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Hershey Co (HSY)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/10/2025: HSY (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
1 Year Target Price $190.59
1 Year Target Price $190.59
3 | Strong Buy |
1 | Buy |
17 | Hold |
2 | Sell |
2 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -27.36% | Avg. Invested days 29 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 38.95B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 25.52 | 1Y Target Price 190.59 |
Price to earnings Ratio 25.52 | 1Y Target Price 190.59 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 25 | Beta 0.25 | 52 Weeks Range 136.73 - 202.98 | Updated Date 10/12/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 136.73 - 202.98 | Updated Date 10/12/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 2.85% | Basic EPS (TTM) 7.53 |
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 13.54% | Operating Margin (TTM) 7.63% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 10.47% | Return on Equity (TTM) 35.89% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 25.52 | Forward PE 29.15 | Enterprise Value 43407441765 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3.45 |
Enterprise Value 43407441765 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3.45 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 3.84 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 18.15 | Shares Outstanding 148110715 | Shares Floating 90575158 |
Shares Outstanding 148110715 | Shares Floating 90575158 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.37 | Percent Institutions 89.19 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Hershey Co
Company Overview
History and Background
Founded in 1894 by Milton Hershey, Hershey started as the Lancaster Caramel Company. Hershey introduced mass-produced chocolate to the US in 1900 and became a public company in 1927.
Core Business Areas
- North America Confectionery: This segment includes chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products, gum, mints, and snacks in the United States and Canada. It represents the majority of Hershey's revenue.
- International: This segment includes confectionery products and snacks in international markets. Growth in this sector is a key strategic priority for Hershey.
Leadership and Structure
Michele Buck is the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. The organizational structure is hierarchical with distinct functional departments and regional divisions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Hershey's Kisses: Iconic milk chocolate candies. Holds a significant portion of the chocolate candy market. Competitors include Mars' M&Ms and Dove chocolates.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Peanut butter-filled chocolate cups, a best-selling confectionery item. Competitors include Justin's and other peanut butter cup brands.
- Hershey's Chocolate Bars: Classic milk chocolate bars. Competitors include Nestle and Cadbury chocolate bars.
- Kit Kat (in US): Wafer and chocolate bars made under license from Nestle in the US. Competitors include similar wafer bars from other brands and the Nestle Kit Kat in markets outside the US.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The confectionery industry is characterized by intense competition, evolving consumer preferences, and fluctuating commodity prices.
Positioning
Hershey is a leading player in the North American confectionery market, known for its iconic brands and strong distribution network. It is expanding its presence in international markets.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global confectionery market is estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars. Hershey is well-positioned to capture a significant portion, particularly in North America, and is growing its international market share.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand recognition
- Extensive distribution network
- High market share in North America
- Consistent product quality
- Effective marketing and advertising
Weaknesses
- High reliance on the North American market
- Exposure to commodity price volatility
- Slower growth in international markets compared to competitors
- Limited product diversification beyond confectionery
- Dependence on a few key products
Opportunities
- Expansion into new international markets
- Product innovation and diversification
- Acquisitions of complementary businesses
- Growth in the snacking category
- Capitalizing on health and wellness trends with sugar-free alternatives
Threats
- Intense competition from established players and new entrants
- Changing consumer preferences and health concerns
- Fluctuations in commodity prices (cocoa, sugar, etc.)
- Economic downturns affecting consumer spending
- Regulatory changes related to food labeling and advertising
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- MDLZ
- NSRGY
- GIS
Competitive Landscape
Hershey has a strong position in North America due to brand recognition and distribution. Competitors such as Mondelez have a larger global presence, while Nestle has a broader product portfolio.
Major Acquisitions
Dot's Pretzels
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 1200
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded Hershey's snacking portfolio beyond confectionery.
Pretzels Inc.
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 1200
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded Hershey's snacking portfolio beyond confectionery.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Discuss Hershey Co's growth trends over the past years.
Future Projections: Provide projections for Hershey Co's future growth based on analyst estimates.
Recent Initiatives: Highlight recent strategic initiatives undertaken by Hershey Co.
Summary
Hershey is a strong company with leading market share in North American confectionery. It benefits from iconic brands and a robust distribution network. International expansion and competition remain key challenges. Diversification beyond confectionery through acquisitions like Dot's Pretzels is a good strategic direction.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company SEC Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Investor Relations Website
- Market Research Reports (e.g., Mintel, Statista)
- Financial News Outlets (e.g., Reuters, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal)
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market conditions and company performance are subject to change. Investment decisions should be based on individual circumstances and professional consultation.
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 | President, CEO & Director Mr. Kirk C. Tanner | ||
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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