Hershey Company (HSY)

Over the past six months, The Hershey Co. stock price has seen an increase of 1.70% over the last 12 months, with a year-to-date return of 15.17%, and a 5.28% increase in the past month as of early October 2025. The company reported its second-quarter 2025 financial results on July 30, 2025, with consolidated net sales increasing by 26.0% year-over-year to $2.61 billion, surpassing analyst estimates. However, reported net income decreased by 65.2% to $62.7 million, or $0.31 per share-diluted, and adjusted earnings per share were down 4.7% to $1.21. The company updated its 2025 outlook, projecting net sales growth of at least 2% but anticipating a decline in reported earnings per share of approximately 50% and adjusted earnings per share to decrease by 36-38%. Hershey also announced a quarterly dividend of $1.37 per share, payable on September 15, 2025, to stockholders of record as of August 15, 2025. Analyst ratings for HSY have varied, with an average recommendation of "Reduce" from twenty-one analysts.

Demand for The Hershey Company's products is significantly influenced by seasonality, with major holidays driving a substantial portion of its business. Approximately one-quarter of Hershey's sales are tied to seasonal occasions such as Halloween, Easter, and the winter holiday season. The company strategically plans its merchandising, packaging, and media buying around these key periods to align with consumer sentiment and demand. Hershey also leverages cultural moments like "s'mores season" in the summer to drive sales and introduce new product innovations.

The Hershey Company is a multinational confectionery and snack company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers globally. The company's core business involves the manufacturing and distribution of chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. Its extensive product portfolio includes iconic brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Jolly Rancher and many more. Beyond traditional candies, Hershey has diversified into gum and mint refreshment products, protein bars, and snack items. The company's products are sold to a wide range of customers including grocery stores, dollar stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, wholesale clubs, and vending companies.

The Hershey Company maintains a significant global presence, with business operations across North America, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. While its headquarters are in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the company has manufacturing facilities and offices in various international locations. Hershey's chocolate products are available in approximately 80 countries worldwide.

The Hershey Company maintains a strong brand reputation, built on its iconic brands and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The company has been recognized for its efforts, including being named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the JUST 100 list for multiple consecutive years. In July 2025, Hershey announced its commitment to phase out artificial dyes from its products by the end of 2027. The company has also continued to innovate and collaborate, launching new products and expanding its Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies line with new sneaker-shaped gummies.

The Hershey Co. is predominantly owned by institutional shareholders, who hold 63.17% of the company's stock. Insiders own 3.14%, and retail investors account for 33.69% of the ownership. The Milton Hershey School Trust is a significant shareholder, owning 28% of outstanding shares and retaining a majority of the voting power. Major institutional owners include The Vanguard Group, Inc., BlackRock, Inc., Capital International Investors, State Street Corp, and Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. Trust Co Hershey is noted as the largest individual Hershey Co shareholder.