Is HSY a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, HERSHEY CO (HSY) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 49.6/100. It is ranked #948 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 53/100, Momentum 58/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for HSY?

HERSHEY CO (HSY) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 49.6 ranks it #948 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is HSY in?

HERSHEY CO operates in the Consumer Staples sector (Food Products industry) with a market cap of $41.12 billion. It is classified as a large-cap stock.

Does HSY pay a dividend?

Yes, HSY pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.91%. The Consumer Staples sector average yield is 0.38%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $29.10 in annual dividend income.

What is HSY's P/E ratio?

HSY has a trailing P/E ratio of 41.56x. The Consumer Staples sector average is 33.1x. This above-average P/E reflects growth expectations or premium valuation.

How profitable is HSY?

HSY's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 34.5%. ROE: 21.8% vs sector average 7.7%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is HSY valued compared to peers?

HSY's value factor score is 53/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 41.6x, EV/EBITDA 26.1x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is HSY's debt level?

HSY's debt-to-equity ratio is 196%. Sector average: 72%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

HSY has a beta of 0.13, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 88/100.

Does HSY have high short interest?

HSY's short interest factor score is 10/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

HSY Stock Analysis: Hold (Score 49.6/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
HSY	-4.05%	-1.88%	-7.62%	+11.17%	+23.29%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLP	-1.29%	+0.59%	-3.91%	+6.04%	+3.81%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-3.98%	-5.48%	-7.96%	+11.53%	-6.23%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-2.75%	-2.47%	-3.71%	+5.13%	+19.49%	-	-	-

Metric	HSY	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	41.6x	+26%
EV/EBITDA	26.1x	+276%
Price / Book	9.1x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
ITRN Ituran Location & Control Ltd.	60	48	82	70	19.6x	122.1%	47.8%	16.8%	-	0.0x	$1.0B	VS
SENEA Seneca Foods Corp	55	49	59	69	10.3x	14.4%	14.3%	6.7%	70.9%	39.0x	$1.1B	VS
JBSS SANFILIPPO JOHN B & SON INC	54	50	57	61	12.8x	20.2%	19.3%	6.3%	14.0%	11.0x	$965M	VS
ARW ARROW ELECTRONICS, INC.	53	50	73	63	15.8x	7.2%	11.2%	1.6%	11.9%	337.0x	$7.5B	VS
SFD SMITHFIELD FOODS INC	53	50	72	57	13.8x	11.9%	19.9%	7.5%	7.3%	29.0x	$11.3B	VS
BG Bunge Global SA	53	50	54	69	24.9x	5.7%	5.4%	1.8%	67.3%	59.0x	$24.8B	VS
DAR DARLING INGREDIENTS INC.	53	50	55	71	142.7x	1.5%	24.1%	1.2%	13.3%	114.0x	$9.9B	VS
ADM Archer-Daniels-Midland Co	52	50	52	64	54.6x	2.8%	6.4%	0.8%	-8.4%	33.0x	$34.9B	VS
CTVA Corteva, Inc.	52	49	51	60	50.6x	4.7%	42.9%	0.2%	-57.2%	76.0x	$56.3B	VS
MO ALTRIA GROUP, INC.	51	50	67	51	13.6x	-	62.1%	33.8%	-2.2%	-990.0x	$109.5B	VS
HSY HERSHEY CO	50	50	53	58	41.6x	21.8%	34.5%	8.5%	53.4%	196.0x	$41.1B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.5%	0.4%	0.4%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.4%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	3.5%	-	-	-	-	-	15.4%	18.1%	16.3%	13.2%	9.6%
ROE %	0.2%	0.2%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.6%	0.7%	0.8%	0.8%	0.9%
ROA %	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	14.3%	24.6%	48.6%	49.4%	54.1%	58.6%	24.7%	22.9%	24.3%	30.0%	28.6%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.3%

0.5%

0.4%

0.5%

0.4%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

0.3%

0.2%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.3%

0.2%

Net Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

FCF Margin %

3.5%

15.4%

18.1%

16.3%

13.2%

9.6%

ROE %

0.2%

0.5%

0.6%

0.7%

0.8%

0.9%

ROA %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

ROIC %

14.3%

24.6%

48.6%

49.4%

54.1%

58.6%

24.7%

22.9%

24.3%

30.0%

28.6%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$11.6B	$11.7B	$11.2B	$11.2B	$10.4B	$9.0B	$8.1B	$8.0B	$7.8B	$7.5B	$7.4B	$7.4B
	—	$7.8B	$5.9B	$6.2B	$5.9B	$4.9B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$4.0B	$3.9B	$5.3B	$5.0B	$4.5B	$4.0B	$3.7B	$3.6B	$3.6B	$3.5B	$3.2B	$3.4B
Gross Margin	34.5%	33.6%	47.3%	44.8%	43.2%	45.1%	45.4%	45.4%	45.9%	46.0%	42.6%	45.8%
	—	$2.5B	$2.4B	$2.4B	$2.2B	$2.0B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Research & Development	—	$62M	$56M	$50M	$47M	$40M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	—	—	—	—	—	$295M	$292M	$295M	$262M	$302M	$245M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$2.5B	$2.4B	$2.4B	$2.2B	$2.0B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.6B	$1.4B	$2.9B	$2.6B	$2.3B	$2.0B	$1.8B	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.3B	$1.3B	$1.0B
EBIT	$1.6B	$1.4B	$2.9B	$2.6B	$2.3B	$2.0B	$1.8B	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.3B	$1.3B	$1.0B
EBITDA	$1.6B	$1.4B	$2.9B	$2.6B	$2.3B	$2.0B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$1.8B	$1.5B	$1.5B	$1.3B
Operating Margin	13.7%	12.3%	25.9%	22.9%	21.7%	22.8%	21.9%	20.0%	20.8%	17.5%	16.9%	14.1%
EBITDA Margin	13.9%	12.3%	25.9%	22.9%	21.7%	22.8%	23.8%	22.7%	23.7%	19.6%	20.0%	17.0%
	—	$225M	$174M	$162M	$140M	$130M	—	—	—	$98M	$90M	—
	—	$1.2B	$2.5B	$2.2B	$1.9B	$1.8B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$331M	$253M	$310M	$272M	$314M	$220M	$234M	$239M	$354M	$379M	$389M
	$1.0B	$883M	$2.2B	$1.9B	$1.6B	$1.5B	$1.3B	$1.1B	$1.2B	$757M	$720M	$513M
Net Margin	8.5%	7.5%	19.8%	16.7%	15.8%	16.5%	15.7%	14.4%	15.0%	10.1%	9.7%	6.9%
	-	-	-	-	-	-	$12.02	$10.76	$5.76	$3.79	$3.45	$4.59
Diluted EPS	-	-	-	-	-	-	$12.02	$10.76	$5.76	$3.79	$3.45	$4.59

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$11.6B

$11.7B

$11.2B

$10.4B

$9.0B

$8.1B

$8.0B

$7.8B

$7.5B

$7.4B

—

$7.8B

$5.9B

$6.2B

$5.9B

$4.9B

—

$4.0B

$3.9B

$5.3B

$5.0B

$4.5B

$4.0B

$3.7B

$3.6B

$3.5B

$3.2B

$3.4B

Gross Margin

34.5%

33.6%

47.3%

44.8%

43.2%

45.1%

45.4%

45.9%

46.0%

42.6%

45.8%

—

$2.5B

$2.4B

$2.2B

$2.0B

—

Research & Development

—

$62M

$56M

$50M

$47M

$40M

—

Depreciation

—

$295M

$292M

$295M

$262M

$302M

$245M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$2.5B

$2.4B

$2.2B

$2.0B

—

$1.6B

$1.4B

$2.9B

$2.6B

$2.3B

$2.0B

$1.8B

$1.6B

$1.3B

$1.0B

EBIT

$1.6B

$1.4B

$2.9B

$2.6B

$2.3B

$2.0B

$1.8B

$1.6B

$1.3B

$1.0B

EBITDA

$1.6B

$1.4B

$2.9B

$2.6B

$2.3B

$2.0B

$1.9B

$1.8B

$1.5B

$1.3B

Operating Margin

13.7%

12.3%

25.9%

22.9%

21.7%

22.8%

21.9%

20.0%

20.8%

17.5%

16.9%

14.1%

EBITDA Margin

13.9%

12.3%

25.9%

22.9%

21.7%

22.8%

23.8%

22.7%

23.7%

19.6%

20.0%

17.0%

—

$225M

$174M

$162M

$140M

$130M

—

$98M

$90M

—

$1.2B

$2.5B

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.8B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$331M

$253M

$310M

$272M

$314M

$220M

$234M

$239M

$354M

$379M

$389M

$1.0B

$883M

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.6B

$1.5B

$1.3B

$1.1B

$1.2B

$757M

$720M

$513M

Net Margin

8.5%

7.5%

19.8%

16.7%

15.8%

16.5%

15.7%

14.4%

15.0%

10.1%

9.7%

6.9%

$12.02

$10.76

$5.76

$3.79

$3.45

$4.59

Diluted EPS

$12.02

$10.76

$5.76

$3.79

$3.45

$4.59

HERSHEY CO (HSY) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does HERSHEY CO 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. 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; pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings, beverages, and sundae syrups; and snack items comprising spreads, meat snacks, bars and snack bites, mixes, popcorn, and protein bars. 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, Whoppers, York, Ice Breakers, Breath Savers, Bubble Yum, Lily's, SkinnyPop, Pirates Booty, Paqui, 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 was founded in 1894 and is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. HERSHEY CO (HSY) is classified as a large-cap stock in the Consumer Staples sector, specifically within the Food Products industry. The company is led by CEO Michele G. Buck and employs approximately 19,900 people, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. With a market capitalization of $41.1B, HSY is one of the prominent companies in the Consumer Staples sector.

HERSHEY CO (HSY) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, HERSHEY CO receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 49.6/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.HSY ranks #948 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Staples sector, HERSHEY CO ranks #30 of 180 stocks, placing it in the top quartile of its Consumer Staples peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

HSY Stock Price and 52-Week Range

HERSHEY CO (HSY) currently trades at $202.31. The stock lost $8.53 (4.0%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for HSY is $236.78, which means the stock is currently trading -14.6% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $150.04, putting the stock 34.8% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 1.9M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is HSY Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

HERSHEY CO (HSY) carries a value factor score of 53/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 41.56x, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 33.11x — a premium of 26%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 9.05x, versus the sector average of 1.74x. The price-to-sales ratio is 3.62x, compared to 0.35x for the average Consumer Staples stock. On an enterprise value basis, HSY trades at 26.06x EV/EBITDA, versus 6.93x for the sector.

Overall, HSY's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

HERSHEY CO Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

HERSHEY CO (HSY) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 21.8%, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 7.7%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 7.3% versus the sector average of 3.1%.

On a margin basis, HERSHEY CO reports gross margins of 34.5%, compared to 26.2% for the sector. The operating margin is 13.7% (sector: 2.9%). Net profit margin stands at 8.5%, versus 1.6% for the average Consumer Staples stock. Revenue growth is running at 53.4% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.1% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

HSY Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

HERSHEY CO has a debt-to-equity ratio of 196.0%, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 72.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.19x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $5.39B. Cash and equivalents stand at $1.16B.

HSY has a beta of 0.13, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for HERSHEY CO is 88/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

HERSHEY CO Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, HERSHEY CO reported revenue of $11.59B. Net income for the quarter was $1.01B. Gross margin was 34.5%. Operating income came in at $1.61B.

In FY 2025, HERSHEY CO reported revenue of $11.69B. Net income for the quarter was $883M. Gross margin was 33.6%. Revenue grew 4.4% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $1.44B.

In Q3 2025, HERSHEY CO reported revenue of $3.18B. Net income for the quarter was $276M. Gross margin was 32.6%. Revenue grew 6.5% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $435M.

In Q2 2025, HERSHEY CO reported revenue of $2.61B. Net income for the quarter was $63M. Gross margin was 30.4%. Revenue grew 26.0% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $193M.

Over the past 8 quarters, HERSHEY CO has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $2.07B to $11.59B. Investors analyzing HSY stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

HSY Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

HERSHEY CO (HSY) currently pays a dividend yield of 2.9%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in HSY stock would generate approximately $$291.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Consumer Staples sector average dividend yield of 0.4%, meaning HSY offers above-average income for its sector. The net margin of 8.5% provides reasonable coverage for the dividend, though investors should monitor payout sustainability.

HSY Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

HERSHEY CO (HSY) has a momentum factor score of 58/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 22/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 10/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

HSY vs Competitors — Consumer Staples Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Staples sector, HERSHEY CO (HSY) ranks #30 out of 180 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places HSY in the top quartile of all Consumer Staples stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include Ituran Location & Control Ltd. (ITRN) with a score of 60.3/100, DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. (DAR) with a score of 52.9/100, Bunge Global SA (BG) with a score of 53.0/100, SANFILIPPO JOHN B & SON INC (JBSS) with a score of 54.1/100, and Archer-Daniels-Midland Co (ADM) with a score of 52.2/100.

Comparing HSY against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full HSY vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how HERSHEY CO stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

HSY Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for HERSHEY CO (HSY) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy HSY? — Investment Thesis Summary

HERSHEY CO presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. Low volatility (stability score 88/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, HERSHEY CO (HSY) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 49.6/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on HSY stock.

Related Resources for HSY Investors

Explore more research and tools: HSY vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Staples stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare HSY head-to-head with peers: HSY vs ITRN, HSY vs DAR, HSY vs BG.

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HERSHEY CO (HSY) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does HERSHEY CO Do?

HERSHEY CO (HSY) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

HSY Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is HSY Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

HERSHEY CO Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

HSY Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

HERSHEY CO Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

HSY Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

HSY Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

HSY vs Competitors — Consumer Staples Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

HSY Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy HSY? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for HSY Investors

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