Wells Fargo Increases Target Price for The Hershey Company to $220, Up from $182
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1d ago
0mins
Should l Buy HSY?
Source: moomoo
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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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: 224.380
Low
181.00
Averages
196.27
High
222.00
Current: 224.380
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.
- 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.
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- Profitability Recovery: Hershey's Q4 report indicates a positive outlook for 2026, with adjusted gross margins expected to rise from 35.9% in 2025 to 41%, driving sustained improvements in profitability despite challenges faced in 2025.
- Accelerated Sales Growth: Organic sales increased by 5.7% in Q4, surpassing earlier growth rates, demonstrating significant progress in the company's recovery and bolstering investor confidence.
- Cost Reductions Support: The decline in cocoa prices and lower-than-expected tariffs on some supplier materials have enhanced gross margins, with projected EPS growth of 30% to 35% in 2026 laying a solid foundation for future profitability.
- Dividend Increase Benefits: Hershey announced a 6% dividend increase, which not only enhances investor returns but also reflects the company's improved financial health, further propelling the stock price upward.
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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
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- 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.
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