The Hershey Company (hsy)
HSY — Company Overview
Investors tracking HSY follow a Confectioners name listed on NYQ within Consumer Defensive.
| Ticker | HSY |
| Sector | Consumer Defensive |
| Industry | Confectioners |
| Exchange | NYQ |
| Market cap | $33.85B |
| Last price | $168.45 |
| Size category | Large Cap |
HSY — Business Description
The business profile of The Hershey Company (HSY) reflects its role in Confectioners. 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 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. It provides its products primarily under the Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Almond Joy…
Official website: https://www.thehersheycompany.com.
HSY — Investment Thesis
The Hershey Company (HSY) attracts investors weighing Confectioners fundamentals against current market pricing.
- Revenue is expanding at roughly 6.6% year-over-year (public data).
- Trailing P/E of 22.98× sits in a moderate band relative to high-growth peers.
- Forward P/E (17.07×) is below trailing P/E — earnings may be expected to improve.
- Dividend yield near 3.5% adds an income component to total return.
- Equity market capitalization is approximately $33.85B.
See the free estimates and earnings pages for public targets and growth metrics. Ownership, live news, and deeper models remain in Vest Terminal.
HSY — Financial Health
HSY financial profile reflects operating efficiency and capital structure using available market fundamentals.
Profit margin near 12.2% leaves a narrower cushion versus higher-margin peers. Positive free cash flow of $1.74B supports balance-sheet flexibility. Debt-to-equity of 129.82 warrants monitoring in a higher-rate environment.
| Trailing P/E | 22.98× |
| Forward P/E | 17.07× |
| Price / Sales | 2.78× |
| Price / Book | 7.42× |
| Gross margin | 38.4% |
| Operating margin | 23.1% |
| Profit margin | 12.2% |
| Return on equity | 32.8% |
| Debt / Equity | 129.82 |
| Free cash flow | $1.74B |
HSY — Growth Outlook
Growth outlook for The Hershey Company (HSY) depends on demand trends in Confectioners and the company's ability to convert revenue into sustainable earnings.
- Revenue growth of 6.6% suggests steady but measured expansion.
- Earnings growth of 6.3% year-over-year supports improving profitability.
- Price is 29.7% below the 52-week high.
- Shares trade 4.3% above the 52-week low — limited rebound so far.
HSY — Competitive Position
The Hershey Company (HSY) is evaluated against peers on scale, margin structure, and capital efficiency within Consumer Defensive.
- Competes within Consumer Defensive, specifically in Confectioners.
- Market capitalization of $33.85B places HSY among large-cap peers.
- Gross margin of 38.4% should be benchmarked against direct competitors.
HSY — Strengths
Strengths for The Hershey Company (HSY) inferred from public financial metrics:
- Revenue growth of 6.6% year-over-year.
- Earnings growth of 6.3% year-over-year.
- Return on equity near 32.8% — efficient use of shareholder capital.
- Gross margin of 38.4% supports competitive unit economics.
- Positive free cash flow ($1.74B).
- Dividend yield of 3.5% for income-oriented holders.
HSY — Weaknesses
Weaknesses and pressure points for The Hershey Company (HSY) based on available data:
- Price 30% below the 52-week high — sustained negative sentiment.
HSY — Opportunities
- Trading 4.3% above the 52-week low — potential recovery if fundamentals stabilize.
- Dividend yield of 3.5% appeals to total-return investors.
- Positive free cash flow enables reinvestment, debt reduction, or shareholder returns.
- Forward earnings multiple below trailing P/E — potential earnings acceleration ahead.
HSY — Risks
- Standard market, regulatory, competitive, and execution risks apply to all public equities.
HSY — Summary
The Hershey Company (HSY) is a large-cap Consumer Defensive company focused on Confectioners, listed on NYQ. Last price $168.45 with market cap $33.85B. Trailing P/E 22.98×. Revenue grew 6.6% year-over-year per public data. Notable strengths include revenue growth of 6.6% year-over-year. Key watch items include price 30% below the 52-week high — sustained negative sentiment. Review free estimates and earnings pages for HSY; upgrade for institutional ownership and live headlines.
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The Hershey Company FAQ
What does The Hershey Company (HSY) do?
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 Internat…
What is HSY's P/E ratio?
The Hershey Company has a trailing P/E of 22.98× based on publicly available market data.
Does HSY pay a dividend?
Indicated dividend yield: 3.5%. Confirm ex-dates and payout history in Vest Terminal.
What sector is HSY in?
The Hershey Company is classified in Consumer Defensive (Confectioners) on NYQ.
What is HSY's market capitalization?
Approximate market cap: $33.85B.
What are the main risks for HSY?
Standard market, competitive, and execution risks apply; see the Risks section.
What are the strengths of HSY?
Potential positives include revenue growth of 6.6% year-over-year, earnings growth of 6.3% year-over-year.
Where can I get analyst estimates for HSY?
Public analyst price targets and consensus for The Hershey Company are on the free /stocks/hsy/estimates page. Deeper estimate history and models are available in Vest Terminal.