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Hershey Foods Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

HERSHEY, Pa., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE: HSY) today announced sales and earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2002. Consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter were $1,156,028,000 compared with $1,152,980,000 for the fourth quarter of 2001. Net income was $130,320,000, or $.96 per share-diluted, compared with a loss of ($44,951,000), or ($.33) per share-diluted, in 2001.

The results for the fourth quarter of 2002 included a pre-tax charge of $13.3 million, or $.06 per share-diluted, associated with the business realignment initiatives announced in October 2001. The results for the fourth quarter of 2001 included a one-time charge of $278.4 million, or $1.25 per share-diluted, related to the realignment process, as well as the amortization of goodwill. Excluding the one-time items, net income for the fourth quarter of 2002 was $138,690,000, or $1.02 per share-diluted, compared with $130,523,000, or $.95 per share-diluted, a gain of 7.4 percent.

For the full year 2002, consolidated net sales were $4,120,317,000 compared with $4,137,217,000 for 2001. Net income for 2002 was $403,578,000, or $2.93 per share-diluted, compared with $207,156,000, or $1.50 per share diluted, the prior year.

Results for 2002 included cumulative pre-tax realignment charges of $34.0 million, or $.16 per share-diluted, and pre-tax expenses of $17.2 million, or $.08 per share-diluted, related to the exploration of the sale of the Company; and in 2001, results included the pre-tax charge of $278.4 million, or $1.25 per share-diluted, related to the realignment initiatives, the gain on the sale of the Luden's business in the third quarter, and the amortization of goodwill.

Excluding one-time items, net income for 2002 was $435,994,000, or $3.17 per share-diluted, compared with $391,482,000, or $2.84 per share-diluted, for 2001, an increase of 11.6 percent. A pro forma income statement reflecting these adjustments accompanies this press release.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2002 increased by 0.3 percent on a nominal basis. On a comparable basis, net sales increased by about 1.0 percent spurred by a customer buy-in related to the price increase announced on December 10, 2002. Fourth quarter sales were one to two percent higher than they would have been absent the buy-in. This increase in sales was offset somewhat by higher trade promotion expense, lower domestic seasonal sales, and weakness in the Canadian market. Gross margin improved by 60 basis points as a result of improved mix and enhanced supply chain efficiencies. Selling, Marketing, and Administrative expenses decreased by 30 basis points as a percentage of sales resulting from significantly lower general and administrative costs, which were only partially offset by higher selling and marketing expenses.

For the year, sales were off slightly, but the mix of revenues was significantly strengthened as we focused on higher margin products, packtypes, and channels of trade. The improved sales mix, price increases on the packaged candy line, and supply chain efficiencies led to a 130 basis point improvement in gross margin. For the year, Selling, Marketing and Administrative expenses declined 30 basis points as a percentage of sales, due to lower general and administrative costs, which more than offset higher selling and marketing expenses.

"Hershey's fourth quarter results were in line with expectations, achieving a balance of improved marketplace performance and profitability," said Richard H. Lenny, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "Despite a sluggish retail environment, Hershey's consumer takeaway increased, resulting in a 0.4 point gain in market share. Equally as important, supply chain productivity and tight expense control continued to deliver solid gains during the quarter.

"For the full year, we made good progress against our value-enhancing strategy. Profitability, margins, and returns delivered strong growth versus 2001, reflecting improved mix, productivity gains across the supply chain, and lower general and administrative spending. Although net sales were flat in the U.S. business, retail takeaway in all food, drug, mass, and convenience channels increased by three percent. This performance reflects our disciplined focus on building Hershey's core brands (+8 %), expanding our leadership position in the key chocolate category (+5 %), and significantly improving performance in the high growth convenience store channel (+9 %).

"Overall, I'm most pleased with the Company's results in 2002. Our ability to deliver solid performance, despite numerous challenges, positions us well as we continue to implement Hershey's long-term growth initiatives," Lenny concluded.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains statements which are forward-looking. These statements are made based upon current expectations which are subject to risk and uncertainty. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: changes in the confectionery and grocery business environment, including actions of competitors and changes in consumer preferences; changes in governmental laws and regulations including taxes; market demand for new and existing products; changes in raw material and other costs; and pension cost factors, such as actuarial assumptions and market performance, as discussed in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for 2001.

Live Webcast

As previously announced, the Company will hold a conference call with analysts today at 10 a.m. EST. The conference call will be webcast live via Hershey's corporate web site www.hersheys.com. Please go to the Investor Relations Section of the Web site for further details.

                            Hershey Foods Corporation
                   Summary of Consolidated Statements of Income
          for the periods ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001
                (in thousands of dollars except per share amounts)


                                Fourth Quarter          Twelve Months

                               2002        2001        2002        2001

    Net Sales               $1,156,028  $1,152,980  $4,120,317  $4,137,217

    Costs and Expenses:
       Cost of Sales           709,840     759,914   2,561,052   2,668,530
       Selling, Marketing
        and Administrative     216,758     224,049     833,426     846,976
       Business Realignment
        Charge, net              8,278     228,314      27,552     228,314
       Gain on Sale of
        Business                   ---         ---         ---     (19,237)

       Total Costs and
        Expenses               934,876   1,212,277   3,422,030   3,724,583

    Income Before Interest
     and Income Taxes          221,152     (59,297)    698,287     412,634
    Interest Expense, net       15,274      16,722      60,722      69,093

    Income Before Income
     Taxes                     205,878     (76,019)    637,565     343,541
    Provision for Income
     Taxes                      75,558     (31,068)    233,987     136,385

    Net Income                $130,320    ($44,951)   $403,578    $207,156

Net Income Per Share

    - Basic                      $0.96      ($0.33)      $2.96       $1.52
    - Diluted                    $0.96      ($0.33)      $2.93       $1.50

Shares Outstanding

    - Basic                    135,409     135,953     136,538     136,245
    - Diluted                  136,337     135,953     137,714     137,696



                         Hershey Foods Corporation
            Pro Forma Summary of Consolidated Statements of Income
         for the periods ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001
              (in thousands of dollars except per share amounts)


                                                      Fourth Quarter


                                                  2002             2001

    Net Sales                                 $1,156,028       $1,152,980

    Costs and Expenses:
       Cost of Sales                             704,821 (a)      709,812 (d)
       Selling, Marketing and
        Administrative                           216,834 (b)      220,575 (e)
       Business Realignment Charge, net             ---  (c)         ---  (f)
       Gain on Sale of Business                     ---              ---

       Total Costs and Expenses                  921,655          930,387

    Income Before Interest and Income Taxes      234,373          222,593
    Interest Expense, net                         15,274           16,722

    Income Before Income Taxes                   219,099          205,871
    Provision for Income Taxes                    80,409           75,348

    Net Income                                  $138,690         $130,523

    Net Income Per Share - Basic                   $1.02            $0.96
                         - Diluted                 $1.02            $0.95

    Shares Outstanding   - Basic                 135,409          135,953
                         - Diluted               136,337          137,450


                                                    Twelve Months


                                                 2002             2001

    Net Sales                                 $4,120,317       $4,137,217

    Costs and Expenses:
       Cost of Sales                           2,554,625 (a)    2,618,428 (d)
       Selling, Marketing and
        Administrative                           816,196 (b)      832,217 (e)
       Business Realignment Charge, net              --- (c)          --- (f)
       Gain on Sale of Business                      ---              --- (g)

       Total Costs and Expenses                3,370,821        3,450,645

    Income Before Interest and Income Taxes      749,496          686,572
    Interest Expense, net                         60,722           69,093

    Income Before Income Taxes                   688,774          617,479
    Provision for Income Taxes                   252,780          225,997

    Net Income                                  $435,994         $391,482

    Net Income Per Share - Basic                   $3.19            $2.87
                         - Diluted                 $3.17            $2.84

    Shares Outstanding   - Basic                 136,538          136,245
                         - Diluted               137,714          137,696

(a) Excludes business realignment charges of $5.0 million for the

fourth quarter and $6.4 million for the twelve months.

(b) Excludes an adjustment to expenses of $(0.1) million in the fourth quarter and total expenses of $17.2 million, or $.08 per share- diluted, for the twelve months, related to the exploration of the possible sale of the Corporation.

(c) Excludes business realignment charges of $8.3 million, or $.04 per share-diluted, for the fourth quarter and $27.6 million, or $.13 per share-diluted, for the twelve months.

(d) Excludes business realignment charges of $50.1 million, or $30.9 million after-tax, for both the fourth quarter and twelve months.

(e) Excludes goodwill amortization of $3.5 million for the fourth quarter and $14.8 million for the twelve months.

(f) Excludes business realignment charges of $228.3 million, or $140.9 million after-tax, for both the fourth quarter and twelve months.

(g) Excludes gain on Luden's sale of $19.2 million pre-tax, $1.1 million after-tax, or $.01 per share-diluted, for the twelve months.

                            Hershey Foods Corporation
                           Consolidated Balance Sheets
                  as of December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001
                            (in thousands of dollars)

    Assets                                          2002               2001

    Cash and Cash Equivalents                     $297,743           $134,147
    Accounts Receivable - Trade (Net)              370,976            361,726
    Deferred Income Taxes                              ---             96,939
    Inventories                                    503,291            512,134
    Prepaid Expenses and Other                      91,608             62,595

    Total Current Assets                         1,263,618          1,167,541

    Net Plant and Property                       1,486,055          1,534,901
    Goodwill                                       378,453            388,702
    Other Intangibles                               39,898             40,426
    Other Assets                                   312,527            115,860

    Total Assets                                $3,480,551         $3,247,430

    Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

    Loans Payable                                  $28,124             $7,926
    Accounts Payable                               124,507            133,049
    Accrued Liabilities                            356,716            462,901
    Taxes Payable                                   12,731              2,568
    Deferred Income Taxes                           24,768                ---

    Total Current Liabilities                      546,846            606,444

    Long-Term Debt                                 851,800            876,972
    Other Long-Term Liabilities                    362,162            361,041
    Deferred Income Taxes                          348,040            255,769

    Total Liabilities                            2,108,848          2,100,226

    Total Stockholders' Equity                   1,371,703          1,147,204

    Total Liabilities and Stockholders'
     Equity                                     $3,480,551         $3,247,430

SOURCE Hershey Foods Corporation

/CONTACT: Christine M. Dugan, +1-717-508-3238; or Financial: James A. Edris, +1-717-534-7556, both of Hershey Foods Corporation/

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