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Hershey Co (HSY)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
03/13/2025: HSY (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
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 Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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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 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Hershey Co
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.
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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