Hershey Reports Strong Sales Growth Amid Profit Decline
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4d ago
0mins
Should l Buy HSY?
Source: Newsfilter
Hershey Co's stock rose by 3.00% as it reached a 52-week high, reflecting positive market conditions.
The company reported net sales of $3.091 billion for Q4 2025, a 7.0% increase year-over-year, despite a significant decline in net income due to high commodity costs. Hershey's optimistic outlook for 2026, projecting sales growth of 4% to 5% and a substantial increase in earnings per share, is expected to attract investor interest. Additionally, the strategic acquisition of LesserEvil has contributed positively to sales growth in the North America Salty Snacks segment, showcasing effective market expansion strategies.
This performance highlights Hershey's resilience in a challenging market environment, with strong sales growth indicating robust consumer demand, even as profitability faces pressures. The company's focus on strategic investments and acquisitions positions it well for future growth.
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Analyst Views on HSY
Wall Street analysts forecast HSY stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for HSY is 196.27 USD with a low forecast of 181.00 USD and a high forecast of 222.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
17 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
14 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 231.530
Low
181.00
Averages
196.27
High
222.00
Current: 231.530
Low
181.00
Averages
196.27
High
222.00
About HSY
The Hershey Company is a snacks company. The Company's segments include North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks and International. The North America Confectionery segment is responsible for its traditional chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery market position in the United States and Canada. This includes its business in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery, gum and refreshment products, protein bars, spreads, snack bites and mixes, as well as pantry and food service lines. This segment also includes its retail operations. The North America Salty Snacks segment is responsible for its salty snacking products in the United States. This includes ready-to-eat popcorn, baked and trans fat free snacks, pretzels and other snacks. The Company's portfolio includes chocolate and confectionery brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, LesserEvil, Shaq-a-licious alongside salty snacks, including SkinnyPop and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Wells Fargo Increases Target Price for The Hershey Company to $220, Up from $182
Hershey Company Update: Wells Fargo has raised the target price for Hershey Company shares to $220 from $182.
Market Implications: This adjustment reflects a positive outlook on Hershey's performance in the market.
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- Strategic Acquisition Impact: The acquisition of LesserEvil completed in November 2025 further strengthens Hershey's better-for-you snacking platform, expected to drive incremental growth in this rapidly expanding market, enhancing the company's competitiveness in the health snack sector.
- Cost Management and Savings: The AAA transformation program has generated over $300 million in net savings over the past two years, with an additional $100 million projected for 2026, which not only improves margins but also provides funding for future investments.
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- Weak Labor Market Signals: Challenger's report shows January job cuts surged 117.8% year-on-year to 108,435, marking the highest level since 2009, indicating fragility in the US labor market and increasing investor concerns about economic outlook.
- Bitcoin Price Crash: Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) is down more than 7% today, hitting a 1.25-year low and falling about 45% from its October record high, reflecting negative sentiment in the cryptocurrency market and a trend of capital outflows.
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Wells Fargo Increases Target Price for The Hershey Company to $220, Up from $182
Hershey Company Update: Wells Fargo has raised the target price for Hershey Company shares to $220 from $182.
Market Implications: This adjustment reflects a positive outlook on Hershey's performance in the market.
See More
US Stocks Plunge as Tech Sector Leads Decline
- Tech Sector Decline: Qualcomm's (QCOM) forecast of weaker-than-expected Q2 revenue led to an over 8% drop in its stock, triggering a sell-off across the tech sector, with the Nasdaq 100 index hitting a 2.5-month low, indicating waning investor confidence in technology stocks.
- Weak Labor Market Signals: Challenger's report revealed a staggering 117.8% year-over-year increase in job cuts for January, totaling 108,435, the highest for January since 2009, while initial jobless claims rose by 22,000 to 231,000, highlighting vulnerabilities in the US labor market that could hinder economic recovery.
- Bitcoin Plunge: Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) plummeted over 12% to a 1.25-year low, reflecting deepening negative momentum in the cryptocurrency market, with approximately $2 billion flowing out of Bitcoin ETFs in the past month, signaling a decline in investor confidence.
- Earnings Season Impact: Despite 150 S&P 500 companies set to report earnings this week, market focus on economic data intensifies, with S&P 500 earnings expected to grow by 8.4% in Q4, yet overall market sentiment remains suppressed by recent economic weakness.
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Hershey's Price Increase: Hershey has raised its target price to $220 from $191.
Market Impact: This adjustment reflects the company's performance and market expectations.
See More
Hershey Company Projects Positive Outlook for 2026
- Sales Growth Momentum: Hershey's net sales increased by 7% in Q4 to $3.1 billion, with full-year sales growing 4.4%, demonstrating strong performance in the fast-moving consumer goods market, enhancing market share and brand influence.
- Strategic Acquisition Impact: The acquisition of LesserEvil completed in November 2025 further strengthens Hershey's better-for-you snacking platform, expected to drive incremental growth in this rapidly expanding market, enhancing the company's competitiveness in the health snack sector.
- Cost Management and Savings: The AAA transformation program has generated over $300 million in net savings over the past two years, with an additional $100 million projected for 2026, which not only improves margins but also provides funding for future investments.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Management projects net sales growth of 4% to 5% for 2026, with adjusted EPS expected to grow by 30% to 35%, reflecting confidence in innovation and brand investment despite challenges from consumer financial pressures and health trends.
See More
Hershey's Stock Keeps Climbing: Here's the Reason.
- Strong Earnings Report: Hershey's stock surged after the company reported fourth-quarter results that significantly exceeded expectations.
- Pricing Power: The chocolate maker showcased robust pricing power, even amidst a challenging consumer environment.
See More
US Stocks Plunge Sharply, Led by Technology Sector Declines
- Technology Sector Decline: Qualcomm (QCOM) forecasts Q2 revenue between $10.2 billion and $11.0 billion, below the consensus of $11.18 billion, leading to an over 8% drop in its stock and exacerbating the overall decline in the Nasdaq 100 index, heightening market panic.
- Weak Labor Market Signals: Challenger's report shows January job cuts surged 117.8% year-on-year to 108,435, marking the highest level since 2009, indicating fragility in the US labor market and increasing investor concerns about economic outlook.
- Bitcoin Price Crash: Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) is down more than 7% today, hitting a 1.25-year low and falling about 45% from its October record high, reflecting negative sentiment in the cryptocurrency market and a trend of capital outflows.
- Impact of Earnings Season: Despite 150 S&P 500 companies set to report earnings this week and 81% of the 237 companies that have reported exceeding expectations, market concerns over future economic data continue to suppress stock performance, with S&P earnings growth expected to reach 8.4% in Q4.
See More
