Will Hershey's Halloween Week Earnings Trick or Treat Investors?

Hershey is set to report Q3 earnings on Oct. 29, with strong prior performance driven by price increases and lower cocoa costs, though volume declined 8%. The company raised its 2026 EPS guidance to $8.36-$8.52. However, investors face risks from price-sensitive consumers, potential tariff impacts, and El Niño effects on cocoa harvests. The stock has fallen 12% over the past year and trades at a forward P/E of 17, appearing fairly valued with cautious bullish outlook.