The Hershey Company
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. It operates through three segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International. The company of…
What to know about HSY
The Hershey Company is a large Consumer Defensive company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on risk and dividends, but sentiment is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider HSY?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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The Hershey Company is a large-cap Consumer Defensive company with a mixed overall financial profile — it sits in the upper half of Consumer Defensive stocks (12 of 35).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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Valuation is in the middle of the pack — neither obviously cheap nor stretched.
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The company is growing at a reasonable pace — not the fastest, but consistently moving in the right direction.
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There is a small dividend (0.03%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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This is a mixed picture — real strengths in some areas, but areas that need watching too. Do your homework on the sector before deciding.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how HSY compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 32.15 | Average |
| Forward P/E | 17.37 | Average |
| PEG Ratio | 1.05 | Top 25% |
| Price to Sales | 2.92 | Above avg |
| Price to Book | 7.40 | Average |
| EV/EBITDA | 18.50 | Average |
| Earnings Yield | 3.11% | Average |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 35.03% | Average |
| Operating Margin | 21.34% | Above avg |
| Net Profit Margin | 9.13% | Average |
| Return on Equity | 23.23% | Above avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 7.84% | Above avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 10.60% | Above avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 3.92% | Average |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | 93.60% | Top 25% |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | -9.17% | Average |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 1.24 | Above avg |
| Debt to Equity | 1.20 | Average |
| Interest Coverage | 6.40 | Average |
| Altman Z-Score | 4.11 | Above avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 3.18% | Above avg |
| Payout Ratio | 103.58% | Below avg |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -3.16% | Top 25% |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 5.29% | Above avg |
| OCF to Sales | 19.59% | Average |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.08 | Top 25% |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 31.38% | Average |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 6.68% | Below avg |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 2.50 | Below avg |
| Target Upside % | 25.78% | Above avg |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 35.02B | Average |
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