HSYThe Hershey Company demonstrates a solid fundamental profile with consistent profitability and dividend growth. While its valuation is somewhat stretched and short-term technicals show mixed signals, the company's strong brand and market position provide a compelling case for long-term investment.
Hershey operates in the stable consumer staples sector, benefiting from consistent demand for its products. However, it faces headwinds from changing consumer preferences towards healthier snacks and increased competition. Emerging trends like plant-based alternatives and personalized nutrition present both opportunities and challenges.
Hershey demonstrates strong profitability and robust cash flow generation, supported by a healthy balance sheet. While revenue growth has been moderate, the company consistently returns value to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. Valuation metrics suggest the stock may be slightly overvalued based on trailing earnings.
The stock is trading within a moderate upward trend but has recently encountered resistance. Key moving averages provide some support, but momentum indicators suggest a potential for consolidation or a slight pullback.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Consumer Staples Demand | 80 |
| Health & Wellness Trends | 40 |
| Brand Loyalty & Innovation | 75 |
| International Market Growth | 55 |
| Supply Chain & Commodity Costs | 60 |
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Valuation | 50 |
| Profitability | 85 |
| Growth | 60 |
| Balance Sheet Health | 70 |
| Cash Flow | 88 |
| Dividend Yield | 85 |
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Trend Analysis | 65 |
| Momentum | 55 |
| Volume Confirmation | 70 |
| Support & Resistance | 60 |
| Moving Averages | 75 |
Strong Quarterly EPS Performance
The company has consistently beaten earnings per share (EPS) estimates in recent quarters. For instance, Q2 2025 reported EPS of $2.09 exceeded the estimate of $1.95 by 7.32%, and Q1 2025 reported $2.69 beat the estimate of $2.37 by 13.33%. This indicates robust operational execution and profitability.
Improving Net Profit Margin
The net profit margin has shown an upward trend, increasing from 15.8% in Q4 2022 to 19.8% in Q4 2024. This improvement suggests effective cost management and pricing power.
Missed EPS Estimate in Q4 2024
The company missed the EPS estimate in Q4 2024 ($2.34 reported vs. $2.56 estimate), a surprise of -8.63%. This indicates potential short-term headwinds or execution challenges in that period.
Potential Overbought Indicators
On a daily chart, indicators like the Stochastic %K (14, 3, 3) at 93.76 and Stochastic RSI Fast at 100.0 suggest the stock may be overbought and could be due for a pullback or consolidation.
May 2025
16
Ex-Dividend Date
June 2025
16
Next Dividend Date
July 2025
30
Next Earnings Date
H: $1.21
A: $1.00
L: $0.86
H: 2.63B
A: 2.52B
L: 2.46B
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.
166.43 USD
The 39 analysts offering 1 year price forecasts for HSY have a max estimate of 211.00 and a min estimate of 123.00.