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Upturn AI SWOT - About
HSY 
Hershey Co (HSY)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/28/2025: HSY (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
25 Analysts rated it
Well-followed company, solid analyst reports, reliable data for confident investing.
1 Year Target Price $184.64
1 Year Target Price $184.64
| 3 | Strong Buy |
| 1 | Buy |
| 17 | Hold |
| 2 | Sell |
| 2 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -31.95% | Avg. Invested days 25 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  1.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 08/28/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 36.49B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 23.93 | 1Y Target Price 184.64 |
Price to earnings Ratio 23.93 | 1Y Target Price 184.64 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 25 | Beta 0.26 | 52 Weeks Range 136.73 - 202.98 | Updated Date 08/28/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 136.73 - 202.98 | Updated Date 08/28/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 3.02% | Basic EPS (TTM) 7.52 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date 2025-07-30 | When Before Market | Estimate 1 | Actual 1.21 |
Profitability
Profit Margin 13.54% | Operating Margin (TTM) 7.63% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 10.47% | Return on Equity (TTM) 35.89% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 23.93 | Forward PE 30.21 | Enterprise Value 41576841976 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3.23 |
Enterprise Value 41576841976 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3.23 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 3.68 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 17.39 | Shares Outstanding 148111008 | Shares Floating 90577186 |
Shares Outstanding 148111008 | Shares Floating 90577186 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.37 | Percent Institutions 89.14 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Hershey Co
Company Overview
History and Background
The Hershey Company was founded by Milton Hershey in 1894 as the Hershey Chocolate Company, a subsidiary of his Lancaster Caramel Company. In 1903, Hershey began construction of what would become the world's largest chocolate manufacturing plant. Hershey's milk chocolate bar, introduced in 1900, helped to make chocolate accessible to the masses. The company has since grown to become a leading global confectionery and snack food company.
Core Business Areas
- North America Confectionery: This segment manufactures, markets, and sells chocolate and confectionery products under brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat (in the United States), and Ice Breakers in North America.
- International: This segment focuses on markets outside of North America, manufacturing, markets, and sells chocolate and confectionery products.
- Snacks: This segment focuses on salty snacks, snack bars, meat snacks, and spreads.
Leadership and Structure
Michele Buck is the current Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. The company operates with a hierarchical structure, including various executive vice presidents overseeing different functions and regions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are one of Hershey's top-selling products. They hold a significant market share within the peanut butter cup category. Competitors include Justin's Peanut Butter Cups and store-brand alternatives. Hershey holds the leading market share in US chocolate.
- Hershey's Kisses: Hershey's Kisses are another iconic product, recognized globally. They compete with other bite-sized chocolate offerings such as Dove Promises and Ghirardelli Squares. Hershey holds the leading market share in US chocolate.
- Kit Kat (USA): Manufactured and marketed by Hershey in the US under license from Nestle. Competitors include Twix and other chocolate-covered wafer bars.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The confectionery industry is a large and competitive market, driven by consumer demand for sweet treats and snacking options. Key trends include premiumization, healthier options (lower sugar), and innovative flavors.
Positioning
Hershey is a market leader in the North American confectionery market, known for its iconic brands and strong distribution network. The company's competitive advantages include brand recognition, scale, and manufacturing efficiency.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global confectionery market is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Hershey is positioned to capture a significant portion of this market through its established brands and expansion efforts. For Example: Global Confectionery Market Size was valued at USD 232.03 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 316.07 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.94% from 2023 to 2030
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand portfolio
- Extensive distribution network
- Efficient manufacturing operations
- High brand recognition
- Leading market share in North America
Weaknesses
- Reliance on North American market
- Limited presence in emerging markets compared to global competitors
- Vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations
- Health concerns related to sugar content
Opportunities
- Expansion into emerging markets
- Product innovation (e.g., healthier options)
- Acquisitions of complementary businesses
- Growth in the snacking category
- E-commerce growth
Threats
- Intense competition
- Changing consumer preferences (e.g., healthier alternatives)
- Rising commodity costs (e.g., cocoa)
- Economic downturns
- Regulatory scrutiny related to sugar content
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- MDLZ
- CAG
- GIS
Competitive Landscape
Hershey faces competition from global confectionery giants. Hershey's advantages include a strong brand portfolio and an efficient distribution network. However, some competitors have a larger global footprint.
Major Acquisitions
Dot's Pretzels
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 1200
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded Hershey's snacking portfolio into the salty snacks category.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Hershey has experienced steady growth over the past years, driven by its strong brand portfolio and efficient operations.
Future Projections: Analyst estimates generally project continued growth for Hershey, driven by expansion into new markets and product innovation.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include acquisitions of complementary businesses, expansion into the snacking category, and investments in e-commerce.
Summary
Hershey Co. is a strong player in the confectionery and snacking industry, bolstered by its iconic brands and efficient operations. The company is the market leader in the North American market. However, it faces challenges in emerging markets and potential health concerns related to sugar content. Strategic acquisitions and innovation in healthier options may help to overcome these challenges.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Financial Statements
- Market Research Reports
- Industry Analysis
- Analyst Estimates
- Public Filings
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on your own research and due diligence.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Hershey Co
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Hershey, PA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1985-07-01 | CEO - | ||
Sector Consumer Defensive | Industry Confectioners | Full time employees 18540 | |
Full time employees 18540 | |||
The Hershey Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of confectionery products and pantry items in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International. It offers chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products; gum and mint refreshment products, including mints, chewing gums, and bubble gums; protein bars; pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings, beverages, and sundae syrups; and snack items comprising spreads, bars, snack bites, mixes, popcorn, and pretzels. The company provides its products primarily under the Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Almond Joy, Brookside, barkTHINS, Cadbury, Good & Plenty, Heath, Kit Kat, Payday, Rolo, Twizzlers, Sour Strips, Whoppers, York, Ice Breakers, Breath Savers, Bubble Yum, Lily's, SkinnyPop, Pirates Booty, Dot's Homestyle Pretzels, and ONE Bar brands, as well as under the Pelon Pelo Rico, IO-IO, and Sofit brands. It markets and sells its products to wholesale distributors, chain grocery stores, mass merchandisers, chain drug stores, vending companies, wholesale clubs, convenience stores, dollar stores, concessionaires, and department stores. The company exports its products in approximately 80 countries worldwide. The Hershey Company was founded in 1894 and is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
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