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                                UNITED STATES
                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                  FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
    |X|            OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998


                                     OR


             TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
    |_|                SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ..... TO .....


                     REGISTRANT, STATE OF INCORPORATION,
                        ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER
                        ----------------------------

                          HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION
COMMISSION                                                    I.R.S. EMPLOYER
 FILE NO.              (A DELAWARE CORPORATION)             IDENTIFICATION NO.
 --------                100 CRYSTAL A DRIVE                -----------------
   1-183              HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA 17033               23-0691590
                              (717) 534-6799       
                                                    
           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
  
                                                   Name of each exchange on
   TITLE OF EACH CLASS                                which registered
   -------------------                             ------------------------
Common Stock, one dollar par value                 New York Stock Exchange

         SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:

                 Class B Common Stock, one dollar par value
                              (TITLE OF CLASS)

   Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No |_|

   Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. |_|

   State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the Registrant as of a specified date within 60 days prior to the date of
filing.

   Common Stock, one dollar par value -- $5,935,504,658 as of March 1, 1999.

   Class B Common Stock, one dollar par value -- $8,718,311 as of March 1, 1999.
   While the Class B Common Stock is not listed for public trading on any
   exchange or market system, shares of that class are convertible into shares
   of Common Stock at any time on a share-for-share basis. The market value
   indicated is calculated based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the
   New York Stock Exchange on March 1, 1999.

   Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes
of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

   Common Stock, one dollar par value -- 109,262,899 shares, as of March 1,
1999.

   Class B Common Stock, one dollar par value -- 30,446,908 shares, as of March
1, 1999.

                     DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

   The Corporation's Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's
Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 1998 are included in
Appendix A to the Corporation's Proxy Statement for the Corporation's 1999
Annual Meeting of Stockholders and are incorporated by reference into Part II
and are filed as Exhibit 13 hereto. Portions of the Proxy Statement are
incorporated by reference herein into Part III.










                                   PART I



ITEM 1.BUSINESS

   Hershey Foods Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Corporation") are
engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale of consumer food products. The
Corporation produces and distributes a broad line of chocolate and non-chocolate
confectionery, and grocery products.

   The Corporation was organized 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 January 1999, the Corporation completed the sale of a 94% majority
interest of its U.S. pasta business to New World Pasta, LLC. The transaction
included the AMERICAN BEAUTY, IDEAL BY SAN GIORGIO, LIGHT `N FLUFFY, MRS. WEISS,
P&R, RONZONI, SAN GIORGIO and SKINNER pasta brands along with six manufacturing
plants. The Corporation retained a 6% minority interest in the business.

   The Corporation's principal product groups include: chocolate and
non-chocolate confectionery products sold in the form of bar goods, bagged items
and boxed items; and grocery products in the form of baking ingredients,
chocolate drink mixes, peanut butter, dessert toppings and beverages. The
Corporation believes it is a major factor in these product groups in North
America. Operating profit margins vary considerably among individual products
and brands. Generally, such margins on chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery
products are greater than those on certain other grocery products.

   In North America, the Corporation manufactures chocolate and non-chocolate
confectionery products in a variety of packaged forms and markets them under
more than 50 brands. The different packaged forms include various arrangements
of the same bar products, such as boxes, trays and bags, as well as a variety of
different sizes and weights of the same bar product, such as snack size,
standard, king size, large and giant bars. Among the principal chocolate and
non-chocolate confectionery products in the United States are: HERSHEY'S BITES
candies, HERSHEY'S classic caramels, HERSHEY'S COOKIES 'N' CREME chocolate bars,
HERSHEY'S HUGS chocolates, HERSHEY'S KISSES chocolates, HERSHEY'S KISSES WITH
ALMONDS chocolates, HERSHEY'S milk chocolate bars, HERSHEY'S milk chocolate bars
with almonds, HERSHEY'S MINIATURES chocolate bars, HERSHEY'S NUGGETS chocolates,
AMAZIN' FRUIT gummy bears fruit candy, CARAMELLO candy bars, GOOD & PLENTY
candy, HEATH toffee bar, JOLLY RANCHER candy, KIT KAT wafer bars, LUDEN'S throat
drops, MILK DUDS chocolate covered caramels, MR. GOODBAR milk chocolate bars
with peanuts, NIBS candy, PAYDAY peanut caramel bar, PETER PAUL ALMOND JOY candy
bars, PETER PAUL MOUNDS candy bars, RAIN-BLO and SUPER BUBBLE gum, REESE'S
NUTRAGEOUS candy bars, REESE'S peanut butter cups, REESE'S PIECES candies,
REESESTICKS wafer bars, ROLO caramels in milk chocolate, SIXLETS candies, SKOR
toffee bars, SYMPHONY milk chocolate bars, SWEET ESCAPES candy bars,
TASTETATIONS candy, TWIZZLERS candy, WHATCHAMACALLIT candy bars, WHOPPERS malted
milk balls, YORK peppermint pattie candy, 5TH AVENUE candy bars and ZERO candy
bars. Principal products in Canada include CHIPITS chocolate chips, GLOSETTE
chocolate-covered raisins, peanuts and almonds, OH HENRY! candy bars, POT OF
GOLD boxed chocolates, REESE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS candy, and TWIZZLERS candy. The
Corporation also manufactures, imports, markets, sells and distributes chocolate
products in Mexico under the HERSHEY'S brand name.

   The Corporation manufactures and markets a line of grocery products in the
baking, beverage, peanut butter and toppings categories. Principal products in
the United States include HERSHEY'S, REESE'S AND HEATH baking pieces, HERSHEY'S
drink boxes, HERSHEY'S chocolate milk mix, HERSHEY'S cocoa, HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE
SHOPPE ice cream toppings, HERSHEY'S HOT COCOA COLLECTION hot cocoa mix,
HERSHEY'S syrup and REESE'S peanut butter. HERSHEY'S chocolate milk is produced
and sold under license by certain independent dairies throughout the United
States, using a chocolate milk mix manufactured by the Corporation. Baking and
various other products are produced and sold under the HERSHEY'S and REESE'S
brand names by third parties who have been granted licenses by the Corporation
to use these trademarks.

                                       1



   The Corporation's products are sold primarily to grocery wholesalers, chain
grocery stores, candy distributors, mass merchandisers, chain drug stores,
vending companies, wholesale clubs, convenience stores, concessionaires and food
distributors by full-time sales representatives, food brokers and part-time
retail sales merchandisers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The
Corporation believes its products are sold in over 2 million retail outlets in
North America. In 1998, sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries amounted
to approximately 14% of the Corporation's total net sales.

   In Japan, China and the Philippines, the Corporation imports and/or markets
selected confectionery and grocery products. The Corporation also markets
chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products in over 90 countries
worldwide.

   The Corporation's marketing strategy is based upon the consistently superior
quality of its products, mass distribution and the best possible consumer value
in terms of price and weight. In addition, the Corporation devotes considerable
resources to the identification, development, testing, manufacturing and
marketing of new products. The Corporation utilizes a variety of promotional
programs for customers and advertising and promotional programs for consumers.
The Corporation employs promotional programs at various times during the year to
stimulate sales of certain products. Chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery
and grocery seasonal and holiday-related sales have typically been highest
during the third and fourth quarters of the year.

   The Corporation recognizes that the mass distribution of its consumer food
products is an important element in maintaining sales growth and providing
service to its customers. The Corporation attempts to meet the changing demands
of its customers by planning optimum stock levels and reasonable delivery times
consistent with achievement of efficiencies in distribution. To achieve these
objectives, the Corporation has developed a distribution network from its
manufacturing plants, distribution centers and field warehouses strategically
located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Corporation uses a
combination of public and contract carriers to deliver its products from the
distribution points to its customers. In conjunction with sales and marketing
efforts, the distribution system has been instrumental in the effective
promotion of new, as well as established, products on both national and regional
scales.

   From time to time, the Corporation has changed the prices and weights of its
products to accommodate changes in manufacturing costs, the competitive
environment and profit objectives, while at the same time maintaining consumer
value. The last standard candy bar price increase was implemented by the
Corporation in December 1995, resulting in a wholesale price increase of
approximately 11% on its standard and king-size candy bars sold in the United
States.

   The most significant raw material used in the production of the Corporation's
chocolate products is cocoa beans. This commodity is imported principally from
West African, South American and Far Eastern equatorial regions. West Africa
accounts for approximately 65% of the world's crop. Cocoa beans are not uniform,
and the various grades and varieties reflect the diverse agricultural practices
and natural conditions found in the many growing areas. The Corporation buys a
mix of cocoa beans to meet its manufacturing requirements.

   The table below sets forth annual average cocoa prices as well as the highest
and lowest monthly averages for each of the calendar years indicated. The prices
are the monthly average of the quotations at noon of the three active futures
trading contracts closest to maturity on the New York Coffee, Sugar and Cocoa
Exchange. Because of the Corporation's forward purchasing practices discussed
below, and premium prices paid for certain varieties of cocoa beans, these
average futures contract prices are not necessarily indicative of the
Corporation's average cost of cocoa beans or cocoa products.

                        COCOA FUTURES CONTRACT PRICES
                              (CENTS PER POUND)

                         1994  1995   1996  1997  1998
                         ----  ----   ----  ----  ----
   Annual Average.....   59.1  61.2   62.1  70.0  72.7
   High...............   66.1  64.1   64.4  77.2  78.3
   Low................   51.3  58.3   57.4  59.1  65.5

Source:   International  Cocoa  Organization   Quarterly  Bulletin  of  Cocoa
Statistics

                                       2



   The Federal Agricultural and Improvement Reform Act of 1996, which is a
seven-year farm bill, impacts the prices of sugar, peanuts and milk because it
sets price support levels for these commodities.

   The price of sugar, the Corporation's second most important commodity for its
domestic chocolate and confectionery products, is subject to price supports
under the above referenced farm legislation. Due to import quotas and duties
imposed to support the price of sugar established by that legislation, sugar
prices paid by United States users are currently substantially higher than
prices on the world sugar market. The average wholesale list price of refined
sugar, F.O.B. Northeast, has remained relatively stable in a range of $.28 to
$.35 per pound for the past ten years.

   Peanut prices remained near recent historical levels throughout 1998.

   Dairy prices reached historic highs in 1998, reflecting generally poor
weather which adversely affected production and strong demand for cheese and
butter.

   Almond prices remained at relatively high levels throughout 1998 as a result
of poor weather in California and Europe.

   The Corporation attempts to minimize the effect of price fluctuations related
to the purchase of its major raw materials primarily through the forward
purchasing of such commodities to cover future manufacturing requirements
generally for periods ranging from 3 to 24 months. With regard to cocoa, sugar,
corn sweeteners, natural gas and certain dairy products, price risks are also
managed by entering into futures and options contracts. At the present time,
active futures and options contracts are not available for use in pricing the
Corporation's other major raw materials. Futures contracts are used in
combination with forward purchasing of cocoa, sugar, corn sweetener, natural gas
and certain dairy product requirements principally to take advantage of market
fluctuations which provide more favorable pricing opportunities and to increase
diversity or flexibility in sourcing these raw materials. The Corporation's
commodity procurement practices are intended to reduce the risk of future price
increases, but also may potentially limit the Corporation's ability to benefit
from possible price decreases.

   The primary effect on liquidity from using futures contracts is associated
with margin requirements for futures contracts related to cocoa, sugar, corn
sweeteners, natural gas and certain dairy products. Cash outflows and inflows
result from original margins which are "good faith deposits" established by
futures exchanges to ensure that market participants will meet their contractual
financial obligations. Additionally, variation margin payments and receipts are
required when the value of open positions is adjusted to reflect daily price
movements. The magnitude of such cash inflows and outflows is dependent upon
price coverage levels and the volatility of the markets. Historically, cash
flows related to margin requirements have not been material to the Corporation's
total working capital requirements.

   The Corporation manages the purchase of forward and futures contracts by
developing and monitoring procurement strategies for each of its major
commodities. These procurement strategies, including the use of futures
contracts to hedge the pricing of cocoa, sugar, corn sweeteners, natural gas and
certain dairy products are directly linked to the overall planning and
management of the Corporation's business, since the cost of raw materials
accounts for a significant portion of the cost of finished goods. Procurement
strategies with regard to cocoa, sugar and other major raw material requirements
are developed by the analysis of fundamentals, including weather and crop
analysis, and by discussions with market analysts, brokers and dealers.
Procurement strategies are determined, implemented and monitored on a regular
basis by senior management. Procurement activities for all major commodities are
also reported to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.

   The Corporation has license agreements with several companies to manufacture
and/or sell products worldwide. Among the more significant are agreements with
affiliated companies of Cadbury Schweppes p.l.c. to manufacture and/or market
and distribute YORK, PETER PAUL ALMOND JOY and PETER PAUL MOUNDS confectionery
products worldwide as well as CADBURY and CARAMELLO confectionery products in
the United States. The Corporation's rights under these agreements are
extendible on a long-term basis at the Corporation's option. The license for
CADBURY and CARAMELLO products is subject to a minimum sales requirement which
the Corporation exceeded in 1998. The Corporation also has an agreement with
Societe des Produits Nestle SA, which licenses the Corporation to manufacture
and distribute KIT KAT and ROLO confectionery products in the United States. The
Corporation's rights under this agreement are extendible on a long-term basis at
the Corporation's option, subject to certain conditions, including minimum unit
volume sales. In 1998, the minimum volume requirements were exceeded. The
Corporation has an agreement with an affiliate of Huhtamaki Oy (Huhtamaki)
pursuant to which it licenses the use of certain trademarks, including GOOD &
PLENTY, HEATH, JOLLY RANCHER, MILK DUDS, PAYDAY and WHOPPERS confectionery
products in the North, Central and South American regions. The Corporation's
rights under this agreement are extendible on a long-term basis at the
Corporation's option.


                                       3



YEAR 2000 ISSUES

   Year 2000 issues associated with information systems relate to the way dates
are recorded and computed in many computer systems. These year 2000 issues could
have an impact upon the Corporation's information technology (IT) and non-IT
systems. Non-IT systems include embedded technology such as microcontrollers
which are integral to the operation of most machinery and equipment.
Additionally, year 2000 issues could have a similar impact on the Corporation's
major business partners, including both customers and suppliers. While it is not
currently possible to estimate the total impact of a failure of either the
Corporation or its major business partners or suppliers to complete their year
2000 remediation in a timely manner, the Corporation has determined that it
could suffer significant adverse financial consequences as a result of such
failure.

   Awareness and assessment of year 2000 issues regarding major business
applications software and other significant IT systems began in 1990. A formal
program to address year 2000 issues associated with IT systems was established
in late 1995. In early 1998, a team was established with representatives from
all major functional areas of the Corporation which assumed overall
responsibility for ensuring that remediation of both IT and non-IT systems will
be completed in time to prevent material adverse consequences to the
Corporation's business, operations or financial condition. The Corporation
expects that remediation of these systems will be essentially completed by the
third quarter of 1999.

   In late 1996, the Corporation approved a project to implement an
enterprise-wide integrated information system to improve process efficiencies in
all of the major functional areas of the Corporation, enabling the Corporation
to provide better service to its customers. This system will replace most of the
transaction systems and applications supporting operations of the Corporation.
In addition to improving efficiency and customer service, another benefit of
this system is that it is year 2000 compliant and will address year 2000 issues
for approximately 80% of the Corporation's business applications software. As of
December 31, 1998, approximately $62.1 million of capitalized software and
hardware and $6.9 million of expenses have been incurred for this project. As of
December 31, 1998, spending for implementation of this system was approximately
65% complete, with full implementation expected by the third quarter of 1999.
Total commitments for this system and subsequently identified enhancements are
expected to be approximately $110 million which will be financed with cash
provided from operations and short-term borrowings.

   The Corporation's mainframe, network and desktop hardware and software have
recently been upgraded and are substantially year 2000 compliant. The
Corporation is in the process of remediating year 2000 compliance issues
associated with legacy information systems not being replaced by the integrated
information system project, including process automation and factory management
systems. During late 1998, the Corporation undertook an extensive review of its
year 2000 remediation program. As a result of this review, the Corporation has
undertaken additional testing to confirm its year 2000 compliance, but is
otherwise maintaining its current program of remediation. As of December 31,
1998, remediation of both IT and non-IT systems was approximately 60% complete,
reflecting the latest estimate of testing and work requirements to be performed.
The total cost of remediation of IT and non-IT systems is expected to be in the
range of $6.0 million to $8.0 million.

   The Corporation is also in the process of assessing year 2000 remediation
issues relating to its major business partners. All of the Corporation's major
customers have been contacted regarding year 2000 issues related to electronic
data interchange. The Corporation is also in the process of contacting its major
suppliers of ingredients, packaging, facilities, logistics and financial
services with regard to year 2000 issues. Because of the uncertainties
associated with assessing the ability of major business partners to complete the
remediation of their systems in time to prevent operational difficulties, the
Corporation will continue to contact and/or visit major customers and suppliers
to gain assurances that no significant adverse consequences will result due to
their failure to complete remediation of their systems.

   Year 2000 remediation, conversion, validation and implementation is
continuing and, at the present time, it is expected that remediation to both the
Corporation's IT and non-IT systems and those of major business partners will be
completed in time to prevent material adverse consequences to the Corporation's
business, operations or financial condition. However, contingency plans are
being developed, including possible increases in raw material and finished goods
inventory levels, and the identification of alternate vendors and suppliers.
Additional contingency plans, to the extent feasible, will be developed for any
potential failures resulting from year 2000 issues.

COMPETITION

   Many of the Corporation's brands enjoy wide consumer acceptance and are among
the leading brands sold in the marketplace. However, these brands are sold in
highly competitive markets and compete with many other multinational, national,
regional and local firms, some of which have resources in excess of those
available to the Corporation.

                                       4


TRADEMARKS

   The Corporation owns various registered and unregistered trademarks and
service marks, and has rights under licenses to use various trademarks which are
of material importance to the Corporation's business.

BACKLOG OF ORDERS

   The Corporation manufactures primarily for stock and fills customer orders
from finished goods inventories. While at any given time there may be some
backlog of orders, such backlog is not material in respect to total sales, nor
are the changes from time to time significant.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

   The Corporation engages in a variety of research activities. These
principally involve development of new products, improvement in the quality of
existing products, improvement and modernization of production processes, and
the development and implementation of new technologies to enhance the quality
and value of both current and proposed product lines.

REGULATION

   The Corporation's domestic plants are subject to inspection by the Food and
Drug Administration and various other governmental agencies, and its products
must comply with regulations under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and
with various comparable state statutes regulating the manufacturing and
marketing of food products.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

   In the past the Corporation has made investments based on compliance with
environmental laws and regulations. Such expenditures have not been material
with respect to the Corporation's capital expenditures, earnings or competitive
position.

EMPLOYEES

   As of December 31, 1998, the Corporation had approximately 14,700 full-time
and 1,500 part-time employees, of whom approximately 6,800 were covered by
collective bargaining agreements. In January 1999, a reduction of approximately
900 full-time and 30 part-time employees resulted from the completion of the
sale of the pasta business. The Corporation considers its employee relations to
be good.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

   Information concerning the Corporation's geographic segments is contained in
Footnote 15 of the Corporation's Consolidated Financial Statements and
Management's Discussion and Analysis included in Appendix A to the Proxy
Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement"),
which information is incorporated herein by reference and filed as Exhibit 13
hereto.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

   The nature of the Corporation's operations and the environment in which it
operates subject it to changing economic, competitive, regulatory and
technological conditions, risks and uncertainties. In connection with the "safe
harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the
Corporation notes the following factors which, among others, could cause future
results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, expectations
and assumptions expressed or implied herein. Many of the forward looking
statements contained in this document may be identified by the use of
forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should,"
"planned," "estimated," and "potential" among others. Factors which could cause
results to differ 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
income taxes; market demand for new and existing products; and raw material
pricing.

                                       5



ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

   The following is a list of the Corporation's principal manufacturing
properties. The Corporation owns each of these properties.

   UNITED STATES
       Hershey,Pennsylvania - confectionery and grocery products (3 principal 
                              plants)
       Lancaster,Pennsylvania - confectionery products
       Oakdale, California confectionery and grocery products 
       Robinson, Illinois - confectionery and grocery products 
       Stuarts Draft, Virginia - confectionery and grocery products

   CANADA
       Smiths Falls, Ontario - confectionery and grocery products

   In addition to the locations indicated above, the Corporation owns or leases
several other properties used for manufacturing chocolate and non-chocolate
confectionery and grocery products and for sales, distribution and
administrative functions.

   The Corporation's plants are efficient and well maintained. These plants
generally have adequate capacity and can accommodate seasonal demands, changing
product mixes and certain additional growth. The largest plants are located in
Hershey, Pennsylvania. Many additions and improvements have been made to these
facilities over the years and the plants' manufacturing equipment includes
equipment of the latest type and technology.

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   In January 1999, the Corporation received a Notice of Proposed Deficiency
(Notice) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) related to the years 1989
through 1996. The most significant issue pertains to the Corporate Owned Life
Insurance (COLI) program which was implemented by the Corporation in 1989. The
IRS proposed the disallowance of interest expense deductions associated with the
underlying life insurance policies. The Corporation believes that it has fully
complied with the tax law as it relates to its COLI program. The Corporation
expects to file a protest of the proposed deficiency with the Appeals section of
the IRS in early 1999 and intends to vigorously defend its position on this
matter. The Corporation has no other material pending legal proceedings, other
than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business.

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   Not applicable.


                                       6



                                   PART II


ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER 
          MATTERS

   Information concerning the principal United States trading market for, market
prices of and dividends on the Corporation's Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock, and the approximate number of stockholders, may be found in the section
"Market Prices and Dividends" on page A-9 of the Corporation's Consolidated
Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis included in
Appendix A to the Proxy Statement which is deemed to be part of the Annual
Report to Stockholders and which information is incorporated herein by reference
and filed as Exhibit 13 hereto.

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   The following information, for the five years ended December 31, 1998, found
in the section "Eleven-Year Consolidated Financial Summary" on pages A-35
through A-37 of the Corporation's Consolidated Financial Statements and
Management's Discussion and Analysis included in Appendix A to the Proxy
Statement, is incorporated herein by reference and filed as Exhibit 13 hereto:
Net Sales; Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes; Income
Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes - Basic
(excluding Notes h, i and j); Dividends Paid on Common Stock (and related Per
Share amounts); Dividends Paid on Class B Common Stock (and related Per Share
amounts); Long-term Portion of Debt; and Total Assets.

ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   The section "Management's Discussion and Analysis," found on pages A-1
through A-11 of the Corporation's Consolidated Financial Statements and
Management's Discussion and Analysis included in Appendix A to the Proxy
Statement, is incorporated herein by reference and filed as Exhibit 13 hereto.

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

   The following audited consolidated financial statements of the Corporation
and its subsidiaries are found at the indicated pages in the Corporation's
Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis
included in Appendix A to the Proxy Statement, and such financial statements,
along with the Report of the Independent Public Accountants thereon, are
incorporated herein by reference and filed as Exhibit 13 hereto.

       1.Consolidated  Statements of Income for the years ended  December 31,
         1998, 1997 and 1996.  (Page A-12)

       2.Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  as of  December  31,  1998 and  1997.
         (Page A-13)

       3.Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended  December
         31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.  (Page A-14)

       4.Consolidated  Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
         December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.  (Page A-15)

       5.Notes to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  (Pages  A-16  through
         A-32), including "Quarterly Data (Unaudited)."  (Page A-32)

       6.Report of Independent Public Accountants.  (Page A-34)

ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
          FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     None.


                                       7


                                  PART III


ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

   The names, ages, positions held with the Corporation, periods of service as a
director, principal occupations, business experience and other directorships of
nominees for director of the Corporation are set forth in the section "Election
of Directors" in the Proxy Statement. This information is incorporated herein by
reference.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION AS OF MARCH 1, 1999

       NAME         AGE           POSITIONS HELD DURING THE LAST FIVE YEARS
       ----         ---           -----------------------------------------

K. L. Wolfe.......  60   Chairman  of the Board and Chief  Executive  Officer
                         (1993)

J. P. Viviano.....  60   Vice  Chairman of the Board  (1999);  President  and
                         Chief Operating Officer (1993)

M. F. Pasquale....  51   Senior  Vice  President,  Confectionery  and Grocery
                         (1999);  President,  Hershey Chocolate North America
                         (1995); President, Hershey Chocolate U.S.A. (1994)

W. F. Christ .....  58   Senior Vice President,  Chief Financial  Officer and
                         Treasurer  (1997);  Senior Vice  President and Chief
                         Financial Officer (1994)

R. Brace  ........  55   Senior  Vice  President,   Operations  (1999);  Vice
                         President,   Operations   (1997);   Vice  President,
                         Manufacturing,   Hershey   Chocolate  North  America
                         (1995);  Vice  President,   Manufacturing,   Hershey
                         Chocolate U.S.A. (1987)

R. M. Reese ......  49   Senior  Vice  President  - Public  Affairs,  General
                         Counsel  and  Secretary   (1999);   Vice  President,
                         General   Counsel   and   Secretary   (1995);   Vice
                         President and General Counsel (1992)

J. R. Canavan (1).  51   Vice President, Human Resources (1999)

D. W. Tacka.......  45   Corporate  Controller and Chief  Accounting  Officer
                         (1995); Vice President,  Finance and Administration,
                         Hershey  Pasta  Group,  part of the  former  Hershey
                         Pasta and  Grocery  Group  for which a 94%  majority
                         interest was sold in 1999 (1989)
- ------------------
   There are no family relationships among any of the above-named officers of
the Corporation.

   (1) Mr. Canavan was elected Vice President, Human Resources effective January
1, 1999. Prior to joining the Corporation he was Vice President, Staffing, IBM
United States Corporation in New York (1998) and Vice President, Human
Resources, IBM North America (1993).

   Corporate Officers and Division Presidents are generally elected each year at
the organization meeting of the Board of Directors in April.

   Reporting of inadvertent late filings of a Securities and Exchange Commission
Form 4 under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is
set forth in the section of the Proxy Statement "Section 16(a) Beneficial
Ownership Reporting Compliance."

ITEM 11   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

   Information concerning compensation of the five most highly-compensated
executive officers, including the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, of the Corporation individually, and compensation of directors, is set
forth in the sections "1998 Executive Compensation" and "Directors'
Compensation" in the Proxy Statement. This information is incorporated herein by
reference.

                                       8


ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

   Information concerning ownership of the Corporation's voting securities by
certain beneficial owners, individual nominees for director and by management,
including the five most highly-compensated executive officers, is set forth in
the section "Voting Securities" in the Proxy Statement.
This information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

   Information concerning "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" is
set forth in the section "Certain Transactions and Relationships" in the Proxy
Statement. This information is incorporated herein by reference.


                                   PART IV


ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

ITEM 14(a)(1):  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   The audited consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and its
subsidiaries and the Report of Independent Public Accountants thereon, as
required to be filed with this report, are set forth in Item 8 of this report
and are incorporated therein by reference to specific pages of the Corporation's
Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis
included in Appendix A to the Proxy Statement and filed as Exhibit 13 hereto.

ITEM 14(a)(2):  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

   The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Corporation
and its subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is
filed herewith on the indicated page in response to Item 14(d):

   Schedule II  --  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Page 15)

   Other schedules have been omitted as not applicable or required, or because
information required is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes
thereto.

   Financial statements of the parent corporation only are omitted because the
Corporation is primarily an operating corporation and there are no significant
restricted net assets of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries.

ITEM 14(a)(3):  EXHIBITS

   The following items are attached or incorporated by reference in response to
Item 14(c):

   (3) Articles of Incorporation and By-laws

       The Corporation's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, is
       incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 to the Corporation's Quarterly
       Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 1988. The By-laws, as
       amended and restated as of December 1, 1998, are attached hereto as
       Exhibit 3.


                                       9



   (4) Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures

       The Corporation has issued certain long-term debt instruments, no one
       class of which creates indebtedness exceeding 10% of the total assets of
       the Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. These
       classes consist of the following:

       a. 6.7% Notes due 2005

       b. 6.95% Notes due 2007

       c. 6.95% Notes due 2012

       d. 8.8% Debentures due 2021

       e. 7.2% Debentures due 2027

       f. Other Obligations

       The Corporation will furnish copies of the above debt instruments to the
Commission upon request.

 (10)  Material contracts

       a. Kit Kat and Rolo License Agreement (the "License Agreement") between
          Hershey Foods Corporation and Rowntree Mackintosh Confectionery
          Limited is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(a) to the
          Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
          December 31, 1980. The License Agreement was amended in 1988 and the
          Amendment Agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 19 to
          the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
          July 3, 1988. The License Agreement was assigned by Rowntree
          Mackintosh Confectionery Limited to Societe des Produits Nestle SA as
          of January 1, 1990. The Assignment Agreement is incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 19 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form
          10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990.

       b. Peter Paul/York Domestic Trademark & Technology License Agreement
          between Hershey Foods Corporation and Cadbury Schweppes Inc. (now CBI
          Holdings, Inc.) dated August 25, 1988, is incorporated by reference
          from Exhibit 2(a) to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K
          dated September 8, 1988. This agreement was assigned by the
          Corporation to its wholly owned subsidiary, Homestead, Inc., effective
          January 1, 1998.

       c. Cadbury Trademark & Technology License Agreement among Hershey Foods
          Corporation and Cadbury Schweppes Inc. (now CBI Holdings, Inc.) and
          Cadbury Limited dated August 25, 1988, is incorporated by reference
          from Exhibit 2(a) to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K
          dated September 8, 1988.

       d. 364-Day Credit Agreement among Hershey Foods Corporation, the banks,
          financial institutions and other institutional lenders listed on the
          signature pages thereof, and Citibank, N.A. as administrative agent
          bank and Citicorp Securities, Inc. and BA Securities, Inc. as
          co-syndication agents, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1
          to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29,
          1996. The 364-Day Credit Agreement was renewed in late 1998.

       e. Five-Year Credit Agreement among Hershey Foods Corporation, the banks,
          financial institutions and other institutional lenders listed on the
          signature pages thereof, and Citibank, N.A. as administrative agent
          bank and Citicorp Securities, Inc. and BA Securities, Inc. as
          co-syndication agents, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2
          to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29,
          1996. The Five-Year Credit Agreement was renewed in late 1997.

       f. Trademark and Technology License Agreement between Huhtamaki and
          Hershey Foods Corporation dated December 30, 1996, is incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 10 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form
          8-K dated February 26, 1997. This agreement was assigned by the
          Corporation to its wholly owned subsidiary, Homestead, Inc., effective
          January 1, 1997.

                                       10


     Executive Compensation Plans

       g. The restated Key Employee Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference
          from the Corporation's Proxy Statement dated March 17, 1997 filed in
          connection with the April 29, 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

       h. Hershey Foods Corporation's Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement
          Plan is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 19(ii) to the
          Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
          December 31, 1994.

       i. Hershey Foods Corporation's Deferral Plan for Non-Management Directors
          is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10 to the Corporation's
          Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
          1992.

       j. A form of the Benefit Protection Agreements entered into between the
          Corporation and certain of its executive officers is incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 10 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form
          10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994.

       k. Hershey Foods Corporation's Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated
          by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Corporation's Annual Report on
          Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.

       l. Hershey Foods Directors' Compensation Plan is incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 10 to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on
          Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1997.

 (12)  Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges statement

       A computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the years ended
       December 31, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994 is filed as Exhibit 12
       hereto.

 (13)  Annual report to security holders

       The Corporation's  Consolidated  Financial Statements and Management's
       Discussion  and  Analysis  is  included  in  Appendix  A to the  Proxy
       Statement and is filed as Exhibit 13 hereto.

 (21)  Subsidiaries of the Registrant

       A list setting forth subsidiaries of the Corporation is filed as Exhibit
       21 hereto.

 (23)  Consent of Independent Public Accountants

       The consent to the incorporation of reports of the Corporation's
       Independent Public Accountants dated January 29, 1999, is filed as
       Exhibit 23 hereto.


                                       11





                                 SIGNATURES

   PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE CORPORATION HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.

                            HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION
                                  (Registrant)


Date: March 15, 1999          By         /s/ W. F. CHRIST
                                  ------------------------------------------
                                (W. F. Christ, Senior Vice President, Chief
                                    Financial Officer and Treasurer)


   Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Corporation and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE --------- ----- ---- K. L. WOLFE Chief Executive Officer and Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (K. L. Wolfe ) W. F. CHRIST Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer March 15, 1999 --------------------- (W. F. Christ) D. W. TACKA Chief Accounting Officer March 15, 1999 --------------------- (D. W. Tacka) J. P. VIVIANO Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (J. P. Viviano) M. F. PASQUALE Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (M. F. Pasquale) W. H. ALEXANDER Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (W. H. Alexander) R. H. CAMPBELL Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (R. H. Campbell) C. M. EVARTS, M.D. Director March 15, 1999 ------------------------ (C. M. Evarts, M.D.) B. GUITON HILL Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (B. Guiton Hill) 12 SIGNATURE TITLE DATE --------- ----- ---- J. C. JAMISON Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (J. C. Jamison) A. Z. LOREN Director March 15, 1999 -------------------- (A. Z. Loren) M. J. MCDONALD Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (M. J. McDonald) J. M. PIETRUSKI Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (J. M. Pietruski) V. A. SARNI Director March 15, 1999 --------------------- (V. A. Sarni)
13 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON SCHEDULE To Hershey Foods Corporation: We have audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the consolidated financial statements included in Hershey Foods Corporation's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated January 29, 1999. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed on page 9 in Item 14(a)(2) is the responsibility of the Corporation's management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP New York, New York January 29, 1999 14
Schedule II HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (in thousands of dollars) ADDITIONS --------------------------- Balance at Charged to Charged Deductions Balance Beginning Costs and to Other from at End Description of Period Expenses Accounts (a) Reserves of Period - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Ended December 31, 1998: Reserves deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which they apply: Accounts Receivable - Trade------- $ 15,843 $ 5,540 $ (210) $ (1,232) $ 19,941 ======== ========= ========= ========= ======== Year Ended December 31, 1997: Reserves deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which they apply: Accounts Receivable -Trade-------- $ 14,059 $ 2,623 $ 522 $ (1,361) $ 15,843 ======== ========= ======== ========= ========= Year Ended December 31, 1996: Reserves deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which they apply: Accounts Receivable -Trade-------- $ 14,801 $ 1,238 $ 298 $ (2,278) $ 14,059 ======== ======== ======== ========== ========= - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a)Includes recoveries of amounts previously written off. 15


                                                                 Exhibit 3









                                    BY-LAWS

                                      OF

                            HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION

                          Incorporated October 24, 1927
                              Under the Laws of the
                                State of Delaware








    Corporate Headquarters                      Amended and Restated by the
    100 Crystal A Drive                         Board of Directors as of
    Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033                 December 1, 1998





                          TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                            

Article I - STOCKHOLDERS........................................  1
      Section 1.Annual Meeting..................................  1
      Section 2.Special Meetings................................  1
      Section 3.Quorum and Required Vote........................  1
      Section 4.Conduct of Meetings.............................  2
      Section 5.Notice of Stockholder Business..................  2

Article II - STOCK..............................................  3
      Section 1.Stock Certificates..............................  3
      Section 2.Transfer Agents and Registrars..................  3
      Section 3.Transfer of Stock...............................  3
      Section 4.Lost Certificates...............................  3
      Section 5.Record Date.....................................  4
      Section 6.Dividends.......................................  4

Article III - BOARD OF DIRECTORS................................  4
      Section 1.Number and Term of Office.......................  4
      Section 2.Director Nominations............................  4
      Section 3.Board Governance................................  5
      Section 4.Stated Meetings.................................  5
      Section 5.Special Meetings................................  5
      Section 6.Notice of Meetings..............................  6
      Section 7.Participation by Conference Telephone...........  6
      Section 8.Quorum and Manner of Acting.....................  6
      Section 9.Directors' Fees.................................  6

Article IV - COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS...............  6
      Section 1.Standing Committees.............................  6
      Section 2.Other Committees................................  6
      Section 3.Committees, Meetings, Quorum and Manner 
                of Acting........................................ 6

Article V - OFFICERS............................................  7
      Section 1.Stated and Other Officers.......................  7
      Section 2.Term of Office..................................  7
      Section 3.Removal of Officers.............................  7
      Section 4.Vacancies.......................................  7
      Section 5.Chairman of the Board of Directors..............  7
      Section 6.Chief Executive Officer.........................  7
      Section 7.Other Officers..................................  8
      Section 8.Compensation....................................  8


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article VI - INDEMNIFICATION....................................  8
      Section 1.General.........................................  8
      Section 2.Advancement of Expenses.........................  8
      Section 3.Rights Not Exclusive............................  9
      Section 4.Claims..........................................  9
      Section 5.Limitation on Indemnification...................  9
      Section 6.Amendment or Repeal.............................  9

Article VII - EMERGENCY CONDITIONS..............................  9 
      Section 1.Board of Directors..............................  9
      Section 2.Chief Executive Officer......................... 10
      Section 3.Notice of Meetings.............................. 10
      Section 4.Powers During an Emergency Condition............ 10
      Section 5.Liability....................................... 10
      Section 6.Effectiveness of Other By-laws.................. 10

Article VIII - AMENDMENTS....................................... 11









                                    BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                           HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION


                            ARTICLE I - STOCKHOLDERS


          Section 1. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of stockholders shall be
held for the election of directors at such date, time and place, either within
or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated by resolution of the
Board of Directors. Any other proper business may be transacted at the annual
meeting.

          Section 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS. A special meeting of stockholders may be
called by the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee of the Board of
Directors, or by stockholders holding in the aggregate at least twenty-five
percent of the outstanding votes entitled to be cast by holders of the Common
Stock and the Class B Common Stock voting together without regard to class on
the date such meeting is called.

          Section 3. QUORUM AND REQUIRED VOTE. At any meeting of stockholders at
which any action is to be taken (including the election of directors) by the
vote of the holders of the Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock voting
together without regard to class in accordance with the provisions of the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the presence in person or by proxy of the
holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by both such classes at
the meeting shall constitute a quorum. With respect to the taking of any action
(including, with respect to the Common Stock, the election of directors) as to
which either the Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock is entitled to vote
separately as a class pursuant to the provisions of the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority
of the votes entitled to be cast by such class voting separately as a class at
the meeting shall constitute a quorum. Except as to the election of directors,
at every such meeting at which a quorum is present for the taking of any action,
a majority of the votes present or represented shall be necessary to take such
action with the Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock voting together
without regard to class or separately as a class or classes as are prescribed by
the provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation. With respect to the
election of directors, the persons receiving the greatest number of votes, in
descending order, shall be elected for the positions to be filled. The absence
of a quorum as provided for herein for the taking of any one or more action(s)
shall not prevent the taking of any other action for which a quorum is present,
but the presence of a quorum for the taking of any one or more action(s) shall
not authorize the taking of any other action for which a quorum is not present.

                                       1



          Section 4. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS. The Board of Directors and/or the
chair of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to
prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and, in the case of the chair
of the meeting to do all such acts as are appropriate for the proper conduct of
the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board
of Directors or prescribed by the chair of the meeting, may include, without
limitation: (a) the setting of the business for the meeting and the
establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (b) rules and
procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present;
(c) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to the
stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted
proxies or such other persons as the chair shall permit; (d) restrictions on
entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; (e) not
requiring motions or seconding of motions and deeming directors nominated, or
proposals made, by or under the authority of the Board of Directors to be
properly before the meeting without further action; and (f) limitations and
restrictions as to the content of and the time allotted, if any, to questions or
comments by participants. Meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be
held in accordance with rules of parliamentary procedure.

          Section 5. NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER BUSINESS. At any meeting of the
stockholders, only such business, including proposals to be voted on (but
excluding the nomination and election of directors, which are covered in Section
2 of Article III of these By-Laws) shall be conducted as shall have been
properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before the meeting,
business must be (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement
thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (b) brought
before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or by a
stockholder or stockholders holding, in the aggregate, at least twenty-five
percent (25%) of the outstanding votes entitled to be cast by holders of the
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock voting together without regard to class,
or (c) properly requested to be brought before the meeting by a stockholder. For
business to be properly requested to be brought before a meeting by a
stockholder pursuant to (c) above, the stockholder must have given timely notice
thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, such
written notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal
executive offices of the Corporation (1) with respect to business to be
conducted at an annual meeting of stockholders, not later than the close of
business on the 90th day or earlier than the close of business on the 120th day
prior to the anniversary of the date of the immediately preceding annual
meeting, and (2) with respect to business to be conducted at a special meeting
of stockholders, not later than the close of business on the fifteenth (15th)
day following the day on which notice of such meeting was mailed to
stockholders. A stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each
matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting: (i) the name and
address of such stockholder; (ii) the class and number of shares of the
Corporation's stock which are beneficially owned by the stockholder; (iii) a
brief description of the business or proposal desired to be brought before the
meeting and the reasons for conducting such at the meeting; (iv) any material
interest of the stockholder in such business or proposal; and (v) such other
information regarding such business or proposal as would be required to be
included  in a proxy  statement  pursuant  to the  rules of the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission regardless of whether such other business or proposal may be
included in any such proxy

                                       2




statement.  No business shall be conducted at any meeting of stockholders except
that which has been brought  before such meeting in strict  compliance  with the
terms and procedures of this Section.
 
                               ARTICLE II - STOCK

          Section 1. STOCK CERTIFICATES. The shares of the Corporation shall be
represented by certificates or shall be uncertificated. Each registered holder
of shares, upon request to the Corporation, shall be provided a certificate of
stock, representing the number of shares owned by such holder. Absent a specific
request for such a certificate by the registered owner or transferee thereof,
all shares shall be uncertificated upon the original issuance thereof by the
Corporation or upon the surrender of the certificate representing such shares to
the Corporation. Certificates for shares of the capital stock of the Corporation
shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors. They shall
be signed by or have engraved thereon a facsimile signature of the Chief
Executive Officer and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, certifying the
number and class of the Corporation's shares held by such stockholder.

          Section 2. TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS. The Board of Directors may,
in its discretion, appoint responsible banks or trust companies or other
appropriately qualified institutions to act as Transfer Agents and Registrars of
the stock of the Corporation; and, upon such appointments being made, no stock
certificate shall be valid until countersigned by one of such Transfer Agents
and registered by one of such Registrars. Where any such certificate is
registered with the manual signature of a Registrar, the countersignature of a
Transfer Agent may be a facsimile or engraved, stamped or printed. The Board of
Directors may also make such additional rules and regulations as it may deem
expedient concerning the issue, transfer and registration of uncertificated
shares or certificates for shares of the capital stock of the Corporation.

          Section 3. TRANSFER OF STOCK. Shares of stock may be transferred by
delivery of the certificates therefore, accompanied by an assignment in writing
on the back of the certificates or by written power of attorney to sell, assign
and transfer the same, signed by the record holder thereof , upon receipt of
proper transfer instructions from the owner of uncertificated shares, or upon
the escheat of said shares under the laws of any state of the United States. In
no event shall a transfer of shares affect the right of the Corporation to pay
any dividend upon the stock to the holder of record thereof for all purposes,
and no transfer shall be valid, except between the parties thereto, until such
transfer shall have been made upon the books of the Corporation.

          Section 4.  LOST CERTIFICATES.  In case any certificate of stock
shall be lost, stolen or destroyed,  the Board of Directors,  in its discretion,
may   authorize  the  issue  of,  or  provide  for  the  manner  of  issuing  an
uncertificated  share,  or if  requested  by such  holder,  a  substitute  share
certificate in place of the certificate so lost, stolen or destroyed;  provided,
that,  in each such case,  the  applicant  for a  substitute  certificate  shall
furnish to the Corporation and to such of its

                                       3



Transfer  Agents  and  Registrars  as may  require  the same  evidence  to their
satisfaction,  in their  discretion,  of the loss,  theft or destruction of such
certificate and of the ownership thereof, and also such security or indemnity as
may be required by them.

       Section 5. RECORD DATE. The Board of Directors may fix a record date for
the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at
any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof; to receive payment of
any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or to exercise any
rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock; or for the
purpose of any other lawful action. The record date shall not precede the date
upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of
Directors, and the record date shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to
the date of such meeting or such action, or, with respect to any such meeting,
less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. Only stockholders of
record on the record date shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such
meeting, or to receive such dividends or rights, or to exercise such rights, as
the case may be. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of
or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the
meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record
date for the adjourned meeting. The Board of Directors may fix a record date for
the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate
action in writing without a meeting, which record date shall not precede the
date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of
Directors, and shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which
the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors.

       Section 6. DIVIDENDS. The Board of Directors may declare and pay such
dividends upon the shares of the Corporation's capital stock out of the surplus
of the Corporation as it may deem expedient and as the condition of the
Corporation shall warrant.


                 ARTICLE III - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

       Section 1. NUMBER AND TERM OF OFFICE. The Board of Directors shall have
the power by resolution to fix the number of directors and from time to time to
increase or decrease the number of directors. Each director shall continue in
office until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified, or
until his or her earlier resignation or removal.

       Section 2. DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS. Nominations for the election of
directors,  whether  by vote of the  Common  Stock and the Class B Common  Stock
voting  together  without  regard to class or of the  Common  Stock  voting as a
separate class, may be made by (a) the Board of Directors,  (b) the Committee on
Directors and Corporate  Governance or other committee appointed by the Board of
Directors,  (c) a  stockholder  or  stockholders  holding  at least  twenty-five
percent  (25%) of the  outstanding  votes  entitled to be cast by holders of the
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock voting  together  without regard to class,
or (d) any  stockholder  entitled  to vote for the  election of  directors  at a
meeting of stockholders. Any stockholder
                                       4




entitled to vote for the election of directors at a meeting of stockholders may
nominate one or more persons for election as director(s) as provided for in (d)
above only if written notice of such stockholder's intent to make such
nomination or nominations has been timely given to the Secretary of the
Corporation. To be timely, such written notice must be delivered to or mailed
and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (1) with
respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of stockholders, not
later than the close of business on the 90th day or earlier than the close of
business on the 120th day prior to the anniversary of the date of the
immediately preceding annual meeting, and (2) with respect to an election to be
held at a special meeting of stockholders for the election of directors, not
later than the close of business on the fifteenth (15th) day following the date
on which notice of such meeting was mailed to stockholders. Each such notice
shall set forth: (i) the name and address of the stockholder who intends to make
the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated; (ii) a
representation the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation
entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at
the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (iii) a
description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and
each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons)
pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the
stockholder and the reason or reasons for such nomination or nominations; (iv)
such other information regarding each nominee proposed by such stockholder as
would be required to be included in a proxy statement pursuant to the rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission regardless of whether such nomination or
nominations may be included in any such proxy statement; and (v) the written
consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation if so elected.
No nominations for director shall be considered at a meeting of stockholders
except those made in strict compliance with terms and procedures of this
Section.


       Section 3. BOARD GOVERNANCE. The Board of Directors and the Committee on
Directors and Corporate Governance of the Board shall each have the authority
and power to adopt rules, and determine the standards for, governance of the
Board and its standing and special committees and to set standards for the
performance of directors' duties.

       Section 4. STATED MEETINGS. The Board of Directors may by resolution
appoint in advance the time and place for holding stated meetings of the Board,
and such stated meetings may be held at the time and place so appointed without
the giving of any notice. In case the day appointed for a stated meeting shall
fall on a legal holiday, such meeting shall be held on the next following
business day, not a legal holiday, at the same hour.

       Section 5.  SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the Board of
Directors  shall be held  whenever  called by the Chairman or a Vice Chairman of
the  Board of  Directors  or by the  Chief  Executive  Officer  or by  one-sixth
(calculated  to the  nearest  whole  number)  of the total  number of  directors
constituting the Board of Directors.  Notice of any such meeting,  setting forth
the time and place of the meeting,  shall be mailed to each director,  addressed
to him or her at his or her residence or usual place of business, not later than
the second day  before the day on which the  meeting is to be held,  or shall be
sent to him or her at such place by telefacsimile, or be delivered

                                       5




personally,  or by telephone or other oral means,  not later than the day before
the day on which the meeting is to be held.  Except as may be  indicated  in the
notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at any special meeting.

       Section 6. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Notice of any meeting of the Board of
Directors or of any committee need not be given to any director if waived by him
or her whether before or after such meeting, or if he or she shall be present at
the meeting, and any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee shall
be a legal meeting without any notice thereof having been given, if all the
members shall be present.

       Section 7. PARTICIPATION BY CONFERENCE TELEPHONE. Members of the Board of
Directors or of any committee may participate in a meeting of the Board or
committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment
by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other,
and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such
meeting.

       Section 8. QUORUM AND MANNER OF ACTING. A majority of the total number of
directors constituting the Board of Directors at the time of any meeting shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority
of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be
the act of the Board of Directors.

       Section 9.  DIRECTORS' FEES.  The Board of Directors shall have
authority to determine the amount and form of compensation which shall be
paid to its members.


               ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

       Section 1. STANDING COMMITTEES. The standing committees of the Board of
Directors shall be the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Executive
Organization Committee, the Committee on Directors and Corporate Governance, and
the Executive Committee. The charter setting out the powers and duties of each
standing committee shall be set by resolution of the Board.

       Section 2. OTHER COMMITTEES. The Board of Directors may appoint other
committees for such general or special purposes and for such terms as may be
established by the Board, and the Board may delegate to any such committees such
powers and duties of the Board as the Board may in its discretion determine.
    
       Section 3. COMMITTEES, MEETINGS, QUORUM AND MANNER OF ACTING. Stated and
special meetings of the standing and other committees of the Board of Directors
shall be held and notice thereof given in the same manner provided for meetings
of the Board. The provisions of these By-laws relating to the determination of a
quorum, the manner of acting, and participation by
      
                                 6



conference  telephone  at meetings of the Board shall apply to the  standing and
other committees of the Board.

                              ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

       Section 1. STATED AND OTHER OFFICERS. The stated officers of the
Corporation shall be the following, one or more of which positions may be filled
or left vacant at the discretion of the Board of Directors (provided the
requirements of the Delaware General Corporation Law relating to officers are
complied with): the Chairman of the Board of Directors; the Chief Executive
Officer; the Vice Chairman or Vice Chairmen of the Board of Directors; the
President; the Chief Operating Officer; Senior Vice President(s); Executive Vice
President(s); Vice President(s); Division President(s); the Chief Financial
Officer; the General Counsel; the Controller; the Chief Accounting Officer; the
Secretary; and the Treasurer. More than one office may be held by the same
person. The Board of Directors or the Executive Committee of the Board of
Directors may also appoint such other officers and agents as may be necessary or
advisable in the conduct of the business and affairs of the Corporation.

       Section 2. TERM OF OFFICE. The stated officers shall hold office for such
terms as the Board of Directors may designate, and if not so designated, until
their respective successors are elected and qualified or their earlier
resignation or removal. Other officers shall hold office for such terms as the
Board of Directors or Executive Committee may determine.

       Section 3. REMOVAL OF OFFICERS. Any stated officer may be removed at any
time, either with or without cause, by the Board of Directors, and any other
officer may be removed at any time, either with or without cause, by the Board
of Directors or the Executive Committee.

       Section 4.  VACANCIES.  A vacancy in any stated officer position may
be filled by the Board of Directors and a vacancy in any other officer
position may be filled by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.

       Section 5. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Chairman of the Board
of Directors shall preside, when present, at all meetings of the stockholders
and of the Board of Directors. He shall have such other powers and perform such
other duties as may from time to time be assigned or required by the Board of
Directors.

       Section 6. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Chief Executive Officer shall
have active and general supervision and management over the business and affairs
of the Corporation and shall have full power and authority to act for all
purposes for and in the name of the Corporation in all matters except where
action of the Board is required by law, these By-laws, or resolutions of the
Board. In the case of the Chief Executive Officer being unavailable to perform
the duties of office for periods of short duration, the Chief Executive Officer
shall have the authority to 
                                       7


designate who shall act as Chief Executive Officer for such period; failing such
designation,  the Chief Operating Officer,  if any, shall act as Chief Executive
Officer for such period.

       Section 7. OTHER OFFICERS. The other officers of the Corporation shall
have such powers and perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned or
required by the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chief Executive
Officer, or their superior or as is customary and usual for the position.

       Section 8.  COMPENSATION.  The compensation of the stated officers of
the Corporation shall be fixed, or the method for doing so shall be provided
for, by the Board of Directors.


                          ARTICLE VI - INDEMNIFICATION

          Section 1. GENERAL. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless,
to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law as it
presently exists or may be hereafter amended from time to time, any person who
was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in
any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternative
dispute resolution mechanism or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative ("Proceeding") by reason of the fact that such
person, or a person for whom such person is the legal representative, is or was

          (a) a director or officer of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, or

          (b) a director, officer or employee of the Corporation and is or was
              serving at the request of the Corporation through designation by
              the Chief Executive Officer as a director, officer, employee,
              agent or fiduciary of another corporation or of a partnership,
              joint venture, trust, nonprofit entity or other enterprise,
              including service with respect to employee benefit plans,

against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by such person or on such person's behalf in connection with
any such Proceeding. However, except as provided for in Section 4 of this
Article, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify a person in connection
with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if the
Proceeding (or part thereof) was or is authorized by the Board of Directors of
the Corporation.
    
          Section 2. ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES. The Corporation shall pay the
reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) as and when incurred by a
director or officer of the Corporation in connection with any Proceeding
described in Section 1 of this Article in advance of its final disposition,
provided, however, that such payment shall be made only upon a receipt of an
undertaking by the director or officer to repay all expenses (including
attorneys' fees) advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the
director or officer is not entitled to be
          
                                       8






indemnified under this Article or otherwise. Payment of such expenses (including
attorneys'  fees)  incurred by employees of the  Corporation  designated  by the
Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 1 of this Article may be made
by the Board of Directors in its discretion upon such terms and  conditions,  if
any, as it deems appropriate.

          Section 3. RIGHTS NOT EXCLUSIVE. The rights conferred on any person by
this Article shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may
have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, these By-laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors, or otherwise. The indemnification and advancement of
expenses provided for by this Article shall continue as to a person who has
ceased to be a director, officer or employee described in Section 1 and shall
inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a
person.

          Section 4. CLAIMS. If a claim by a director, officer or employee
described in Section 1 for indemnification or advancement of expenses under this
Article is not paid in full within thirty days after a written claim therefor
has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may file suit to recover the
unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be
entitled to be paid in full all costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees)
of prosecuting such claim. In any such action, the Corporation shall have the
burden of proving that the claimant was not entitled to the requested
indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable law and this
Article.


         Section 5. LIMITATION ON INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation's obligation
to indemnify or advance expenses under this Article to a person who is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation (as provided for in Section 1) as a
director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of any other corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, nonprofit entity, employee benefit plan or
other enterprise shall be secondary and supplemental to any indemnification
obligation of such corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, nonprofit
entity, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and any amounts otherwise
payable under this Article shall be reduced by the amount such person is
entitled to pursuant to such other indemnification.

          Section 6.  AMENDMENT OR REPEAL.  Any repeal or modification of
the foregoing provisions of this Article shall not adversely affect any right or
protection  hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission  occurring
prior to or at the time of such repeal or modification.

                       ARTICLE VII - EMERGENCY CONDITIONS

          Section 1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. During any emergency resulting from an
attack on the United States or on a locality in which the Corporation conducts
its business or customarily holds meetings of its Board of Directors or its
stockholders or during a nuclear or atomic disaster or during the existence of
any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition (any of the 

                                       9


foregoing is hereinafter referred to as an "Emergency  Condition"),  as a result
of which a quorum of the Board of  Directors  cannot  readily  be  convened  for
action  (including by telephone),  then in addition to any director or directors
who are able and available,  the elected officers of the Corporation,  as and in
the  order  designated  in  advance  by  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the
Corporation and approved by the Board of Directors,  who are able and available,
shall be deemed for all  purposes  to be  directors  to the extent  required  to
constitute  a quorum  for any  meeting  of the Board of  Directors  during  such
Emergency  Condition,   notwithstanding  any  limitations  or  other  provisions
contained  in the  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  these  By-laws  or
resolutions  of the Board of  Directors  in effect at the time of the  Emergency
Condition.

          Section 2. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. If as a result of any Emergency
Condition or due to his incapacitation, the Chief Executive Officer is unable or
unavailable to act, then until the Chief Executive Officer becomes able and
available to act or a new Chief Executive Officer is elected by the Board of
Directors, the officer of the Corporation, as and in the order designated in
advance by the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and approved by the
Board of Directors, who is able and available to act shall act as Chief
Executive Officer of the Corporation.

          Section 3. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. During an Emergency Condition or during
any time in which the Chief Executive Officer becomes unable or unavailable to
act, a meeting of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the
Board or the Chair of the Committee on Directors and Corporate Governance. If
neither is able and available, then a meeting of the Board of Directors may be
called by any director, and if none are able and available to do so, by any
elected officer of the Corporation. Such meeting shall be called by notice of
the time and place given to such of the directors, or officers serving as
directors in accordance with this Article, as it may be feasible to reach at the
time and by such means (including electronic) as may be feasible at the time.

          Section 4. POWERS DURING AN EMERGENCY CONDITION. During an Emergency
Condition, the Board of Directors (including those serving as directors pursuant
to Section 1 above) may take any acts in good faith deemed  necessary and in the
best interests of the Corporation,  including,  but not limited to, changing the
head office or designating  several alternative head offices or regional offices
of the  Corporation,  or providing for and from time to time modifying  lines of
succession  in the event that  during any such  Emergency  Condition  any or all
officers or agents of the Corporation shall for any reason be rendered incapable
of discharging their duties.
    
          Section 5.  LIABILITY.  No officer or director shall be liable for
any act taken in accordance with this Article during an Emergency Condition,
except for willful misconduct.

          Section 6. EFFECTIVENESS OF OTHER BY-LAWS. To the extent not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Article, the other By-laws of the
Corporation shall remain in effect during any Emergency Condition.

                                       10



                           ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

          These By-laws may be amended or repealed, in whole or in part, and new
By-laws may be adopted, either by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Common Stock and the Class B
Common Stock voting together without regard to class, given at any meeting of
stockholders or by a consent, or by the affirmative vote of two-thirds
(calculated to the nearest whole number) of the total number of directors
constituting the Board of Directors, given at any meeting of directors or by a
consent.




                                       11


                                                                               
EXHIBIT 12 HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, AND 1994 (in thousands of dollars except for ratios) (Unaudited) 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Earnings: Income from continuing operations before income taxes and accounting changes............ $ 557,006 $ 553,955 $ 479,737(a) $ 465,953 $ 333,138(c) Add (Deduct): Interest on indebtedness....................... 88,648 79,138 52,036 47,568 37,249 Portion of rents representative of the interest factor(d)........................... 13,197 10,592 8,618 8,176 8,556 Amortization of debt expense................... 462 412 234 97 64 Amortization of capitalized interest........... 3,856 3,496 3,359 3,183 2,958 ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings as adjusted........................ $ 663,169 $ 647,593 $ 543,984 $ 524,977 $ 381,965 ========== ========= ========= ========= ========= Fixed Charges: Interest on indebtedness......................... $ 88,648 $ 79,138 $ 52,036 $ 47,568 $ 37,249 Portion of rents representative of the interest factor(d)............................. 13,197 10,592 8,618 8,176 8,556 Amortization of debt expense..................... 462 412 234 97 64 Capitalized interest............................. 2,547 1,883 1,534 1,957 3,009 --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- Total fixed charges............................ $ 104,854 $ 92,025 $ 62,422 $ 57,798 $ 48,878 ========= ======== ========= ========= ========= Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.................. 6.32 7.04 8.71 9.08 7.81 ========= ======== ========= ========= ========= - --------------------------
NOTES: (a) Includes a loss on the disposal of businesses of $35.4 million. (b) Includes a restructuring credit of $.2 million. (c) Includes a restructuring charge of $106.1 million. (d) Portion of rents representative of the interest factor consists of one-third of rental expense for operating leases.
                                   Appendix A

   Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
Management's Discussion and Analysis.......................................  A-1
Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................... A-12
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................. A-16
Responsibility for Financial Statements.................................... A-33
Report of Independent Public Accountants................................... A-34
Eleven-Year Consolidated Financial Summary................................. A-35


                           HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OPERATING RESULTS

  The Corporation achieved record sales and income levels in 1998, following a
record performance in 1997. Results over the two-year period reflected a
strategic acquisition and several divestitures, along with a significant
contribution from the introduction of new confectionery products and solid
growth from existing confectionery and grocery brands. Sales increases during
the period were offset somewhat by lower sales of pasta products, a higher level
of confectionery unsalables and the impact of currency exchange rates in the
Canadian and Mexican markets.

  Net sales during the two-year period increased at a compound annual rate of 5%
and net income also increased at a compound annual rate of 5%, excluding the
loss on disposal of businesses in 1996. The increase in net income over the
period reflected the growth in sales, partially offset by lower gross margin and
higher selling, marketing and administrative expenses.

  The following acquisition and divestitures occurred during the period:

 . December 1996--The acquisition from an affiliate of Huhtamaki Oy (Huhtamaki),
  the international foods company based in Finland, of Huhtamaki's Leaf North
  America (Leaf) confectionery operations for $437.2 million, plus the
  assumption of $17.0 million in debt. In addition, the parties entered into a
  trademark and technology license agreement under which the Corporation will
  manufacture and/or market and distribute in North, Central and South America
  Huhtamaki's confectionery brands including GOOD & PLENTY, HEATH, JOLLY
  RANCHER, MILK DUDS, PAYDAY and WHOPPERS.

 . December 1998--The announcement that the Corporation had signed a definitive
  agreement providing for the sale of a 94% majority interest of its U.S. pasta
  business to New World Pasta, LLC. The transaction was completed in January
  1999 and included the AMERICAN BEAUTY, IDEAL BY SAN GIORGIO, LIGHT 'N FLUFFY,
  MRS. WEISS, P&R, RONZONI, SAN GIORGIO and SKINNER pasta brands along with six
  manufacturing plants. In the first quarter of 1999, the Corporation received
  cash proceeds of $450.0 million, retained a 6% minority interest and recorded
  an after-tax gain of approximately $165.0 million or $1.13 per share--diluted
  as a result of the transaction.

 . December 1996--The sale to Huhtamaki of the outstanding shares of Gubor
  Holding GmbH (Gubor) and Sperlari S.r.l. (Sperlari). Gubor manufactures and
  markets high-quality assorted pralines and seasonal chocolate products in
  Germany, and Sperlari manufactures and markets various confectionery and
  grocery products in Italy. The sale resulted in an after-tax loss of $35.4
  million, since no tax benefit associated with the transaction was recorded.
  Combined net sales for Gubor and Sperlari were $216.6 million in 1996.

 . January 1996--The sale of the assets of Hershey Canada, Inc.'s PLANTERS nut
  (Planters) business to Johnvince Foods Group and the LIFE SAVERS and BREATH
  SAVERS hard candy and BEECH-NUT cough drops (Life Savers) business to Beta
  Brands Inc. Both transactions were part of a restructuring program announced
  by the Corporation in late 1994.

Net Sales

  Net sales rose $133.4 million or 3% in 1998 and $312.9 million in 1997, an
increase of 8%. The increase in 1998 was primarily a result of incremental sales
from the introduction of new confectionery products and increased sales volume
for existing confectionery and grocery products in North America. These
increases were offset somewhat by a decline in sales in the Corporation's Asian
and Russian markets and the impact of currency exchange rates in the Canadian
and Mexican markets, in addition to higher levels of confectionery unsalables
and lower sales of pasta products. The increase in

                                      A-1


1997 was primarily due to incremental sales from the Leaf acquisition, increased
sales of existing confectionery items and the introduction of new confectionery
products. These increases were offset somewhat by lower sales resulting from the
divestiture of the Gubor and Sperlari businesses and a decline in sales of pasta
and grocery products.

Costs and Expenses

  Cost of sales as a percent of net sales increased from 57.7% in 1996 to 57.9%
in 1997, and to 59.2% in 1998. The decrease in gross margin in 1998 was
principally the result of higher costs for certain major raw materials,
primarily milk and cocoa, labor and overhead, higher shipping and distribution
costs and the mix of non-chocolate and chocolate confectionery items sold in
1998 compared to 1997. These cost increases were partially offset by lower costs
for certain raw materials and improved manufacturing efficiencies, including
significant improvements in plants acquired with the Leaf business. The decrease
in gross margin in 1997 was primarily the result of the lower margin associated
with the Leaf business and higher costs associated with certain new products and
seasonal items, partially offset by lower costs for certain major raw materials,
primarily milk and semolina, and the favorable impact of the Gubor and Sperlari
divestitures.

  Selling, marketing and administrative costs decreased by 1% in 1998, as
reduced marketing expenses for existing brands, lower selling expenses in
international markets and lower administrative expenses were only partially
offset by higher marketing expenses associated with the introduction of new
products. Selling, marketing and administrative expenses increased by 5% in
1997, as a result of incremental expenses associated with the Leaf business and
increased marketing expenses related to the introduction of new products,
partially offset by decreases resulting from the Gubor and Sperlari divestitures
and reduced marketing spending for existing brands.

Interest Expense, Net

  Net interest expense in 1998 exceeded the prior year by $9.4 million,
primarily as a result of increased borrowings associated with the purchase of
Common Stock from the Hershey Trust Company, as Trustee for the benefit of
Milton Hershey School (Milton Hershey School Trust), partially offset by lower
interest expense reflecting reduced average short-term borrowings.

  Net interest expense in 1997 was $28.2 million above prior year, primarily as
a result of incremental borrowings associated with the Leaf acquisition and the
purchase of Common Stock from the Milton Hershey School Trust. Fixed interest
expense increased as a result of the issuance of $150 million of 6.95% Notes due
2007 in March 1997 and $150 million of 6.95% Notes due 2012 and $250 million of
7.2% Debentures due 2027 in August 1997.

Provision for Income Taxes

  The Corporation's effective income tax rate was 43.1%, 39.3% and 38.8% in
1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. The rate decreased from 39.3% in 1997 to
38.8% in 1998 primarily due to changes in the mix of the Corporation's income
among various tax jurisdictions. The rate decreased in 1997 compared to 1996
primarily due to the lack of any tax benefit associated with the 1996 loss on
disposal of businesses and the lower 1997 effective state income tax rate.

Net Income

  Net income increased $4.6 million or 1% in 1998, following an increase of
$63.1 million or 23% in 1997. Excluding the loss on the disposal of the Gubor
and Sperlari businesses in 1996, 1997 income increased $27.7 million or 9%. Net
income as a percent of net sales was 7.7% in 1998, 7.8% in 1997 and 6.8% in
1996. Income as a percent of net sales excluding the loss on the sale of the
Gubor and Sperlari businesses was 7.7% in 1996.

                                      A-2


FINANCIAL POSITION

  The Corporation's financial position remained strong during 1998. The
capitalization ratio (total short-term and long-term debt as a percent of
stockholders' equity, short-term and long-term debt) was 54% as of December 31,
1998, and 60% as of December 31, 1997. The higher capitalization ratio in 1997
primarily reflected the additional borrowings to finance the purchase of Common
Stock and the related decrease in stockholders' equity as a result of the
additional treasury stock. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities
was 1.4:1 as of December 31, 1998, and 1.3:1 as of December 31, 1997.

Assets

  Total assets increased $112.9 million or 3% as of December 31, 1998, primarily
as a result of increases in accounts receivable and other current and
non-current assets.

  Current assets increased by $99.2 million or 10% reflecting increased accounts
receivable and higher prepaid expenses and other current assets. The increase in
accounts receivable was primarily the result of the timing and payment terms
associated with sales occurring toward the end of the year and the increase in
prepaid expenses and other current assets was principally associated with
commodities transactions. These increases were offset somewhat by lower deferred
income taxes and reduced inventory levels.

  Property, plant and equipment was slightly lower than the prior year as
capital additions of $161.3 million were more than offset by depreciation
expense of $138.5 million and the retirement and translation of fixed assets of
$23.0 million. The increase in other non-current assets was primarily associated
with the capitalization of software.

Liabilities

  Total liabilities decreased by $76.6 million or 3% as of December 31, 1998,
primarily due to a decrease in debt and lower accrued liabilities, partially
offset by higher deferred income taxes. The increase in short-term debt of
$113.5 million reflected the reclassification of commercial paper borrowings of
$150.0 million which were classified as long-term debt as of December 31, 1997,
partially offset by a reduction in short-term borrowings of $36.5 million in
1998. As of December 31, 1997, $150.0 million of commercial paper borrowings
were reclassified as long-term debt in accordance with the Corporation's intent
and ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis. A similar
reclassification was not recorded as of December 31, 1998, because the
Corporation intends to reduce commercial paper borrowings during 1999. Accrued
liabilities decreased by $77.1 million primarily reflecting commodities
transactions and reduced accruals for marketing programs and integration costs
related to the Leaf acquisition.

Stockholders' Equity

  Total stockholders' equity increased by 22% in 1998, as net income exceeded
dividends paid. Total stockholders' equity has increased at a compound annual
rate of less than 1% over the past ten years reflecting the $1.3 billion of
Common Stock repurchased since 1993.

Capital Structure

  The Corporation has two classes of stock outstanding, Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock (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, with the Common Stock having
one vote per share and the Class B Stock having ten votes per share. However,
the Common Stock, voting separately as a class, is entitled to elect one-sixth
of the Board of Directors. With respect to dividend rights, the Common Stock is
entitled to cash dividends 10% higher than those declared and paid on the Class
B Stock.

                                      A-3


LIQUIDITY

  Historically, the Corporation's major source of financing has been cash
generated from operations. The Corporation's income and, consequently, cash
provided from operations during the year are affected by seasonal sales
patterns, the timing of new product introductions, business acquisitions and
divestitures, and price increases. Chocolate, confectionery and grocery seasonal
and holiday-related sales have typically been highest during the third and
fourth quarters of the year, representing the principal seasonal effect.
Generally, seasonal working capital needs peak during the summer months and have
been met by issuing commercial paper.

  Over the past three years, cash requirements for share repurchases, capital
expenditures, capitalized software additions, business acquisitions and dividend
payments exceeded cash provided from operating activities and proceeds from
business divestitures by $449.5 million. Total debt, including debt assumed,
increased during the period by $454.4 million. Cash and cash equivalents
increased by $6.7 million during the period.

  The Corporation anticipates that capital expenditures will be in the range of
$150 million to $170 million per annum during the next several years as a result
of continued modernization of existing facilities and capacity expansion to
support new products and line extensions. As of December 31, 1998, the
Corporation's principal capital commitments included manufacturing capacity
expansion and modernization.

  In August 1996, the Corporation's Board of Directors declared a two-for-one
split of the Common Stock and Class B Common Stock effective September 13, 1996,
to stockholders of record August 23, 1996. The split was effected as a stock
dividend by distributing one additional share for each share held. Unless
otherwise indicated, all shares and per share information have been restated to
reflect the stock split.

  Under share repurchase programs which began in 1993, a total of 9,861,119
shares of Common Stock have been repurchased for approximately $287.5 million.
Of the shares repurchased, 528,000 shares were retired, 529,498 shares were
reissued to satisfy stock options obligations and the remaining 8,803,621 shares
were held as Treasury Stock as of December 31, 1998. Additionally, the
Corporation has purchased a total of 28,000,536 shares of its Common Stock to be
held as Treasury Stock from the Milton Hershey School Trust for $1.0 billion. As
of December 31, 1998, a total of 36,804,157 shares were held as Treasury Stock
and $112.5 million remained available for repurchases of Common Stock under a
program approved by the Corporation's Board of Directors in February 1996. In
February 1999, the Corporation purchased approximately 2.0 million shares,
completing the 1996 repurchase program. Also in February, the Corporation's
Board of Directors approved an additional share repurchase program authorizing
the repurchase of up to $230 million of the Corporation's Common Stock of which
$100.0 million was used to purchase approximately 1.6 million shares of Common
Stock from the Milton Hershey School Trust.

  In March 1997, the Corporation issued $150 million of 6.95% Notes due 2007
under a Form S-3 Registration Statement which was declared effective in November
1993. Proceeds from the debt issuance were used to repay a portion of the
commercial paper borrowings associated with the Leaf acquisition.

  In August 1997, the Corporation filed another Form S-3 Registration Statement
under which it could offer, on a delayed or continuous basis, up to $500 million
of additional debt securities. Also in August 1997, the Corporation issued $150
million of 6.95% Notes due 2012 and $250 million of 7.2% Debentures due 2027
under the November 1993 and August 1997 Registration Statements. Proceeds from
the debt issuance were used to repay a portion of the short-term borrowings
associated with the purchase of Common Stock from the Milton Hershey School
Trust. As of December 31, 1998, $250 million of debt securities remained
available for issuance under the August 1997 Registration

                                      A-4


Statement. Proceeds from any offering of the $250 million of debt securities
available under the shelf registration may be used for general corporate
requirements which include reducing existing commercial paper borrowings,
financing capital additions, and funding future business acquisitions and
working capital requirements.

  In December 1995, the Corporation entered into committed credit facility
agreements with a syndicate of banks under which it could borrow up to $600
million with options to increase borrowings by $1.0 billion with the concurrence
of the banks. Lines of credit previously maintained by the Corporation were
significantly reduced when the credit facility agreements became effective. Of
the total committed credit facility, $200 million was for a renewable 364-day
term and $400 million was effective for a five-year term. In December 1998, the
short-term credit facility agreement was renewed for a total of $177 million.
The long-term committed credit facility agreement was amended and renewed in
December 1997 and will expire in December 2002. The credit facilities may be
used to fund general corporate requirements, to support commercial paper
borrowings and, in certain instances, to finance future business acquisitions.
The Corporation also had lines of credit with domestic and international
commercial banks of $23.0 million and $20.7 million as of December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively.

Cash Flow Activities

  Cash provided from operating activities totaled $1.4 billion during the past
three years. Over this period, cash used by or provided from accounts receivable
and inventories has tended to fluctuate as a result of sales during December and
inventory management practices. The change in cash required for or provided from
other assets and liabilities between the years was primarily related to
commodities transactions, the timing of payments for accrued liabilities,
including income taxes, and variations in the funding status of pension plans.

  Investing activities included capital additions and business acquisitions and
divestitures. Capital additions during the past three years included the
purchase of manufacturing equipment, and expansion and modernization of existing
facilities. In 1996, the Leaf business was acquired, and the Gubor, Sperlari,
Planters and Life Savers businesses were sold. Cash used for the Leaf
acquisition represented the purchase price paid and consisted of the current
assets, property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other assets acquired,
net of liabilities assumed.

  Financing activities included debt borrowings and repayments, payment of
dividends, the exercise of stock options, incentive plan transactions and the
repurchase of Common Stock. During the past three years, short-term borrowings
in the form of commercial paper or bank borrowings were used to fund seasonal
working capital requirements, business acquisitions, share repurchase programs
and purchases of Common Stock from the Milton Hershey School Trust. The proceeds
from the issuance of long-term debt were used to reduce short-term borrowings.
During the past three years, a total of 11,909,849 shares of Common Stock has
been repurchased for $589.9 million. Cash requirements for incentive plan
transactions were $103.2 million during the past three years, partially offset
by cash received from the exercise of stock options of $55.8 million.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND MARKET RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

  The Corporation utilizes certain derivative instruments, including interest
rate swaps, foreign currency forward exchange contracts and commodity futures
and options contracts, to manage interest rate, currency exchange rate and
commodity market price risk exposures. The interest rate swaps and foreign
currency contracts are entered into for periods consistent with related
underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those
exposures. Commodity futures and options contracts are entered into for varying
periods and are intended and effective as hedges of anticipated

                                      A-5


raw material purchases. The Corporation does not hold or issue derivative
instruments for trading purposes and is not a party to any instruments with
leverage or prepayment features. In entering into these contracts, the
Corporation has assumed the risk which might arise from the possible inability
of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Corporation does not
expect any losses as a result of counterparty defaults.

  The information below summarizes the Corporation's market risks associated
with long-term debt and derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31,
1998. This information should be read in conjunction with Note 1, Note 5, Note
7, and Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Long-Term Debt

  The table below presents the principal cash flows and related interest rates
by maturity date for long-term debt as of December 31, 1998. The fair value of
long-term debt was determined based upon quoted market prices for the same or
similar debt issues.

Maturity Date ----------------------------------------------------- (In thousands of dollars except for rates) There- Fair 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 after Total Value ---- ------ ---- ---- ------- -------- -------- ---------- Long-term Debt $89 $2,203 $203 $194 $17,133 $859,370 $879,192 $1,002,275 Fixed Rate 2.0% 6.4% 2.0% 2.0% 4.4% 7.2% 7.1%
Interest Rate Swaps In order to minimize its financing costs and to manage interest rate exposure, the Corporation, from time to time, enters into interest rate swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of its floating rate debt, principally commercial paper borrowings or bank loans with an original maturity of three months or less, to fixed rate debt. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Corporation had agreements outstanding with an aggregate notional amount of $75.0 million and $150.0 million with maturities through September 1999 and September 1998, respectively. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, interest rates payable were at a weighted average fixed rate of 6.3%. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, interest rates receivable of 5.2% and 5.7%, respectively, were based on 30-day commercial paper composite rates. Any interest rate differential on interest rate swaps is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense over the term of each agreement. The Corporation's risk related to swap agreements is limited to the cost of replacing such agreements at prevailing market rates. The potential loss in fair value of interest rate swaps resulting from a hypothetical near-term adverse change in market rates of ten percent was not material as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. Foreign Exchange Contracts The Corporation enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge transactions primarily related to firm commitments to purchase equipment, certain raw materials and finished goods denominated in foreign currencies, and to hedge payment of intercompany transactions with its non-domestic subsidiaries. These contracts reduce currency risk from exchange rate movements. Foreign exchange forward contracts are intended and effective as hedges of firm, identifiable, foreign currency commitments. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52 "Foreign Currency Translation," these contracts meet the conditions for hedge accounting treatment and accordingly, gains and losses are deferred and accounted for as part of the underlying transactions. Gains and losses on terminated derivatives designated as hedges are accounted for as part of the originally hedged transaction. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as hedges of items which mature, are sold or terminated, are recorded currently in income. A-6 As of December 31, 1998, the Corporation had foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 1999 and 2000 to purchase $10.5 million in foreign currency, primarily British sterling and Dutch gilders, and to sell $9.6 million in Japanese yen at contracted forward rates. As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation had foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 1998 and 1999 to purchase $19.2 million in foreign currency, primarily British sterling, and to sell $16.7 million in foreign currency, primarily Japanese yen and Canadian dollars, at contracted forward rates. The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts was estimated by obtaining quotes for future contracts with similar terms, adjusted where necessary for maturity differences. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts approximated the contract value. The potential loss in fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts resulting from a hypothetical near-term adverse change in market rates of ten percent was not material as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. Foreign Exchange Options To hedge foreign currency exposure related to anticipated transactions associated with the purchase of certain raw materials and finished goods generally covering 3 to 24 months, the Corporation, from time to time, also purchases foreign exchange options which permit, but do not require, the Corporation to exchange foreign currencies at a future date with another party at a contracted exchange rate. Foreign exchange options are intended and effective as hedges of anticipated transactions. Accordingly, gains and losses are deferred and accounted for as part of the underlying transactions. Gains and losses on options designated as hedges of anticipated transactions which are no longer likely to occur are recorded currently in income. As of December 31, 1998, no foreign exchange options were outstanding. As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation had purchased foreign exchange options of $3.6 million maturing in 1998, related to Swiss francs. The fair value of foreign exchange options is estimated using active market quotations. As of December 31, 1997, the fair value of foreign exchange options approximated the contract value. The potential loss in fair value of foreign exchange options contracts resulting from a hypothetical near-term adverse change in market rates of ten percent was not material as of December 31, 1997. Commodity Price Risk Management The Corporation's most significant raw materials include cocoa, sugar, milk, peanuts and almonds. The Corporation attempts to minimize the effect of future price fluctuations related to the purchase of these raw materials primarily through forward purchasing to cover future manufacturing requirements, generally for periods from 3 to 24 months. With regard to cocoa, sugar, corn sweeteners, natural gas and certain dairy products, price risks are also managed by entering into futures and options contracts. At the present time, active futures and options contracts are not available for use in pricing the Corporation's other major raw materials. Futures contracts are used in combination with forward purchasing of cocoa, sugar, corn sweetener, natural gas and certain dairy product requirements principally to take advantage of market fluctuations which provide more favorable pricing opportunities and to increase diversity or flexibility in sourcing these raw materials and energy requirements. The Corporation's commodity procurement practices are intended to reduce the risk of future price increases, but also may potentially limit the ability to benefit from possible price decreases. The cost of cocoa beans and the prices for the related commodity futures contracts historically have been subject to wide fluctuations attributable to a variety of factors, including the effect of weather on crop yield, other imbalances between supply and demand, currency exchange rates and speculative influences. Cocoa prices have risen since 1992 due to demand exceeding production. Recently, prices have declined somewhat as the economic difficulties in eastern Europe, particularly A-7 Russia and Southeast Asia, have negatively impacted demand. During 1999, these negative demand influences could continue to keep cocoa futures prices contained. The Corporation's costs during 1999 will not necessarily reflect market price fluctuations because of its forward purchasing practices, premiums and discounts reflective of relative values, varying delivery times, and supply and demand for specific varieties and grades of cocoa beans. Commodities Futures and Options Contracts In connection with the purchasing of cocoa, sugar, corn sweeteners, natural gas and certain dairy products for anticipated manufacturing requirements, the Corporation enters into commodities futures and options contracts as deemed appropriate to reduce the effect of price fluctuations. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 80 "Accounting for Futures Contracts," these futures and options contracts meet the hedge criteria and are accounted for as hedges. Accordingly, gains and losses are deferred and recognized in cost of sales as part of the product cost. Gains and losses on futures and options designated as hedges of anticipated purchases which are no longer likely to occur are recorded currently in income. Exchange traded futures contracts are used to fix the price of physical forward purchase contracts. Cash transfers reflecting changes in the value of futures contracts are made on a daily basis and are included in other current assets or accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Such cash transfers will be offset by higher or lower cash requirements for payment of invoice prices of raw materials and energy requirements in the future. Futures being held in excess of the amount required to fix the price of unpriced physical forward contracts are effective as hedges of anticipated purchases. The following sensitivity analysis reflects the market risk of the Corporation to a hypothetical adverse market price movement of ten percent, based on the Corporation's net commodity positions at four dates spaced equally throughout the year. The Corporation's net commodity positions consist of the excess of futures contracts held over unpriced physical forward contracts for the same commodities, relating to cocoa, sugar, corn sweeteners and natural gas. Inventories, priced forward contracts and estimated anticipated purchases not yet contracted for were not included in the sensitivity analysis calculations. A loss is defined, for purposes of determining market risk, as the potential decrease in fair value or the opportunity cost resulting from the hypothetical adverse price movement. The fair values of net commodity positions were based upon quoted market prices or estimated future prices including estimated carrying costs corresponding with the future delivery period. For the years ended December 31, 1998 1997 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In millions of dollars Market Risk Market Risk (Hypothetical (Hypothetical Fair Value 10% Change) Fair Value 10% Change) ------------------------------------------------- Highest long position $134.9 $13.5 $210.8 $21.1 Lowest long position 45.6 4.6 39.6 4.0 Average position (long) 76.3 7.6 96.2 9.6 Sensitivity analysis disclosures represent forward-looking statements which are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presently anticipated or projected. The important factors that could affect the sensitivity analysis disclosures include significant increases or decreases in market prices reflecting fluctuations attributable to the effect of weather on crop yield, other imbalances between supply and demand, currency exchange rates, political unrest in producing countries and speculative influences in addition to changes in the Corporation's hedging strategies. A-8 MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS Cash dividends paid on the Corporation's Common Stock and Class B Stock were $129.0 million in 1998 and $121.5 million in 1997. The annual dividend rate on the Common Stock was $.96 per share, an increase of 9% over the 1997 rate of $.88 per share. The 1998 dividend represented the 24th consecutive year of Common Stock dividend increases. On February 10, 1999, the Corporation's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $.24 per share of Common Stock payable on March 15, 1999, to stockholders of record as of February 24, 1999. It is the Corporation's 277th consecutive Common Stock dividend. A quarterly dividend of $.2175 per share of Class B Stock also was declared. Hershey Foods Corporation's Common Stock is listed and traded principally on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "HSY." Approximately 79.0 million shares of the Corporation's Common Stock were traded during 1998. The Class B Stock is not publicly traded. The closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 1998, was $62 3/16. There were 44,364 stockholders of record of the Common Stock and the Class B Stock as of December 31, 1998. The following table shows the dividends paid per share of Common Stock and Class B Stock and the price range of the Common Stock for each quarter of the past two years: Dividends Paid Common Stock Per Share Price Range* -------------- ------------------- Common Class B Stock Stock High Low ------ ------- --------- --------- 1998 1st Quarter $ .22 $ .2000 $73 3/8 $59 11/16 2nd Quarter .22 .2000 76 3/8 67 3/16 3rd Quarter .24 .2175 72 5/16 60 1/2 4th Quarter .24 .2175 75 13/16 60 3/4 ----- ------- Total $ .92 $ .8350 ===== ======= 1997 1st Quarter $ .20 $ .1800 $52 7/8 $42 1/8 2nd Quarter .20 .1800 58 5/8 48 3/8 3rd Quarter .22 .2000 59 15/16 51 7/8 4th Quarter .22 .2000 63 7/8 50 5/8 ----- ------- Total $ .84 $ .7600 ===== ======= - -------- *NYSE-Composite Quotations for Common Stock by calendar quarter. RETURN MEASURES Operating Return on Average Stockholders' Equity The Corporation's operating return on average stockholders' equity was 36.0% in 1998. Over the most recent five-year period, the return has ranged from 18.5% in 1994 to 36.0% in 1998. For the purpose of calculating operating return on average stockholders' equity, earnings is defined as net income, excluding the after-tax restructuring activities in 1994 and 1995, and the after-tax loss on the disposal of businesses in 1996. A-9 Operating Return on Average Invested Capital The Corporation's operating return on average invested capital was 17.4% in 1998. Over the most recent five-year period, the return has ranged from 15.6% in 1994 to 17.8% in 1996. Average invested capital consists of the annual average of beginning and ending balances of long-term debt, deferred income taxes and stockholders' equity. For the purpose of calculating operating return on average invested capital, earnings is defined as net income, excluding the after-tax restructuring activities in 1994 and 1995, the after-tax loss on disposal of businesses in 1996, and the after-tax effect of interest on long-term debt. YEAR 2000 ISSUES Year 2000 issues associated with information systems relate to the way dates are recorded and computed in many computer systems. These year 2000 issues could have an impact upon the Corporation's information technology (IT) and non-IT systems. Non-IT systems include embedded technology such as microcontrollers which are integral to the operation of most machinery and equipment. Additionally, year 2000 issues could have a similar impact on the Corporation's major business partners, including both customers and suppliers. While it is not currently possible to estimate the total impact of a failure of either the Corporation or its major business partners or suppliers to complete their year 2000 remediation in a timely manner, the Corporation has determined that it could suffer significant adverse financial consequences as a result of such failure. Awareness and assessment of year 2000 issues regarding major business applications software and other significant IT systems began in 1990. A formal program to address year 2000 issues associated with IT systems was established in late 1995. In early 1998, a team was established with representatives from all major functional areas of the Corporation which assumed overall responsibility for ensuring that remediation of both IT and non-IT systems will be completed in time to prevent material adverse consequences to the Corporation's business, operations or financial condition. The Corporation expects that remediation of these systems will be essentially completed by the third quarter of 1999. In late 1996, the Corporation approved a project to implement an enterprise- wide integrated information system to improve process efficiencies in all of the major functional areas of the Corporation, enabling the Corporation to provide better service to its customers. This system will replace most of the transaction systems and applications supporting operations of the Corporation. In addition to improving efficiency and customer service, another benefit of this system is that it is year 2000 compliant and will address year 2000 issues for approximately 80% of the Corporation's business applications software. As of December 31, 1998, approximately $62.1 million of capitalized software and hardware and $6.9 million of expenses have been incurred for this project. As of December 31, 1998, spending for implementation of this system was approximately 65% complete, with full implementation expected by the third quarter of 1999. Total commitments for this system and subsequently identified enhancements are expected to be approximately $110 million which will be financed with cash provided from operations and short-term borrowings. The Corporation's mainframe, network and desktop hardware and software have recently been upgraded and are substantially year 2000 compliant. The Corporation is in the process of remediating year 2000 compliance issues associated with legacy information systems not being replaced by the integrated information system project, including process automation and factory management systems. During late 1998, the Corporation undertook an extensive review of its year 2000 remediation program. As a result of this review, the Corporation has undertaken additional testing to confirm its year 2000 compliance, but is otherwise maintaining its current program of remediation. As of December 31, 1998, remediation of both IT and non-IT systems was approximately 60% complete, reflecting the latest estimate of testing and work requirements to be performed. The total cost of remediation of IT and non-IT systems is expected to be in the range of $6.0 million to $8.0 million. A-10 The Corporation is also in the process of assessing year 2000 remediation issues relating to its major business partners. All of the Corporation's major customers have been contacted regarding year 2000 issues related to electronic data interchange. The Corporation is also in the process of contacting its major suppliers of ingredients, packaging, facilities, logistics and financial services with regard to year 2000 issues. Because of the uncertainties associated with assessing the ability of major business partners to complete the remediation of their systems in time to prevent operational difficulties, the Corporation will continue to contact and/or visit major customers and suppliers to gain assurances that no significant adverse consequences will result due to their failure to complete remediation of their systems. Year 2000 remediation, conversion, validation and implementation is continuing and, at the present time, it is expected that remediation to both the Corporation's IT and non-IT systems and those of major business partners will be completed in time to prevent material adverse consequences to the Corporation's business, operations or financial condition. However, contingency plans are being developed, including possible increases in raw material and finished goods inventory levels, and the identification of alternate vendors and suppliers. Additional contingency plans, to the extent feasible, will be developed for any potential failures resulting from year 2000 issues. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION The nature of the Corporation's operations and the environment in which it operates subject it to changing economic, competitive, regulatory and technological conditions, risks and uncertainties. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Corporation notes the following factors which, among others, could cause future results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, expectations and assumptions expressed or implied herein. Many of the forward- looking statements contained in this document may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "planned," "estimated," and "potential" among others. Factors which could cause results to differ 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 income taxes; market demand for new and existing products; and raw material pricing. Based upon preliminary information, potential financial results for the first quarter of 1999 may not compare favorably to the prior year's first quarter. Net sales are expected to be lower than in the prior year primarily reflecting the divestiture of the Corporation's pasta business in January 1999. Additionally, the timing of sales for seasonal and promoted items may result in lower confectionery and grocery sales compared to the first quarter of 1998. The divestiture of the Corporation's pasta business, higher amortization of capitalized software associated with the enterprise-wide integrated information system and an emphasis on expanding the distribution of the Corporation's products in new international markets will make the earnings comparison more difficult, considering a very strong first quarter of 1998. A-11 HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the years ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars except per share amounts Net Sales $ 4,435,615 $ 4,302,236 $ 3,989,308 ----------- ----------- ----------- Costs and Expenses: Cost of sales 2,625,057 2,488,896 2,302,089 Selling, marketing and administrative 1,167,895 1,183,130 1,124,087 Loss on disposal of businesses -- -- 35,352 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total costs and expenses 3,792,952 3,672,026 3,461,528 ----------- ----------- ----------- Income before Interest and Income Taxes 642,663 630,210 527,780 Interest expense, net 85,657 76,255 48,043 ----------- ----------- ----------- Income before Income Taxes 557,006 553,955 479,737 Provision for income taxes 216,118 217,704 206,551 ----------- ----------- ----------- Net Income $ 340,888 $ 336,251 $ 273,186 =========== =========== =========== Net Income Per Share--Basic $ 2.38 $ 2.25 $ 1.77 =========== =========== =========== Net Income Per Share--Diluted $ 2.34 $ 2.23 $ 1.75 =========== =========== =========== Cash Dividends Paid Per Share: Common Stock $ .920 $ .840 $ .760 Class B Common Stock .835 .760 .685
The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. A-12 HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In thousands of dollars ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 39,024 $ 54,237 Accounts receivable--trade 451,324 360,831 Inventories 493,249 505,525 Deferred income taxes 58,505 84,024 Prepaid expenses and other 91,864 30,197 ----------- ----------- Total current assets 1,133,966 1,034,814 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 1,648,058 1,648,237 Intangibles Resulting from Business Acquisitions 530,464 551,849 Other Assets 91,610 56,336 ----------- ----------- Total assets $ 3,404,098 $ 3,291,236 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 156,937 $ 146,932 Accrued liabilities 294,415 371,545 Accrued income taxes 17,475 19,692 Short-term debt 345,908 232,451 Current portion of long-term debt 89 25,095 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 814,824 795,715 Long-term Debt 879,103 1,029,136 Other Long-term Liabilities 346,769 346,500 Deferred Income Taxes 321,101 267,079 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities 2,361,797 2,438,430 ----------- ----------- Stockholders' Equity: Preferred Stock, shares issued: none in 1998 and 1997 -- -- Common Stock, shares issued: 149,502,964 in 1998 and 149,484,964 in 1997 149,503 149,485 Class B Common Stock, shares issued: 30,447,908 in 1998 and 30,465,908 in 1997 30,447 30,465 Additional paid-in capital 29,995 33,852 Unearned ESOP compensation (25,548) (28,741) Retained earnings 2,189,693 1,977,849 Treasury--Common Stock shares, at cost: 36,804,157 in 1998 and 37,018,566 in 1997 (1,267,422) (1,267,861) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (64,367) (42,243) ----------- ----------- Total stockholders' equity 1,042,301 852,806 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,404,098 $ 3,291,236 =========== =========== The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these balance sheets. A-13 HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the years ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Cash Flows Provided from (Used by) Operating Activities Net income $ 340,888 $ 336,251 $ 273,186 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operations: Depreciation and amortization 158,161 152,750 133,476 Deferred income taxes 82,241 16,915 22,863 Loss on disposal of businesses -- -- 35,352 Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions and divestitures: Accounts receivable--trade (90,493) (68,479) 5,159 Inventories 12,276 (33,538) (41,038) Accounts payable 10,005 12,967 14,032 Other assets and liabilities (124,118) 85,074 15,120 Other, net 745 4,018 5,593 --------- --------- --------- Net Cash Provided from Operating Activities 389,705 505,958 463,743 --------- --------- --------- Cash Flows Provided from (Used by) Investing Activities Capital additions (161,328) (172,939) (159,433) Capitalized software additions (42,859) (29,100) -- Business acquisitions -- -- (437,195) Proceeds from divestitures -- -- 149,222 Other, net 9,284 21,368 9,333 --------- --------- --------- Net Cash (Used by) Investing Activities (194,903) (180,671) (438,073) --------- --------- --------- Cash Flows Provided from (Used by) Financing Activities Net change in short-term borrowings partially classified as long-term debt (36,543) (217,018) 210,929 Long-term borrowings -- 550,000 -- Repayment of long-term debt (25,187) (15,588) (3,103) Cash dividends paid (129,044) (121,546) (114,763) Exercise of stock options 19,368 14,397 22,049 Incentive plan transactions (22,458) (35,063) (45,634) Repurchase of Common Stock (16,151) (507,654) (66,072) --------- --------- --------- Net Cash (Used by) Provided from Financing Activities (210,015) (332,472) 3,406 --------- --------- --------- Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents (15,213) (7,185) 29,076 Cash and Cash Equivalents as of January 1 54,237 61,422 32,346 --------- --------- --------- Cash and Cash Equivalents as of December 31 $ 39,024 $ 54,237 $ 61,422 ========= ========= ========= Interest Paid $ 89,001 $ 64,937 $ 52,143 Income Taxes Paid 123,970 181,377 180,347 The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. A-14
HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accumulated Class B Additional Unearned Treasury Other Total Preferred Common Common Paid-in ESOP Retained Common Comprehensive Stockholders' Stock Stock Stock Capital Compensation Earnings Stock Loss Equity - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Balance as of January 1, 1996 $-- $ 74,734 $15,241 $47,732 $(35,128) $1,694,696 $ (685,076) $(29,240) $ 1,082,959 ----------- Comprehensive income (loss) Net income 273,186 273,186 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustments (3,635) (3,635) ----------- Comprehensive income 269,551 Dividends: Common Stock, $.76 per share (93,884) (93,884) Class B Common Stock, $.685 per share (20,879) (20,879) Two-for-one stock split 74,736 15,239 (89,975) -- Conversion of Class B Common Stock into Common Stock 2 (2) -- Incentive plan transactions (426) (426) Exercise of stock options (5,391) (8,547) (13,938) Employee stock ownership trust transactions 517 3,193 3,710 Repurchase of Common Stock (66,072) (66,072) ---- -------- ------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------- Balance as of December 31, 1996 -- 149,472 30,478 42,432 (31,935) 1,763,144 (759,695) (32,875) 1,161,021 ----------- Comprehensive income (loss) Net income 336,251 336,251 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustments (9,368) (9,368) ----------- Comprehensive income 326,883 Dividends: Common Stock, $.84 per share (98,390) (98,390) Class B Common Stock, $.76 per share (23,156) (23,156) Conversion of Class B Common Stock into Common Stock 13 (13) -- Incentive plan transactions (879) (879) Exercise of stock options (8,200) (512) (8,712) Employee stock ownership trust transactions 499 3,194 3,693 Repurchase of Common Stock (507,654) (507,654) ---- -------- ------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------- Balance as of December 31, 1997 -- 149,485 30,465 33,852 (28,741) 1,977,849 (1,267,861) (42,243) 852,806 ----------- Comprehensive income (loss) Net income 340,888 340,888 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustments (18,073) (18,073) Minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax benefit (4,051) (4,051) ----------- Comprehensive income 318,764 Dividends: Common Stock, $.92 per share (103,616) (103,616) Class B Common Stock, $.835 per share (25,428) (25,428) Conversion of Class B Common Stock into Common Stock 18 (18) -- Incentive Plan transactions (985) (985) Exercise of stock options (3,375) 16,590 13,215 Employee stock ownership trust transactions 503 3,193 3,696 Repurchase of Common Stock (16,151) (16,151) ---- -------- ------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------- Balance as of December 31, 1998 $-- $149,503 $30,447 $29,995 $(25,548) $2,189,693 $(1,267,422) $(64,367) $ 1,042,301 ==== ======== ======= ======= ======== ========== =========== ======== ===========
The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. A-15 HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant accounting policies employed by the Corporation are discussed below and in other notes to the consolidated financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the 1998 presentation. Unless otherwise indicated, all shares and per share information have been restated for the two-for-one stock split effective September 13, 1996. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, particularly for accounts receivable and certain current and long-term liabilities. Cash Equivalents All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. Commodities Futures and Options Contracts In connection with the purchasing of cocoa, sugar, corn sweeteners, natural gas and certain dairy products for anticipated manufacturing requirements, the Corporation enters into commodities futures and options contracts as deemed appropriate to reduce the effect of price fluctuations. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 80 "Accounting for Futures Contracts," these futures and options contracts meet the hedge criteria and are accounted for as hedges. Accordingly, gains and losses are deferred and recognized in cost of sales as part of the product cost. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of buildings, machinery and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Intangibles Resulting from Business Acquisitions Intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions principally consist of the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired (goodwill). Goodwill was $508.0 million and $527.6 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives. The Corporation periodically evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred indicating that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that goodwill should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Corporation uses an estimate of the acquired business' undiscounted future cash flows compared to the related carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, to determine if an impairment loss should be recognized. A-16 Accumulated amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions was $132.3 million and $116.5 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Comprehensive Income In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income (SFAS No. 130). SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. SFAS No. 130 requires that an enterprise (a) classify items of other comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and (b) display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of financial position. SFAS No. 130 is effective for the Corporation's 1998 financial statements. Results of operations for foreign entities are translated using the average exchange rates during the period. For foreign entities, assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), "Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments." A minimum pension liability adjustment is required when the actuarial present value of accumulated pension plan benefits exceeds plan assets and accrued pension liabilities, less allowable intangible assets. Minimum pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes, are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), "Minimum Pension Liability Adjustments." Comprehensive income (loss) is reported on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and accumulated other comprehensive (loss) is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign Exchange Contracts The Corporation enters into foreign exchange forward and options contracts to hedge transactions primarily related to firm commitments to purchase equipment, certain raw materials and finished goods denominated in foreign currencies, and to hedge payment of intercompany transactions with its non-domestic subsidiaries. These contracts reduce currency risk from exchange rate movements. Foreign exchange forward contracts are intended and effective as hedges of firm, identifiable, foreign currency commitments and foreign exchange options contracts meet required hedge criteria for anticipated transactions. Accordingly, gains and losses are deferred and accounted for as part of the underlying transactions. Gains and losses on terminated derivatives designated as hedges are accounted for as part of the originally hedged transaction. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as hedges of items which mature, are sold or terminated, or of anticipated transactions which are no longer likely to occur, are recorded currently in income. In entering into these contracts the Corporation has assumed the risk which might arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Corporation does not expect any losses as a result of counterparty defaults. License Agreements The Corporation has entered into license agreements under which it has access to certain trademarks and proprietary technology, and manufactures and/or markets and distributes certain products. The rights under these agreements are extendible on a long-term basis at the Corporation's option subject to certain conditions, including minimum sales levels, which the Corporation has met. License fees and royalties, payable under the terms of the agreements, are expensed as incurred. A-17 Research and Development The Corporation expenses research and development costs as incurred. Research and development expense was $28.6 million, $27.5 million and $26.1 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Advertising The Corporation expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense was $187.5 million, $202.4 million and $174.2 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Prepaid advertising as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, was $12.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Computer Software In 1997, the Corporation began capitalizing certain costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. The amount capitalized as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, was $69.3 million and $29.1 million, respectively. If such costs were capitalized in prior years, the effect would not have been material. Software assets are classified as other non-current assets and are amortized over periods up to five years. Accumulated amortization of capitalized software was $2.8 million and $.2 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. 2. ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURES In December 1996, the Corporation acquired from an affiliate of Huhtamaki Oy (Huhtamaki), the international foods company based in Finland, Huhtamaki's Leaf North America (Leaf) confectionery operations for $437.2 million, plus the assumption of $17.0 million in debt. In addition, the parties entered into a trademark and technology license agreement under which the Corporation will manufacture and/or market and distribute in North, Central and South America Huhtamaki's confectionery brands including GOOD & PLENTY, HEATH, JOLLY RANCHER, MILK DUDS, PAYDAY and WHOPPERS. Leaf's principal manufacturing facilities are located in Denver, Colorado; Memphis, Tennessee; and Robinson, Illinois. In accordance with the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price of the Leaf acquisition was allocated on a preliminary basis to the underlying assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition based on their estimated respective fair values, which were revised and finalized by the anniversary date of the acquisition. Total liabilities assumed, including debt, were $138.0 million in 1996. Results subsequent to the date of the acquisition are included in the consolidated financial statements. Had the acquisition of Leaf occurred at the beginning of 1996, pro forma consolidated results would have been as follows: For the year ended December 31, 1996 -------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars except per share amounts (unaudited) Net sales $4,473,950 Net income 234,000 Net income per share--Basic 1.52 Net income per share--Diluted 1.50 The pro forma results are based on historical financial information provided by Huhtamaki, including a business restructuring charge recorded by Huhtamaki in 1996, and adjusted to give effect to certain costs and expenses, including fees under the trademark and technology license agreement, goodwill amortization, interest expense and income taxes which would have been incurred by the Corporation if it had owned and operated the Leaf confectionery business throughout 1996. These A-18 results are not necessarily reflective of the actual results which would have occurred if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of the year, nor are they necessarily indicative of future combined financial results. In December 1998, the Corporation announced that it had signed a definitive agreement providing for the sale of a 94% majority interest of its U.S. pasta business to New World Pasta, LLC. The transaction was completed in January 1999, and included the AMERICAN BEAUTY, IDEAL BY SAN GIORGIO, LIGHT 'N FLUFFY, MRS. WEISS, P&R, RONZONI, SAN GIORGIO and SKINNER pasta brands, along with six manufacturing plants. In the first quarter of 1999, the Corporation received cash proceeds of $450.0 million, retained a 6% minority interest and recorded an after-tax gain of approximately $165.0 million or $1.13 per share--diluted as a result of the transaction. Net sales for the pasta business were $373.1 million, $386.2 million and $407.4 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Net income for the pasta business was $25.9 million, $25.2 million and $18.7 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In December 1996, the Corporation completed the sale to Huhtamaki of the outstanding shares of Gubor Holding GmbH (Gubor) and Sperlari S.r.l. (Sperlari). Gubor manufactures and markets high-quality assorted pralines and seasonal chocolate products in Germany and Sperlari manufactures and markets various confectionery and grocery products in Italy. The total proceeds from the sale of the Gubor and Sperlari businesses were $121.7 million. The transaction resulted in an after-tax loss of $35.4 million since no tax benefit associated with the transaction was recorded. Combined net sales for Gubor and Sperlari were $216.6 million in 1996. The sale of Gubor and Sperlari allowed the Corporation to place additional focus on its North American markets and improve financial returns. In January 1996, the Corporation completed the sale of the assets of Hershey Canada, Inc.'s PLANTERS nut (Planters) business to Johnvince Foods Group and the LIFE SAVERS and BREATH SAVERS hard candy and BEECH-NUT cough drops (Life Savers) business to Beta Brands Inc. Both transactions were part of a restructuring program announced by the Corporation in late 1994. 3. RENTAL AND LEASE COMMITMENTS Rent expense was $39.6 million, $31.8 million and $25.3 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Rent expense pertains to all operating leases, which were principally related to certain administrative buildings, distribution facilities and transportation equipment. Future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases with a remaining term in excess of one year as of December 31, 1998, were: 1999, $13.3 million; 2000, $13.0 million; 2001, $12.7 million; 2002, $12.2 million; 2003, $9.3 million; 2004 and beyond, $46.8 million. 4. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS No. 133). SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999, but may be implemented as of the beginning of any fiscal quarter after issuance. Retroactive application is not permitted. SFAS No. 133 must be applied to (a) derivative instruments and (b) certain derivative instruments embedded A-19 in hybrid contracts that were issued, acquired, or substantively modified after December 31, 1997. Changes in accounting methods will be required for derivative instruments utilized by the Corporation to hedge commodity price, foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks. Such derivatives include commodity futures and options contracts, foreign exchange forward and options contracts and interest rate swaps. The Corporation anticipates the adoption of SFAS No. 133 as of January 1, 2000. As of December 31, 1998, net deferred losses on derivatives of approximately $16.5 million after tax would have been reported as a component of other comprehensive loss and classified as accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets upon adoption of SFAS No. 133. 5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The carrying amounts of financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximated fair value as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, because of the relatively short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was $879.2 million as of December 31, 1998, compared to a fair value of $1.0 billion based on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt issues. The carrying value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was $904.2 million as of December 31, 1997, compared to a fair value of $961.0 million. As of December 31, 1998, the Corporation had foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 1999 and 2000 to purchase $10.5 million in foreign currency, primarily British sterling and Dutch gilders, and to sell $9.6 million in Japanese yen at contracted forward rates. As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation had foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 1998 and 1999 to purchase $19.2 million in foreign currency, primarily British sterling, and to sell $16.7 million in foreign currency, primarily Japanese yen and Canadian dollars, at contracted forward rates. To hedge foreign currency exposure related to anticipated transactions associated with the purchase of certain raw materials and finished goods generally covering 3 to 24 months, the Corporation, from time to time, also purchases foreign exchange options which permit, but do not require, the Corporation to exchange foreign currencies at a future date with another party at a contracted exchange rate. No options were outstanding as of December 31, 1998. As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation had purchased foreign exchange options of $3.6 million, related to Swiss francs. The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts is estimated by obtaining quotes for future contracts with similar terms, adjusted where necessary for maturity differences, and the fair value of foreign exchange options is estimated using active market quotations. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the fair value of foreign exchange forward and options contracts approximated the contract value. The Corporation does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. In order to minimize its financing costs and to manage interest rate exposure, the Corporation, from time to time, enters into interest rate swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of its floating rate debt to fixed rate debt. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Corporation had agreements outstanding with an aggregate notional amount of $75.0 million and $150.0 million with maturities through September 1999 and September 1998, respectively. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, interest rates payable were at a weighted average fixed rate of 6.3%. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, interest rates receivable of 5.2% and 5.7%, respectively, were based on 30-day commercial paper composite rates. Any interest rate differential on interest rate swaps is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense over the term of each agreement. The Corporation's risk related to swap agreements is limited to the cost of replacing such agreements at prevailing market rates. A-20 6. INTEREST EXPENSE Interest expense, net consisted of the following: For the years ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Long-term debt and lease obligations $67,538 $48,737 $30,818 Short-term debt 23,657 32,284 22,752 Capitalized interest (2,547) (1,883) (1,534) ------- ------- ------- Interest expense, gross 88,648 79,138 52,036 Interest income (2,991) (2,883) (3,993) ------- ------- ------- Interest expense, net $85,657 $76,255 $48,043 ======= ======= ======= 7. SHORT-TERM DEBT Generally, the Corporation's short-term borrowings are in the form of commercial paper or bank loans with an original maturity of three months or less. In December 1995, the Corporation entered into committed credit facility agreements with a syndicate of banks under which it could borrow up to $600 million, with options to increase borrowings by $1.0 billion with the concurrence of the banks. Of the total committed credit facility, $200 million was for a renewable 364-day term and $400 million was effective for a five-year term. In December 1998, the short-term credit facility agreement was renewed for a total of $177 million. The long-term credit facility agreement was amended and renewed in December 1997 and will expire in December 2002. The credit facilities may be used to fund general corporate requirements, to support commercial paper borrowings and, in certain instances, to finance future business acquisitions. As of December 31, 1997, $150.0 million of commercial paper borrowings were reclassified as long-term debt in accordance with the Corporation's intent and ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis. A similar reclassification was not recorded as of December 31, 1998, because the Corporation intends to reduce commercial paper borrowings during 1999. The Corporation also maintains lines of credit arrangements with domestic and international commercial banks, under which it could borrow in various currencies up to approximately $23.0 million and $20.7 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, at the lending banks' prime commercial interest rates or lower. The Corporation had combined domestic commercial paper borrowings, including the portion classified as long-term debt as of December 31, 1997, and short-term foreign bank loans against its credit facilities and lines of credit of $345.9 million as of December 31, 1998, and $382.5 million as of December 31, 1997. The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, were 5.2% and 5.7%, respectively. The credit facilities and lines of credit were supported by commitment fee arrangements. The average fee during 1998 was less than .1% per annum of the commitment. The Corporation's credit facility agreements contain a financial covenant which requires that a specified interest and fixed charge ratio be maintained. These agreements are also subject to other representations and covenants which do not materially restrict the Corporation's activities. The Corporation is in compliance with all covenants included in the credit facility agreements. There were no significant compensating balance agreements which legally restricted these funds. As a result of maintaining a consolidated cash management system, the Corporation maintains overdraft positions at certain banks. Such overdrafts, which were included in accounts payable, were $57.0 million and $30.7 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. A-21 8. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Commercial Paper at interest rates ranging from 5.64% to 6.55% $ -- $ 150,000 Medium-term Notes, 8.875% due 1998 -- 25,000 6.7% Notes due 2005 200,000 200,000 6.95% Notes due 2007 150,000 150,000 6.95% Notes due 2012 150,000 150,000 8.8% Debentures due 2021 100,000 100,000 7.2% Debentures due 2027 250,000 250,000 Other obligations, net of unamortized debt discount 29,192 29,231 -------- ---------- Total long-term debt 879,192 1,054,231 Less--current portion 89 25,095 -------- ---------- Long-term portion $879,103 $1,029,136 ======== ========== As of December 31, 1997, $150.0 million of commercial paper borrowings were reclassified as long-term debt. A similar reclassification was not recorded as of December 31, 1998, because the Corporation intends to reduce commercial paper borrowings during 1999. In March 1997, the Corporation issued $150 million of 6.95% Notes due 2007 under the November 1993 Form S-3 Registration Statement. Proceeds from the debt issuance were used to repay a portion of the commercial paper borrowings associated with the Leaf acquisition. In August 1997, the Corporation issued $150 million of 6.95% Notes due 2012 and $250 million of 7.2% Debentures due 2027 under the November 1993 and August 1997 Registration Statements. Proceeds from the debt issuance were used to repay a portion of the short-term borrowings associated with the purchase of Common Stock from the Milton Hershey School Trust. Aggregate annual maturities during the next five years are: 1999, $.1 million; 2000, $2.2 million; 2001, $.2 million; 2002, $.2 million; and 2003, $17.1 million. The Corporation's debt is principally unsecured and of equal priority. None of the debt is convertible into stock of the Corporation. The Corporation is in compliance with all covenants included in the related debt agreements. 9. INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Current: Federal $119,706 $177,145 $158,040 State 10,498 20,252 23,288 Foreign 3,673 3,392 2,360 -------- -------- -------- Current provision for income taxes 133,877 200,789 183,688 -------- -------- -------- Deferred: Federal 73,422 9,370 12,952 State 10,568 5,103 8,134 Foreign (1,749) 2,442 1,777 -------- -------- -------- Deferred provision for income taxes 82,241 16,915 22,863 -------- -------- -------- Total provision for income taxes $216,118 $217,704 $206,551 ======== ======== ======== A-22 The tax effects of the significant temporary differences which comprised the deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: December 31, 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Deferred tax assets: Post-retirement benefit obligations $ 87,954 $ 91,706 Accrued expenses and other reserves 96,843 91,067 Accrued trade promotion reserves 28,118 30,905 Other 21,530 23,234 -------- -------- Total deferred tax assets 234,445 236,912 -------- -------- Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation 308,074 302,675 Other 188,967 117,292 -------- -------- Total deferred tax liabilities 497,041 419,967 -------- -------- Net deferred tax liabilities $262,596 $183,055 ======== ======== Included in: Current deferred tax assets, net $ 58,505 $ 84,024 Non-current deferred tax liabilities, net 321,101 267,079 -------- -------- Net deferred tax liabilities $262,596 $183,055 ======== ======== The following table reconciles the Federal statutory income tax rate with the Corporation's effective income tax rate: For the years ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal statutory income tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Increase (reduction) resulting from: State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefits 3.0 3.4 4.7 Non-deductible acquisition costs .9 .9 .6 Loss on disposal of businesses for which no tax benefit was provided -- -- 2.6 Other, net (.1) -- .2 ---- ---- ---- Effective income tax rate 38.8% 39.3% 43.1% ==== ==== ==== In January 1999, the Corporation received a Notice of Proposed Deficiency (Notice) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) related to the years 1989 through 1996. The most significant issue pertains to the Corporate Owned Life Insurance (COLI) program which was implemented by the Corporation in 1989. The IRS proposed the disallowance of interest expense deductions associated with the underlying life insurance policies. The Corporation believes that it has fully complied with the tax law as it relates to its COLI program. The Corporation expects to file a protest of the proposed deficiency with the Appeals section of the IRS in early 1999 and intends to vigorously defend its position on this matter. 10. PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The Corporation's policy is to fund domestic pension liabilities in accordance with the minimum and maximum limits imposed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and Federal income tax laws, respectively. Non-domestic pension liabilities are funded in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations. Plan assets are invested in a broadly diversified portfolio consisting primarily of domestic and international common stocks and fixed income securities. Other benefits include health care and life insurance provided by the Corporation under two post-retirement benefit plans. A-23 Effective December 31, 1998, the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, Employers' Disclosures about Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits (SFAS No. 132). The provisions of SFAS No. 132 revise employers' disclosures about pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of these plans. A summary of the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 is presented below: Pension Benefits Other Benefits -------------------- -------------------- December 31, 1998 1997 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Change in benefits obligation Benefits obligation at beginning of year $602,081 $503,528 $ 206,695 $ 176,301 Service cost 27,621 26,177 4,452 4,390 Interest cost 41,855 39,385 13,524 13,395 Amendments (440) 9,840 (17,427) 967 Actuarial loss 72,944 32,325 54,698 18,332 Acquisition -- 26,560 (1,799) 1,677 Other (2,440) (1,587) (228) (154) Benefits paid (49,199) (34,147) (8,875) (8,213) --------- --------- --------- --------- Benefits obligation at end of year 692,422 602,081 251,040 206,695 --------- --------- --------- --------- Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 566,810 450,426 -- -- Actual return on plan assets 91,338 86,405 -- -- Acquisition -- 38,328 -- -- Employer contribution 20,634 26,855 8,875 8,213 Other (1,542) (1,057) -- -- Benefits paid (49,199) (34,147) (8,875) (8,213) --------- --------- --------- --------- Fair value of plan assets at end of year 628,041 566,810 -- -- --------- --------- --------- --------- Funded status (64,381) (35,271) (251,040) (206,695) Unrecognized transition obligation (91) 193 -- -- Unrecognized prior service cost 35,854 39,337 (33,202) (25,685) Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain) 6,164 (27,318) 59,589 4,330 Intangible asset (1,261) (6,336) -- -- Accumulated other comprehensive income (6,750) -- -- -- Prior service cost recognized due to curtailment -- -- 12,991 -- Unrecognized prior service cost due to amendment -- -- (6,924) -- --------- --------- --------- --------- (Accrued) benefits cost $ (30,465) $ (29,395) $(218,586) $(228,050) ========= ========= ========= ========= Weighted-average assumptions Discount rate 6.40% 7.00% 6.40% 7.00% Expected long-term rate of return on assets 9.50 9.50 N/A N/A Rate of increase in compensation levels 4.80 4.80 N/A N/A For measurement purposes, a 6% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 1999 and future years. The Corporation's acquisition of the Leaf business in 1996 included its pension plan. The Leaf pension plan was merged into the Hershey Foods Corporation Retirement Plan as of December 31, 1997. As of December 31, 1998, for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the related projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets were $81.1 million, $66.9 million and $22.7 million, respectively. A-24 As of December 31, 1997, for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the related projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation were $36.4 million and $34.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 1997, there were no funded pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets. A summary of the components of net periodic benefits cost for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 is presented below: Pension Benefits Other Benefits ------------------ ---------------- For the years ended December 31, 1998 1997 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Components of net periodic benefits cost Service cost $ 27,621 $ 26,177 $ 4,452 $ 4,390 Interest cost 41,855 39,385 13,524 13,395 Expected return on plan assets (53,399) (42,700) -- -- Amortization of prior service cost 2,941 190 (2,986) (2,252) Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) 717 (1,652) -- -- Other -- -- 9 6 -------- -------- ------- ------- Corporate sponsored plans 19,735 21,400 14,999 15,539 Multi-employer plans 1,571 1,627 -- -- Administrative expenses 796 864 -- -- -------- -------- ------- ------- Net periodic benefits cost $ 22,102 $ 23,891 $14,999 $15,539 ======== ======== ======= ======= The Corporation has two post-retirement benefit plans. The health care plan is contributory, with participants' contributions adjusted annually, and the life insurance plan is non-contributory. Effective December 1998, for all eligible employees under age 45, the Corporation will provide annual contributions into the Employee Savings Stock Investment and Ownership Plan (ESSIOP) instead of providing coverage under the current retiree medical plan. This change resulted in the immediate recognition of a $13.0 million pre-tax gain which is not included above as a component of net periodic benefits cost. The changes apply to all U.S. full-time salaried employees, and all non-union hourly plant employees working outside of Hershey, PA. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects: 1 Percentage Point 1 Percentage Point Increase (Decrease) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Effect on total service and interest cost components $ 940 $ (872) Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation 12,935 (11,552) A minimum pension liability adjustment is required when the actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits exceeds plan assets and accrued pension liabilities. In 1998, a minimum liability adjustment of $4.1 million, less allowable intangible assets, net of a deferred tax benefit of $2.7 million, was recorded as a component of other comprehensive loss and reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders' equity. 11. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP TRUST The Corporation's employee stock ownership trust (ESOP) serves as the primary vehicle for contributions to its existing ESSIOP for participating domestic salaried and hourly employees. The ESOP was funded by a 15-year 7.75% loan of $47.9 million from the Corporation. During 1998 and 1997, A-25 the ESOP received a combination of dividends on unallocated shares and contributions from the Corporation equal to the amount required to meet its principal and interest payments under the loan. Simultaneously, the ESOP allocated to participants 159,176 shares of Common Stock each year. As of December 31, 1998, the ESOP held 927,863 allocated shares and 1,273,400 unallocated shares. All ESOP shares are considered outstanding for income per share computations. The Corporation recognized net compensation expense equal to the shares allocated multiplied by the original cost of $20 1/16 per share less dividends received by the ESOP on unallocated shares. Compensation expense related to the ESOP for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $1.0 million, $1.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Dividends paid on unallocated ESOP shares were $1.2 million in 1998 and $1.3 million in 1997 and 1996. The unearned ESOP compensation balance in stockholders' equity represented deferred compensation expense to be recognized by the Corporation in future years as additional shares are allocated to participants. 12. CAPITAL STOCK AND NET INCOME PER SHARE As of December 31, 1998, the Corporation had 530,000,000 authorized shares of capital stock. Of this total, 450,000,000 shares were designated as Common Stock, 75,000,000 shares as Class B Common Stock (Class B Stock), and 5,000,000 shares as Preferred Stock, each class having a par value of one dollar per share. As of December 31, 1998, a combined total of 179,950,872 shares of both classes of common stock had been issued of which 143,146,715 shares were outstanding. No shares of the Preferred Stock were issued or outstanding during the three-year period ended December 31, 1998. In August 1996, the Corporation's Board of Directors declared a two-for-one split of the Common Stock and Class B Common Stock effective September 13, 1996, to stockholders of record August 23, 1996. The split was effected as a stock dividend by distributing one additional share for each share held. 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, with the Common Stock having one vote per share and the Class B Stock having ten votes per share. However, the Common Stock, voting separately as a class, is entitled to elect one-sixth of the Board of Directors. With respect to dividend rights, the Common Stock is entitled to cash dividends 10% higher than those declared and paid on the Class B Stock. Class B Stock can be converted into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis at any time. During 1998, 1997 and 1996, a total of 18,000 shares, 13,000 shares and 2,000 shares, respectively, of Class B Stock were converted into Common Stock. Hershey Trust Company, as Trustee for the benefit of Milton Hershey School (Milton Hershey School Trust), as institutional fiduciary for estates and trusts unrelated to Milton Hershey School, and as direct owner of investment shares, held a total of 14,531,294 shares of the Common Stock, and as Trustee for the benefit of Milton Hershey School, held 30,306,006 shares of the Class B Stock as of December 31, 1998, and was entitled to cast approximately 76% of the total votes of both classes of the Corporation's common stock. The Milton Hershey School Trust must approve the issuance of shares of Common Stock or any other action which would result in the Milton Hershey School Trust not continuing to have voting control of the Corporation. A total of 9,861,119 shares of Common Stock have been repurchased for approximately $287.5 million under share repurchase programs which were approved by the Corporation's Board of Directors in 1993 and 1996. Of the shares repurchased, 528,000 shares were retired, 529,498 shares were reissued to satisfy stock options obligations and the remaining 8,803,621 shares were held as Treasury Stock as of December 31, 1998. In August 1997, the Corporation purchased an additional A-26 9,900,990 shares of its Common Stock to be held as Treasury Stock from the Milton Hershey School Trust for $500.0 million. This was in addition to the 18,099,546 shares purchased from the Milton Hershey School Trust in August 1995 for $500.0 million. A total of 36,804,157 shares were held as Treasury Stock as of December 31, 1998. Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share were computed based on the weighted average number of shares of the Common Stock and the Class B Stock outstanding as follows: Per- For the year ended December 31, Income Shares Share 1998 (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars except shares and per share amounts Net Income per Share--Basic Net income $340,888 143,446,421 $2.38 ===== Effect of Dilutive Securities Stock options -- 2,008,355 Performance stock units -- 106,968 Restricted stock units -- 1,238 -------- ----------- Net Income per Share--Diluted Net income and assumed conversions $340,888 145,562,982 $2.34 ======== =========== ===== Per- For the year ended December 31, Income Shares Share 1997 (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars except shares and per share amounts Net Income per Share--Basic Net income $336,251 149,173,558 $2.25 ===== Effect of Dilutive Securities Stock options -- 1,726,761 Performance stock units -- 112,649 Restricted stock units -- 3,389 -------- ----------- Net Income per Share--Diluted Net income and assumed conversions $336,251 151,016,357 $2.23 ======== =========== ===== Per- For the year ended December 31, Income Shares Share 1996 (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars except shares and per share amounts Net Income per Share--Basic Net income $273,186 154,333,549 $1.77 ===== Effect of Dilutive Securities Stock options -- 1,270,177 Performance stock units -- 84,697 Restricted stock units -- 1,528 -------- ----------- Net Income per Share--Diluted Net income and assumed conversions $273,186 155,689,951 $1.75 ======== =========== ===== A-27 13. STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN The long-term portion of the Key Employee Incentive Plan (KEIP), provides for grants of stock-based compensation awards to senior executives and key employees of one or more of the following: non-qualified stock options (fixed stock options), performance stock units, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units. The KEIP also provides for the deferral of performance stock unit awards by participants. As of December 31, 1998, 15.3 million shares were authorized for grants under the long-term portion of the KEIP. In 1996, the Corporation's Board of Directors approved a world-wide, broad-based employee stock option program, called HSY Growth. HSY Growth provides all eligible employees with a one-time grant of 100 non-qualified stock options. Under HSY Growth, over 1.2 million shares were granted on January 7, 1997. The Corporation applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations in accounting for the KEIP and HSY Growth. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its fixed stock option grants. Had compensation cost for the Corporation's stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under the KEIP and HSY Growth consistent with the method of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Corporation's net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below: For the years ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars except per share amounts Net income As reported $340,888 $336,251 $273,186 Pro forma 329,621 330,710 266,517 Net income per share-- Basic As reported $ 2.38 $ 2.25 $ 1.77 Pro forma 2.30 2.22 1.73 Net income per share-- Diluted As reported $ 2.34 $ 2.23 $ 1.75 Pro forma 2.26 2.19 1.71 The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively: dividend yields of 1.6%, 1.9% and 2.4%, expected volatility of 21%, 20% and 20%, risk- free interest rates of 5.9%, 6.2% and 5.6%, and expected lives of 6.5, 5.7 and 7.5 years. A-28 Fixed Stock Options The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Corporation's Common Stock on the date of grant. Under the KEIP, options are granted in January and generally vest at the end of the second year and have a maximum term of ten years. Options granted under the HSY Growth program vest at the end of the fifth year and have a term of ten years. A summary of the status of the Corporation's fixed stock options as of December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, and changes during the years ending on those dates is presented below:
1998 1997 1996 -------------------- -------------------- --------------------- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Exercise Exercise Exercise Fixed Options Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at beginning of year 6,713,920 $31.73 5,902,220 $27.40 4,435,800 $22.54 Granted 1,739,050 $61.22 1,485,250 $44.64 2,619,200 $33.08 Exercised (751,600) $25.78 (656,350) $21.94 (1,062,980) $20.74 Forfeited (36,100) $52.61 (17,200) $33.06 (89,800) $31.92 --------- --------- ---------- Outstanding at end of year 7,665,270 $38.91 6,713,920 $31.73 5,902,220 $27.40 ========= ========= ========== Options exercisable at year-end 4,480,670 $28.45 3,013,670 $24.38 3,670,020 $23.94 ========= ========= ========== Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year (per share) $ 18.30 $ 11.66 $ 8.70 ========= ========= ==========
The increase in the weighted-average fair value of options reflects higher grant prices and lower dividend yields. The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding as of December 31, 1998:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable ------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Weighted- Average Number Remaining Weighted- Number Weighted- Range of Exercise Outstanding as Contractual Average Exercisable as of Average Prices of 12/31/98 Life in Years Exercise Price 12/31/98 Exercise Price - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $17 11/16-26 1/2 2,194,970 4.4 $23.63 2,194,970 $23.63 $33 1/16-44 1/2 3,728,050 7.4 $37.50 2,285,700 $33.07 $56 1/4-63 11/16 1,742,250 9.0 $61.17 -- --------- --------- $17 11/16-63 11/16 7,665,270 6.9 $38.91 4,480,670 $28.45 ========= =========
Performance Stock Units Under the long-term portion of the KEIP, each January the Corporation grants selected executives and other key employees performance stock units whose vesting is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives. If at the end of three-year performance cycles, targets for financial measures of earnings per share, economic value added and free cash flow are met, the full number of shares are awarded to the participants. The performance scores can range from 0% to 150% of the targeted amounts. The compensation cost charged against income for the performance-based plan was $6.6 million, $9.1 million and $5.8 million for 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The A-29 compensation cost associated with the long-term portion of the KEIP is recognized ratably over the three-year term based on the year-end market value of the stock. Performance stock units and restricted stock units granted for potential future distribution were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares granted 48,150 95,250 86,000 Weighted-average fair value at date of grant $ 61.54 $ 45.17 $ 33.56 Deferred performance stock units, deferred directors' fees and accumulated dividend amounts totaled 373,933 shares as of December 31, 1998. No stock appreciation rights were outstanding as of December 31, 1998. 14. SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION Accounts Receivable--Trade In the normal course of business, the Corporation extends credit to customers which satisfy pre-defined credit criteria. The Corporation believes that it has little concentration of credit risk due to the diversity of its customer base. Receivables, as shown on the consolidated balance sheets, were net of allowances and anticipated discounts of $19.9 million and $15.8 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Inventories The Corporation values the majority of its inventories under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method and the remaining inventories at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market. LIFO cost of inventories valued using the LIFO method was $342.9 million and $372.7 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and all inventories were stated at amounts that did not exceed realizable values. Total inventories were as follows: December 31, 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Raw materials $ 205,111 $ 223,702 Goods in process 38,420 36,015 Finished goods 340,442 334,639 --------- --------- Inventories at FIFO 583,973 594,356 Adjustment to LIFO (90,724) (88,831) --------- --------- Total inventories $ 493,249 $ 505,525 ========= ========= A-30 Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment balances included construction in progress of $96.6 million and $144.0 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Major classes of property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31, 1998 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Land $ 30,871 $ 31,340 Buildings 541,181 540,729 Machinery and equipment 2,130,735 2,015,161 ----------- ----------- Property, plant and equipment, gross 2,702,787 2,587,230 Accumulated depreciation (1,054,729) (938,993) ----------- ----------- Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,648,058 $ 1,648,237 =========== =========== Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities were as follows: December 31, 1998 1997 ---------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Payroll and other compensation $ 87,666 $ 92,102 Advertising and promotion 67,916 86,184 Other 138,833 193,259 --------- --------- Total accrued liabilities $ 294,415 $ 371,545 ========= ========= Other Long-term Liabilities Other long-term liabilities were as follows: December 31, 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars Accrued post-retirement benefits $ 206,345 $ 216,901 Other 140,424 129,599 --------- --------- Total other long-term liabilities $ 346,769 $ 346,500 ========= ========= 15. SEGMENT INFORMATION The Corporation operates in a single consumer foods line of business, encompassing the manufacture, distribution and sale of confectionery, grocery and pasta products. Consolidated net sales represented primarily sales of confectionery products. The Corporation's principal operations and markets are located in the United States. The Corporation also manufactures, markets, sells and distributes confectionery and grocery products in Canada and Mexico, imports and/or markets selected confectionery and grocery products in Japan, China and the Philippines, and markets confectionery products in over 90 countries worldwide. Net sales and long-lived assets of businesses outside of the United States were not significant. Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries exceeded 10% of total net sales and amounted to approximately $619.1 million, $529.6 million and $471.3 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. A-31 16. QUARTERLY DATA (Unaudited) Summary quarterly results were as follows: Year 1998 First Second Third Fourth - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars except per share amounts Net sales $1,098,076 $880,399 $1,217,237 $1,239,903 Gross profit 445,736 357,684 510,632 496,506 Net income 75,433 47,965 107,533 109,957 Net income per share--Basic .53 .33 .75 .77 Net income per share--Diluted(a) .52 .33 .74 .76 Year 1997 First Second Third Fourth - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands of dollars except per share amounts Net sales $1,002,469 $905,729 $1,151,610 $1,242,428 Gross profit 413,188 375,411 479,006 545,735 Net income 68,894 50,564 100,673 116,120 Net income per share--Basic(a) .45 .33 .68 .81 Net income per share--Diluted(a) .45 .33 .67 .80 - -------- (a) Quarterly income per share amounts do not total to the annual amounts due to changes in weighted average shares outstanding during the year. A-32 RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hershey Foods Corporation is responsible for the financial statements and other financial information contained in this report. The Corporation believes that the financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate under the circumstances to reflect in all material respects the substance of applicable events and transactions. In preparing the financial statements, it is necessary that management make informed estimates and judgments. The other financial information in this annual report is consistent with the financial statements. The Corporation maintains a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial records are reliable for purposes of preparing financial statements and that assets are properly accounted for and safeguarded. The concept of reasonable assurance is based on the recognition that the cost of the system must be related to the benefits to be derived. The Corporation believes its system provides an appropriate balance in this regard. The Corporation maintains an Internal Audit Department which reviews the adequacy and tests the application of internal accounting controls. The financial statements have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, whose appointment was ratified by stockholder vote at the stockholders' meeting held on April 28, 1998. Their report expresses an opinion that the Corporation's financial statements are fairly stated in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, and they have indicated to us that their audit was performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which are designed to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, consisting solely of non-management directors, meets regularly with the independent public accountants, internal auditors and management to discuss, among other things, the audit scopes and results. Arthur Andersen LLP and the internal auditors both have full and free access to the Audit Committee, with and without the presence of management. A-33 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Hershey Foods Corporation: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hershey Foods Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, appearing on pages A-12 through A-32. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hershey Foods Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP New York, New York January 29, 1999 A-34
HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION ELEVEN-YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY All dollar and share amounts in thousands except market price and per share statistics 10-Year Compound Growth Rate 1998 1997 1996 ----------- ---------------- ------------- --------------- Summary of Operations(a) Net Sales 7.42% $ 4,435,615 4,302,236 3,989,308 ---------------- ------------- --------------- Cost of Sales 7.06% $ 2,625,057 2,488,896 2,302,089 Selling, Marketing and Administrative 7.33% $ 1,167,895 1,183,130 1,124,087 Non-recurring Credits/(Charges)(m) $ -- -- (35,352) Interest Expense, Net 11.08% $ 85,657 76,255 48,043 Income Taxes 8.96% $ 216,118 217,704 206,551 ---------------- ------------- --------------- Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes 8.96% $ 340,888 336,251 273,186 Net Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes $ -- -- -- Discontinued Operations $ -- -- -- ---------------- ------------- --------------- Net Income 4.77% $ 340,888 336,251 273,186 ================ ============= =============== Income Per Share:(b) From Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes --Basic 11.52% $ 2.38 2.25 1.77(h) --Diluted 11.33% $ 2.34 2.23 1.75 Net Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes --Basic and Diluted $ -- -- -- Net Income--Basic 7.27% $ 2.38 2.25 1.77(h) Net Income--Diluted 7.09% $ 2.34 2.23 1.75 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding--Basic(b) 143,446 149,174 154,334 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding-- Diluted(b) 145,563 151,016 155,690 Dividends Paid on Common Stock 7.68% $ 103,616 98,390 93,884 Per Share(b) 10.80% $ .920 .840 .760 Dividends Paid on Class B Common Stock 10.83% $ 25,428 23,156 20,879 Per Share(b) 10.87% $ .835 .760 .685 Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes as a Percent of Net Sales 7.7% 7.8% 7.7%(c) Depreciation 12.22% $ 138,489 135,016 119,443 Advertising 6.59% $ 187,505 202,408 174,199 Promotion 7.39% $ 469,709 451,580 429,208 Payroll 6.55% $ 563,045 524,827 491,677 Year-end Position and Statistics(a) Capital Additions 4.72% $ 161,328 172,939 159,433 Total Assets 6.79% $ 3,404,098 3,291,236 3,184,796 Long-term Portion of Debt 14.20% $ 879,103 1,029,136 655,289 Stockholders' Equity .36% $ 1,042,301 852,806 1,161,021 Operating Return on Average Stockholders' Equity 36.0% 33.4% 27.5% Operating Return on Average Invested Capital 17.4% 17.5% 17.8% Full-time Employees 14,700 14,900 14,000 Stockholders' Data(b) Outstanding Shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock at Year-end 143,147 142,932 152,942 Market Price of Common Stock at Year-end 16.94% $ 62 3/16 61 15/16 43 3/4 Range During Year $76 3/8-59 11/16 63 7/8-42 1/8 51 3/4-31 15/16 - -------- See Notes to the Eleven-Year Consolidated Financial Summary on page A-37. A-35 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 ----------- -------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- Summary of Operations(a) Net Sales 3,690,667 3,606,271 3,488,249 3,219,805 2,899,165 ----------- -------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- Cost of Sales 2,126,274 2,097,556 1,995,502 1,833,388 1,694,404 Selling, Marketing and Administrative 1,053,758 1,034,115 1,035,519 958,189 814,459 Non-recurring Credits/(Charges)(m) 151 (106,105) 80,642 -- -- Interest Expense, Net 44,833 35,357 26,995 27,240 26,845 Income Taxes 184,034 148,919 213,642 158,390 143,929 ----------- -------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes 281,919 184,219 297,233 242,598 219,528 Net Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes -- -- (103,908) -- -- Discontinued Operations -- -- -- -- -- ----------- -------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- Net Income 281,919 184,219 193,325 242,598 219,528 =========== ============== =============== ============== ============== Income Per Share:(b) From Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes --Basic 1.70(i) 1.06 (j) 1.65(k) 1.34 1.21 --Diluted 1.69 1.05 1.65 1.34 1.21 Net Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes --Basic and Diluted -- -- (.58) -- -- Net Income--Basic 1.70(i) 1.06 (j) 1.07(k) 1.34 1.21 Net Income--Diluted 1.69 1.05 1.07 1.34 1.21 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding--Basic(b) 166,036 174,367 179,929 180,775 180,767 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding-- Diluted(b) 166,721 174,740 180,495 181,160 181,112 Dividends Paid on Common Stock 91,190 89,660 84,711 77,174 70,426 Per Share(b) .685 .625 .570 .515 .470 Dividends Paid on Class B Common Stock 18,900 17,301 15,788 14,270 12,975 Per Share(b) .620 .5675 .5175 .4675 .425 Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes as a Percent of Net Sales 7.6% 7.3%(d) 7.4%(e) 7.5% 7.6% Depreciation 119,438 114,821 100,124 84,434 72,735 Advertising 159,200 120,629 130,009 137,631 117,049 Promotion 402,454 419,164 444,546 398,577 325,465 Payroll 461,928 472,997 469,564 433,162 398,661 Year-end Position and Statistics(a) Capital Additions 140,626 138,711 211,621 249,795 226,071 Total Assets 2,830,623 2,890,981 2,855,091 2,672,909 2,341,822 Long-term Portion of Debt 357,034 157,227 165,757 174,273 282,933 Stockholders' Equity 1,082,959 1,441,100 1,412,344 1,465,279 1,335,251 Operating Return on Average Stockholders' Equity 22.2% 18.5% 17.8% 17.3% 17.0% Operating Return on Average Invested Capital 17.1% 15.6% 15.0% 14.4% 13.8% Full-time Employees 13,300 14,000 14,300 13,700 14,000 Stockholders' Data(b) Outstanding Shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock at Year-end 154,532 173,470 175,226 180,373 180,373 Market Price of Common Stock at Year-end 32 1/2 24 3/16 24 1/2 23 1/2 22 3/16 Range During Year 33 15/16-24 26 3/4-20 9/16 27 15/16-21 3/4 24 3/16-19 1/8 22 1/4-17 9/16 1990 1989 1988 --------------- -------------- ----------------- Summary of Operations(a) Net Sales 2,715,609 2,420,988 2,168,048 --------------- -------------- ----------------- Cost of Sales 1,588,360 1,455,612 1,326,458 Selling, Marketing and Administrative 776,668 655,040 575,515 Non-recurring Credits/(Charges)(m) 35,540 -- -- Interest Expense, Net 24,603 20,414 29,954 Income Taxes 145,636 118,868 91,615 --------------- -------------- ----------------- Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes 215,882 171,054 144,506 Net Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes -- -- -- Discontinued Operations -- -- 69,443 --------------- -------------- ----------------- Net Income 215,882 171,054 213,949 =============== ============== ================= Income Per Share:(b) From Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes --Basic 1.19(l) .95 .80 --Diluted 1.19 .95 .80 Net Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes --Basic and Diluted -- -- -- Net Income--Basic 1.19(l) .95 1.18 Net Income--Diluted 1.19 .95 1.18 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding--Basic(b) 180,766 180,824 180,981 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding-- Diluted(b) 180,987 180,984 181,140 Dividends Paid on Common Stock 74,161(f) 55,431 49,433 Per Share(b) .495(f) .370 .330 Dividends Paid on Class B Common Stock 13,596(f) 10,161 9,097 Per Share(b) .445(f) .3325 .2975 Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes as a Percent of Net Sales 7.2%(g) 7.1% 6.7% Depreciation 61,725 54,543 43,721 Advertising 146,297 121,182 99,082 Promotion 315,242 256,237 230,187 Payroll 372,780 340,129 298,483 Year-end Position and Statistics(a) Capital Additions 179,408 162,032 101,682 Total Assets 2,078,828 1,814,101 1,764,665 Long-term Portion of Debt 273,442 216,108 233,025 Stockholders' Equity 1,243,537 1,117,050 1,005,866 Operating Return on Average Stockholders' Equity 16.6% 16.1% 17.5% Operating Return on Average Invested Capital 13.4% 13.2% 13.3% Full-time Employees 12,700 11,800 12,100 Stockholders' Data(b) Outstanding Shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock at Year-end 180,373 180,373 180,373 Market Price of Common Stock at Year-end 18 3/4 17 15/16 13 Range During Year 19 13/16-14 1/8 18 7/16-12 3/8 14 5/16-10 15/16
A-36 Notes to the Eleven-Year Consolidated Financial Summary (a) All amounts, with the exception of the Return on Average Stockholders' Equity and Return on Average Invested Capital, have been restated for discontinued operations, where applicable. Operating Return on Average Stockholders' Equity and Operating Return on Average Invested Capital have been computed using Net Income, excluding the 1988 gain on disposal included in Discontinued Operations, the 1993 Net Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes, and the after-tax impacts of the 1990 Restructuring Gain, Net, the 1993 Gain on Sale of the Investment Interest in Freia Marabou a.s (Freia), the 1994 Restructuring Charge, the net 1995 Restructuring Credit and the 1996 Loss on Sale of Businesses. (b) All shares and per share amounts have been adjusted for the two-for-one stock split effective September 13, 1996. (c) Calculated percent excludes the 1996 Loss on Sale of Businesses. Including the loss, Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes as a Percent of Net Sales was 6.8%. (d) Calculated percent excludes the 1994 Restructuring Charge. Including the charge, Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes as a Percent of Net Sales was 5.1%. (e) Calculated percent excludes the 1993 Gain on Sale of Investment Interest in Freia. Including the gain, Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes as a Percent of Net Sales was 8.5%. (f) Amounts included a special dividend for 1990 of $11.2 million or $.075 per share of Common Stock and $2.1 million or $.0675 per share of Class B Common Stock. (g) Calculated percent excludes the 1990 Restructuring Gain, Net. Including the gain, Income from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes as a Percent of Net Sales was 7.9%. (h) Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes-- Basic and Net Income Per Share--Basic for 1996 included a $.23 per share loss on the sale of the Gubor and Sperlari businesses. Excluding the impact of this loss, Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes--Basic and Net Income Per Share--Basic would have been $2.00. (i) Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes-- Basic and Net Income Per Share--Basic for 1995 included a net $.01 per share credit associated with adjustments to accrued restructuring reserves. Excluding the impact of this net credit, Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes--Basic and Net Income Per Share--Basic would have been $1.69. (j) Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes-- Basic and Net Income Per Share--Basic for 1994 included a $.46 per share restructuring charge. Excluding the impact of this charge, Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes--Basic and Net Income Per Share--Basic would have been $1.52. (k) Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes-- Basic and Net Income Per Share--Basic for 1993 included a $.23 per share gain on the sale of the investment interest in Freia. Excluding the impact of this gain, Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes--Basic would have been $1.43. (l) Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes-- Basic and Net Income Per Share--Basic for 1990 included an $.11 per share Restructuring Gain, Net. Excluding the impact of this gain, Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes--Basic and Net Income Per Share--Basic would have been $1.08. (m) Includes the Loss on Sale of Businesses in 1996; Restructuring Credit in 1995; Restructuring Charge in 1994; Gain on Sale of Investment Interest in 1993 and Restructuring Gain, Net in 1990. A-37
                                                                    EXHIBIT 21




                           SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT



The following is a listing of Subsidiaries of the Corporation, their
jurisdictions of incorporation, and the name under which they do business. Each
is wholly owned. Certain subsidiaries are not listed since, considered in the
aggregate as a single subsidiary, they would not constitute a significant
subsidiary as of December 31, 1998.


                                                           Jurisdiction of
         Name of Subsidiary                                Incorporation
         ------------------                                -------------

       Christiana, Inc.                                    Delaware
       Hershey Canada Inc.                                 Canada
       Hershey Chocolate & Confectionery Corporation       Delaware
       Hershey Chocolate of Virginia, Inc.                 Delaware
       Hershey Holding Corporation                         Delaware
       Hershey Pasta Group Winchester, Inc.                Delaware
       Homestead, Inc.                                     Delaware




                                                                    EXHIBIT 23







                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation of our reports dated January 29, 1999, included or
incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1998, into the Corporation's previously filed Registration Statements on
Forms S-8 and S-3, (File No. 333-25853, File No. 333-33507, File No. 33-45431,
File No. 33-45556, and File No. 333-52509).




                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

New York, New York
March 15, 1999




 

5 This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Hershey Foods Corporation's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1998 and Consolidated Statement of Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. YEAR DEC-31-1998 DEC-31-1998 39,024 0 451,324 0 493,249 1,133,966 2,702,787 1,054,729 3,404,098 814,824 879,103 0 0 179,950 862,351 3,404,098 4,435,615 4,435,615 2,625,057 3,792,952 0 0 85,657 557,006 216,118 340,888 0 0 0 340,888 2.38 2.34 Balance is net of Reserves for Doubtful Accounts and Cash Discounts.