Hershey Eyes Q2 Earnings Growth as Margin Recovery Offsets Cocoa Costs

Key Facts

1Hershey expects full-year 2026 net sales growth of 4% to 5% and adjusted EPS growth of 30% to 35%.

2First-quarter 2026 net sales rose 10.6% to $3.1 billion, with adjusted EPS increasing 12.4% to $2.35.

3The average analyst price target for HSY stock is approximately $217.50.

Amid shifting dynamics in the global commodity markets, Hershey is projecting full-year 2026 net sales growth of 4% to 5%. According to reports, the company aims for a significant expansion in adjusted EPS growth of 30% to 35%, building on a robust first quarter where net sales rose 10.6% to $3.1 billion and adjusted EPS increased by 12.4%.

These projections emerge despite historically high cocoa prices that pressured net income through late 2024, as recent strategic price increases begin to offset input costs. While peers like Mondelez face similar inflationary headwinds in raw materials, the average analyst price target for HSY stands at approximately $217.50, reflecting a cautious optimism regarding margin recovery per market data.

Market data shows HSY closed at $171.65 (close July 9, 2026), trading between a day low of $170.85 and a high of $174.03. Investors are now focused on the upcoming Q2 earnings release to validate cost-management efficiency, while also monitoring broader consumer sentiment indicators to gauge the long-term impact of elevated product pricing.