In mid-December, some Hershey (HSY -0.74%) investors might have thought their Christmas was coming early. A media report stated that a deep-pocketed suitor had made a preliminary offer to buy out the company. If accepted, Hershey was sure to fetch a sweet premium, given its high-profile brand name and its portfolio of familiar brands, including its namesake chocolate bars, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and other goodies. The stock's rally lasted about as long as a hunk of chocolate placed on a live radiator. ...