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Upturn AI SWOT - About
HSY 
Hershey Co (HSY)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
07/11/2025: 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 $166.42
1 Year Target Price $166.42
| 3 | Strong Buy |
| 1 | Buy |
| 17 | Hold |
| 2 | Sell |
| 2 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -31.05% | Avg. Invested days 25 | Today’s Advisory WEAK BUY |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  1.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 07/11/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 33.38B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 20.29 | 1Y Target Price 166.42 |
Price to earnings Ratio 20.29 | 1Y Target Price 166.42 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 25 | Beta 0.28 | 52 Weeks Range 137.77 - 204.53 | Updated Date 07/12/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 137.77 - 204.53 | Updated Date 07/12/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 3.30% | Basic EPS (TTM) 8.12 |
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 - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 15.32% | Operating Margin (TTM) 13.91% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 10.96% | Return on Equity (TTM) 37.48% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 20.29 | Forward PE 27.78 | Enterprise Value 38156564439 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3.1 |
Enterprise Value 38156564439 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3.1 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 3.55 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 15.5 | Shares Outstanding 147990000 | Shares Floating 145119017 |
Shares Outstanding 147990000 | Shares Floating 145119017 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.36 | Percent Institutions 121.15 |
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. Hershey's aim was to produce affordable milk chocolate. It has since grown to become a global leader in chocolate and confectionery.
Core Business Areas
- North America Confectionery: This segment encompasses the production, marketing, and sale of chocolate and confectionery products in the United States and Canada.
- International: This segment focuses on growing Hersheyu2019s brands and offerings outside of North America, especially in high-growth areas such as Mexico, Brazil, India, and China.
- Snacks: This segment, while smaller, includes salty snacks such as Dot's Pretzels, and SkinnyPop popcorn, which Hershey is continuing to grow.
Leadership and Structure
Michele Buck serves as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. The company has a board of directors and operates with a structured executive leadership team across its various business segments and functional areas.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Hershey's Kisses: Iconic milk chocolate treats. Hersheyu2019s has the largest market share in the chocolate candy market at 31.4% in 2023. The competitors for this product include Mars' Dove chocolates and Lindt Lindor truffles.
- Revenue: 2.7
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: A popular combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Reese's leads the peanut butter candy market, holding over 50% of the market share. Major competitors include Justin's Peanut Butter Cups (owned by Hormel) and Russell Stover.
- Revenue: 2.3
- Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar: A classic milk chocolate bar. Competitors include Mars' milk chocolate bars like Snickers and Milky Way, and Nestle's milk chocolate products.
- Revenue: 1.9
- SkinnyPop Popcorn: Ready-to-eat popcorn acquired by Hershey in 2019. Competitors include Smartfood, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, and Pop Secret Ready-to-Eat Popcorn.
- Dot's Homestyle Pretzels: Crunchy pretzels with a unique seasoning. Acquired in 2021, competing with brands like Rold Gold, Snyder's of Hanover, and Utz.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The confectionery and snacking industry is competitive and driven by consumer preferences, innovation, and economic conditions. Trends include healthier options, premium chocolates, and convenient packaging. Inflation and supply chain challenges have recently impacted the industry.
Positioning
Hershey holds a strong position in the North American confectionery market, particularly in chocolate. Its competitive advantages include its iconic brands, extensive distribution network, and marketing prowess.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global confectionery market is projected to reach over $270 billion by 2028. Hershey is positioned to capture a significant portion of this market through innovation, international expansion, and strategic acquisitions.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand recognition
- Extensive distribution network
- Leading market share in key categories
- Strong financial performance
- Effective marketing capabilities
Weaknesses
- Over-reliance on the North American market
- Limited presence in certain international markets
- Exposure to commodity price fluctuations
- Potential impact of changing consumer preferences for healthier options
Opportunities
- International expansion, particularly in emerging markets
- New product innovation and diversification
- Strategic acquisitions to expand product portfolio
- Growth in the snacking category
- Further development of healthier confectionery options
Threats
- Intense competition from other confectionery companies
- Rising costs of raw materials and ingredients
- Changing consumer preferences and health concerns
- Economic downturns impacting consumer spending
- Supply chain disruptions
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- Mars (Privately Held)
- Nestle (NSRGY)
- Mondelez International (MDLZ)
Competitive Landscape
Hershey benefits from its strong brand portfolio and established distribution network. However, it faces intense competition from global players like Mars and Nestle, who have broader product portfolios and international reach.
Major Acquisitions
Dot's Pretzels
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 1200
- Strategic Rationale: Expansion into the salty snack category and diversification of product offerings.
SkinnyPop Popcorn
- Year: 2019
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 1600
- Strategic Rationale: Expansion into the ready-to-eat popcorn market and diversification of product offerings.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Hershey has experienced steady growth over the past decade, driven by organic growth, acquisitions, and international expansion.
Future Projections: Analysts expect Hershey to continue to grow revenue in the mid-single digits over the next few years, driven by innovation, international expansion, and strategic pricing initiatives.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include acquisitions of pretzel brands, investments in manufacturing capacity, and expansion into new international markets.
Summary
Hershey is a strong company with a leading position in the North American confectionery market and successful revenue growth strategies. Their iconic brands and robust distribution network continue to support steady financial performance, even with fluctuating market conditions. They will need to navigate the challenges of increased competition, changing consumer preferences, and rising raw material costs. International expansion and snacking acquisitions are key to future growth.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Hershey Company Investor Relations
- SEC Filings (10-K)
- Market Research Reports
- Company Press Releases
- Analyst Reports
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Financial data and market information are subject to change. Investment decisions should be based on thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.
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 | Chairman, President & CEO Ms. Michele Gross Buck | ||
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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