HERSHEY CO — Earnings Release 2005

Apr 21, 2005

8-K 1 form8k_042105.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED APRIL 21, 2005 Current Report on Form 8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

April 21, 2005 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

The Hershey Company (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

1-183 (Commission File Number) 23-0691590 (IRS Employer Identification No.)

100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (717) 534-6799

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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[ ]	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[ ]	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ]	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ]	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT

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Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

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On April 21, 2005, The Hershey Company (“the Company”) announced sales and earnings for the first quarter of 2005. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

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The information in this Current Report, including the Exhibit, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

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(c) Exhibits

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99.1 Press Release dated April 21, 2005

SIGNATURE

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: April 21, 2005

THE HERSHEY COMPANY

By: /s/David J. West David J. West Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Description

99.1 The Hershey Company Press Release dated April 21, 2005

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