue to monitor our discretionary spending across the organization (see Liquidity and Capital Resources included in this MD&A).
Based on the length and severity of COVID-19, including broad-based supply chain disruptions, rising levels of inflation, new trends in outbreaks and hotspots, the spread of COVID-19 variants, resurgences and the continued distribution of vaccinations, we may experience continued volatility in retail foot traffic, consumer shopping and consumption behavior and may experience increasing supply chain costs and higher inflation. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of these potential and evolving impacts to our business, consolidated results of operations, segment results, liquidity and capital resources.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 23
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Percent Change
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 2021 vs 2020 2020 vs 2019
In millions of dollars except per share amounts
Net sales $ 8,971.3 $ 8,149.7 $ 7,986.3 10.1 % 2.0 %
Cost of sales 4,922.7 4,448.5 4,363.8 10.7 % 1.9 %
Gross profit 4,048.6 3,701.2 3,622.5 9.4 % 2.2 %
Gross margin 45.1 % 45.4 % 45.4 %
SM&A expense 2,001.4 1,890.9 1,905.9 5.8 % (0.8) %
SM&A expense as a percent of net sales 22.3 % 23.2% 23.9%
Long-lived and intangible asset impairment charges - 9.1 112.5 NM (91.9) %
Business realignment costs 3.5 18.5 8.1 (80.9) % 128.1 %
Operating profit 2,043.7 1,782.7 1,596.0 14.6 % 11.7 %
Operating profit margin 22.8 % 21.9 % 20.0 %
Interest expense, net 127.4 149.4 144.1 (14.7) % 3.6 %
Other (income) expense, net 119.1 138.3 71.1 (13.9) % 94.7 %
Provision for income taxes 314.4 219.6 234.0 43.2 % (6.2) %
Effective income tax rate 17.5 % 14.7 % 16.9 %
Net income including noncontrolling interest 1,482.8 1,275.4 1,146.8 16.3 % 11.2 %
Less: Net gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 5.3 (3.3) (2.9) NM 12.1 %
Net income attributable to The Hershey Company $ 1,477.5 $ 1,278.7 $ 1,149.7 15.5 % 11.2 %
Net income per share-diluted $ 7.11 $ 6.11 $ 5.46 16.4 % 11.9 %
Note: Percentage changes may not compute directly as shown due to rounding of amounts presented above.
NM = not meaningful
Net Sales
2021 compared with 2020
Net sales increased 10.1% in 2021 compared with 2020, reflecting a volume increase of 5.6% due to an increase in everyday core U.S. confection brands and salty snack brands, a favorable price realization of 3.1% due to higher prices on certain products, a 1.0% benefit from net acquisitions and divestitures driven by the 2021 acquisitions of Lily’s, Dot's and Pretzels and a favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates of 0.4%.
2020 compared with 2019
Net sales increased 2.0% in 2020 compared with 2019, reflecting a favorable price realization of 2.3% due to higher prices on certain products and a 0.5% benefit from net acquisitions and divestitures (predominantly driven by the 2019 acquisition of ONE Brands, partially offset by the 2020 divestitures of Krave and the Scharffen Berger and Dagoba brands). These increases were partially offset by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates of 0.5% and a volume decrease of 0.3% due to the impact of COVID-19 on sales in our international markets, as well as declines in owned retail and world travel retail and elasticity-driven impacts due to price increases on certain products.
Key U.S. Marketplace Metrics
For the full year 2021, our total U.S. retail takeaway increased 8.9% in the expanded multi-outlet combined plus convenience store channels (IRI MULO + C-Stores), which includes candy, mint, gum, salty snacks, meat snacks and grocery items. Our U.S. candy, mint and gum (“CMG”) consumer takeaway increased 8.7%, resulting in a CMG market share decline of approximately 32 basis points.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 24
The CMG consumer takeaway and market share information reflect measured channels of distribution accounting for approximately 90% of our U.S. confectionery retail business. These channels of distribution primarily include food, drug, mass merchandisers and convenience store channels, plus Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., partial dollar, club and military channels. These metrics are based on measured market scanned purchases as reported by Information Resources, Incorporated (“IRI”), the Company’s market insights and analytics provider, and provide a means to assess our retail takeaway and market position relative to the overall category.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin
2021 compared with 2020
Cost of sales increased 10.7% in 2021 compared with 2020. The increase was driven by higher sales volume, higher freight and logistics costs and additional plant costs. These drivers were partially offset by the incremental $78.8 million of favorable mark-to-market activity on our commodity derivative instruments intended to economically hedge future years’ commodity purchases; however, our mark-to-market activity was significantly impacted by financial market volatility during March 2020 amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, the increase was partially offset by favorable price realization and supply chain productivity.
Gross margin decreased by 30 basis points in 2021 compared with 2020. The decrease was driven by higher freight and logistics costs and additional plant costs. These factors were partially offset by favorable price realization, supply chain productivity and the favorable year-over-year mark-to-market impact from commodity derivative instruments.
2020 compared with 2019
Cost of sales increased 1.9% in 2020 compared with 2019. The increase in cost of sales was attributed to higher freight and logistics costs and additional plant costs, specifically, PPE costs, increased sanitation and wage incentives associated with COVID-19. Additionally, the increase was driven by an incremental $28.9 million of unfavorable mark-to-market activity on our commodity derivative instruments. These derivative instruments are intended to economically hedge future years’ commodity purchases; however, they were significantly impacted by financial market volatility during 2020. These drivers were partially offset by favorable price realization and favorable supply chain productivity.
Gross margin remained the same in 2020 compared with 2019. Increases were driven by the higher freight and logistics costs, additional plant costs, and unfavorable year-over-year mark-to-market impact from commodity derivative instruments. These factors were offset by favorable price realization and supply chain productivity.
Selling, Marketing and Administrative
2021 compared with 2020
Selling, marketing and administrative (“SM&A”) expenses increased $110.4 million, or 5.8%, in 2021 driven by increased corporate expenses. Total advertising and related consumer marketing expenses decreased 0.2% driven by lower advertising in our North America Confectionery segment. SM&A expenses, excluding advertising and related consumer marketing, increased approximately 9.2% in 2021 driven by higher compensation costs and investments in capabilities and technology.
2020 compared with 2019
SM&A expenses decreased $15.0 million or 0.8% in 2020. Total advertising and related consumer marketing expenses decreased 2.0% driven by media cost efficiencies and select brand investment optimization related to COVID-19 in our International segment. SM&A expenses, excluding advertising and related consumer marketing, decreased approximately 0.1% in 2020 due to savings in travel and meeting expenses related to COVID-19 travel restrictions and project timing shifts.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 25
Long-Lived and Intangible Asset Impairment Charges
In 2021, we recorded no impairments charges. In 2020 and 2019, we recorded the following impairment charges:
For the year ended December 31, 2020 2019
In millions of dollars
Adjustment to disposal group (1) $ 6.2 $ 2.7
Other asset write-down (2) 2.9 -
Customer relationship and trademark intangible assets (3) - 100.1
Other long-lived assets not held for sale (4) - 9.7
Long-lived and intangible asset impairment charges $ 9.1 $ 112.5
(1)In connection with our LSFC disposal group, which was previously classified as held for sale during 2020 and 2019, we recorded impairment charges to adjust long-lived asset values. The fair value of the disposal group was supported by potential sales prices with third-party buyers. The sale of the LSFC joint venture was completed in January 2021.
(2)In connection with a previous sale, the Company wrote-down certain receivables deemed uncollectible.
(3)During the fourth quarter of 2019, we recorded impairment charges to write down customer relationship and trademark intangible assets associated with Krave. These charges were determined by comparing the fair value of the asset group to its carrying value. We used various valuation techniques to determine fair value, with the primary techniques being discounted cash flow analysis and relief-from-royalty valuation approaches, which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy.
(4)During 2019, we recorded impairment charges predominantly comprised of select long-lived assets that had not yet met the held for sale criteria. The fair value of these assets was supported by potential sales prices with third-party buyers and market analysis.
The assessment of the valuation of goodwill and other long-lived assets is based on management estimates and assumptions, as discussed in our critical accounting policies included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These estimates and assumptions are subject to change due to changing economic and competitive conditions.
Business Realignment Activities
We periodically undertake business realignment activities designed to increase our efficiency and focus our business in support of our key growth strategies. In 2021, 2020 and 2019 , we recorded business realignment costs of $3.5 million, $18.5 million and $8.1 million, respectively. The 2021 and 2020 costs related primarily to the International Optimization Program, a program focused on optimizing our China operating model to improve our operational efficiency and provide for a strong, sustainable and simplified base going forward. The 2019 costs related primarily to the Margin for Growth Program, a program focused on improving global efficiency and effectiveness, optimizing the Company’s supply chain, streamlining the Company’s operating model and reducing administrative expenses to generate long-term savings. Costs associated with business realignment activities are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Income as described in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Operating Profit and Operating Profit Margin
2021 compared with 2020
Operating profit increased 14.6% in 2021 compared with 2020 due primarily to higher gross profit, lower business realignment costs and lower impairment charges, partially offset by higher SM&A in the 2021 period, as noted above. Operating profit margin increased to 22.8% in 2021 from 21.9% in 2020 driven by these same factors.
2020 compared with 2019
Operating profit increased 11.7% in 2020 compared with 2019 due primarily to higher gross profit, lower SM&A and lower impairment charges, partially offset by higher business realignment costs in the 2020 period, as noted above. Operating profit margin increased to 21.9% in 2020 from 20.0% in 2019 driven by these same factors.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 26
Interest Expense, Net
2021 compared with 2020
Net interest expense was $22.0 million lower in 2021 than in 2020. The decrease was due to lower average long-term debt balances in 2021 versus 2020, specifically resulting from $435 million of long-term debt repayments with varying maturity dates during 2021.
2020 compared with 2019
Net interest expense was $5.2 million higher in 2020 than in 2019. The increase was due to higher long-term debt balances in 2020 versus 2019, specifically due to $1.0 billion of notes issued in October 2019 and $1.0 billion of notes issued in May 2020.
Other (Income) Expense, Net
2021 compared with 2020
Other (income) expense, net totaled an expense of $119.1 million in 2021 versus an expense of $138.3 million in 2020. The decrease in the net expense was primarily due to lower write-downs on equity investments qualifying for historic and renewable energy tax credits, in addition to lower non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans during 2021 compared to the 2020 period.
2020 compared with 2019
Other (income) expense, net totaled an expense of $138.3 million in 2020 versus an expense of $71.1 million in 2019. The increase in the net expense was primarily due to higher write-downs on equity investments qualifying for federal solar tax credits, partially offset by lower non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans during 2020 compared to the 2019 period.
Income Taxes and Effective Tax Rate
2021 compared with 2020
Our effective income tax rate was 17.5% for 2021 compared with 14.7% for 2020. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2021 effective tax rate benefited from investment tax credits, partially offset by incremental tax reserves incurred as a result of an adverse ruling in connection with a non-U.S. tax litigation matter, as well as state taxes. The 2020 effective rate, relative to the 21% statutory rate, benefited from investment tax credits and the benefit of employee share-based payments, partially offset by state taxes.
2020 compared with 2019
Our effective income tax rate was 14.7% for 2020 compared with 16.9% for 2019. Relative to the 21% statutory rate, the 2020 effective tax rate benefited from investment tax credits and the benefit of employee share-based payments, partially offset by state taxes. The 2019 effective rate, relative to the 21% statutory rate, was impacted by changes to foreign valuation allowances, a favorable foreign rate differential, investment tax credits and the benefit of employee share-based payments, which were partially offset by the impact of state taxes.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 27
Net Income Attributable to The Hershey Company and Earnings Per Share-diluted
2021 compared with 2020
Net income increased $198.8 million, or 15.5%, while EPS-diluted increased $1.00, or 16.4%, in 2021 compared with 2020. The increase in both net income and EPS-diluted was driven primarily by higher gross profit, partially offset by higher SM&A and higher income taxes in 2021. Our 2021 EPS-diluted also benefited from lower weighted-average shares outstanding as a result of share repurchases pursuant to our Board-approved repurchase programs.
2020 compared with 2019
Net income increased $129.0 million, or 11.2%, while EPS-diluted increased $0.65, or 11.9%, in 2020 compared with 2019. The increase in both net income and EPS-diluted was driven primarily by higher gross profit, lower SM&A, lower impairment charges, and lower income taxes in 2020, partially offset by higher other income and expenses, higher business realignment costs, and higher interest expense. Our 2020 EPS-diluted also benefited from lower weighted-average shares outstanding as a result of share repurchases pursuant to our Board-approved repurchase programs.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 28
SEGMENT RESULTS
Since December 31, 2014, the Company has reported its operations through two segments: (i) North America and (ii) International and Other. After the completion of the Company’s acquisitions of Dot’s and Pretzels in December 2021, as described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, management of the Company has elected to begin reporting its operations through three reportable segments. Therefore, effective in the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company realigned its former two reportable segments into three reportable segments: (i) North America Confectionery, (ii) North America Salty Snacks and (iii) International. We have retroactively reflected these changes in all historical periods presented.
The summary that follows provides a discussion of the results of operations of our three reportable segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks and International. For segment reporting purposes, we use “segment income” to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Segment income excludes unallocated general corporate administrative expenses, unallocated mark-to-market gains and losses on commodity derivatives, business realignment and impairment charges, acquisition-related costs and other unusual gains or losses that are not part of our measurement of segment performance. These items of our operating income are largely managed centrally at the corporate level and are excluded from the measure of segment income reviewed by the CODM and used for resource allocation and internal management reporting and performance evaluation. Segment income and segment income margin, which are presented in the segment discussion that follows, are non-GAAP measures and do not purport to be alternatives to operating income as a measure of operating performance. We believe that these measures are useful to investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating ongoing operating profitability as well as in evaluating operating performance in relation to our competitors, as they exclude the activities that are not directly attributable to our ongoing segment operations.
Our segment results, including a reconciliation to our consolidated results, were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
In millions of dollars
Net Sales:
North America Confectionery $ 7,682.4 $ 7,084.9 $ 6,815.1
North America Salty Snacks 555.4 438.2 410.0
International 733.5 626.6 761.2
Total $ 8,971.3 $ 8,149.7 $ 7,986.3
Segment Income:
North America Confectionery $ 2,475.9 $ 2,274.6 $ 2,120.2
North America Salty Snacks 100.7 75.8 50.8
International 74.2 - 50.6
Total segment income 2,650.8 2,350.4 2,221.6
Unallocated corporate expense (1) 614.9 520.7 532.6
Unallocated mark-to-market (gains) losses on commodity derivatives (2) (24.4) 6.4 (28.6)
Long-lived and intangible asset impairment charges - 9.1 112.5
Costs associated with business realignment activities 16.6 31.5 9.2
Operating profit 2,043.7 1,782.7 1,595.9
Interest expense, net 127.4 149.4 144.1
Other (income) expense, net 119.1 138.3 71.0
Income before income taxes $ 1,797.2 $ 1,495.0 $ 1,380.8
(1)Includes centrally-managed (a) corporate functional costs relating to legal, treasury, finance and human resources, (b) expenses associated with the oversight and administration of our global operations, including warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, information systems and global shared services, (c) non-cash stock-based compensation expense, (d) acquisition-related costs and (e) other gains or losses that are not integral to segment performance.
(2)Net losses (gains) on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in unallocated derivative losses (gains). See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 29
North America Confectionery
The North America Confectionery segment is responsible for our chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery market position in the United States and Canada. This includes developing and growing our business in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery, gum and refreshment products, protein bars, spreads, snack bites and mixes, as well as pantry and food service lines. While a less significant component, this segment also includes our retail operations, including Hershey’s Chocolate World stores in Hershey, Pennsylvania; New York, New York; Las Vegas, Nevada; Niagara Falls (Ontario) and Singapore, as well as operations associated with licensing the use of certain trademarks and products to third parties around the world. North America Confectionery accounted for 85.6%, 86.9% and 85.3% of our net sales in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. North America Confectionery results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Percent Change
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 2021 vs 2020 2020 vs 2019
In millions of dollars
Net sales $ 7,682.4 $ 7,084.9 $ 6,815.1 8.4 % 4.0 %
Segment income 2,475.9 2,274.6 2,120.2 8.8 % 7.3 %
Segment margin 32.2 % 32.1 % 31.1 %
2021 compared with 2020
Net sales of our North America Confectionery segment increased $597.5 million, or 8.4%, in 2021 compared to 2020, reflecting a volume increase of 5.1% due to an increase in everyday core U.S. confection brands, a favorable price realization of 2.1% due to higher prices on certain products, a 0.9% benefit from the 2021 acquisition of Lily’s and a favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates of 0.3%.
Our North America Confectionery segment also includes licensing and owned retail. At the onset of the pandemic, all Hershey’s Chocolate World stores were temporarily closed and subsequently re-opened in July 2020 with increased safety measures. This included the United States (3 locations), Niagara Falls (Ontario) and Singapore. As a result, our net sales increased approximately 37.4% during 2021 compared to 2020.
Our North America Confectionery segment income increased $201.3 million, or 8.8%, in 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to favorable price realization and volume increases, partially offset by higher supply chain-related costs, higher freight and logistics costs, as well as unfavorable product mix.
2020 compared with 2019
Net sales of our North America Confectionery segment increased $269.8 million, or 4.0%, in 2020 compared to 2019, reflecting favorable price realization of 2.8% attributed to higher prices on certain products, a 0.9% benefit from net acquisitions and divestitures (predominantly driven by the 2019 acquisition of ONE Brands, partially offset by the 2020 divestitures of the Scharffen Berger and Dagoba brands), and a volume increase of 0.3% due to an increase in everyday core U.S. confection brands.
Our North America Confectionery segment also includes licensing and owned retail. At the onset of the pandemic, all Hershey’s Chocolate World stores were temporarily closed and subsequently re-opened in July 2020 with increased safety measures. This included the United States (3 locations), Niagara Falls (Ontario) and Singapore. As a result, our net sales decreased approximately 25.8% during 2020 compared to 2019.
Our North America Confectionery segment income increased $154.4 million, or 7.3%, in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to favorable price realization and volume increases, partially offset by higher supply chain-related costs, specifically, PPE costs, increased sanitation and wage incentives associated with COVID-19.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 30
North America Salty Snacks
The North America Salty Snacks segment is responsible for our grocery and snacks market positions, including our salty snacking products. North America Salty Snacks accounted for 6.2%, 5.4% and 5.1% of our net sales in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. North America Salty Snacks results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Percent Change
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 2021 vs 2020 2020 vs 2019
In millions of dollars
Net sales $ 555.4 $ 438.2 $ 410.0 26.7 % 6.9 %
Segment income 100.7 75.8 50.8 32.8 % 49.2 %
Segment margin 18.1 % 17.3 % 12.4 %
2021 compared with 2020
Net sales for our North America Salty Snacks segment increased $117.2 million, or 26.7%, in 2021 compared to 2020, reflecting a volume increase of 16.9% primarily related to SkinnyPop and Pirates Booty snacks, a favorable price realization of 5.7% due to higher prices on certain products and a 4.1% benefit from net acquisitions and divestitures driven by the 2021 acquisitions of Dot’s and Pretzels.
Our North America Salty Snacks segment income increased $24.9 million, or 32.8%, in 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to favorable price realization and volume increases, partially offset by higher supply chain-related costs, higher freight and logistics costs, as well as unfavorable product mix.
2020 compared with 2019
Net sales for our North America Salty Snacks segment increased $28.2 million, or 6.9%, in 2020 compared to 2019, reflecting a volume increase of 10.6%, primarily related to SkinnyPop and Pirates Booty snacks, partially offset by a 3.7% negative impact from the 2020 Krave divestiture.
Our North America Salty Snacks segment income increased $25 million, or 49.2%, in 2020 compared to 2019, as a result of favorable volume increases.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 31
International
The International segment includes all other countries where we currently manufacture, import, market, sell or distribute chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery and other products. Currently, this includes our operations in Asia markets, Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, along with exports to these regions. International accounted for 8.2%, 7.7% and 9.5% of our net sales in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. International results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Percent Change
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 2021 vs 2020 2020 vs 2019
In millions of dollars
Net sales $ 733.5 $ 626.6 $ 761.2 17.1 % (17.7) %
Segment income 74.2 - 50.6 NM NM
Segment margin 10.1 % - % 6.6 %
NM = not meaningful
2021 compared with 2020
Net sales of our International segment increased $106.9 million, or 17.1%, in 2021 compared to 2020, reflecting a favorable price realization of 12.1%, a volume increase of 4.2% and a favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates of 0.8%. The volume increase was primarily attributed to solid marketplace growth in Mexico, India, and Brazil, where net sales increased by 39.0%, 23.9% and 21.3%, respectively. Our International segment also includes world travel retail, where net sales increased approximately 27.1%. These increases also benefited from a favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates of 1.0%.
Our International segment income increased $74.2 million in 2021 compared to 2020 with the improvement primarily resulting from execution of our International Optimization Program in China, as we streamline and optimize our China operating model, as well as volume increases and favorable price realization.
2020 compared with 2019
Net sales of our International segment decreased $134.6 million, or 17.7%, in 2020 compared to 2019, reflecting a volume decline of 11.0%, an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates of 4.9% and an unfavorable price realization of 1.8%. The volume declines were attributed to significant sales declines in Mexico, China and world travel retail, where net sales decreased by 24.6%, 46.0% and 43.3%, respectively due to the implementation of quarantine protocols by local governments to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, net sales declines in China were also attributable to the commencement of the International Optimization Program.
Our International segment income decreased $50.6 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This decrease was driven by the lower level of net sales associated with the COVID-19 disruption.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 32
Unallocated Corporate Expense
Unallocated corporate expense includes centrally-managed (a) corporate functional costs relating to legal, treasury, finance and human resources, (b) expenses associated with the oversight and administration of our global operations, including warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, information systems and global shared services, (c) non-cash stock-based compensation expense and (d) other gains or losses that are not integral to segment performance.
Unallocated corporate expense totaled $614.9 million in 2021 as compared to $520.7 million in 2020. The increase was primarily driven by higher incentive compensation, higher group insurance costs from COVID-19-related delays in preventive care and incremental investments in capabilities and technology.
Unallocated corporate expense totaled $520.7 million in 2020 as compared to $532.6 million in 2019 primarily driven by savings in travel and meeting expenses related to COVID-19 travel restrictions and project timing shifts.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We assess our liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund our operating, investing and financing activities. Significant factors affecting liquidity include cash flows generated from operating activities, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, repurchases of outstanding shares, the adequacy of available commercial paper and bank lines of credit, and the ability to attract long-term capital with satisfactory terms. We generate substantial amounts of cash from operations and remain in a strong financial position, with sufficient liquidity available for capital reinvestment, strategic acquisitions and the payment of dividends.
Cash Flow Summary
The following table is derived from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
In millions of dollars 2021 2020 2019
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 2,082.9 $ 1,699.6 $ 1,763.9
Investing activities (2,222.8) (531.3) (780.5)
Financing activities (681.1) (499.2) (1,081.4)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (5.1) (7.0) 3.3
Less: Cash classified as assets held for sale 11.4 (11.4) -
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents $ (814.7) $ 650.7 $ (94.7)
Operating activities
Our principal source of liquidity is cash flow from operations. Our net income and, consequently, our cash provided by operations are impacted by sales volume, seasonal sales patterns, timing of new product introductions, profit margins and price changes. Sales are typically higher during the third and fourth quarters of the year due to seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. Generally, working capital needs peak during the summer months. We meet these needs primarily with cash on hand, bank borrowings or the issuance of commercial paper.
We generated cash of $2.1 billion from operating activities in 2021, an increase of $383.3 million compared to $1.7 billion in 2020. This increase in net cash provided by operating activities was mainly driven by the following factors:
•Net working capital (comprised of trade accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and accrued liabilities) generated cash of $47 million in 2021 and consumed cash of $166 million in 2020. This $213 million fluctuation was mainly driven by strong demand of U.S. inventories, specifically our everyday core U.S. confection brands and salty snack brands.
•Net income adjusted for non-cash charges to operations (including depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, long-lived and intangible asset charges, write-down of equity investments and other charges) resulted in $185 million of higher cash flow in 2021 relative to 2020.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 33
Cash provided by operating activities in 2020 decreased $64.3 million relative to 2019. This increase was driven by the following factors:
•Net working capital (comprised of trade accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and accrued liabilities) consumed cash of $166 million in 2020 and generated cash of $60 million in 2019. This $226 million fluctuation was mainly driven by a higher year-over-year build up of U.S. inventories to satisfy product requirements and maintain sufficient levels to accommodate customer requirements, as well as an increase in cash used by accounts receivable due to an increase in sales of U.S. seasonal products.
•The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by the following net cash inflows:
◦Net income adjusted for non-cash charges to operations (including depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, long-lived and intangible asset charges, write-down of equity investments and other charges) resulted in $207 million of higher cash flow in 2020 relative to 2019.
Pension and Post-Retirement Activity. We recorded net periodic benefit costs of $28.4 million, $34.5 million and $41.4 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, relating to our benefit plans (including our defined benefit and other post retirement plans). The main drivers of fluctuations in expense from year to year are assumptions in formulating our long-term estimates, including discount rates used to value plan obligations, expected returns on plan assets, the service and interest costs and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses.
The funded status of our qualified defined benefit pension plans is dependent upon many factors, including returns on invested assets, the level of market interest rates and the level of funding. We contribute cash to our plans at our discretion, subject to applicable regulations and minimum contribution requirements. Cash contributions to our pension and post retirement plans totaled $51.1 million, $11.7 million and $20.1 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Investing activities
Our principal uses of cash for investment purposes relate to purchases of property, plant and equipment and capitalized software, as well as acquisitions of businesses, partially offset by proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment. We used cash of $2.2 billion for investing activities in 2021 compared to $531.3 million in 2020, with the increase in cash spend driven by higher levels of acquisition activity. We used cash of $780.5 million for investing activities in 2019, and the decrease in 2020 in cash spend was driven by no acquisition activity.
Primary investing activities include the following:
•Capital spending. Capital expenditures, including capitalized software, primarily to support our ERP system implementation, capacity expansion, innovation and cost savings, were $495.9 million in 2021, $441.6 million in 2020 and $318.2 million in 2019. Our 2021 expenditures increased compared to 2020 due to progress on capacity expansion projects and our ERP system implementation. Our 2020 expenditures were substantially higher than 2019 expenditures due to progress on our key strategic initiatives. We expect 2022 capital expenditures, including capitalized software, to approximate $550 million to $600 million. The increase in our 2022 capital expenditures is largely driven by our key strategic initiatives, including expanding the agility and capacity of the Company’s supply chain and building digital infrastructure across the enterprise. We intend to use our existing cash and internally generated funds to meet our 2022 capital requirements.
•Investments in partnerships qualifying for tax credits. We make investments in partnership entities that in turn make equity investments in projects eligible to receive federal historic and energy tax credits. We invested approximately $128.4 million in 2021, $87.2 million in 2020 and $80.2 million in 2019 in projects qualifying for tax credits.
•Business acquisitions. In 2021, we spent an aggregate $1.6 billion to acquire Lily's (June 2021), as well as Dot’s and Pretzels (December 2021). In 2020, we had no acquisition activity. In 2019, we spent $402.2 million to acquire ONE Brands.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 34
•Other investing activities. In 2021 and 2020, our other investing activities were minimal. In 2019, we generated $20.1 million of proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets. This included the sale of select Pennsylvania facilities and land for sales proceeds of approximately $27.6 million, resulting in a gain on the sale of $11.3 million.
Financing activities
Our cash flow from financing activities generally relates to the use of cash for purchases of our Common Stock and payment of dividends, offset by net borrowing activity and proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Financing activities in 2021 used cash of $681.1 million, compared to cash used of $499.2 million in 2020. We used cash of $1.1 billion for financing activities in 2019, primarily to fund acquisition activity.
The majority of our financing activity was attributed to the following:
•Short-term borrowings, net. In addition to utilizing cash on hand, we use short-term borrowings (commercial paper and bank borrowings) to fund seasonal working capital requirements and ongoing business needs. In 2021, we generated cash flow of $869.0 million predominantly through the issuance of short-term commercial paper. In 2020, we generated cash flow of $41.8 million due to an increase in short-term foreign bank borrowings. In 2019, we used $1.2 billion to reduce short-term commercial paper borrowings and short-term foreign bank borrowings. We utilized the proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt in October 2019 to repay outstanding commercial paper used to fund the ONE Brands acquisition.
•Long-term debt borrowings and repayments. In February 2021 and May 2021, we repaid $84.7 million of 8.800% Debentures and $350 million of 3.100% Notes due upon their maturities, respectively. In May 2020, we issued $300 million of 0.900% Notes due in 2025, $350 million of 1.700% Notes due in 2030 and $350 million of 2.650% Notes due in 2050 (the “2020 Notes”). Proceeds from the issuance of the 2020 Notes, net of discounts and issuance costs, totaled $989.9 million. Additionally, in May 2020 and December 2020, we repaid $350 million of 2.900% Notes and $350 million of 4.125% Notes due upon their maturities, respectively. In October 2019, we issued $300 million of 2.05% Notes due in 2024, $300 million of 2.45% Notes due in 2029 and $400 million of 3.125% Notes due in 2049 (the “2019 Notes”). Proceeds from the issuance of the 2019 Notes, net of discounts and issuance costs, totaled $989.6 million.
•Dividend payments. Total dividend payments to holders of our Common Stock and Class B Common Stock were $686.0 million in 2021, $640.7 million in 2020 and $610.3 million in 2019. Dividends per share of Common Stock increased 8.1% to $3.410 per share in 2021 compared to $3.154 per share in 2020, while dividends per share of Class B Common Stock increased 8.2% in 2021. Details regarding our 2021 cash dividends paid to stockholders are as follows:
Quarter Ended
In millions of dollars except per share amounts April 4, 2021 July 4, 2021 October 3, 2021 December 31, 2021
Dividends paid per share - Common stock $ 0.804 $ 0.804 $ 0.901 $ 0.901
Dividends paid per share - Class B common stock $ 0.731 $ 0.731 $ 0.819 $ 0.819
Total cash dividends paid $ 162.7 $ 161.6 $ 180.9 $ 180.8
Declaration date February 2, 2021 April 27, 2021 July 23, 2021 October 27, 2021
Record date February 19, 2021 May 21, 2021 August 20, 2021 November 19, 2021
Payment date March 15, 2021 June 15, 2021 September 15, 2021 December 15, 2021
•Share repurchases. We repurchase shares of Common Stock to offset the dilutive impact of treasury shares issued under our equity compensation plans. The value of these share repurchases in a given period varies based on the volume of stock options exercised and our market price. In addition, we periodically repurchase shares of Common Stock pursuant to Board-authorized programs intended to drive additional stockholder value. Details regarding our share repurchases are as follows:
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In millions 2021 2020 2019
Shares repurchased in the open market under pre-approved share repurchase programs $ 150.0 $ 150.0 $ 150.0
Shares repurchased to replace Treasury Stock issued for stock options and incentive compensation 308.0 61.2 377.2
Cash used for total share repurchases $ 458.0 $ 211.2 $ 527.2
Total shares repurchased under pre-approved share repurchase programs 0.9 1.0 1.4
In July 2018, our Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase authorization. As of December 31, 2021, approximately $110 million remained available for repurchases of our Common Stock under this program. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date. In May 2021, our Board of Directors approved an additional $500 million share repurchase authorization. This program is to commence after the existing 2018 authorization is completed and is to be utilized at management’s discretion. We expect 2022 share repurchases to be in line with our traditional buyback strategy.
•Proceeds from the exercise of stock options, including tax benefits. We received $33.2 million from employee exercises of stock options, net of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards in 2021. We received $25.5 million and $240.8 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Variances are driven primarily by the number of shares exercised and the share price at the date of grant.
Financial Condition
At December 31, 2021, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $329.3 million. At December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.1 billion. Our cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2021 decreased $814.7 million compared to the 2020 year-end balance as a result of the uses of net cash outlined in the previous discussion.
Approximately 60% of the balance of our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2021 was held by subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States. During 2021, previously undistributed earnings of certain international subsidiaries were no longer considered indefinitely reinvested; however, the Company had previously recognized a one-time U.S. repatriation tax due under U.S. tax reform, and as a result, only an immaterial amount of withholding tax was recognized. For the remainder of the Company’s cash held by international subsidiaries, we intend to continue to reinvest the undistributed earnings indefinitely. We believe we have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our cash needs for at least the next 12 months, including our cash needs in the United States.
We maintain debt levels we consider prudent based on our cash flow, interest coverage ratio and percentage of debt to capital. We use debt financing to lower our overall cost of capital which increases our return on stockholders’ equity. Our total short- and long-term debt was $5.0 billion at December 31, 2021 and $4.6 billion at December 31, 2020. Our total debt increased in 2021 mainly due to the issuance of short-term commercial paper used to fund our 2021 acquisitions of Lily’s, Dot’s and Pretzels, partially offset by the repayment of $84.7 million Debentures that matured in February 2021 and $350 million Notes that matured in May 2021.
As a source of short-term financing, we maintain a $1.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with the option to increase borrowings by an additional $500 million with the consent of the lenders. As of December 31, 2021, the termination date of this agreement is July 2, 2024, however, we may extend the termination date for up to two additional one-year periods upon notice to the administrative agent under the facility. We may use these funds for general corporate purposes, including commercial paper backstop and business acquisitions. As of December 31, 2021, we had $680 million of available capacity under the agreement. The unsecured revolving credit agreement contains certain financial and other covenants, customary representations, warranties and events of default. We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2021.
In addition to the revolving credit facility, we maintain lines of credit in various currencies with domestic and international commercial banks. As of December 31, 2021, we had available capacity of $164 million under these lines of credit.
Furthermore, we have a current shelf registration statement filed with the SEC that allows for the issuance of an indeterminate amount of debt securities. Proceeds from the debt issuances and any other offerings under the current registration statement may be used for general corporate requirements, including reducing existing borrowings,
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financing capital additions and funding contributions to our pension plans, future business acquisitions and working capital requirements.
Our ability to obtain debt financing at comparable risk-based interest rates is partly a function of our existing cash-flow-to-debt and debt-to-capitalization levels as well as our current credit rating.
We believe that our existing sources of liquidity are adequate to meet anticipated funding needs at comparable risk-based interest rates for the foreseeable future. Acquisition spending and/or share repurchases could potentially increase our debt. Operating cash flow and access to capital markets are expected to satisfy our various short- and long-term cash flow requirements, including acquisitions and capital expenditures.
Equity Structure
We have two classes of stock outstanding - Common Stock and Class B Stock. Holders of the Common Stock and the Class B Stock generally vote together without regard to class on matters submitted to stockholders, including the election of directors. Holders of the Common Stock have 1 vote per share. Holders of the Class B Stock have 10 votes per share. Holders of the Common Stock, voting separately as a class, are entitled to elect one-sixth of our Board. With respect to dividend rights, holders of the Common Stock are entitled to cash dividends 10% higher than those declared and paid on the Class B Stock.
Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the trust established by Milton S. and Catherine S. Hershey that has as its sole beneficiary Milton Hershey School, maintains voting control over The Hershey Company. In addition, three representatives of Hershey Trust Company currently serve as members of the Company's Board. In performing their responsibilities on the Company’s Board, these representatives may from time to time exercise influence with regard to the ongoing business decisions of our Board or management. Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the Trust, in its role as controlling stockholder of the Company, has indicated it intends to retain its controlling interest in The Hershey Company. The Company’s Board, and not the Hershey Trust Company board, is solely responsible and accountable for the Company’s management and performance.
Pennsylvania law requires that the Office of Attorney General be provided advance notice of any transaction that would result in Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the Trust, no longer having voting control of the Company. The law provides specific statutory authority for the Attorney General to intercede and petition the court having jurisdiction over Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the Trust, to stop such a transaction if the Attorney General can prove that the transaction is unnecessary for the future economic viability of the Company and is inconsistent with investment and management considerations under fiduciary obligations. This legislation makes it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock and thereby may delay or prevent a change in control of the Company.
Material Cash Requirements
The following table summarizes our future material cash requirements as of December 31, 2021:
Payments due by Period
In millions of dollars Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years
Short-term debt (primarily U.S. commercial paper) $ 939.4 $ 939.4 $ - $ - $ -
Long-term notes (excluding finance lease obligations) 4,043.6 - 1,050.0 1,100.0 1,893.6
Interest expense (1) 1,193.4 112.5 186.3 143.4 751.2
Operating lease obligations (2) 448.0 46.3 72.6 44.7 284.4
Finance lease obligations (3) 170.8 7.3 9.4 8.0 146.1
Unconditional purchase obligations (4) 2,205.4 1,742.1 438.3 25.0 -
Total obligations $ 9,000.6 $ 2,847.6 $ 1,756.6 $ 1,321.1 $ 3,075.3
(1) Includes the net interest payments on fixed rate debt associated with long-term notes.
(2) Includes the minimum rental commitments (including imputed interest) under non-cancelable operating leases primarily for offices, retail stores, warehouses and distribution facilities.
(3) Includes the minimum rental commitments (including imputed interest) under non-cancelable finance leases primarily for offices and warehouse facilities, as well as vehicles.
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(4) Purchase obligations consist primarily of fixed commitments for the purchase of raw materials to be utilized in the normal course of business. Amounts presented included fixed price forward contracts and unpriced contracts that were valued using market prices as of December 31, 2021. The amounts presented in the table do not include items already recorded in accounts payable or accrued liabilities at year-end 2021, nor does the table reflect cash flows we are likely to incur based on our plans, but are not obligated to incur. Such amounts are part of normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. We do not believe such purchase obligations will adversely affect our liquidity position.
In entering into contractual obligations, we have assumed the risk that might arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. We mitigate this risk by performing financial assessments prior to contract execution, conducting periodic evaluations of counterparty performance and maintaining a diverse portfolio of qualified counterparties. Our risk is limited to replacing the contracts at prevailing market rates. We do not expect any significant losses resulting from counterparty defaults.
These obligations impact our liquidity and capital resource needs. To meet those cash requirements, we intend to use our existing cash and internally generated funds. To the extent necessary, we may also borrow under our existing unsecured revolving credit facility or under other short-term borrowings, and depending on market conditions and upon the significance of the cost of a particular Note maturity or acquisition to our then-available sources of funds, to obtain additional short- and long-term financing. We believe that cash provided from these sources will be adequate to meet our future short- and long-term cash requirements.
Asset Retirement Obligations
We have a number of facilities that contain varying amounts of asbestos in certain locations within the facilities. Our asbestos management program is compliant with current applicable regulations, which require that we handle or dispose of asbestos in a specified manner if such facilities undergo major renovations or are demolished. We do not have sufficient information to estimate the fair value of any asset retirement obligations related to these facilities. We cannot specify the settlement date or range of potential settlement dates and, therefore, sufficient information is not available to apply an expected present value technique. We expect to maintain the facilities with repairs and maintenance activities that would not involve or require the removal of significant quantities of asbestos.
Income Tax Obligations
Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits are excluded from the table above as we are unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of a settlement of these potential liabilities. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information on recently adopted and issued accounting standards is included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements requires management to use judgment and make estimates and assumptions. We believe that our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to the following:
•Accrued Liabilities for Trade Promotion Activities
•Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Plans
•Business Acquisitions, Valuation and Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
•Income Taxes
Management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board. While we base estimates and assumptions on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Other significant accounting policies are outlined in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accrued Liabilities for Trade Promotion Activities
We promote our products with advertising, trade promotions and consumer incentives. These programs include, but are not limited to, discounts, coupons, rebates, in-store display incentives and volume-based incentives. We expense advertising costs and other direct marketing expenses as incurred. We recognize the costs of trade promotion and consumer incentive activities as a reduction to net sales along with a corresponding accrued liability based on estimates at the time of revenue recognition. These estimates are based on our analysis of the programs offered, historical trends, expectations regarding customer and consumer participation, sales and payment trends and our experience with payment patterns associated with similar programs offered in the past. The estimated costs of these programs are reasonably likely to change in future periods due to changes in trends with regard to customer and consumer participation, particularly for new programs and for programs related to the introduction of new products. Differences between estimated expense and actual program performance are recognized as a change in estimate in a subsequent period and are normally not significant. During 2021, 2020, and 2019, actual annual promotional costs have not deviated from the estimated amount by more than 3%. Our trade promotion and consumer incentive accrued liabilities totaled $174.0 million and $195.6 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Plans
We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans. The primary plans are The Hershey Company Retirement Plan and The Hershey Company Retirement Plan for Hourly Employees, which are cash balance plans that provide pension benefits for most U.S. employees hired prior to January 1, 2007. We also sponsor two primary other post-employment benefit (“OPEB”) plans, consisting of a health care plan and life insurance plan for retirees. The health care plan is contributory, with participants’ contributions adjusted annually, and the life insurance plan is non-contributory.
For accounting purposes, the defined benefit pension and OPEB plans require assumptions to estimate the projected and accumulated benefit obligations, including the following variables: discount rate; expected salary increases; certain employee-related factors, such as turnover, retirement age and mortality; expected return on assets; and health care cost trend rates. These and other assumptions affect the annual expense and obligations recognized for the underlying plans. Our assumptions reflect our historical experiences and management’s best judgment regarding future expectations. Our related accounting policies, accounting balances and plan assumptions are discussed in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pension Plans
Changes in certain assumptions could significantly affect pension expense and benefit obligations, particularly the estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets and the discount rates used to calculate such obligations:
•Long-term rate of return on plan assets. The expected long-term rate of return is evaluated on an annual basis. We consider a number of factors when setting assumptions with respect to the long-term rate of return, including current and expected asset allocation and historical and expected returns on the plan asset categories. Actual asset allocations are regularly reviewed and periodically rebalanced to the targeted allocations when considered appropriate. Investment gains or losses represent the difference between the expected return estimated using the
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long-term rate of return and the actual return realized. For 2021, we increased the expected return on plan assets assumption to 4.9% from the 4.8% assumption used during 2020. The historical average return (compounded annually) over the 20 years prior to December 31, 2021 was approximately 6.3%.
As of December 31, 2021, our primary plans had cumulative unrecognized investment and actuarial losses of approximately $201 million. We amortize the unrecognized net actuarial gains and losses in excess of the corridor amount, which is the greater of 10% of a respective plan’s projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets. These unrecognized net losses may increase future pension expense if not offset by (i) actual investment returns that exceed the expected long-term rate of investment returns, (ii) other factors, including reduced pension liabilities arising from higher discount rates used to calculate pension obligations or (iii) other actuarial gains when actual plan experience is favorable as compared to the assumed experience. A 100 basis point decrease or increase in the long-term rate of return on pension assets would correspondingly increase or decrease annual net periodic pension benefit expense by approximately $10 million.
•Discount rate. We utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. This approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between the projected cash flows to the corresponding spot rates along the yield curve. This approach does not affect the measurement of our pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities but generally results in lower benefit expense in periods when the yield curve is upward sloping.
A 100 basis point decrease (increase) in the weighted-average pension discount rate would increase (decrease) annual net periodic pension benefit expense by approximately $6 million and the December 31, 2021 pension liability would increase by approximately $97 million or decrease by approximately $83 million, respectively.
Pension income for defined benefit pension plans is expected to be approximately $2 million in 2021. Pension expense beyond 2022 will depend on future investment performance, our contributions to the pension trusts, changes in discount rates and various other factors related to the covered employees in the plans.
Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans
Changes in significant assumptions could affect consolidated expense and benefit obligations, particularly the discount rates used to calculate such obligations:
•Discount rate. The determination of the discount rate used to calculate the benefit obligations of the OPEB plans is discussed in the pension plans section above. A 100 basis point decrease (increase) in the discount rate assumption for these plans would not be material to the OPEB plans’ consolidated expense and the December 31, 2021 benefit liability would increase by approximately $23 million or decrease by approximately $19 million, respectively.
Business Acquisitions, Valuation and Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We use the acquisition method of accounting for business acquisitions. Under the acquisition method, the results of operations of the acquired business have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the respective dates of the acquisitions. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is often required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, particularly intangible assets. As a result, we normally obtain the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants. While management believes those expectations and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead, are evaluated for impairment annually or more often if indicators of a potential impairment are present. Our annual impairment tests are conducted at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
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We test goodwill for impairment by performing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. If we choose to perform a qualitative assessment, we evaluate economic, industry and company-specific factors in assessing the fair value of the related reporting unit. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative test is then performed. Otherwise, no further testing is required. For those reporting units tested using a quantitative approach, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, impairment is indicated, requiring recognition of a goodwill impairment charge for the differential (up to the carrying value of goodwill). We test individual indefinite-lived intangible assets by comparing the estimated fair values with the book values of each asset.
We determine the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets using an income approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate the future cash flows used to measure fair value. Our estimates of future cash flows consider past performance, current and anticipated market conditions and internal projections and operating plans which incorporate estimates for sales growth and profitability, and cash flows associated with taxes and capital spending. Additional assumptions include forecasted growth rates, estimated discount rates, which may be risk-adjusted for the operating market of the reporting unit, and estimated royalty rates that would be charged for comparable branded licenses. We believe such assumptions also reflect current and anticipated market conditions and are consistent with those that would be used by other marketplace participants for similar valuation purposes. Such assumptions are subject to change due to changing economic and competitive conditions.
We also have intangible assets, consisting primarily of certain trademarks, customer-related intangible assets and patents obtained through business acquisitions, that are expected to have determinable useful lives. The costs of finite-lived intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated lives. Our estimates of the useful lives of finite-lived intangible assets consider judgments regarding the future effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. We conduct impairment tests when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these finite-lived assets may not be recoverable. Undiscounted cash flow analyses are used to determine if an impairment exists. If an impairment is determined to exist, the loss is calculated based on the estimated fair value of the assets.
Results of Impairment Tests
At December 31, 2021, the net book value of our goodwill totaled $2,633.2 million. As it relates to our 2021 annual testing performed at the beginning of the fourth quarter, we tested all of our reporting units using a qualitative assessment and determined that no quantitative testing was deemed necessary. Based on our testing, all of our reporting units had an excess fair value well over the their respective carrying values. There were no other events or circumstances that would indicate that impairment may exist. We had no goodwill impairment charges in 2021, 2020 or 2019.
In 2019, sales and operating performance associated with our Krave business were below expectations. In the fourth quarter of 2019, as part of a strategic review initiated by our leadership team, we updated our strategic forecast which projected underperformance related to the Krave business primarily due to mainstream brands driving category volume and an increase in the overall competitive landscape. We deemed this to be a triggering event requiring us to test our Krave long-lived asset group for impairment. Based on our assessment, we determined that the carrying value was not recoverable and calculated an impairment loss as the excess of the asset group’s carrying value over its fair value. Therefore, as a result of this testing, during the fourth quarter of 2019, we recorded an impairment charge totaling $100.1 million to write down the long-lived asset group, which predominantly consisted of customer relationship and trademark intangible assets.
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Income Taxes
We base our deferred income taxes, accrued income taxes and provision for income taxes upon income, statutory tax rates, the legal structure of our Company, interpretation of tax laws and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. We are regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities; a number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position, for which we have unrecognized tax benefits, is audited and finally resolved. From time to time, these audits result in assessments of additional tax. We maintain reserves for such assessments.
We apply a more-likely-than-not threshold to the recognition and derecognition of uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, we recognize the amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being ultimately realized upon settlement. Future changes in judgments and estimates related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will affect income in the quarter of such change. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, we believe that our unrecognized tax benefits reflect the most likely outcome. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included in income tax expense. We adjust these unrecognized tax benefits, as well as the related interest, in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as receiving audit assessments or clearing of an item for which a reserve has been established. Settlement of any particular position could require the use of cash. Favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution.
We believe it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances. Our valuation allowances are primarily related to U.S. capital loss carryforwards and various foreign jurisdictions’ net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets for which we do not expect to realize a benefit.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We use certain derivative instruments to manage our interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and commodity price risks. We monitor and manage these exposures as part of our overall risk management program.
We enter into interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency forward exchange contracts for periods consistent with related underlying exposures. We enter into commodities futures and options contracts and other derivative instruments for varying periods. These commodity derivative instruments are intended to be, and are effective as, economic hedges of market price risks associated with anticipated raw material purchases, energy requirements and transportation costs. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading purposes and are not a party to any instruments with leverage or prepayment features.
In entering into these contracts, we have assumed the risk that might arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. We mitigate this risk by entering into exchange-traded contracts with collateral posting requirements and/or by performing financial assessments prior to contract execution, conducting periodic evaluations of counterparty performance and maintaining a diverse portfolio of qualified counterparties. We do not expect any significant losses from counterparty defaults.
Refer to Note 1 and Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these derivative instruments and our hedging policies.
Interest Rate Risk
In December 2020, our fixed-to-floating interest rate swap matured in connection with the repayment of certain long-term debt upon its maturity. Therefore, as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had no interest rate swap derivative instruments in a fair value hedging relationship. Prior to maturing in December 2020, the total notional amount of interest rate swaps was $350 million. The notional amount relates to fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps which convert a comparable amount of fixed-rate debt to variable rate debt. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates applied to this variable-rate debt through its December 2020 maturity would have increased interest expense by approximately $3.2 million for 2020.
In addition, the total amount of short-term debt, net of cash, amounted to net debt of $610 million and net cash of $1.1 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2021 and 2020. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates applied to this variable-rate short-term debt as of December 31, 2021 would have changed interest expense by approximately $2.4 million for 2021 and $8.6 million for 2020.
We consider our current risk related to market fluctuations in interest rates on our remaining debt portfolio, excluding fixed-rate debt converted to variable rates with fixed-to-floating instruments, to be minimal since this debt is largely long-term and fixed-rate in nature. Generally, the fair market value of fixed-rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. A 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would decrease the fair value of our fixed-rate long-term debt at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 by approximately $319 million and $357 million, respectively. However, since we currently have no plans to repurchase our outstanding fixed-rate instruments before their maturities, the impact of market interest rate fluctuations on our long-term debt does not affect our results of operations or financial position.
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Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to currency fluctuations related to manufacturing or selling products in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We may enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to reduce fluctuations in our long or short currency positions relating primarily to purchase commitments or forecasted purchases for equipment, raw materials and finished goods denominated in foreign currencies. We also may hedge payment of forecasted intercompany transactions with our subsidiaries outside of the United States. We generally hedge foreign currency price risks for periods from 3 to 12 months.
A summary of foreign currency forward exchange contracts and the corresponding amounts at contracted forward rates is as follows:
December 31, 2021 2020
Contract
Amount Primary
Currencies Contract
Amount Primary
Currencies
In millions of dollars
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts to purchase foreign currencies $ 53.1 Euros
Malaysian ringgit
British pound $ 45.4 Euros
Malaysian ringgit
Swiss Franc
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts to sell foreign currencies $ 144.7 Canadian dollars
Brazilian reals
Japanese yen $ 178.0 Canadian dollars
Brazilian reals
Mexican peso
Japanese yen
British pound
The fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts represents the difference between the contracted and current market foreign currency exchange rates at the end of the period. We estimate the fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts on a quarterly basis by obtaining market quotes of spot and forward rates for contracts with similar terms, adjusted where necessary for maturity differences. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the net fair value of these instruments was an asset of $2.8 million and a liability of $3.1 million, respectively. In addition, assuming an unfavorable 10% change in year-end foreign currency exchange rates, the fair value of these instruments would have declined by $24.8 million and $25.6 million, respectively, generally offset by a reduction in foreign exchange associated with our transactional activities.
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Commodities-Price Risk Management and Futures Contracts
Our most significant raw material requirements include cocoa products, sugar, corn products, dairy products, peanuts and almonds. The cost of cocoa products and prices for related futures contracts and costs for certain other raw materials historically have been subject to wide fluctuations attributable to a variety of factors. These factors include:
•Commodity market fluctuations;
•Foreign currency exchange rates;
•Imbalances between supply and demand;
•Rising levels of inflation related to domestic and global economic conditions or supply chain issues;
•The effects of climate change and extreme weather on crop yield and quality;
•Speculative influences;
•Trade agreements among producing and consuming nations;
•Supplier compliance with commitments;
•Import/export requirements for raw materials and finished goods;
•Political unrest in producing countries;
•Introduction of living income premiums or similar requirements; and
•Changes in governmental agricultural programs and energy policies.
We use futures and options contracts and other commodity derivative instruments in combination with forward purchasing of cocoa products, sugar, corn products, certain dairy products, wheat products, natural gas and diesel fuel primarily to mitigate price volatility and provide visibility to future costs within our supply chain. Currently, active futures contracts are not available for use in pricing our other major raw material requirements, primarily peanuts and almonds. We attempt to minimize the effect of future raw material and energy price fluctuations by using derivatives and forward purchasing to cover future manufacturing requirements generally for 3 to 24 months. However, dairy futures liquidity is not as developed as many of the other commodity futures markets and, therefore, it can be difficult to hedge dairy costs for extended periods of time. We use diesel fuel futures to minimize price fluctuations associated with our transportation costs. Our commodity procurement practices are intended to mitigate price volatility and provide visibility to future costs, but also may potentially limit our ability to benefit from possible price decreases. Our costs for major raw materials will not necessarily reflect market price fluctuations because of our forward purchasing and hedging practices.
Cocoa Products
During 2021, average cocoa futures contract prices increased 2.7% compared with 2020 and traded in a narrow range between $1.04 and $1.27 per pound, based on the Intercontinental Exchange futures contract. Strong global production growth more than offset a firmer consumption picture with a corresponding increase in global stocks, especially in the United States. While the global surplus weighed on the price outlook for the first half of 2021, concerns over the next main crop, owing to early pod counts and below average rainfall, underpinned prices through year-end. The table below shows annual average cocoa futures prices and the highest and lowest monthly averages for each of the calendar years indicated. The prices reflect the monthly averages of the quotations at noon of the three active futures trading contracts closest to maturity on the Intercontinental Exchange.
Cocoa Futures Contract Prices
(dollars per pound)
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Annual Average $ 1.14 $ 1.11 $ 1.03 $ 1.06 $ 0.91
High 1.27 1.29 1.14 1.23 0.99
Low 1.04 1.00 0.90 0.88 0.87
Source: International Cocoa Organization Quarterly Bulletin of Cocoa Statistics
Our costs for cocoa products will not necessarily reflect market price fluctuations because of our forward purchasing and hedging practices, premiums and discounts reflective of varying delivery times, and supply and demand for our specific varieties and grades of cocoa liquor, cocoa butter and cocoa powder. As a result, the average futures contract prices are not necessarily indicative of our average costs.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 45
Sugar
The price of sugar is subject to price supports under U.S. farm legislation. Such legislation establishes import quotas and duties to support the price of sugar. As a result, sugar prices paid by users in the U.S. are currently higher than prices on the world sugar market. The U.S. delivered east coast refined sugar prices traded in a range from $0.45 to $0.58 per pound during 2021. Prices were historically high throughout 2021 due to lack of imports by the U.S. government resulting in an extremely tight domestic raw sugar market.
Corn Products
We use corn futures to price our corn sweetener product requirements. A strong rebound in ethanol production, along with continued strong exports, drove prices higher in 2021. Corn prices traded in a range from $4.84 to $7.32 per bushel during 2021.
Dairy Products
During 2021 prices for fluid dairy milk ranged from a low of $13.19 per pound to a high of $19.88 per pound, on a Class IV milk basis. Fluid dairy milk prices were higher than 2020, driven by declines in U.S. milk production and higher dairy demand.
Wheat Products
In 2021 we began utilizing soft and hard wheat futures as a risk management tool for our flour purchasing. Poor U.S. weather impacted production and resulted in lower stocks and higher prices compared to 2020. Hard wheat prices traded in the range of $5.62 to $8.84 per bushel during 2021, while soft wheat prices traded in the range of $5.99 to $8.67 per bushel during 2021.
Peanuts and Almonds
Peanut prices in the U.S. ranged from a low of $0.53 per pound to a high of $0.55 per pound during 2021. Prices rose this year due strong demand and tight supply. Almond prices began the year at $2.03 per pound and closed the year at $2.85 per pound during 2021. Persistent drought and concerns over the 2021 almond crop size drove price volatility.
Changes in the Value of Futures Contracts
We make or receive cash transfers to or from commodity futures brokers on a daily basis reflecting changes in the value of futures contracts on the Intercontinental Exchange or various other exchanges. These changes in value represent unrealized gains and losses. The cash transfers offset higher or lower cash requirements for the payment of future invoice prices of raw materials, energy requirements and transportation costs.
Commodity Sensitivity Analysis
Our open commodity derivative contracts had a notional value of $313.2 million as of December 31, 2021 and $279.8 million as of December 31, 2020. At the end of 2021, the potential change in fair value of commodity derivative instruments, assuming a 10% decrease in the underlying commodity price, would have increased our net unrealized losses in 2021 by $34.8 million, generally offset by a reduction in the cost of the underlying commodity purchases.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 46

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 2 - Business Acquisitions and Divestitures
Note 3 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Note 4 - Short and Long-Term Debt
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements
Note 7 - Leases
Note 8 - Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Note 9 - Business Realignment Activities
Note 10 - Income Taxes
Note 11 - Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Note 12 - Stock Compensation Plans
Note 13 - Segment Information
Note 14 - Equity and Noncontrolling Interest
Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies
Note 16 - Earnings Per Share
Note 17 - Other (Income) Expense, Net
Note 18 - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 47
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of The Hershey Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Hershey Company (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 18, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 48
Valuation of Accrued Liabilities for Trade Promotion Activities
Description of the Matter The unsettled portion of the Company’s obligation for trade promotion activities at December 31, 2021 was $174.0 million. As discussed in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company promotes its products through programs such as, but not limited to, discounts, coupons, rebates, in-store display incentives, and volume-based incentives. The Company recognizes the estimated costs of these trade promotion activities as a component of variable consideration when determining the transaction price. The unsettled portion of the Company’s obligation for trade promotion activities is included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
Auditing management’s calculation of the unsettled portion of the Company’s obligation for trade promotion activities was highly subjective and required significant judgment as a result of the nature of the required estimates and assumptions. In particular, the estimates required an analysis of the programs offered, expectations regarding customer and consumer participation, historical sales and payment trends, and experience with payment patterns associated with similar programs offered in the past. The estimated cost of these programs is sensitive to changes in trends with regard to customer and consumer participation, particularly for new programs and for programs related to the introduction of new products.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the controls related to the Company’s calculation of the accrued liabilities for trade promotion activities. For example, we tested controls over management’s review of the completeness of the promotional activities as well as the significant assumptions and the data inputs utilized in the calculations.
To test the unsettled portion of the Company’s obligation for trade promotion activities, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing (1) the expected value estimation methodology used by management, (2) whether all material trade promotion activities were properly included in management’s estimate, and (3) the significant assumptions discussed above and the underlying data used in its analyses. Specifically, when evaluating the significant assumptions, we compared them to historical trends, third party data, and assumptions used in prior periods, and inspected management’s retrospective review of actual trade promotion activities compared to previous estimates. We also performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the estimate that would result from changes in the assumptions.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 49
Valuation of Identifiable Intangible Assets in Business Acquisitions
Description of the Matter As discussed in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed the acquisitions of Lily’s Sweets, LLC on June 25, 2021 for net consideration of $427.2 million, Dot’s Pretzels, LLC on December 13, 2021 for net consideration of $894.2 million, and Pretzels Inc. on December 14, 2021 for net consideration of $304.5 million in transactions that were accounted for as business combinations (collectively, “the Business Acquisitions”).
Auditing the Company’s accounting for the Business Acquisitions was complex due to the significant estimation uncertainty in the Company’s determination of the fair value of acquired identifiable intangible assets, which principally consisted of trademarks with an estimated fair value of $493.9 million in aggregate and customer relationships with an estimated fair value of $300.3 million in aggregate. The significant estimation uncertainty was primarily due to the sensitivity of the respective fair values to underlying assumptions about the future performance of the Business Acquisitions and due to the limited historical data on which those assumptions were based. The Company used a discounted cash flow model to measure these acquired identifiable intangible assets. The significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the trademarks and customer relationships included discount rates, royalty rates, customer attrition rates, and certain significant assumptions that formed the basis of projected cash flows, including forecasted revenue growth rates and operating margins. These significant assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s valuation of the acquired identifiable intangible assets. For example, we tested controls over the recognition and measurement of these intangible assets, including management’s review of the significant assumptions and methods discussed above.
To test the estimated fair value of the acquired trademarks and customer relationships, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, evaluating the Company’s selection of valuation methods and testing the models and significant assumptions discussed above, including the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. For example, we compared the significant assumptions to current industry, market, and economic trends and to the historical results of the Business Acquisitions. We also performed sensitivity analyses of these significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets that would result from changes in the assumptions. We involved our valuation specialists to assist in evaluating the significant assumptions and methodologies used by the Company.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 18, 2022
.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 50
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of The Hershey Company
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited The Hershey Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, The Hershey Company (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on the COSO criteria.
As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Lily’s Sweets, LLC, Dot’s Pretzels, LLC, or Pretzels Inc. (collectively, “the Acquired Companies”) which are included in the 2021 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 17.1% of total assets as of December 31, 2021 and 0.9% of net sales for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of the Acquired Companies.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) and our report dated February 18, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 51
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 18, 2022
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 52
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Net sales $ 8,971,337 $ 8,149,719 $ 7,986,252
Cost of sales 4,922,739 4,448,450 4,363,774
Gross profit 4,048,598 3,701,269 3,622,478
Selling, marketing and administrative expense 2,001,351 1,890,925 1,905,929
Long-lived and intangible asset impairment charges - 9,143 112,485
Business realignment costs 3,525 18,503 8,112
Operating profit
2,043,722 1,782,698 1,595,952
Interest expense, net 127,417 149,374 144,125
Other (income) expense, net 119,081 138,327 71,043
Income before income taxes 1,797,224 1,494,997 1,380,784
Provision for income taxes 314,405 219,584 234,032
Net income including noncontrolling interest 1,482,819 1,275,413 1,146,752
Less: Net gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 5,307 (3,295) (2,940)
Net income attributable to The Hershey Company
$ 1,477,512 $ 1,278,708 $ 1,149,692
Net income per share-basic:
Common stock $ 7.34 $ 6.30 $ 5.64
Class B common stock $ 6.68 $ 5.72 $ 5.12
Net income per share-diluted:
Common stock $ 7.11 $ 6.11 $ 5.46
Class B common stock $ 6.66 $ 5.71 $ 5.10
Dividends paid per share:
Common stock $ 3.410 $ 3.154 $ 2.990
Class B common stock $ 3.100 $ 2.866 $ 2.716
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 53
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
For the years ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Pre-Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit After-Tax Amount Pre-Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit After-Tax Amount Pre-Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit After-Tax Amount
Net income including noncontrolling interest $ 1,482,819 $ 1,275,413 $ 1,146,752
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains during period $ (1,500) $ - (1,500) $ (13,767) $ - (13,767) $ 13,141 $ - 13,141
Reclassification to earnings due to the sale of businesses 5,249 - 5,249 - - - - - -
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss) 67,728 (13,929) 53,799 (39,455) 9,351 (30,104) (9,315) 2,273 (7,042)
Reclassification to earnings 32,092 (8,067) 24,025 33,326 (8,240) 25,086 31,341 (8,256) 23,085
Cash flow hedges:
(Losses) gains on cash flow hedging derivatives (1,551) (2,989) (4,540) (780) 1,880 1,100 (2,515) 857 (1,658)
Reclassification to earnings 18,117 (1,034) 17,083 7,779 (3,156) 4,623 8,404 (2,949) 5,455
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ 120,135 $ (26,019) 94,116 $ (12,897) $ (165) (13,062) $ 41,056 $ (8,075) 32,981
Total comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest $ 1,576,935 $ 1,262,351 $ 1,179,733
Comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 10,556 (2,241) (2,773)
Comprehensive income attributable to The Hershey Company $ 1,566,379 $ 1,264,592 $ 1,182,506
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 54
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
December 31, 2021 2020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 329,266 $ 1,143,987
Accounts receivable-trade, net 671,464 615,233
Inventories 988,511 964,207
Prepaid expenses and other 256,965 254,478
Total current assets 2,246,206 2,977,905
Property, plant and equipment, net 2,586,187 2,285,255
Goodwill 2,633,174 1,988,215
Other intangibles 2,037,588 1,295,214
Other non-current assets 868,203 555,887
Deferred income taxes 40,873 29,369
Total assets $ 10,412,231 $ 9,131,845
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 692,338 $ 580,058
Accrued liabilities 855,638 781,766
Accrued income taxes 3,070 17,051
Short-term debt 939,423 74,041
Current portion of long-term debt 2,844 438,829
Total current liabilities 2,493,313 1,891,745
Long-term debt 4,086,627 4,089,755
Other long-term liabilities 787,058 683,434
Deferred income taxes 288,004 229,028
Total liabilities 7,655,002 6,893,962
Stockholders’ equity:
The Hershey Company stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, shares issued: none in 2021 and 2020
- -
Common stock, shares issued: 160,939,248 in 2021 and 2020
160,939 160,939
Class B common stock, shares issued: 60,613,777 in 2021 and 2020
60,614 60,614
Additional paid-in capital 1,260,331 1,191,200
Retained earnings 2,719,936 1,928,673
Treasury-common stock shares, at cost: 15,444,011 in 2021 and 13,325,898 in 2020
(1,195,376) (768,992)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (249,215) (338,082)
Total-The Hershey Company stockholders’ equity 2,757,229 2,234,352
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary - 3,531
Total stockholders’ equity 2,757,229 2,237,883
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,412,231 $ 9,131,845
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 55
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Operating Activities
Net income including noncontrolling interest $ 1,482,819 $ 1,275,413 $ 1,146,752
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 315,002 294,907 291,544
Stock-based compensation expense 66,711 57,584 51,899
Deferred income taxes 13,374 26,880 (15,072)
Impairment of long-lived and intangible assets (see Note 6)
- 9,143 112,485
Write-down of equity investments 113,756 125,579 50,457
Other 96,016 113,470 57,426
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts receivable-trade, net (14,642) (55,537) 40,252
Inventories 21,457 (151,918) (21,194)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 8,619 2,493 13,593
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 39,732 41,470 41,101
Accrued income taxes (29,682) (16,158) (9,544)
Contributions to pension and other benefit plans (51,100) (11,671) (20,134)
Other assets and liabilities 20,822 (11,998) 24,308
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,082,884 1,699,657 1,763,873
Investing Activities
Capital additions (including software) (495,877) (441,626) (318,192)
Equity investments in tax credit qualifying partnerships (128,417) (87,211) (80,230)
Business acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired (1,601,073) - (402,160)
Other investing activities 2,539 (2,443) 20,102
Net cash used in investing activities (2,222,828) (531,280) (780,480)
Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt 869,030 41,759 (1,168,205)
Long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs - 989,876 989,618
Repayment of long-term debt and finance leases (439,444) (704,467) (6,151)
Cash dividends paid (685,987) (640,732) (610,312)
Repurchase of common stock (457,946) (211,196) (527,211)
Exercise of stock options 33,211 25,532 240,806
Net cash used in financing activities (681,136) (499,228) (1,081,455)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (5,075) (6,990) 3,326
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents, including cash classified as held for sale (826,155) 662,159 (94,736)
Less: Decrease (increase) in cash and cash equivalents classified as held for sale 11,434 (11,434) -
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (814,721) 650,725 (94,736)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1,143,987 493,262 587,998
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 329,266 $ 1,143,987 $ 493,262
Supplemental Disclosure
Interest paid $ 127,726 $ 150,930 $ 139,504
Income taxes paid 275,171 215,491 238,067
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 56
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
Preferred
Stock Common
Stock Class B
Common
Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital Retained
Earnings Treasury
Common
Stock Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Noncontrolling
Interests in
Subsidiaries Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance, January 1, 2019
$ - $ 299,287 $ 60,614 $ 982,205 $ 7,032,020 $ (6,618,625) $ (356,780) $ 8,545 $ 1,407,266
Net income (loss) 1,149,692 (2,940) 1,146,752
Other comprehensive income 32,814 167 32,981
Dividends (including dividend equivalents):
Common Stock, $2.990 per share
(445,618) (445,618)
Class B Common Stock, $2.716 per share
(164,627) (164,627)
Stock-based compensation 50,732 50,732
Exercise of stock options and incentive-based transactions 109,273 131,533 240,806
Repurchase of common stock (527,211) (527,211)
Retirement of treasury common stock (138,348) (6,284,919) 6,423,267 -
Impact of ASU 2016-02 related to leases 3,913 3,913
Balance, December 31, 2019
- 160,939 60,614 1,142,210 1,290,461 (591,036) (323,966) 5,772 1,744,994
Net income (loss) 1,278,708 (3,295) 1,275,413
Other comprehensive (loss) income (14,116) 1,054 (13,062)
Dividends (including dividend equivalents):
Common Stock, $3.154 per share
(466,777) (466,777)
Class B Common Stock, $2.866 per share
(173,719) (173,719)
Stock-based compensation 56,698 56,698
Exercise of stock options and incentive-based transactions (7,708) 33,240 25,532
Repurchase of common stock (211,196) (211,196)
Balance, December 31, 2020
- 160,939 60,614 1,191,200 1,928,673 (768,992) (338,082) 3,531 2,237,883
Net income 1,477,512 5,307 1,482,819
Other comprehensive income 88,867 5,249 94,116
Dividends (including dividend equivalents):
Common Stock, $3.410 per share
(498,346) (498,346)
Class B Common Stock, $3.100 per share
(187,903) (187,903)
Stock-based compensation 67,482 67,482
Exercise of stock options and incentive-based transactions 1,649 31,562 33,211
Repurchase of common stock (457,946) (457,946)
Divestiture of noncontrolling interest (1,436) (1,436)
Distributions to joint venture partner (8,750) (8,750)
Other (3,901) (3,901)
Balance, December 31, 2021
$ - $ 160,939 $ 60,614 $ 1,260,331 $ 2,719,936 $ (1,195,376) $ (249,215) $ - $ 2,757,229
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 57
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business
The Hershey Company together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which it has a controlling interest, (the “Company,” “Hershey,” “we” or “us”) is a global confectionery leader known for its branded portfolio of chocolate, sweets, mints and other great tasting snacks. The Company has more than 100 brands worldwide including such iconic brand names as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kisses, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers, which are marketed, sold and distributed in approximately 80 countries worldwide. Hershey’s structure is designed to ensure continued focus on North America, coupled with an emphasis on profitable growth in our focus international markets. Since December 31, 2014, the Company has reported its operations through two segments: (i) North America and (ii) International and Other. After the completion of the Company’s acquisitions of Dot’s Pretzels, LLC (“Dot’s”) and Pretzels Inc.(“Pretzels”) in December 2021, management of the Company has elected to begin reporting its operations through three reportable segments. Therefore, effective in the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company realigned its former two reportable segments into three reportable segments: (i) North America Confectionery, (ii) North America Salty Snacks and (iii) International. For additional information on our segment presentation, see Note 13.
Basis of Presentation
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Hershey Company and its majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. We have a controlling financial interest if we own a majority of the outstanding voting common stock and minority shareholders do not have substantive participating rights, we have significant control through contractual or economic interests in which we are the primary beneficiary or we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. We use the equity method of accounting when we have a 20% to 50% interest in other companies and exercise significant influence. See Note 14 for information on our noncontrolling interest, which was divested in January 2021. In addition, we use the equity method of accounting for our investments in partnership entities which make equity investments in projects eligible to receive federal historic and energy tax credits. See Note 10 for additional information on our equity investments in partnership entities qualifying for tax credits. Other investments that are not controlled, and over which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the cost method. Both equity and cost method investments are included as Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates, see Note 8.
COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization designated coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) as a global pandemic. We continue to actively monitor COVID-19 and its potential impact on our operations and financial results. Employee health and safety remains our first priority while we continue our efforts to support community food supplies. Since the onset of COVID-19, there has been minimal disruption to our supply chain network, and all our manufacturing plants are currently open. However, during 2021, continued strong demand for consumer goods and the effects of COVID-19 mitigation strategies have led to broad-based supply chain disruptions across the U.S. and globally, including inflation on many consumer products, labor shortages and demand outpacing supply. We are working closely with our business units, contract manufacturers, distributors, contractors and other external business partners to minimize the potential impact on our business.
The ultimate impact that COVID-19 will have on our consolidated financial statements remains uncertain and ultimately will be dictated by the length and severity of the pandemic, including broad-based supply chain disruptions, rising levels of inflation, the spread of COVID-19 variants or resurgences, as well as the economic recovery and actions taken in response by local, state and national governments around the world, including the distribution of vaccinations. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of these potential and evolving impacts to our business and consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Our significant estimates and assumptions include, among others, pension and other post-retirement benefit plan assumptions, valuation assumptions of goodwill and other intangible assets, useful lives of long-lived assets, marketing and trade promotion accruals and income taxes. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, and the effects of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period that they are determined. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
The majority of our revenue contracts represent a single performance obligation related to the fulfillment of customer orders for the purchase of our products, including chocolate, sweets, mints and other grocery and snack offerings. Net sales reflect the transaction prices for these contracts based on our selling list price which is then reduced by estimated costs for trade promotional programs, consumer incentives, and allowances and discounts associated with aged or potentially unsaleable products. We recognize revenue at the point in time that control of the ordered product(s) is transferred to the customer, which is typically upon delivery to the customer or other customer-designated delivery point. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as accounts receivables on the balance sheet and require payment on a short-term basis.
Our trade promotional programs and consumer incentives are used to promote our products and include, but are not limited to, discounts, coupons, rebates, in-store display incentives, and volume-based incentives. The estimated costs associated with these programs and incentives are based upon our analysis of the programs offered, expectations regarding customer and consumer participation, historical sales and payment trends, and our experience with payment patterns associated with similar programs offered in the past. The estimated costs of these programs are reasonably likely to change in future periods due to changes in trends with regard to customer and consumer participation, particularly for new programs and for programs related to the introduction of new products. Differences between estimated expense and actual program performance are recognized as a change in estimate in a subsequent period and are normally not significant. During 2021, 2020 and 2019, actual promotional costs have not deviated from the estimated amount by more than 3%. The Company’s unsettled portion remaining in accrued liabilities at year-end for these activities was $174,046 and $195,563 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
We also recognize a minor amount of royalty income (less than 1% of our consolidated net sales) from sales-based licensing arrangements, pursuant to which revenue is recognized as the third-party licensee sales occur. Shipping and handling costs incurred to deliver product to the customer are recorded within cost of sales. Sales, value add and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue.
The majority of our products are confectionery or confectionery-based and, therefore, exhibit similar economic characteristics, as they are based on similar ingredients and are marketed and sold through the same channels to the same customers. In connection with our recent acquisitions, we have expanded our portfolio of salty snacking products, which also exhibit similar economic characteristics to our confectionery products and are sold through the same channels to the same customers. See Note 13 for revenues reported by geographic segment, which is consistent with how we organize and manage our operations, as well as product line net sales information.
In 2021, 2020 and 2019, approximately 30%, 31% and 30%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales were made to McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest wholesale distributors in the United States to convenience stores, drug stores, wholesale clubs and mass merchandisers and the primary distributor of our products to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales represents costs directly related to the manufacture and distribution of our products. Primary costs include raw materials, packaging, direct labor, overhead, shipping and handling, warehousing and the depreciation of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities. Manufacturing overhead and related expenses include salaries, wages, employee benefits, utilities, maintenance and property taxes.
Selling, Marketing and Administrative Expense
Selling, marketing and administrative expense (“SM&A”) represents costs incurred in generating revenues and in managing our business. Such costs include advertising and other marketing expenses, selling expenses, research and development costs, administrative and other indirect overhead costs, amortization of capitalized software and intangible assets and depreciation of administrative facilities. Research and development costs, charged to expense as incurred, totaled $40,107 in 2021, $37,577 in 2020 and $37,146 in 2019. Advertising expense is also charged to expense as incurred and totaled $511,798 in 2021, $516,936 in 2020 and $513,302 in 2019. There was no prepaid advertising expense as of December 31, 2021 and $705 as of December 31, 2020.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments, time deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates the carrying amount.
Accounts Receivable-Trade
In the normal course of business, we extend credit to customers that satisfy pre-defined credit criteria, based upon the results of our recurring financial account reviews and our evaluation of current and projected economic conditions. Our primary concentration of credit risk is associated with McLane Company, Inc., one customer served principally by our North America Confectionery segment. As of December 31, 2021, McLane Company, Inc. accounted for approximately 27% of our total accounts receivable. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our year-end accounts receivable. We believe that we have little concentration of credit risk associated with the remainder of our customer base. Accounts receivable-trade in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is presented net of allowances for bad debts and anticipated discounts of $28,837 and $24,975 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value, adjusted for the value of inventory that is estimated to be excess, obsolete or otherwise unsaleable. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 60% of our inventories, representing the majority of our United States (“U.S.”) inventories, were valued under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. The remainder of our inventories in the U.S. and inventories for our international businesses were valued at the lower of first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) cost or net realizable value. LIFO cost of inventories valued using the LIFO method was $589,850 as of December 31, 2021 and $606,282 as of December 31, 2020. The adjustment to LIFO, as shown in Note 18, approximates the excess of replacement cost over the stated LIFO inventory value. The net impact of LIFO acquisitions and liquidations was not material to 2021, 2020 or 2019.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment; and 25 to 40 years for buildings and related improvements. At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, property, plant and equipment included assets under finance lease arrangements with net book values totaling $72,496 and $88,065, respectively. Total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $230,638, $219,021 and $218,096, respectively, and included depreciation on assets recorded under finance lease arrangements. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We capitalize applicable interest charges incurred during the construction of new facilities and production lines and amortize these costs over the assets’ estimated useful lives.
We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We measure the recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of long-lived assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
If these assets are considered to be impaired, we measure impairment as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. We report assets held for sale or disposal at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
We assess asset retirement obligations on a periodic basis and recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. We capitalize associated asset retirement costs as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.
Computer Software
We capitalize costs associated with software developed or obtained for internal use when both the preliminary project stage is completed and it is probable the software being developed will be completed and placed in service. Capitalized costs include only (i) external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, (ii) payroll and other related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the internal-use software project and (iii) interest costs incurred, when material, while developing internal-use software. We cease capitalization of such costs no later than the point at which the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended purpose.
The unamortized amount of capitalized software totaled $260,656 and $187,673 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We amortize software costs using the straight-line method over the expected life of the software, generally 3 to 7 years. Accumulated amortization of capitalized software was $321,939 and $360,579 as of 2021 and 2020, respectively. Such amounts are recorded within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We review the carrying value of software and development costs for impairment in accordance with our policy pertaining to the impairment of long-lived assets.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated for impairment annually or more often if indicators of a potential impairment are present. Our annual impairment tests are conducted at the beginning of the fourth quarter. We test goodwill for impairment by performing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. If we choose to perform a qualitative assessment, we evaluate economic, industry and company-specific factors in assessing the fair value of the related reporting unit. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative test is then performed. Otherwise, no further testing is required. For those reporting units tested using a quantitative approach, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, impairment is indicated, requiring recognition of a goodwill impairment charge for the differential (up to the carrying value of goodwill). We test individual indefinite-lived intangible assets by comparing the estimated fair values with the book values of each asset.
We determine the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets using an income approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate the future cash flows used to measure fair value. Our estimates of future cash flows consider past performance, current and anticipated market conditions and internal projections and operating plans which incorporate estimates for sales growth and profitability, and cash flows associated with taxes and capital spending. Additional assumptions include forecasted growth rates, estimated discount rates, which may be risk-adjusted for the operating market of the reporting unit, and estimated royalty rates that would be charged for comparable branded licenses. We believe such assumptions also reflect current and anticipated market conditions and are consistent with those that would be used by other marketplace participants for similar valuation purposes. Such assumptions are subject to change due to changing economic and competitive conditions.
The cost of intangible assets with finite useful lives is amortized on a straight-line basis. Our finite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of certain trademarks, customer-related intangible assets and patents obtained through business acquisitions. The weighted-average amortization period for our finite-lived intangible assets is approximately 30 years, which is primarily driven by recently acquired trademarks. If certain events or changes in operating conditions indicate that the carrying value of these assets, or related asset groups, may not be recoverable, we perform an
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
impairment assessment and may adjust the remaining useful lives. See Note 3 for additional information regarding the results of impairment tests.
Currency Translation
The financial statements of our foreign entities with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars, with the resulting translation adjustments recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while income and expense items are translated using the average exchange rates during the period.
Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments principally to offset exposure to market risks arising from changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. See Note 5 for additional information on our risk management strategy and the types of instruments we use.
Derivative instruments are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. When we become party to a derivative instrument and intend to apply hedge accounting, we designate the instrument for financial reporting purposes as a cash flow or fair value hedge. The accounting for changes in fair value (gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether we have designated it and it qualified as part of a hedging relationship, as noted below:
•Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to the extent effective and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the transaction hedged by that derivative also affects earnings.
•Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a fair value hedge, along with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the risk being hedged, are recorded in earnings, thereby reflecting in earnings the net extent to which the hedge is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value.
•Changes in the fair value of a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument are recognized in earnings in cost of sales or SM&A, consistent with the related exposure.
For derivatives designated as hedges, we assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether they are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The ineffective portion, if any, is recorded directly in earnings. In addition, if we determine that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.
We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes and are not a party to any instruments with leverage or prepayment features.
Cash flows related to the derivative instruments we use to manage interest, commodity or other currency exposures are classified as operating activities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which modifies the disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement plans. ASU 2018-14 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. We elected to early adopt the provisions of this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2019. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial instruments. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
periods within those annual periods. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis to all periods presented. We adopted the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of 2020. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying or adding certain disclosures. ASU 2018-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. We adopted the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of 2020. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We adopted the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of 2020 on a prospective basis. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This ASU is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifying certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistency among reporting entities. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all the amendments in the same period. Most amendments within this ASU are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. We adopted the provisions of this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2020. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The ASU is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. Entities may apply this ASU upon issuance through December 31, 2022 on a prospective basis. We intend to early adopt the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of 2022. Adoption of the new standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. This ASU requires an acquirer to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) rather than adjust them to fair value at the acquisition date. ASU 2021-08 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those annual periods. This ASU should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the date of adoption. Evaluation of this new standard is dependent on multiple circumstances including the timing and complexity of completed business combinations. As a result, we intend to adopt the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of 2023.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year had or is expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
2. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for as business combinations and, accordingly, the results of operations of the businesses acquired have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the respective dates of the acquisitions. The purchase price for each acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
In conjunction with acquisitions noted below, we used various valuation techniques to determine fair value of the assets acquired, with the primary techniques being discounted cash flow analysis, relief-from-royalty, a form of the multi-period excess earnings and the with-and-without valuation approaches, which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy. Inputs to these valuation approaches require significant judgment including: (i) forecasted sales, growth rates and customer attrition rates, (ii) forecasted operating margins, (iii) royalty rates and discount rates used to present value future cash flows, (iv) the amount of synergies expected from the acquisition, (v) the economic useful life of assets and (vi) the evaluation of historical tax positions. In certain acquisitions, historical data is limited, therefore, we base our estimates and assumptions on budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data.
2021 Activity
Pretzels Inc.
On December 14, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Pretzels Inc. (“Pretzels”), previously a privately held company that manufactures and sells pretzels and other salty snacks for other branded products and private labels in the United States. Pretzels is an industry leader in the pretzel category with a product portfolio that includes filled, gluten free and seasoned pretzels, as well as extruded snacks that complements Hershey’s snacks portfolio. Based in Bluffton, Indiana, Pretzels operates three manufacturing locations in Indiana and Kansas. Pretzels provides Hershey deep pretzel category and product expertise and the manufacturing capabilities to support brand growth and future pretzel innovation. The initial cash consideration paid for Pretzels totaled $304,477 and consisted of cash on hand and short-term borrowings. Acquisition-related costs for the Pretzels acquisition were immaterial.
The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, Pretzels has been included within the North America Salty Snacks segments from the date of acquisition. The purchase consideration was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values as follows:
Initial Allocation
Goodwill $ 165,301
Other intangible assets 32,100
Current assets acquired 30,717
Property, plant and equipment, net 96,099
Other non-current assets, primarily operating lease ROU assets 111,787
Deferred income taxes 541
Current liabilities acquired (22,713)
Other long-term liabilities, primarily operating lease liabilities (109,355)
Net assets acquired $ 304,477
The purchase price allocation presented above is preliminary. We are in the process of evaluating additional information necessary to finalize the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date including, but not limited to, post-closing adjustments to the working capital acquired including certain holdbacks, as well as the valuation and step-up on property, plant and equipment. The final fair value determination could result in material adjustments to the values presented in the preliminary purchase price allocation, including other intangible assets, goodwill and the related tax impact of such adjustments. We expect to finalize the purchase price allocation by mid-2022.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Goodwill was determined as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including the identifiable intangible assets). A portion of goodwill derived from this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes and reflects the value of leveraging our brand building expertise, supply chain capabilities and retail relationships to accelerate growth and access to the portfolio of Pretzels’ products.
Other intangible assets include trademarks valued at $5,700 and customer relationships valued at $26,400. Trademarks were assigned an estimated useful life of five years and customer relationships were assigned an estimated useful life of 18 years.
Dot's Pretzels, LLC
On December 13, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Dot’s Pretzels, LLC (“Dot’s”), previously a privately held company that produces and sells pretzels and other snack food products to retailers and distributors in the United States, with Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels snacks as its primary product. Dot’s is the fastest-growing scale brand in the pretzel category and complements Hershey’s snacks portfolio. The initial cash consideration paid for Dot’s totaled $894,166 and consisted of cash on hand and short-term borrowings. Acquisition-related costs for the Dot’s acquisition were immaterial.
The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, Dot’s has been included within the North America Salty Snacks segment from the date of acquisition. The purchase consideration was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values as follows:
Initial Allocation
Goodwill $ 303,345
Other intangible assets 526,300
Current assets acquired 51,121
Property, plant and equipment, net 39,256
Other non-current assets 2,201
Other liabilities assumed, primarily current liabilities (28,057)
Net assets acquired $ 894,166
The purchase price allocation presented above is preliminary. We are in the process of evaluating additional information necessary to finalize the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date including, but not limited to, post-closing adjustments to the working capital acquired including certain holdbacks, as well as the valuation and step-up on property, plant and equipment. The final fair value determination could result in material adjustments to the values presented in the preliminary purchase price allocation, including other intangible assets and goodwill. We expect to finalize the purchase price allocation by mid-2022.
Goodwill was determined as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including the identifiable intangible assets). The goodwill derived from this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes and reflects the value of leveraging our brand building expertise, supply chain capabilities and retail relationships to accelerate growth and access to the portfolio of Dot’s products.
Other intangible assets include trademarks valued at $336,600 and customer relationships valued at $189,700. Trademarks were assigned an estimated useful life of 33 years and customer relationships were assigned estimated useful lives ranging from 16 to 18 years.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Lily's Sweets, LLC
On June 25, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Lily’s Sweets, LLC (“Lily’s”), previously a privately held company that sells a line of sugar-free and low-sugar confectionery foods to retailers and distributors in the United States and Canada. Lily’s products include dark and milk chocolate style bars, baking chips, peanut butter cups and other confection products that complement Hershey’s confectionery and confectionery-based portfolio. The cash consideration paid for Lily’s totaled $422,210 and the Company may be required to pay additional cash consideration if certain defined targets related to net sales and gross margin are exceeded during the period from the closing date through December 31, 2021. As of the acquisition date, the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration obligation was classified as a liability of $5,000 and was determined using a scenario-based analysis on forecasted future results. Based on financial results through December 31, 2021, the fair value was reduced during the fourth quarter of 2021 to $1,250, with the adjustment to fair value recorded in the selling, marketing and administrative (“SM&A”) expense caption within the Consolidated Statements of Income. Acquisition-related costs for the Lily’s acquisition were immaterial.
The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, Lily’s has been included within the North America Confectionery segment from the date of acquisition. The purchase consideration, inclusive of the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration, was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values as follows:
Goodwill $ 175,826
Other intangible assets 235,800
Other assets acquired, primarily current assets 33,092
Other liabilities assumed, primarily current liabilities (9,620)
Deferred income taxes (7,888)
Net assets acquired $ 427,210
The purchase price allocation presented above has been finalized as of the fourth quarter of 2021 and includes an immaterial amount of measurement period adjustments. The measurement period adjustments to the initial allocation were based on more detailed information obtained about the specific assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
Goodwill was determined as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including the identifiable intangible assets). The majority of goodwill derived from this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes and reflects the value of leveraging our brand building expertise, supply chain capabilities and retail relationships to accelerate growth and access to the portfolio of Lily’s products.
Other intangible assets include trademarks valued at $151,600 and customer relationships valued at $84,200. Trademarks were assigned an estimated useful life of 33 years and customer relationships were assigned estimated useful lives ranging from 17 to 18 years.
Lotte Shanghai Foods Co., Ltd.
In January 2021, we completed the divestiture of Lotte Shanghai Foods Co., Ltd. (“LSFC”), which was previously included within the International segment results in our consolidated financial statements. Total proceeds from the divestiture and the impact on our consolidated financial statements were immaterial and were recorded in the SM&A expense caption within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
2020 Activity
During the second quarter of 2020, we completed the divestitures of KRAVE Pure Foods, Inc. (“Krave”), which was previously included within the North America Salty Snacks segment, and the Scharffen Berger and Dagoba brands, both of which were previously included within the North America Confectionery segment results in our consolidated financial statements. Total proceeds from the divestitures and the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income, both individually and on an aggregate basis, were immaterial.
2019 Activity
ONE Brands, LLC
On September 23, 2019, we completed the acquisition of ONE Brands, LLC (“ONE Brands”), previously a privately held company that sells a line of low-sugar, high-protein nutrition bars to retailers and distributors in the United States, with the ONE bar as its primary product. The purchase consideration for ONE Brands totaled $402,160 and consisted of cash on hand and short-term borrowings. Acquisition-related costs for the ONE Brands acquisition were immaterial.
The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, ONE Brands has been included within the North America Confectionery segment from the date of acquisition. The purchase consideration was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values as follows:
Goodwill $ 180,065
Other intangible assets 206,800
Other assets acquired, primarily current assets 25,435
Other liabilities assumed, primarily current liabilities (10,140)
Net assets acquired $ 402,160
The purchase price allocation presented above has been finalized as of the first quarter of 2020 and includes an immaterial amount of measurement period adjustments. The measurement period adjustments to the initial allocation were based on more detailed information obtained about the specific assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
Goodwill was determined as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including the identifiable intangible assets). The goodwill derived from this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes and reflects the value of leveraging our brand building expertise, supply chain capabilities and retail relationships to accelerate growth and access to the portfolio of ONE Brands products.
Other intangible assets include trademarks valued at $144,900, customer relationships valued at $58,800 and covenants not to compete valued at $3,100. Trademarks were assigned an estimated useful life of 33 years, customer relationships were assigned estimated useful lives ranging from 17 to 19 years and covenants not to compete were assigned an estimated useful life of 4 years.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
3. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
North America Confectionery North America Salty Snacks International Total
Goodwill $ 1,851,287 $ 121,152 $ 375,864 $ 2,348,303
Accumulated impairment loss (4,973) - (357,375) (362,348)
Balance at January 1, 2020
1,846,314 121,152 18,489 1,985,955
Measurement period adjustments 825 - - 825
Foreign currency translation 2,154 - (719) 1,435
Balance at December 31, 2020
1,849,293 121,152 17,770 1,988,215
Acquired during the period (see Note 2)
174,516 468,646 - 643,162
Measurement period adjustments (see Note 2)
1,310 - - 1,310
Foreign currency translation 887 - (400) 487
Balance at December 31, 2021
$ 2,026,006 $ 589,798 $ 17,370 $ 2,633,174
We had no goodwill impairment charges in 2021, 2020 or 2019.
The following table provides the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible asset:
December 31, 2021 2020
Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Trademarks
$ 1,705,390 $ (141,760) $ 1,211,086 $ (104,939)
Customer-related
504,667 (65,131) 204,101 (49,616)
Patents
8,623 (8,623) 8,556 (8,542)
Total
2,218,680 (215,514) 1,423,743 (163,097)
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Trademarks
34,422 34,568
Total other intangible assets
$ 2,037,588 $ 1,295,214
In 2019, sales and operating performance associated with our Krave business were below expectations. In the fourth quarter of 2019, as part of a strategic review initiated by our leadership team, we updated our strategic forecast which projected under performance related to the Krave business primarily due to mainstream brands driving category volume and an increase in the overall competitive landscape. We deemed this to be a triggering event requiring us to test our Krave long-lived asset group for impairment. Based on our assessment, we determined that the carrying value was not recoverable and calculated an impairment loss as the excess of the asset group’s carrying value over its fair value. Therefore, as a result of this testing, during the fourth quarter of 2019, we recorded an impairment charge totaling $100,131 to write down the long-lived asset group, which predominantly consisted of customer relationship and trademark intangible assets.
Total amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $52,124, $46,472 and $46,690, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Amortization expense for the next five years, based on current intangible asset balances, is estimated to be as follows:
Year ending December 31, 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Amortization expense $ 79,298 $ 79,105 $ 78,523 $ 78,523 $ 78,523
4. SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Short-term Debt
As a source of short-term financing, we utilize cash on hand and commercial paper or bank loans with an original maturity of three months or less. We maintain a $1.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with the option to increase borrowings by an additional $500 million with the consent of the lenders. This facility is scheduled to expire on July 2, 2024; however, we may extend the termination date for up to two additional one-year periods upon notice to the administrative agent under the facility.
The unsecured committed revolving credit agreement contains a financial covenant whereby the ratio of (a) pre-tax income from operations from the most recent four fiscal quarters to (b) consolidated interest expense for the most recent four fiscal quarters may not be less than 2.0 to 1.0 at the end of each fiscal quarter. The credit agreement also contains customary representations, warranties and events of default. Payment of outstanding advances may be accelerated, at the option of the lenders, should we default in our obligation under the credit agreement. As of December 31, 2021, we are in compliance with all affirmative and negative covenants and the financial covenant pertaining to our credit agreement. There were no significant compensating balance agreements that legally restricted these funds.
In addition to the revolving credit facility, we maintain lines of credit with domestic and international commercial banks. Our credit limit in various currencies was $280,650 at December 31, 2021 and $266,935 at December 31, 2020. These lines permit us to borrow at the respective banks’ prime commercial interest rates, or lower. Commitment fees relating to our revolving credit facility and lines of credit are not material. Short-term debt consisted of the following:
December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020
Short-term foreign bank borrowings against lines of credit $ 119,038 $ 74,041
U.S. commercial paper 820,385 -
Total short-term debt $ 939,423 $ 74,041
Weighted average interest rate on outstanding commercial paper 0.1 % N/A
The maximum amount of short-term borrowings outstanding during 2021 and 2020 was $939,423 and $944,944, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding was 0.2% as of December 31, 2021 and 1.2% as of December 31, 2020.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
December 31,
Maturity Date 2021 2020
8.800% Debentures (1)
February 15, 2021 $ - $ 84,715
3.100% Notes (1)
May 15, 2021 - 350,000
2.625% Notes
May 1, 2023 250,000 250,000
3.375% Notes
May 15, 2023 500,000 500,000
2.050% Notes
November 15, 2024 300,000 300,000
0.900% Notes (2)
June 1, 2025 300,000 300,000
3.200% Notes
August 21, 2025 300,000 300,000
2.300% Notes
August 15, 2026 500,000 500,000
7.200% Debentures
August 15, 2027 193,639 193,639
2.450% Notes
November 15, 2029 300,000 300,000
1.700% Notes (2)
June 1, 2030 350,000 350,000
3.375% Notes
August 15, 2046 300,000 300,000
3.125% Notes
November 15, 2049 400,000 400,000
2.650% Notes (2)
June 1, 2050 350,000 350,000
Finance lease obligations (see Note 7)
69,146 80,755
Net impact of interest rate swaps, debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discounts (23,314) (30,525)
Total long-term debt 4,089,471 4,528,584
Less-current portion 2,844 438,829
Long-term portion $ 4,086,627 $ 4,089,755
(1)In February 2021, we repaid $84,715 of 8.800% Debentures due upon their maturity. In May 2021, we repaid $350,000 of 3.100% Notes due upon their maturity.
(2)During the second quarter of 2020, we issued $300,000 of 0.900% Notes due in 2025, $350,000 of 1.700% Notes due in 2030 and $350,000 of 2.650% Notes due in 2050 (the “2020 Notes”). Proceeds from the issuance of the 2020 Notes, net of discounts and issuance costs, totaled $989,876. The 2020 Notes were issued under a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed in May 2018 that registered an indeterminate amount of debt securities.
Additionally, in May 2020, we repaid $350,000 of 2.900% Notes due upon their maturity, and in December 2020, we repaid $350,000 of 4.125% Notes due upon their maturity.
Aggregate annual maturities of our long-term Notes (excluding finance lease obligations and net impact of interest rate swaps, debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discounts) are as follows for the years ending December 31:
2022 $ -
2023 750,000
2024 300,000
2025 600,000
2026 500,000
Thereafter 1,893,639
Our debt is principally unsecured and of equal priority. None of our debt is convertible into our Common Stock.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Interest Expense
Net interest expense consists of the following:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Interest expense $ 139,156 $ 160,204 $ 157,707
Capitalized interest
(9,310) (6,733) (5,585)
Interest expense
129,846 153,471 152,122
Interest income (2,429) (4,097) (7,997)
Interest expense, net
$ 127,417 $ 149,374 $ 144,125
5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We are exposed to market risks arising principally from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. We use certain derivative instruments to manage these risks. These include interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk, foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk, and commodities futures and options contracts to manage commodity market price risk exposures.
In entering into these contracts, we have assumed the risk that might arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. We mitigate this risk by entering into exchanged-traded contracts with collateral posting requirements and/or by performing financial assessments prior to contract execution, conducting periodic evaluations of counterparty performance and maintaining a diverse portfolio of qualified counterparties. We do not expect any significant losses from counterparty defaults.
Commodity Price Risk
We enter into commodities futures and options contracts and other commodity derivative instruments to reduce the effect of future price fluctuations associated with the purchase of raw materials, energy requirements and transportation services. We generally hedge commodity price risks for 3- to 24-month periods. Our open commodity derivative contracts had a notional value of $313,200 as of December 31, 2021 and $279,843 as of December 31, 2020.
Derivatives used to manage commodity price risk are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. Therefore, the changes in fair value of these derivatives are recorded as incurred within cost of sales. As discussed in Note 13, we define our segment income to exclude gains and losses on commodity derivatives until the related inventory is sold, at which time the related gains and losses are reflected within segment income. This enables us to continue to align the derivative gains and losses with the underlying economic exposure being hedged and thereby eliminate the mark-to-market volatility within our reported segment income.
Foreign Exchange Price Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk related to our international operations, including non-functional currency intercompany debt and other non-functional currency transactions of certain subsidiaries. Principal currencies hedged include the euro, Canadian dollar, Japanese yen, British pound, Brazilian real, Malaysian ringgit, Mexican peso and Swiss franc. We typically utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge these exposures for periods ranging from 3 to 12 months. The contracts are either designated as cash flow hedges or are undesignated. The net notional amount of foreign exchange contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges was $94,623 at December 31, 2021 and $130,131 at December 31, 2020. The effective portion of the changes in fair value on these contracts is recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The net notional amount of foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as accounting hedges was $2,993 at December 31, 2021 and $2,519 at December 31, 2020. The change in fair value on these instruments is recorded directly in cost of sales or selling, marketing and administrative expense, depending on the nature of the underlying exposure.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Interest Rate Risk
We manage our targeted mix of fixed and floating rate debt with debt issuances and by entering into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps in order to mitigate fluctuations in earnings and cash flows that may result from interest rate volatility. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges, for which the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item are recognized in current earnings as interest expense (income), net. In December 2020, our fixed-to-floating interest rate swap matured in connection with the repayment of certain long-term debt upon its maturity (see Note 4). Therefore, as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had no interest rate swap derivative instruments in a fair value hedging relationship.
In order to manage interest rate exposure, in previous years we utilized interest rate swap agreements to protect against unfavorable interest rate changes relating to forecasted debt transactions. These swaps, which were settled upon issuance of the related debt, were designated as cash flow hedges and the gains and losses that were deferred in other comprehensive income are being recognized as an adjustment to interest expense over the same period that the hedged interest payments affect earnings.
Equity Price Risk
We are exposed to market price changes in certain broad market indices related to our deferred compensation obligations to our employees. To mitigate this risk, we use equity swap contracts to hedge the portion of the exposure that is linked to market-level equity returns. These contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and are entered into for periods of 3 to 12 months. The change in fair value of these derivatives is recorded in selling, marketing and administrative expense, together with the change in the related liabilities. The notional amount of the contracts outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $24,975 and $30,194, respectively.
The following table presents the classification of derivative assets and liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
December 31, 2021 2020
Assets (1) Liabilities (1) Assets (1) Liabilities (1)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts $ 2,949 $ 711 $ 2,388 $ 5,522
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodities futures and options (2) 2,423 1,376 3,299 1,648
Deferred compensation derivatives 2,412 - 3,630 -
Foreign exchange contracts 550 - 176 93
5,385 1,376 7,105 1,741
Total $ 8,334 $ 2,087 $ 9,493 $ 7,263
(1)Derivatives assets are classified on our Consolidated Balance Sheets within prepaid expenses and other as well as other non-current assets. Derivative liabilities are classified on our Consolidated Balance Sheets within accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities.
(2)As of December 31, 2021, amounts reflected on a net basis in liabilities were assets of $31,774 and liabilities of $32,701, which are associated with cash transfers receivable or payable on commodities futures contracts reflecting the change in quoted market prices on the last trading day for the period. The comparable amounts reflected on a net basis in assets at December 31, 2020 were assets of $32,674 and liabilities of $29,376. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the remaining amount reflected in assets and liabilities related to the fair value of other non-exchange traded derivative instruments, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Income Statement Impact of Derivative Instruments
The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:
Non-designated Hedges Cash Flow Hedges
Gains (losses) recognized in income (a) Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into income (b)
2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Commodities futures and options
$ 85,402 $ 6,593 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Foreign exchange contracts 547 (1,584) (1,551) (780) (7,145) 1,810
Interest rate swap agreements
- - - - (10,972) (9,589)
Deferred compensation derivatives
6,004 4,934 - - - -
Total
$ 91,953 $ 9,943 $ (1,551) $ (780) $ (18,117) $ (7,779)
(a)Gains (losses) recognized in income for non-designated commodities futures and options contracts were included in cost of sales. Gains (losses) recognized in income for non-designated foreign currency forward exchange contracts and deferred compensation derivatives were included in selling, marketing and administrative expenses.
(b)Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into income for foreign currency forward exchange contracts were included in selling, marketing and administrative expenses. Losses reclassified from AOCI into income for interest rate swap agreements were included in interest expense.
The amount of pretax net losses on derivative instruments, including interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency forward exchange contracts expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months was approximately $8,734 as of December 31, 2021. This amount is primarily associated with interest rate swap agreements.
Fair Value Hedging Relationships
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had no interest rate swap derivative instruments in a fair value hedging relationship. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a net pretax benefit to interest expense of $3,186 relating to our fixed-to-floating interest rate swap arrangements.
6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Accounting guidance on fair value measurements requires that financial assets and liabilities be classified and disclosed in one of the following categories of the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 - Based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.
Level 2 - Based on observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3 - Based on unobservable inputs that reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
We did not have any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities, nor were there any transfers between levels during the periods presented.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
The following table presents assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Assets (Liabilities)
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
December 31, 2021:
Derivative Instruments:
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts (1) $ - $ 3,499 $ - $ 3,499
Deferred compensation derivatives (2) - 2,412 - 2,412
Commodities futures and options (3) 2,423 - - 2,423
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts (1) - 711 - 711
Commodities futures and options (3) 1,376 - - 1,376
December 31, 2020:
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts (1) $ - $ 2,564 $ - $ 2,564
Deferred compensation derivatives (2) - 3,630 - 3,630
Commodities futures and options (3) 3,299 - - 3,299
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts (1) - 5,615 - 5,615
Commodities futures and options (3) 1,648 - - 1,648
(1)The fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts is the difference between the contract and current market foreign currency exchange rates at the end of the period. We estimate the fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts on a quarterly basis by obtaining market quotes of spot and forward rates for contracts with similar terms, adjusted where necessary for maturity differences.
(2)The fair value of deferred compensation derivatives is based on quoted prices for market interest rates and a broad market equity index.
(3)The fair value of commodities futures and options contracts is based on quoted market prices.
Other Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximated fair values as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 because of the relatively short maturity of these instruments.
The estimated fair value of our long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for similar debt issuuances and is, therefore, classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The fair values and carrying values of long-term debt, including the current portion, were as follows:
Fair Value Carrying Value
At December 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020
Current portion of long-term debt $ 2,844 $ 443,215 $ 2,844 $ 438,829
Long-term debt 4,274,304 4,479,499 4,086,627 4,089,755
Total $ 4,277,148 $ 4,922,714 $ 4,089,471 $ 4,528,584
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Other Fair Value Measurements
In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, GAAP requires that, under certain circumstances, we also record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
2021 Activity
In connection with the acquisitions of Lily’s, Dot’s and Pretzels during 2021, as discussed in Note 2, we used various valuation techniques to determine fair value, with the primary techniques being discounted cash flow analysis and the relief-from-royalty, a form of the multi-period excess earnings, which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy.
2020 Activity
During 2020, we recorded the following impairment charges, which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy:
Adjustment to disposal group (1) $ 6,200
Other asset write-down (2) 2,943
Long-lived asset impairment charges $ 9,143
(1)In connection with the sale of the LSFC joint venture (disposal group previously classified as held for sale), we recorded impairment charges to adjust long-lived asset values. The fair value of the disposal group was supported by potential sales prices with third-party buyers. The sale of the LSFC joint venture was completed in January 2021.
(2)In connection with a previous sale, the Company wrote-down certain receivables deemed uncollectible.
2019 Activity
During 2019, we recorded the following impairment charges, which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy:
Customer relationship and trademark intangible assets (1) $ 100,131
Other long-lived assets not held for sale (2) 9,629
Adjustment to disposal group (3) 2,725
Long-lived and intangible asset impairment charges $ 112,485
(1)During the fourth quarter of 2019, as discussed in Note 3, we recorded impairment charges to write down customer relationship and trademark intangible assets associated with Krave. These charges were determined by comparing the fair value of the asset group to its carrying value. We used various valuation techniques to determine fair value, with the primary techniques being discounted cash flow analysis and relief-from-royalty valuation approaches, which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy.
(2)During 2019, we recorded impairment charges predominantly comprised of select long-lived assets that had not yet met the held for sale criteria. The fair value of these assets was supported by potential sales prices with third-party buyers and market analysis.
(3)In connection with disposal groups previously classified as held for sale, we recorded impairment charges to adjust long-lived asset values. The fair value of the disposal group was supported by potential sales prices with third-party buyers.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
In connection with the acquisition of ONE Brands in the third quarter of 2019, as discussed in Note 2, we used various valuation techniques to determine fair value, with the primary techniques being discounted cash flow analysis, relief-from-royalty, a form of the multi-period excess earnings and the with-and-without valuation approaches, which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy.
7. LEASES
We lease office and retail space, warehouse and distribution facilities, land, vehicles, and equipment. We determine if an agreement is or contains a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term and are recognized at the lease commencement date.
As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our estimated incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. The estimated incremental borrowing rate is derived from information available at the lease commencement date.
Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. A limited number of our lease agreements include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements generally do not contain residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
For real estate, equipment and vehicles that support selling, marketing and general administrative activities the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. These asset categories comprise the majority of our leases. The lease and non-lease components of real estate and equipment leases supporting production activities are not accounted for as a single lease component. Consideration for such contracts are allocated to the lease component and non-lease components based upon relative standalone prices either observable or estimated if observable prices are not readily available.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
Lease expense Classification 2021 2020
Operating lease cost Cost of sales or SM&A (1) $ 44,444 $ 44,547
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of ROU assets Depreciation and amortization (1) 8,098 8,202
Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense, net 4,358 4,475
Net lease cost (2) $ 56,900 $ 57,224
(1)Supply chain-related amounts were included in cost of sales.
(2)Net lease cost does not include short-term leases, variable lease costs or sublease income, all of which are immaterial.
Information regarding our lease terms and discount rates were as follows:
2021 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases 15.4 12.5
Finance leases 30.0 30.1
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases 3.1 % 3.8 %
Finance leases 6.1 % 5.9 %
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases were as follows:
Leases Classification 2021 2020
Assets
Operating lease ROU assets Other non-current assets $ 351,712 $ 224,268
Finance lease ROU assets, at cost Property, plant and equipment, gross 89,190 101,426
Accumulated amortization Accumulated depreciation (16,694) (13,361)
Finance lease ROU assets, net Property, plant and equipment, net 72,496 88,065
Total leased assets $ 424,208 $ 312,333
Liabilities
Current
Operating Accrued liabilities $ 36,292 $ 36,578
Finance Current portion of long-term debt 3,564 4,868
Non-current
Operating Other long-term liabilities 310,899 181,871
Finance Long-term debt 65,582 75,887
Total lease liabilities $ 416,337 $ 299,204
In 2021, our operating lease ROU assets and corresponding lease liabilities increased due to lease agreements assumed as a result of our 2021 business combination activity (see Note 2).
The maturity of our lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:
Operating leases Finance leases Total
2022 $ 46,282 $ 7,310 $ 53,592
2023 38,709 5,231 43,940
2024 33,884 4,209 38,093
2025 23,021 3,968 26,989
2026 21,710 3,985 25,695
Thereafter 284,367 146,085 430,452
Total lease payments 447,973 170,788 618,761
Less: Imputed interest 100,782 101,642 202,424
Total lease liabilities $ 347,191 $ 69,146 $ 416,337
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases were as follows:
2021 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 42,584 $ 42,568
Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 4,730 $ 4,475
Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 4,358 $ 4,468
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:
Operating leases $ 164,951 $ 38,464
Finance leases $ (6,424) $ 3,992
8. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
We invest in partnerships that make equity investments in projects eligible to receive federal historic and renewable energy tax credits. The tax credits, when realized, are recognized as a reduction of tax expense under the flow-through method, at which time the corresponding equity investment is written-down to reflect the remaining value of the future benefits to be realized. The equity investment write-down is reflected within other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income (see Note 17).
Additionally, we acquire ownership interests in emerging snacking businesses and startup companies, which vary in method of accounting based on our percentage of ownership and ability to exercise significant influence over decisions relating to operating and financial affairs. These investments afford the Company the rights to distribute brands that the Company does not own to third-party customers primarily in the United States. Net sales and expenses of our equity method investees are not consolidated into our financial statements; rather, our proportionate share of earnings or losses are recorded on a net basis within other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Both equity and cost method investments are reported within other non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We regularly review our investments and adjust accordingly for capital contributions, dividends received and other-than-temporary impairments. Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates was $93,089 and $52,351 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
9. BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES
We periodically undertake business realignment activities designed to increase our efficiency and focus our business in support of our key growth strategies. Costs associated with business realignment activities are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Cost of sales $ 5,220 $ 2,209 $ -
Selling, marketing and administrative expense 7,854 10,801 1,126
Business realignment costs 3,525 18,503 8,112
Costs associated with business realignment activities $ 16,599 $ 31,513 $ 9,238
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Costs recorded by program in 2021, 2020 and 2019 related to these activities were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
International Optimization Program:
Severance $ 3,982 $ 18,977 $ -
Other program costs 12,617 10,366 -
Margin for Growth Program:
Severance - (653) 5,178
Other program costs - 2,823 4,060
Total $ 16,599 $ 31,513 $ 9,238
The following table presents the liability activity for costs qualifying as exit and disposal costs for the year ended December 31, 2021:
Total
Liability balance at December 31, 2020 (1)
$ 12,748
2021 business realignment charges (2)
8,327
Cash payments
(20,369)
Liability balance at December 31, 2021 (1)
$ 706
(1)The liability balances reflected above are reported within accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities.
(2)The costs reflected in the liability roll-forward represent employee-related and certain third-party service provider charges.
2020 International Optimization Program
In the fourth quarter of 2020, we commenced a program (“International Optimization Program”) to streamline resources and investments in select international markets, including the optimization of our China operating model that will improve our operational efficiency and provide for a strong, sustainable and simplified base going forward.
The International Optimization Program is expected to be completed in early 2023, with total pre-tax costs anticipated to be $50,000 to $75,000. Cash costs are expected to be $40,000 to $65,000, primarily related to workforce reductions of approximately 350 positions outside of the United States, costs to consolidate and relocate production, and third-party costs incurred to execute these activities. The costs and related benefits of the International Optimization Program relate to the International segment. However, segment operating results do not include these business realignment expenses because we evaluate segment performance excluding such costs.
For the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized total costs associated with the International Optimization Program of $16,599 and $29,343. These charges predominantly included third-party charges in support of our initiative to transform our China operating model, as well as severance and employee benefit costs. Since inception, we have incurred pre-tax charges to execute the program totaling $45,942.
Margin for Growth Program
In the first quarter of 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”) unanimously approved several initiatives under a single program focused on improving global efficiency and effectiveness, optimizing the Company’s supply chain, streamlining the Company’s operating model and reducing administrative expenses to generate long-term savings.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized total costs associated with the Margin for Growth Program of $2,170, and $9,238 respectively. These charges included employee severance, largely relating to initiatives to improve the cost structure of our corporate operating model as part of optimizing our global supply chain. In addition, we incurred other program costs, which related primarily to third-party charges in support of our initiative to improve global efficiency and effectiveness. This project was completed in mid-2020.
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THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
The costs and related benefits of the Margin for Growth Program relate approximately 63% to the North America Confectionery segment and 37% to the International segment. However, segment operating results do not include these business realignment expenses because we evaluate segment performance excluding such costs.
10. INCOME TAXES
The components of income before income taxes were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Domestic
$ 1,775,361 $ 1,405,254 $ 1,211,051
Foreign 21,863 89,743 169,733
Income before income taxes
$ 1,797,224 $ 1,494,997 $ 1,380,784
The components of our provision for income taxes were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Current:
Federal $ 161,402 $ 117,348 $ 179,358
State 60,979 46,198 38,232
Foreign 78,650 29,158 31,514
301,031 192,704 249,104
Deferred:
Federal 26,726 24,486 14,958
State 8,253 3,746 1,865
Foreign (21,605) (1,352) (31,895)
13,374 26,880 (15,072)
Total provision for income taxes $ 314,405 $ 219,584 $ 234,032
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Deferred taxes reflect temporary differences between the tax basis and financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities. The significant temporary differences that comprised the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
December 31, 2021 2020
Deferred tax assets:
Post-retirement benefit obligations
$ 51,026 $ 58,059
Accrued expenses and other reserves
81,847 86,412
Stock-based compensation
21,898 18,831
Derivative instruments
- 15,550
Pension
- 8,203
Lease liabilities
95,503 64,192
Accrued trade promotion reserves
25,382 25,877
Net operating loss carryforwards
152,389 154,445
Capital loss carryforwards 2,522 15,401
Other 49,760 10,027
Gross deferred tax assets 480,327 456,997
Valuation allowance (167,788) (193,310)
Total deferred tax assets 312,539 263,687
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment, net 234,474 180,633
Acquired intangibles 168,087 156,439
Lease ROU assets 76,285 46,778
Inventories 20,105 21,086
Derivative instruments 1,352 -
Pension 11,871 -
Other 47,496 58,410
Total deferred tax liabilities 559,670 463,346
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (247,131) $ (199,659)
Included in:
Non-current deferred tax assets, net $ 40,873 $ 29,369
Non-current deferred tax liabilities, net (288,004) (229,028)
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (247,131) $ (199,659)
Changes in deferred taxes were primarily due to accelerated tax depreciation on property, plant and equipment and increases in pension and unrealized value of derivatives.
The valuation allowances as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were primarily related to various foreign jurisdictions' net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets that we do not expect to realize.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
The following table reconciles the federal statutory income tax rate with our effective income tax rate:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 %
Increase (reduction) resulting from:
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefits 2.8 2.7 1.8
Foreign rate differences (0.2) (0.5) (1.5)
Historic and solar tax credits (6.2) (7.7) (3.4)
Tax contingencies 1.7 0.1 0.9
Stock compensation (0.5) (0.6) (1.3)
Valuation allowance release - - (1.5)
Other, net (1.1) (0.3) 0.9
Effective income tax rate 17.5 % 14.7 % 16.9 %
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
December 31, 2021 2020
Balance at beginning of year
$ 108,543 $ 108,383
Additions for tax positions taken during prior years
40,145 10,641
Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years
(3,601) (2,496)
Additions for tax positions taken during the current year
14,329 3,354
Settlements
(9,858) -
Expiration of statutes of limitations
(6,253) (11,339)
Balance at end of year
$ 143,305 $ 108,543
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $117,552 as of December 31, 2021 and $103,213 as of December 31, 2020.
We report accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. We recognized a net tax expense of $8,924, $1,564 and $3,824 in 2021, 2020 and 2019 , respectively, for interest and penalties. Accrued net interest and penalties were $20,466 as of December 31, 2021 and $11,542 as of December 31, 2020.
The Company and its subsidiaries file tax returns in the United States, including various state and local returns, and in other foreign jurisdictions. We are routinely audited by taxing authorities in our filing jurisdictions, and a number of these disputes are currently underway, including multi-year controversies at various stages of review, negotiation and litigation in Malaysia, Mexico, China, and the United States. The outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty, including the timing of resolution or potential settlements. If any issues addressed in our tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management’s expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs. Based on our current assessments, we believe adequate provision has been made for all income tax uncertainties.
We reasonably expect reductions in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $18,496 within the next 12 months because of the expiration of statutes of limitations and settlements of tax audits.
As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $679,725 of undistributed earnings of our international subsidiaries. During 2020, previously undistributed earnings of certain international subsidiaries were no longer considered indefinitely reinvested; however, the Company had previously recognized a one-time U.S. repatriation tax due under U.S. tax reform, and as a result, only an immaterial amount of withholding tax was recognized. We intend to continue to reinvest the remainder of the earnings outside of the United States for which there would be a material tax implication to distributing, such as withholding tax, for the foreseeable future and, therefore, have not recognized additional tax expense on these earnings beyond the one-time U.S. repatriation tax due under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Investments in Partnerships Qualifying for Tax Credits
We invest in partnerships which make equity investments in projects eligible to receive federal historic and energy tax credits. The investments are accounted for under the equity method and reported within other non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The tax credits, when realized, are recognized as a reduction of tax expense under the flow-through method, at which time the corresponding equity investment is written-down to reflect the remaining value of the future benefits to be realized. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 we recognized investment tax credits and related outside basis difference benefits totaling $136,243, $146,021 and $58,798, respectively, and we wrote-down the equity investment by $113,756, $125,579 and $50,457, respectively, to reflect the realization of these benefits. The equity investment write-down is reflected within other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income (see Note 17).
American Rescue Plan Act
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) was signed into law. The ARPA strengthens and extends certain federal programs enacted through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and other COVID-19 relief measures, and establishes new federal programs, including provisions on taxes, healthcare and unemployment benefits. The ARPA did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act provides a substantial stimulus and assistance package intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including tax relief and government loans, grants and investments. The CARES Act did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.
11. PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
We sponsor a number of defined benefit pension plans. The primary plans are The Hershey Company Retirement Plan and The Hershey Company Retirement Plan for Hourly Employees. These are cash balance plans that provide pension benefits for most domestic employees hired prior to January 1, 2007. We also sponsor two post-retirement benefit plans: health care and life insurance. The health care plan is contributory, with participants’ contributions adjusted annually. The life insurance plan is non-contributory.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Obligations and Funded Status
A summary of the changes in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of these plans is as follows:
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
December 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,168,838 $ 1,105,206 $ 243,308 $ 230,457
Service cost 21,361 21,734 1,879 159
Interest cost 18,320 26,112 3,857 6,029
Actuarial (gain) loss (33,984) 90,140 (14,787) 15,218
Settlement (75,985) (52,938) - -
Currency translation and other 619 1,822 113 254
Benefits paid (22,989) (23,238) (22,880) (8,809)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year 1,076,180 1,168,838 211,490 243,308
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 1,100,245 1,053,438 - -
Actual return on plan assets 68,361 118,812 - -
Employer contributions 28,220 2,862 22,880 8,809
Settlement (75,985) (52,938) - -
Currency translation and other 339 1,309 - -
Benefits paid (22,989) (23,238) (22,880) (8,809)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 1,098,191 1,100,245 - -
Funded status at end of year
$ 22,011 $ (68,593) $ (211,490) $ (243,308)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets $ 71,618 $ 8,308 $ - $ -
Accrued liabilities (12,584) (6,174) (17,886) (19,801)
Other long-term liabilities (37,023) (70,727) (193,604) (223,507)
Total $ 22,011 $ (68,593) $ (211,490) $ (243,308)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
Actuarial net (loss) gain $ (132,917) $ (205,193) $ 1,137 $ (10,718)
Net prior service credit 15,399 21,706 - -
Net amounts recognized in AOCI $ (117,518) $ (183,487) $ 1,137 $ (10,718)
The project benefit obligation during 2021 was impacted by actuarial gain of $33,984 which was the result of the discount rate assumption increasing from 2.3% at December 31, 2020 to 2.7% at December 31, 2021. The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $1,031,197 as of December 31, 2021 and $1,123,102 as of December 31, 2020.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows:
December 31, 2021 2020
Projected benefit obligation
$ 108,034 $ 759,200
Accumulated benefit obligation 92,462 718,335
Fair value of plan assets
58,427 682,299
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019
Amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost
Service cost $ 21,361 $ 21,734 $ 20,878 $ 1,879 $ 159 $ 151
Interest cost 18,320 26,112 35,756 3,857 6,029 7,837
Expected return on plan assets (49,091) (52,907) (54,520) - - -
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost (6,142) (7,308) (7,230) - 300 811
Amortization of net loss 20,556 26,952 32,647 1,593 (39) (385)
Settlement loss 16,085 13,421 5,498 - - -
Total net periodic benefit cost $ 21,089 $ 28,004 $ 33,029 $ 7,329 $ 6,449 $ 8,414
Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI, pre-tax
Actuarial net (gain) loss $ (80,047) $ (15,606) $ (52,028) $ (16,374) $ 15,266 $ 23,956
Prior service cost (credit) 6,447 7,310 7,232 - (300) (810)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, pre-tax
$ (73,600) $ (8,296) $ (44,796) $ (16,374) $ 14,966 $ 23,146
Net amounts recognized in periodic benefit cost and AOCI $ (52,511) $ 19,708 $ (11,767) $ (9,045) $ 21,415 $ 31,560
The non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans is reflected within other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income (see Note 17).
Assumptions
The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the year end benefit obligations were as follows:
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
December 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020
Discount rate
2.7 % 2.3 % 2.9 % 2.5 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels
3.5 % 3.5 % N/A N/A
Interest crediting rate
4.6 % 4.7 % N/A N/A
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THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
The weighted-average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019
Discount rate
2.3 % 3.1 % 4.1 % 2.5 % 3.2 % 4.2 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets 4.8 % 5.3 % 5.9 % N/A N/A N/A
Rate of compensation increase
3.5 % 3.6 % 3.6 % N/A N/A N/A
The Company’s discount rate assumption is determined by developing a yield curve based on high quality corporate bonds with maturities matching the plans’ expected benefit payment streams. The plans’ expected cash flows are then discounted by the resulting year-by-year spot rates. We base the asset return assumption on current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on the plan asset categories.
We utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. This approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between the projected cash flows to the corresponding spot rates along the yield curve. This approach does not affect the measurement of our pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities but generally results in lower benefit expense in periods when the yield curve is upward sloping.
For purposes of measuring our post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2021, we assumed a 6.2% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for 2022, grading down to 5.0% by 2025. For purposes of measuring our post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2020, we assumed a 6.1% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for 2021, grading down to 5.0% by 2025.
The valuations and assumptions reflect adoption of the Society of Actuaries updated Pri-2012 mortality tables with MP-2021 and MP-2020 generational projection scales, which we adopted as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Adoption of the updated scales did not have a significant impact on our current pension obligations or net period benefit cost since our primary plans are cash balance plans and most participants take lump-sum settlements upon retirement.
Plan Assets
We broadly diversify our pension plan assets across public equity, fixed income, diversified credit strategies and diversified alternative strategies asset classes. Our target asset allocation for our major domestic pension plans as of December 31, 2021 was as follows:
Asset Class Target Asset Allocation
Cash
1%
Equity securities
27%
Fixed income securities
48%
Alternative investments, including real estate, listed infrastructure and other
24%
As of December 31, 2021, actual allocations were consistent with the targets and within our allowable ranges. We expect the level of volatility in pension plan asset returns to be in line with the overall volatility of the markets within each asset class.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy (as defined in Note 6), pension plan assets at their fair values as of December 31, 2021:
Quoted prices in active
markets of identical assets
(Level 1) Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2) Significant other unobservable inputs
(Level 3) Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
(1) Total
Cash and cash equivalents $ 534 $ 23,715 $ - $ 649 $ 24,898
Equity securities:
Global all-cap (a) - - - 294,090 294,090
Fixed income securities:
U.S. government/agency - - - 248,579 248,579
Corporate bonds (b) - - - 78,360 78,360
International government/corporate bonds (c) - - - 31,922 31,922
Diversified credit (d) - - - 154,004 154,004
Alternative investments:
Global diversified assets (e) - - - 97,412 97,412
Real assets fund (f) - - - 168,926 168,926
Total pension plan assets $ 534 $ 23,715 $ - $ 1,073,942 $ 1,098,191
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, pension plan assets at their fair values as of December 31, 2020:
Quoted prices in active
markets of identical assets
(Level 1) Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2) Significant other unobservable inputs
(Level 3) Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
(1) Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 613 $ 21,287 $ - $ 576 $ 22,476
Equity securities:
Global all-cap (a)
- - - 264,909 264,909
Fixed income securities:
U.S. government/agency
- - - 215,573 215,573
Corporate bonds (b)
- - - 155,648 155,648
International government/corporate bonds (c)
- - - 32,586 32,586
Diversified credit (d) - - - 160,829 160,829
Alternative investments:
Global diversified assets (e)
- - - 117,290 117,290
Global real estate investment trusts (g) - - - 60,083 60,083
Global infrastructure (h) - - - 70,851 70,851
Total pension plan assets
$ 613 $ 21,287 $ - $ 1,078,345 $ 1,100,245
(1)Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy but are included to reconcile to the amounts presented in our Obligations and Funded Status table.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
(a) This category comprises equity funds that primarily track the MSCI World Index or MSCI All Country World Index.
(b) This category comprises fixed income funds primarily invested in investment grade and high yield bonds.
(c) This category comprises fixed income funds primarily invested in Canadian and other international bonds.
(d) This category comprises fixed income funds primarily invested in high yield bonds, loans, securitized debt and emerging market debt.
(e) This category comprises diversified funds invested across alternative asset classes.
(f) This category comprises funds primarily invested in publicly traded real estate securities, publicly listed infrastructure securities and real estate debt.
(g) This category comprises equity funds primarily invested in publicly traded real estate securities.
(h) This category comprises equity funds primarily invested in publicly traded listed infrastructure securities.
The fair value of the Level 1 assets was based on quoted prices in active markets for the identical assets. The fair value of the Level 2 assets was determined by management based on an assessment of valuations provided by asset management entities and was calculated by aggregating market prices for all underlying securities.
Investment objectives for our domestic plan assets are:
•To ensure high correlation between the value of plan assets and liabilities;
•To maintain careful control of the risk level within each asset class; and
•To focus on a long-term return objective.
We believe that there are no significant concentrations of risk within our plan assets as of December 31, 2021. We comply with the rules and regulations promulgated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and we prohibit investments and investment strategies not allowed by ERISA. We do not permit direct purchases of our Company’s securities or the use of derivatives for the purpose of speculation. We invest the assets of non-domestic plans in compliance with laws and regulations applicable to those plans.
Cash Flows and Plan Termination
Our policy is to fund domestic pension liabilities in accordance with the limits imposed by the ERISA, federal income tax laws and the funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. We fund non-domestic pension liabilities in accordance with laws and regulations applicable to those plans.
We made total contributions to the pension plans of $28,220 during 2021. In 2020, we made total contributions of $2,862 to the pension plans. For 2022, minimum funding requirements for our pension plans are approximately $1,934.
Total benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants, including pension benefits funded from the plans and other benefits funded from Company assets, are as follows:
Expected Benefit Payments
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027-2030
Pension Benefits
$ 121,976 $ 98,120 $ 91,557 $ 90,301 $ 90,898 $ 341,696
Other Benefits
17,894 16,626 15,717 14,619 13,600 57,799
Savings Plans
The Company sponsors several defined contribution plans to provide retirement benefits to employees. Contributions to The Hershey Company 401(k) Plan and similar plans for non-domestic employees are based on a portion of eligible pay up to a defined maximum. All matching contributions were made in cash. Expense associated with the defined contribution plans was $58,883 in 2021, $52,793 in 2020 and $47,651 in 2019.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
12. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
Share-based grants for compensation and incentive purposes are made pursuant to the Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (“EICP”). The EICP provides for grants of one or more of the following stock-based compensation awards to employees, non-employee directors and certain service providers upon whom the successful conduct of our business is dependent:
•Non-qualified stock options (“stock options”);
•Performance stock units (“PSUs”) and performance stock;
•Stock appreciation rights;
•Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and restricted stock; and
•Other stock-based awards.
As of December 31, 2021, 65.8 million shares were authorized and approved by our stockholders for grants under the EICP. The EICP also provides for the deferral of stock-based compensation awards by participants if approved by the Compensation and Human Capital Committee of our Board and if in accordance with an applicable deferred compensation plan of the Company. Currently, the Compensation and Human Capital Committee has authorized the deferral of PSU and RSU awards by certain eligible employees under the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan. Our Board has authorized our non-employee directors to defer any portion of their cash retainer, committee chair fees and RSUs awarded that they elect to convert into deferred stock units under our Directors’ Compensation Plan.
At the time stock options are exercised or PSUs and RSUs become payable, Common Stock is issued from our accumulated treasury shares. Dividend equivalents are credited on RSUs on the same date and at the same rate as dividends paid on our Common Stock. Dividend equivalents are charged to retained earnings and included in accrued liabilities until paid.
Awards to employees eligible for retirement prior to the award becoming fully vested are amortized to expense over the period through the date that the employee first becomes eligible to retire and is no longer required to provide service to earn the award. In addition, historical data is used to estimate forfeiture rates and record share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.
For the periods presented, compensation expense for all types of stock-based compensation programs and the related income tax benefit recognized were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Pre-tax compensation expense
$ 66,711 $ 57,584 $ 51,899
Related income tax benefit 11,608 8,580 9,030
Compensation expenses for stock compensation plans are primarily included in SM&A expense. As of December 31, 2021, total stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized was $82,114 and the weighted-average period over which this amount is expected to be recognized was approximately 1.9 years.
Stock Options
The exercise price of each stock option awarded under the EICP equals the closing price of our Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. Each stock option has a maximum term of 10 years. Grants of stock options provide for pro-rated vesting, typically over a four-year period. Expense for stock options is based on grant date fair value and recognized on a straight-line method over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
A summary of activity relating to grants of stock options for the year ended December 31, 2021 is as follows:
Stock Options Shares Weighted-Average
Exercise Price (per share) Weighted-Average Remaining
Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at beginning of the period
1,839,811 $99.72 4.9 years
Granted 32,155 $147.98
Exercised
(535,151) $94.98
Forfeited (3,859) $101.96
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021
1,332,956 $102.78 4.4 years $ 120,891
Options exercisable as of December 31, 2021
1,152,112 $101.31 4.1 years $ 106,178
The weighted-average fair value of options granted was $24.12, $21.31 and $15.25 per share in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The fair value was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted-average assumptions:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Dividend yields
2.2 % 2.1 % 2.7 %
Expected volatility 21.8 % 17.5 % 17.0 %
Risk-free interest rates
1.0 % 1.3 % 2.5 %
Expected term in years 6.3 6.7 6.5
•“Dividend yields” means the sum of dividends declared for the four most recent quarterly periods, divided by the average price of our Common Stock for the comparable periods;
•“Expected volatility” means the historical volatility of our Common Stock over the expected term of each grant;
•“Risk-free interest rates” means the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate in effect at the time of grant for periods within the contractual life of the stock option; and
•“Expected term” means the period of time that stock options granted are expected to be outstanding based on historical data.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $38,645, $32,121 and $115,786 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021, there was $792 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards granted under the EICP, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2021:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices Number Outstanding as of 12/31/21 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years Weighted-Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable as of 12/31/21 Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$51.42 - $99.90
656,357 4.8 $95.13 521,242 $93.91
$99.91 - $107.05
316,955 2.6 $105.91 315,648 $105.92
$107.06 - $157.32
359,644 5.3 $113.97 315,222 $108.93
$51.42 - $157.32
1,332,956 4.4 $102.78 1,152,112 $101.31
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 90
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units
Under the EICP, we grant PSUs to selected executives and other key employees. Vesting is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives. We grant PSUs over 3-year performance cycles. If we meet targets for financial measures at the end of the applicable 3-year performance cycle, we award a resulting number of shares of our Common Stock to the participants. The number of shares may be increased to the maximum or reduced to the minimum threshold based on the results of these performance metrics in accordance with the terms established at the time of the award.
For PSUs granted, the target award is a combination of a market-based total shareholder return and performance-based components. For market-based condition components, market volatility and other factors are taken into consideration in determining the grant date fair value and the related compensation expense is recognized regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied, provided that the requisite service has been provided. For performance-based condition components, we estimate the probability that the performance conditions will be achieved each quarter and adjust compensation expenses accordingly. The performance scores of PSUs granted in 2021, 2020, and 2019 can range from 0% to 250% of the targeted amounts.
We recognize the compensation expense associated with PSUs ratably over the 3-year term. Compensation expense is based on the grant date fair value because the grants can only be settled in shares of our Common Stock. The grant date fair value of PSUs is determined based on the Monte Carlo simulation model for the market-based total shareholder return component and the closing market price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant for performance-based components.
In 2021, 2020 and 2019, we awarded RSUs to certain executive officers and other key employees under the EICP. We also awarded RSUs quarterly to non-employee directors.
We recognize the compensation expense associated with employee RSUs over a specified award vesting period based on the grant date fair value of our Common Stock. We recognize expense for employee RSUs based on the straight-line method. The compensation expense associated with non-employee director RSUs is recognized ratably over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures.
A summary of activity relating to grants of PSUs and RSUs for the period ended December 31, 2021 is as follows:
Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units Number of units Weighted-average grant date fair value for equity awards (per unit)
Outstanding at beginning of year
1,053,332 $135.11
Granted
404,517 $154.83
Performance assumption change (1) 243,337 $148.18
Vested
(340,744) $117.17
Forfeited
(56,921) $151.73
Outstanding at end of year
1,303,521 $146.96
(1)Reflects the net number of PSUs above and below target levels based on the performance metrics.
The following table sets forth information about the fair value of the PSUs and RSUs granted for potential future distribution to employees and non-employee directors. In addition, the table provides assumptions used to determine the fair value of the market-based total shareholder return component using the Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant.
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Units granted
404,517 353,037 493,828
Weighted-average fair value at date of grant
$ 154.83 $ 161.30 $ 115.94
Monte Carlo simulation assumptions:
Estimated values
$ 66.44 $ 80.08 $ 48.40
Dividend yields
2.2 % 2.0 % 2.6 %
Expected volatility
26.4 % 17.3 % 20.3 %
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 91
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
•“Estimated values” means the fair value for the market-based total shareholder return component of each PSU at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model;
•“Dividend yields” means the sum of dividends declared for the four most recently quarterly periods, divided by the average price of our Common Stock for the comparable periods;
•“Expected volatility” means the historical volatility of our Common Stock over the expected term of each grant.
The fair value of shares vested totaled $52,008, $56,294 and $51,739 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Deferred PSUs, deferred RSUs and deferred stock units representing directors’ fees totaled 264,226 units as of December 31, 2021. Each unit is equivalent to one share of the Company’s Common Stock.
13. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Since December 31, 2014, the Company has reported its operations through two segments: (i) North America and (ii) International and Other. After the completion of the Company’s acquisitions of Dot’s and Pretzels in December 2021, as described in Note 2, management of the Company has elected to begin reporting its operations through three reportable segments. Therefore, effective in the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company realigned its former two reportable segments into three reportable segments: (i) North America Confectionery, (ii) North America Salty Snacks and (iii) International.
This new organizational structure aligns with how our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) manages our business, including resource allocation and performance assessment, and further aligns with our product categories and the key markets we serve. We have retroactively reflected these changes in all historical periods presented.
•North America Confectionery - This segment is responsible for our traditional chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery market position in the United States and Canada. This includes our business in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery, gum and refreshment products, protein bars, spreads, snack bites and mixes, as well as pantry and food service lines. This segment also includes our retail operations, including Hershey’s Chocolate World stores in Hershey, Pennsylvania, New York City, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls (Ontario) and Singapore, as well as operations associated with licensing the use of certain of the Company’s trademarks and products to third parties around the world.
•North America Salty Snacks - This segment is responsible for our salty snacking products in the United States. This includes ready-to-eat popcorn, baked and trans fat free snacks, pretzels and other snacks.
•International - International is a combination of all other operating segments that are not individually material, including those geographic regions where we operate outside of North America. We currently have operations and manufacture product in Mexico, Brazil, India and Malaysia, primarily for consumers in these regions, and also distribute and sell confectionery products in export markets of Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Europe, Africa and other regions.
For segment reporting purposes, we use “segment income” to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Segment income excludes unallocated general corporate administrative expenses, unallocated mark-to-market gains and losses on commodity derivatives, business realignment and impairment charges, acquisition-related costs and other unusual gains or losses that are not part of our measurement of segment performance. These items of our operating income are managed centrally at the corporate level and are excluded from the measure of segment income reviewed by the CODM as well the measure of segment performance used for incentive compensation purposes.
Accounting policies associated with our operating segments are generally the same as those described in Note 1.
Certain manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and other activities supporting our global operations are integrated to maximize efficiency and productivity. As a result, assets and capital expenditures are not managed on a segment basis and are not included in the information reported to the CODM for the purpose of evaluating performance or allocating resources. We disclose depreciation and amortization that is generated by segment-specific assets, since these amounts are included within the measure of segment income reported to the CODM.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 92
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Our segment net sales and earnings were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Net sales:
North America Confectionery $ 7,682,416 $ 7,084,860 $ 6,815,111
North America Salty Snacks 555,424 438,224 410,005
International 733,497 626,635 761,136
Total $ 8,971,337 $ 8,149,719 $ 7,986,252
Segment income (loss):
North America Confectionery $ 2,475,873 $ 2,274,584 $ 2,120,212
North America Salty Snacks 100,777 75,845 50,816
International 74,170 (14) 50,535
Total segment income 2,650,820 2,350,415 2,221,563
Unallocated corporate expense (1) 614,875 520,632 532,539
Unallocated mark-to-market (gains) losses on commodity derivatives (24,376) 6,429 (28,651)
Long-lived and intangible asset impairment charges (see Note 6)
- 9,143 112,485
Costs associated with business realignment activities (see Note 9)
16,599 31,513 9,238
Operating profit 2,043,722 1,782,698 1,595,952
Interest expense, net (see Note 4)
127,417 149,374 144,125
Other (income) expense, net (see Note 17)
119,081 138,327 71,043
Income before income taxes $ 1,797,224 $ 1,494,997 $ 1,380,784
(1)Includes centrally-managed (a) corporate functional costs relating to legal, treasury, finance, and human resources, (b) expenses associated with the oversight and administration of our global operations, including warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, information systems and global shared services, (c) non-cash stock-based compensation expense, (d) acquisition-related costs and (e) other gains or losses that are not integral to segment performance.
Activity within the unallocated mark-to-market losses (gains) on commodity derivatives is as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Net gains on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in income $ (85,402) $ (6,593) $ (35,488)
Net gains on commodity derivative positions reclassified from unallocated to segment income 61,026 13,022 6,837
Net (gains) losses on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in unallocated derivative losses (gains) $ (24,376) $ 6,429 $ (28,651)
As of December 31, 2021, the cumulative amount of mark-to-market gains on commodity derivatives that have been recognized in our consolidated cost of sales and not yet allocated to reportable segments was $86,914. Based on our forecasts of the timing of the recognition of the underlying hedged items, we expect to reclassify net pretax gains on commodity derivatives of $76,322 to segment operating results in the next twelve months.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 93
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Depreciation and amortization expense included within segment income presented above is as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
North America Confectionery $ 213,113 $ 198,951 $ 195,431
North America Salty Snacks 29,744 27,362 29,544
International 22,754 24,533 24,827
Corporate 49,391 44,061 41,742
Total $ 315,002 $ 294,907 $ 291,544
Additional information regarding our net sales and long-lived assets disaggregated by geographical region is as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Net sales:
United States
$ 7,807,606 $ 7,042,804 $ 6,722,617
Other
1,163,731 1,106,915 1,263,635
Total $ 8,971,337 $ 8,149,719 $ 7,986,252
Long-lived assets:
United States
$ 2,099,786 $ 1,836,114 $ 1,717,606
Other
486,401 449,141 435,533
Total $ 2,586,187 $ 2,285,255 $ 2,153,139
14. EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
We had 1,055,000,000 authorized shares of capital stock as of December 31, 2021. Of this total, 900,000,000 shares were designated as Common Stock, 150,000,000 shares were designated as Class B Common Stock (“Class B Stock”) and 5,000,000 shares were designated as Preferred Stock. Each class has a par value of one dollar per share.
Holders of the Common Stock and the Class B Stock generally vote together without regard to class on matters submitted to stockholders, including the election of directors. The holders of Common Stock have 1 vote per share and the holders of Class B Common Stock have 10 votes per share. However, the Common Stock holders, voting separately as a class, are entitled to elect one-sixth of the Board. With respect to dividend rights, the Common Stock holders are entitled to cash dividends 10% higher than those declared and paid on the Class B Common Stock.
Class B Stock can be converted into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis at any time. During 2021, 2020 and 2019 no shares of Class B Stock were converted into Common Stock.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 94
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Changes in the outstanding shares of Common Stock for the past three years were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Shares issued 221,553,025 221,553,025 359,901,744
Treasury shares at beginning of year (13,325,898) (12,723,592) (150,172,840)
Stock repurchases:
Shares repurchased in the open market under pre-approved share repurchase programs (871,144) (951,138) (1,386,193)
Shares repurchased to replace Treasury Stock issued for stock options and incentive compensation (2,005,500) (450,000) (2,674,349)
Stock issuances:
Shares issued for stock options and incentive compensation 758,531 798,832 3,161,071
Retirement of treasury shares - - 138,348,719
Treasury shares at end of year (15,444,011) (13,325,898) (12,723,592)
Change in Common Stock due to retirement of treasury shares - - (138,348,719)
Net shares outstanding at end of year 206,109,014 208,227,127 208,829,433
In July 2018, our Board of Directors approved a $500,000 share repurchase authorization to repurchase shares of our Common Stock. As of December 31, 2021, $109,983 remained available for repurchases of our Common Stock under this program. In May 2021, our Board of Directors approved an additional $500,000 share repurchase authorization. This program is to commence after the existing 2018 authorization is completed and is to be utilized at management’s discretion. We are authorized to purchase our outstanding shares in open market and privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date and acquired shares of Common Stock will be held as treasury shares. Purchases under approved share repurchase authorizations are in addition to our practice of buying back shares sufficient to offset those issued under incentive compensation plans.
Retirement of Treasury Shares
During 2019, we retired 138,348,719 shares or $6,423,267 of the Company’s treasury shares previously repurchased. Under the applicable state law, these shares resume the status of authorized and unissued shares upon retirement. In accordance with our accounting policy, we record any excess of repurchase price over par value to retained earnings. As a result, our retained earnings were reduced by $6,284,919 during 2019. This transaction was approved by the Board on October 11, 2019.
Hershey Trust Company
Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the Milton Hershey School Trust (the “Trust”) and as direct owner of investment shares, held 95,400 shares of our Common Stock as of December 31, 2021. As trustee for the Trust, Hershey Trust Company held 60,612,012 shares of the Class B Common Stock as of December 31, 2021, and was entitled to cast approximately 81% of all of the votes entitled to be cast on matters requiring the vote of both classes of our common stock voting together. Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the Trust, or any successor trustee, or Milton Hershey School, as appropriate, must approve any issuance of shares of Common Stock or other action that would result in it not continuing to have voting control of our Company.
In February 2022, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the Trust, pursuant to which the Company purchased 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock from the Trust at a price equal to $203.35 per share, for a total purchase price of $203,350.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 95
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary
As discussed in Note 2, in January 2021 we completed the divestiture of LSFC, a joint venture originally established in 2007 in China for the purpose of manufacturing and selling product to the joint venture partners. Prior to the sale, we owned a 50% controlling interest in LSFC.
A roll-forward showing the 2021 activity relating to the noncontrolling interest follows:
Noncontrolling Interest
Balance, December 31, 2020
$ 3,531
Net gain attributable to noncontrolling interest 5,307
Divestiture of noncontrolling interest (1,436)
Distributions to joint venture partner (8,750)
Reclassification to accrued liabilities (3,901)
Other comprehensive income - foreign currency translation adjustments 5,249
Balance, December 31, 2021
$ -
During the fourth quarter of 2021, we obtained certain approvals and satisfied other conditions necessary to commence the distribution of sales proceeds attributable to the joint venture partner. A portion of the distribution was completed in 2021, and we expect the remaining distribution to be completed during 2022.
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Purchase obligations
We enter into certain obligations for the purchase of raw materials. These obligations are primarily in the form of forward contracts for the purchase of raw materials from third-party brokers and dealers. These contracts minimize the effect of future price fluctuations by fixing the price of part or all of these purchase obligations. Total obligations consisted of fixed price contracts for the purchase of commodities and unpriced contracts that were valued using market prices as of December 31, 2021.
The cost of commodities associated with the unpriced contracts is variable as market prices change over future periods. We mitigate the variability of these costs to the extent that we have entered into commodities futures contracts or other commodity derivative instruments to hedge our costs for those periods. Increases or decreases in market prices are offset by gains or losses on commodities futures contracts or other commodity derivative instruments. Taking delivery of and making payments for the specific commodities for use in the manufacture of finished goods satisfies our obligations under the forward purchase contracts. For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, we satisfied these obligations by taking delivery of and making payment for the specific commodities.
As of December 31, 2021, we had entered into agreements for the purchase of raw materials with various suppliers. Subject to meeting our quality standards, the purchase obligations covered by these agreements were as follows as of December 31, 2021:
in millions 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Purchase obligations $ 1,742.1 $ 405.5 $ 32.8 $ 12.5 $ 12.5
Environmental contingencies
We have a number of facilities that contain varying amounts of asbestos in certain locations within the facilities. Our asbestos management program is compliant with current applicable regulations, which require that we handle or dispose of asbestos in a special manner if such facilities undergo major renovations or are demolished. We do not have sufficient information to estimate the fair value of any asset retirement obligations related to these facilities. We cannot specify the settlement date or range of potential settlement dates and, therefore, sufficient information is not available to apply an expected present value technique. We expect to maintain the facilities with repairs and maintenance activities that would not involve or require the removal of significant quantities of asbestos.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 96
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
Legal contingencies
On February 12, 2021, Issouf Coubaly, individually and on behalf of proposed class members, filed a complaint (Coubaly v. Nestlé U.S.A. et al., 1:21-cv-00386-DLF (D.D.C. Feb. 12, 2021)) in the District Court of the District of Columbia, seeking injunctive relief and unspecified damages for alleged violations of child labor and human trafficking laws under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. The Company is among several defendants named in the suit. The Company believes that the suit is without merit and is defending vigorously against the suit.
In addition to the above-referenced matter, the Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising out of the ordinary course of our business, which cover a wide range of matters including trade regulation, product liability, advertising, contracts, environmental issues, patent and trademark matters, labor and employment matters, human and workplace rights matters and tax. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the outcome of such proceedings and claims with certainty, in our opinion these matters, both individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Collective Bargaining
As of December 31, 2021, the Company employed approximately 16,620 full-time and 2,370 part-time employees worldwide. Collective bargaining agreements covered approximately 6,235 employees, or approximately 33% of the Company’s employees worldwide. During 2022, agreements will be negotiated for certain employees at four facilities outside of the United States, comprising approximately 62% of total employees under collective bargaining agreements. We currently expect that we will be able to renegotiate such agreements on satisfactory terms when they expire.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 97
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
16. EARNINGS PER SHARE
We compute basic earnings per share for Common Stock and Class B common stock using the two-class method. The Class B common stock is convertible into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis at any time. The computation of diluted earnings per share for Common Stock assumes the conversion of Class B common stock using the if-converted method, while the diluted earnings per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares.
We compute basic and diluted earnings per share based on the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B common stock outstanding as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Common Stock Class B Common Stock Common Stock Class B Common Stock Common Stock Class B Common Stock
Basic earnings per share:
Numerator:
Allocation of distributed earnings (cash dividends paid) $ 498,084 $ 187,903 $ 467,013 $ 173,719 $ 445,685 $ 164,627
Allocation of undistributed earnings
574,772 216,753 464,802 173,174 393,731 145,649
Total earnings-basic $ 1,072,856 $ 404,656 $ 931,815 $ 346,893 $ 839,416 $ 310,276
Denominator (shares in thousands):
Total weighted-average shares-basic 146,120 60,614 147,832 60,614 148,841 60,614
Earnings Per Share-basic $ 7.34 $ 6.68 $ 6.30 $ 5.72 $ 5.64 $ 5.12
Diluted earnings per share:
Numerator:
Allocation of total earnings used in basic computation $ 1,072,856 $ 404,656 $ 931,815 $ 346,893 $ 839,416 $ 310,276
Reallocation of total earnings as a result of conversion of Class B common stock to Common stock 404,656 - 346,893 - 310,276 -
Reallocation of undistributed earnings - (1,098) - (822) - (886)
Total earnings-diluted $ 1,477,512 $ 403,558 $ 1,278,708 $ 346,071 $ 1,149,692 $ 309,390
Denominator (shares in thousands):
Number of shares used in basic computation 146,120 60,614 147,832 60,614 148,841 60,614
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities:
Conversion of Class B common stock to Common shares outstanding 60,614 - 60,614 - 60,614 -
Employee stock options 609 - 600 - 785 -
Performance and restricted stock units 415 - 368 - 462 -
Total weighted-average shares-diluted 207,758 60,614 209,414 60,614 210,702 60,614
Earnings Per Share-diluted $ 7.11 $ 6.66 $ 6.11 $ 5.71 $ 5.46 $ 5.10
The earnings per share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 excluded 43, 15 and 1,476 stock options (in thousands), respectively, that would have been antidilutive.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 98
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
17. OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
Other (income) expense, net reports certain gains and losses associated with activities not directly related to our core operations. A summary of the components of other (income) expense, net is as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019
Write-down of equity investments in partnerships qualifying for historic and renewable energy tax credits (see Note 8)
$ 113,756 $ 125,579 $ 50,457
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans (see Note 11)
5,177 12,560 20,415
Other (income) expense, net 148 188 171
Total
$ 119,081 $ 138,327 $ 71,043
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 99
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated)
18. SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
The components of certain Consolidated Balance Sheet accounts are as follows:
December 31, 2021 2020
Inventories:
Raw materials $ 395,358 $ 388,600
Goods in process 110,008 104,841
Finished goods 649,082 645,664
Inventories at FIFO 1,154,448 1,139,105
Adjustment to LIFO (165,937) (174,898)
Total inventories $ 988,511 $ 964,207
Prepaid expenses and other:
Prepaid expenses $ 129,287 $ 95,669
Other current assets 127,678 158,809
Total prepaid expenses and other $ 256,965 $ 254,478
Property, plant and equipment:
Land $ 154,494 $ 131,513
Buildings 1,508,139 1,387,106
Machinery and equipment 3,443,500 3,169,754
Construction in progress 294,824 276,514
Property, plant and equipment, gross 5,400,957 4,964,887
Accumulated depreciation (2,814,770) (2,679,632)
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 2,586,187 $ 2,285,255
Other non-current assets:
Pension $ 71,618 $ 8,308
Capitalized software, net 260,656 187,673
Operating lease ROU assets 351,712 224,268
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 93,089 52,351
Other non-current assets 91,128 83,287
Total other non-current assets $ 868,203 $ 555,887
Accrued liabilities:
Payroll, compensation and benefits $ 291,446 $ 237,342
Advertising, promotion and product allowances 305,050 309,537
Operating lease liabilities 36,292 36,578
Other 222,850 198,309
Total accrued liabilities $ 855,638 $ 781,766
Other long-term liabilities:
Post-retirement benefits liabilities $ 193,604 $ 223,507
Pension benefits liabilities 37,023 70,727
Operating lease liabilities 310,899 181,871
Other 245,532 207,329
Total other long-term liabilities $ 787,058 $ 683,434
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (100,025) $ (98,525)
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax (116,381) (194,205)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax (32,809) (45,352)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (249,215) $ (338,082)
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 100

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as of December 31, 2021. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021.
Design and Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting appears on the following page. During 2021, the Company acquired Lily’s (June 2021) and Dot’s and Pretzels (December 2021). Other than the ongoing integrations of the aforementioned acquisitions, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
We rely extensively on information systems and technology to manage our business and summarize operating results. We are in the process of a multi-year implementation of a new global enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system, which will replace our existing operating and financial systems. The ERP system is designed to accurately maintain the Company’s financial records, enhance operational functionality and provide timely information to the Company’s management team related to the operation of the business. The implementation is expected to occur in phases over the next several years. When the next phases of the updated processes are rolled out in connection with the ERP implementation, we will give appropriate consideration to whether these process changes necessitate changes in the design of and testing for effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 101
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of The Hershey Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
The Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013 edition). Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
Management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Lily’s Sweets, LLC, which was acquired on June 25, 2021; Dot’s Pretzels, LLC, which was acquired on December 13, 2021; or Pretzels Inc., which was acquired on December 14, 2021, all of which are included in the 2021 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 17.1% of total assets as of December 31, 2021 and 0.9% of net sales for the year then ended. These exclusions are in accordance with the guidance issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that allows companies to exclude acquisitions from management’s report on internal control over financial reporting for the first year after the acquisition.
The Company’s independent auditors have audited, and reported on, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
The information regarding executive officers of the Company required by Item 401 of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure included under the caption “Supplemental Item. Information About Out Executive Officers” at the end of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The information required by Item 401 of SEC Regulation S-K concerning the directors and nominees for director of the Company, together with a discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Board to conclude that the director or nominee should serve as a director at this time, will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Proposal No. 1 - Election of Directors,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Information regarding the identification of the Audit Committee as a separately-designated standing committee of the Board and information regarding the status of one or more members of the Audit Committee as an “audit committee financial expert” will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Corporate Governance - Committees of the Board,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
There are no inadvertent late filings under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Information regarding our Code of Conduct applicable to our directors, officers and employees is located in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the heading “Available Information.”

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Information regarding the compensation of each of our named executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer, will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Compensation Discussion & Analysis,” which information is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding the compensation of our directors will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Non-Employee Director Compensation,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by Item 407(e)(4) of SEC Regulation S-K will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by Item 407(e)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Compensation Committee Report,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Information concerning ownership of our voting securities by certain beneficial owners, individual nominees for director, the named executive officers, including persons serving as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and directors and executive officers as a group, will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Share Ownership of Directors, Management and Certain Beneficial Owners,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Information regarding all of the Company’s equity compensation plans will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Compensation Committee Report - Equity Compensation Plan Information,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 103

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Information regarding transactions with related persons will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Certain Transactions and Relationships,” which information is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding director independence will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Corporate Governance - Director Independence,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Information regarding “Principal Accounting Fees and Services,” including the policy regarding pre-approval of audit and non-audit services performed by our Company’s independent auditors, will be located in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Information about Our Independent Auditors,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 104
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15(a)(1): Financial Statements
The audited consolidated financial statements of The Hershey Company and its subsidiaries and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, as required to be filed, are located under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 15(a)(2): Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for The Hershey Company and its subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as required by Item 15(c).
We omitted other schedules because they are not applicable or the required information is set forth in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
Item 15(a)(3): Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number Description
3.1
The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 2005.
3.2
The Company’s By-laws, as amended and restated as of February 21, 2017, are incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
4.1 The Company has issued certain long-term debt instruments, no one class of which creates indebtedness exceeding 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. These classes consist of the following:
1) 2.625% Notes due 2023
2) 3.375% Notes due 2023
3) 2.050% Notes due 2024
4) 0.900% Notes due 2025
5) 3.200% Notes due 2025
6) 2.300% Notes due 2026
7) 7.200% Debentures due 2027
8) 2.450% Notes due 2029
9) 1.700% Notes due 2030
10) 3.375% Notes due 2046
11) 3.125% Notes due 2049
12) 2.650% Notes due 2050
13) Other Obligations
The Company undertakes to furnish copies of the agreements governing these debt instruments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.
4.2
The Company’s Description of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.*
10.1(a) Kit Kat® and Rolo® License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) between the Company and Rowntree Mackintosh Confectionery Limited is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1980.#
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 105
10.1(b) Amendment to the License Agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 19 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 1988.#
10.1(c) Assignment of the License Agreement by Rowntree Mackintosh Confectionery Limited to Société des Produits Nestlé SA as of January 1, 1990 is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 19 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990.#
10.2 Peter Paul/York Domestic Trademark & Technology License Agreement between the Company and Cadbury Schweppes Inc. (now Kraft Foods Ireland Intellectual Property Limited) dated August 25, 1988, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2(a) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 1988.#
10.3 Cadbury Trademark & Technology License Agreement between the Company and Cadbury Limited (now Cadbury UK Limited) dated August 25, 1988, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2(a) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 1988.#
10.4(a)
Trademark and Technology License Agreement between Huhtamäki (now Iconic IP Interests, LLC) and the Company dated December 30, 1996, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 26, 1997.
10.4(b)
Amended and Restated Trademark and Technology License Agreement between Huhtamäki (now Iconic IP Interests, LLC) and the Company is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
10.5
Five Year Credit Agreement dated as of July 2, 2019, among the Company and the banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders listed on the respective signature pages thereof (“Lenders”), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Citibank, N.A. and PNC Bank, National Association, as syndication agents, Royal Bank of Canada, as documentation agent, and BofA Securities, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Citibank, N.A., PNC Capital Markets LLC and RBC Capital Markets, as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 2, 2019.
10.6(a)
Master Innovation and Supply Agreement between the Company and Barry Callebaut, AG, dated July 13, 2007, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 19, 2007.
10.6(b)
First Amendment to Master Innovation and Supply Agreement between the Company and Barry Callebaut, AG, dated April 14, 2011, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 2011.
10.7
Supply Agreement for Monterrey, Mexico, between the Company and Barry Callebaut, AG, dated July 13, 2007, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 19, 2007.
10.8
The Company’s Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan, amended and restated February 22, 2011, and approved by our stockholders on April 28, 2011, is incorporated by reference from Appendix B to the Company’s proxy statement filed March 15, 2011.+
10.9(a)
Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units (February 15, 2016 - February 21, 2017 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.10(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.+
10.9(b)
Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units (February 22, 2017 - February 25, 2019 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2017.+
10.9(c)
Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units (February 26, 2019 - February 22, 2021 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.+
10.9(d)
Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units (effective February 23, 2021) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 4, 2021.+
10.9(e)
Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units (3-year vest, effective February 23, 2021) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 4, 2021.+
10.10(a)
Form of Notice of Special Award of Restricted Stock Units (pro-rata vest, February 15, 2016 - February 21, 2017 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 17, 2016.+
10.10(b)
Form of Notice of Special Award of Restricted Stock Units (pro-rata vest, February 22, 2017 - February 25, 2019 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2(a) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2017.+
10.10(c)
Form of Notice of Special Award of Restricted Stock Units (pro-rata vest, February 26, 2019 - February 22, 2021 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.+
The Hershey Company | 2021 Form 10-K | Page 106
10.10(d)
Form of Notice of Special Award of Restricted Stock Units (pro-rata vest, effective February 23, 2021) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 4, 2021.+
10.10(e)
Form of Notice of Special Award of Restricted Stock Units (3-year cliff vest, February 22, 2017 - February 25, 2019 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2(b) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2017.+
10.10(f)
Form of Notice of Special Award of Restricted Stock Units (3-year cliff vest, effective February 26, 2019) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.+
10.11(a)
Terms and Conditions of Nonqualified Stock Option Awards under the Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (pre-February 15, 2016 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 24, 2012.+
10.11(b)
Terms and Conditions of Nonqualified Stock Option Awards under the Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (February 15, 2016 - February 21, 2017 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.12(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.+
10.11(c)
Terms and Conditions of Nonqualified Stock Option Awards under the Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (February 22, 2017 - February 25, 2019 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2017.+
10.11(d)
Terms and Conditions of Nonqualified Stock Option Awards under the Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (February 26, 2019 - February 22, 2021 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.+
10.11(e)
Terms and Conditions of Nonqualified Stock Option Awards under the Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (effective February 23, 2021) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 4, 2021.+
10.12(a)
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Stock Units (February 15, 2016 - February 21, 2017 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.13(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.+
10.12(b)
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Stock Units (February 22, 2017 - February 25, 2019 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2017.+
10.12(c)
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Stock Units (February 26, 2019 - February 22, 2021 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.+
10.12(d)
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Stock Units (effective February 23, 2021) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 4, 2021.+
10.13(a)
Form of Notice of Special Award of Performance Stock Units (February 22, 2017 - February 22, 2021 version) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 5, 2017.+
10.13(b)
Form of Notice of Special Award of Performance Stock Units (effective February 23, 2021) is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 4, 2021.+
10.14
The Long-Term Incentive Program Participation Agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 18, 2005.+
10.15
The Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated as of June 27, 2012, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2012.+
10.16(a)
The Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated as of October 2, 2007, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.+
10.16(b)
First Amendment to the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated as of October 2, 2007, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.+
10.17
The Company’s Compensation Limit Replacement Plan, Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2009, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.+
10.18
The Company’s Executive Benefits Protection Plan (Group 3A), Amended and Restated as of June 27, 2012, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2012.+
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10.19
The Company’ s Executive Benefits Protection Plan (Group 3), Amended and Restated as of June 27, 2012, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.+
10.20(a)
Employee Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenant Agreement, amended as of February 18, 2013, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.+
10.20(b)
Employee Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenant Agreement, amended as of October 10, 2016, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.21(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.+
10.20(c)
Employee Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenant Agreement, amended as of September 8, 2021, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 4, 2021.+
10.21
Executive Employment Agreement, effective as of March 1, 2017, by and between the Company and Michele G. Buck is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed February 24, 2017.+
10.22
The Company’s Directors’ Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated as of December 2, 2008, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.+
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.*
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.*
31.1
Certification of Michele G. Buck, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2
Certification of Steven E. Voskuil, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1
Certification of Michele G. Buck, Chief Executive Officer, and Steven E. Voskuil, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
101.INS
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XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
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104 The cover page from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
* Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith
+ Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement
# Pursuant to Instruction 1 to Regulation S-T Rule 105(d), no hyperlink is required for any exhibit incorporated by reference that has not been filed with the SEC in electronic format