| Factor | Score | Distribution | Value | Avg | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Valuation | 49 | 23.5x | 17.8x | Around median | |
Growth | 40 | 7.7% | 7.1% | Bottom tier | |
Quality | 87 | 16.3% | 4.5% | Top tier | |
Safety | 70 | 1.9x | 2.6x | Top tier | |
Capital Return | 66 | 3.15% | 2.12% | Top tier | |
Momentum | 28 | -3.0% | 2.9% | Bottom tier | |
Sentiment | 41 | 13 | 3 | Around median |
Estimates — analyst targets and a simplified DCF, not investment advice.
Ten ratios that matter, each compared against its sector median and average — so you can see whether a number is rich or cheap relative to peers in the same sector.
The Hershey Company operates in the manufacture and marketing of chocolate, confectionery, and salty snacks, with sales driven by everyday business, instant consumption, seasons, and major activation programs. The portfolio drivers mentioned in its fiscal 2026 Q2 earnings call include Hershey, Jolly Rancher, Cadbury, and PayDay, alongside SkinnyPop and Dot’s in salty snacks, while it also generates sales through measured retail channels, foodservice, specialty retail, and international markets.
In fiscal 2026 Q2, revenue reached $2.79 billion, up 6.6% year over year, and net income according to EDGAR data was approximately $457.7 million, equivalent to a net margin of about 16.4%. The company reported earnings per share of $1.90 versus $1.21 in the comparable period, exceeding estimates of $1.43, while EDGAR figures indicate gross profit of approximately $1.3 billion.
For the twelve months ended in fiscal 2026, Hershey recorded revenue of $12.2 billion, gross profit of $4.7 billion, and net income of $1.5 billion. This represents an improvement from fiscal 2025, when revenue was $11.7 billion, gross profit was $3.9 billion, and net income was $883.3 million, with North America Confectionery remaining the core growth engine and salty snacks and international markets adding to the company’s mix.
The average analyst price target is $204.62, within a wide range of $185 to $240, while the consensus leans toward Neutral rather than Buy; the average is below the 52-week range high of $239.48, while the highest target nearly matches it. The wide target range of $185 to $240 reflects differing views on how much earnings will benefit from cocoa deflation versus margin and demand risks, and the available data do not provide a valid price-to-earnings ratio to add another valuation anchor.
Figures in the text are as of 2026-08-28; the live price is shown at the top of the page.
Hershey’s fiscal 2026 Q2 revenue reached approximately $2.79 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 6.6%. Earnings per share rose to $1.90 from $1.21, exceeding estimates of $1.43, while net income according to EDGAR reached $457.7 million. Management explained that growth in foodservice and unmeasured channels and retail inventory replenishment following package price changes in April 2026 made underlying demand stronger than measured-store data indicated.
Management confirmed on July 30, 2026, that it expects organic net sales growth in North America Confectionery in fiscal 2026 Q3 and Q4. The demand plan includes Hershey crème bars, the Hershey movie, Halloween programs, and fall football events, alongside support for the Cadbury and PayDay brands. Conversely, the company faces tougher comparisons with fiscal 2025 innovations, and periods of declining everyday retail confectionery sales may occur despite growth in total organic sales.
Management said during the July 30, 2026, call that the highest cocoa costs in fiscal 2025 were concentrated in Q3, providing a more supportive comparison in fiscal 2026 Q3. It also confirmed good visibility into cocoa cost deflation in fiscal 2027 even if futures remain around the levels referenced during the call. Nevertheless, earnings remain exposed to commodity and weather volatility, and the company relies on hedging, pricing, and productivity to manage this exposure.
Automated analysis for informational purposes only — not investment advice.
During the first half of fiscal 2026, Dot’s struggled to keep pace with strong demand, leading to greater use of expedited freight, higher logistics costs, and production volumes that were modestly below plan. Management said on July 30, 2026, that the most difficult part of the problem was largely behind the company and that automation had begun to help during fiscal 2026. Additional production capacity is scheduled to come online in fiscal 2027, but a tail of elevated freight and logistics costs will persist during the second half of fiscal 2026.
The analyst consensus rates HSY as Neutral, with an average price target of $204.62. Targets range from $185 to $240, with the upper end approaching the 52-week range high of $239.48. This divergence indicates differing estimates regarding the speed of margin recovery from cocoa and logistics pressures and the ability of Hershey’s innovations to support share and growth.
