HERSHEY'S POOR SALES MELT PROFITS.(BUSINESS)

Byline: Bloomberg News

HERSHEY, Pa. -- Hershey Foods Corp., the largest U.S. candy company, said second-quarter earnings will be less than expected because of weak sales in Asia and disappointing results from promotions tied to the movie ``Godzilla.''

The maker of Reese's candies, Milk Duds and Hershey Kisses said its profit will be 5 cents to 7 cents a share less than the 38 cents expected by analysts. The company earned 33 cents a year ago.

It's the second quarter in a row Hershey cited economic problems in Asia, where its chocolate is seen as a luxury item. The company gets about $140 million, or 3 percent of annual sales, in Asia and Russia. …