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HSY logo HSY
Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
HSY logo

Hershey Co (HSY)

Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
$171.94
Delayed price
Profit since last BUY-3.76%
upturn advisory
Consider higher Upturn Star rating
BUY since 13 days
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)​
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)​
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Upturn Stock infoUpturn Stock info Stock price based on last close
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Upturn Advisory Summary

03/13/2025: HSY (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

Upturn Star Rating

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Not Recommended Performance

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.

AI Based Fundamental Rating

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Below Average Performance

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -23.28%
Avg. Invested days 33
Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating
Upturn Star Rating Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance 2.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Profits based on simulation
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Last Close 03/13/2025

Key Highlights

Company Size Large-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 34.41B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 15.55
1Y Target Price 163.52
Price to earnings Ratio 15.55
1Y Target Price 163.52
Volume (30-day avg) 2263367
Beta 0.31
52 Weeks Range 138.94 - 206.26
Updated Date 03/30/2025
52 Weeks Range 138.94 - 206.26
Updated Date 03/30/2025
Dividends yield (FY) 3.23%
Basic EPS (TTM) 10.92

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 19.83%
Operating Margin (TTM) 32.5%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 15.06%
Return on Equity (TTM) 50.4%

Valuation

Trailing PE 15.55
Forward PE 27.62
Enterprise Value 39124155103
Price to Sales(TTM) 3.07
Enterprise Value 39124155103
Price to Sales(TTM) 3.07
Enterprise Value to Revenue 3.49
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 12.61
Shares Outstanding 147948992
Shares Floating 144887557
Shares Outstanding 147948992
Shares Floating 144887557
Percent Insiders 0.37
Percent Institutions 86.7

Analyst Ratings

Rating 2.88
Target Price 179.01
Buy 2
Strong Buy 2
Buy 2
Strong Buy 2
Hold 17
Sell 1
Strong Sell 4
Strong Sell 4

ai summary icon Upturn AI SWOT

Hershey Co

stock logo

Company Overview

History and Background

Founded in 1894 by Milton Hershey, the Hershey Company initially focused on caramel production before transitioning to chocolate. A pioneer in mass-produced chocolate, it established the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, as a model community for its workers. Significant milestones include the introduction of the Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar in 1900 and the Hershey's Kisses in 1907. Over time, Hershey expanded its product line through innovation and acquisitions, becoming a leading confectionery company.

Core Business Areas

  • North America Confectionery: Focuses on the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of chocolate and confectionery products in the United States and Canada.
  • International: Handles the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of chocolate and confectionery products in markets outside of North America.
  • Snacks and Salty: Includes salty snacks, spreads, protein bars and more.

Leadership and Structure

Michele Buck serves as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. The company operates with a functional organizational structure, including departments for marketing, sales, operations, finance, and research & development.

Top Products and Market Share

Key Offerings

  • Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar: A classic milk chocolate bar. Holds a significant portion of the milk chocolate bar market. Competitors: Mars (Milky Way, Snickers), Nestle (Crunch).
  • Hershey's Kisses: Iconic foil-wrapped chocolate drops. Holds a significant portion of the wrapped chocolate market. Competitors: Mars (Dove), Ferrero (Ferrero Rocher).
  • Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Peanut butter-filled chocolate cups. A leading product in the peanut butter cup category. Competitors: Justin's, Private Label.
  • Kit Kat (US Production): Wafer bar covered in chocolate. Market share within the wafer category, part of a global brand licensed from Nestle in the US. Competitors: Nestle (Outside of US), Loacker.

Market Dynamics

Industry Overview

The confectionery industry is characterized by intense competition, evolving consumer preferences (e.g., healthier options, sustainable sourcing), and seasonal demand fluctuations. Growth is driven by product innovation, emerging markets, and strategic acquisitions.

Positioning

Hershey Co is a leading player in the North American confectionery market, known for its iconic brands and extensive distribution network. It holds a strong competitive position due to its brand recognition, manufacturing scale, and market penetration.

Total Addressable Market (TAM)

The global confectionery market is expected to reach approximately $270 billion by 2028. Hershey is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of this TAM, focusing on its core markets and expanding into new categories and regions.

Upturn SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • Strong brand recognition and loyalty
  • Extensive distribution network
  • Leading market share in North America
  • Efficient manufacturing capabilities
  • Strong cash flow generation

Weaknesses

  • Heavy reliance on the North American market
  • Limited presence in emerging markets compared to global peers
  • Susceptibility to commodity price fluctuations
  • Potential negative impact from changing consumer preferences towards healthier snacks

Opportunities

  • Expansion into new international markets
  • Acquisitions of complementary brands and businesses
  • Innovation in healthier snack options
  • Leveraging digital marketing and e-commerce channels
  • Growing demand for premium and artisanal chocolates

Threats

  • Intense competition from global confectionery giants
  • Rising raw material costs (e.g., cocoa, sugar)
  • Changing consumer tastes and preferences for healthier options
  • Economic downturns impacting consumer spending
  • Supply chain disruptions

Competitors and Market Share

Key Competitors

  • Mondelez International (MDLZ)
  • Nestle (NSRGY)
  • Mars, Incorporated (Private)

Competitive Landscape

Hershey Co benefits from its strong brand recognition and distribution network in North America. However, it faces competition from global giants like Mondelez and Nestle, which have broader international reach and diversified product portfolios. Hershey's competitive advantage lies in its focus on core brands and market leadership in North America.

Major Acquisitions

Dot's Pretzels

  • Year: 2021
  • Acquisition Price (USD millions): 1200
  • Strategic Rationale: Expanded Hershey's presence in the salty snack category, diversifying beyond confectionery.

Pretzels Inc.

  • Year: 2021
  • Acquisition Price (USD millions): 1200
  • Strategic Rationale: Enhanced Hershey's manufacturing capabilities in the pretzel category following the acquisition of Dot's Pretzels.

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 America and iconic brands. Its effective distribution network and acquisitions continue to drive growth. Potential challenges include fluctuating commodity prices, changing consumer preferences, and reliance on its core market. Further international expansion and product innovation are crucial to sustain long-term growth.

Similar Companies

  • MDLZ
  • NSRGY
  • CAG
  • KDP

Sources and Disclaimers

Data Sources:

  • Company Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
  • Investor Presentations
  • Analyst Reports
  • Market Research 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. Actual results may vary.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization 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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