Hershey (NYSE:HSY – Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 8.360-8.520 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 8.430. The company issued revenue guidance of $12.2 billion-$12.3 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $12.3 billion.
Analyst Ratings Changes
A number of brokerages have commented on HSY. Piper Sandler cut their price objective on shares of Hershey from $249.00 to $200.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 9th. Mizuho reduced their price target on Hershey from $195.00 to $185.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, May 20th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Hershey from $200.00 to $190.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 16th. TD Cowen raised Hershey from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $210.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 1st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Hershey from $204.00 to $191.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 13th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and sixteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Hershey currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $208.28.
Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on HSY
Hershey Stock Up 0.3%
Hershey (NYSE:HSY – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The company reported $1.90 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.43 by $0.47. The company had revenue of $2.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.63 billion. Hershey had a net margin of 9.12% and a return on equity of 28.98%. Hershey has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.360-8.520 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Hershey will post 8.42 earnings per share for the current year.
Insider Buying and Selling at Hershey
In other news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total value of $255,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 53,195 shares in the company, valued at $9,043,150. This trade represents a 2.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Corporate insiders own 0.08% of the company’s stock.
Trending Headlines about Hershey
Here are the key news stories impacting Hershey this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Hershey reported second-quarter net sales of $2.79 billion, up 6.6% year over year and above the $2.63 billion analyst consensus. Adjusted EPS of $1.90 exceeded estimates of $1.43, helped by pricing and steady demand for Reese’s and Dot’s Pretzels. Hershey beats quarterly sales estimates
- Positive Sentiment: Growth was broad-based: North America Salty Snacks sales jumped 22.9%, North America Confectionery increased 4.2%, and International sales rose 5.7%. The company also reported six-month sales growth of 8.7%. Hershey Reports Second-Quarter 2026 Financial Results
- Positive Sentiment: Hershey declared quarterly dividends of $1.452 per common share and $1.320 per Class B share, reinforcing its shareholder-return appeal. Hershey Declares Quarterly Dividends
- Neutral Sentiment: The company narrowed its 2026 outlook to 4.5%–5% net sales growth and reported EPS of $8.36–$8.52. The range is broadly consistent with analyst expectations, but excludes any potential future tariff rebates; revenue guidance of $12.2–$12.3 billion is near consensus.
- Negative Sentiment: Management had previously flagged softer North American confectionery consumption, raising concerns about whether price increases can continue without pressuring volumes. Analysts maintain a predominantly “Hold” view, with several recently reducing price targets.
- Negative Sentiment: Insider activity remains a cautionary signal: reported insider transactions over the past six months included no purchases and 485 sales. CFO Steven Voskuil’s recent $255,000 sale was made under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 plan, which reduces its significance but still adds selling pressure to the narrative. Insider Selling: Hershey CFO Sells Shares
Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hershey
A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mcguire Capital Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Hershey in the fourth quarter valued at $47,000. Compound Planning Inc. grew its holdings in Hershey by 12.8% during the fourth quarter. Compound Planning Inc. now owns 1,617 shares of the company’s stock worth $294,000 after acquiring an additional 183 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. raised its position in Hershey by 6.0% in the fourth quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,332,020 shares of the company’s stock worth $242,401,000 after acquiring an additional 75,258 shares in the last quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC boosted its position in shares of Hershey by 126.1% during the 4th quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 80,577 shares of the company’s stock valued at $14,663,000 after purchasing an additional 44,940 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Strive Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Hershey in the 4th quarter worth approximately $368,000. 57.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
About Hershey
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading North American chocolatier and snack manufacturer headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The company develops, produces and markets a wide range of confectionery and snack products for retail, foodservice and international customers. Hershey’s business spans manufacturing, branded product marketing, packaging and distribution across grocery, convenience, mass merchant and e-commerce channels.
Hershey’s product portfolio centers on chocolate and sugar confectionery, including core brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses and Twizzlers, alongside non-chocolate snacks and confectionery brands.
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