Agilent Technologies Inc vs Hershey Co — how do they compare? Agilent Technologies Inc trades at $149.35 (market cap $42.00B), while Hershey Co trades at $181.98 (market cap $36.72B). The key difference: Agilent Technologies Inc and Hershey Co are close in size by market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.18%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| A | HSY | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $42.00B | $36.72B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $157.20 | $236.28 |
52-Week Low | $110.24 | $162.31 |
Enterprise Value | $43.55B | $41.85B |
Dividend Yield | 0.69% | 3.18% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Agilent Technologies (A) trades at $145.97, up 3.28% in the last session, with a bullish technical outlook from moving averages but overbought RSI levels. The company reported strong Q1 2026 earnings, beating estimates with EPS of $1.49, and maintains solid profitability with a net income margin of 19.55%. Recent developments include FDA and EU approvals for diagnostic assays and the acquisition of Biocare Medical, enhancing its healthcare portfolio.
The stock offers upside to the consensus price target of $154.90, supported by analyst optimism (77.5% buy ratings), but high valuation ratios like a P/E of 146.56 pose risks. Investors should monitor execution of growth initiatives and competitive pressures in the life sciences sector, with earnings on August 26, 2026, as a key catalyst.
HSY trades at $182.35, down 0.37% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and a consensus price target of $196.78. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations with EPS of $1.90 versus $1.43, driven by margin recovery and pricing power. Revenue growth is steady, with 2025 revenue at $11.69B and net income margin at 12.24%, though profit margins have fluctuated year-over-year.
The stock offers upside potential from earnings momentum and dividend stability, with risks including competitive pressures and input cost volatility. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with 68.57% hold ratings, reflecting cautious optimism amid margin improvements and macroeconomic headwinds.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Originally spun out of Hewlett-Packard in 1999, Agilent has evolved into a leading life sciences and diagnostics firm. Today, Agilent's measurement technologies serve a broad base of customers with its three operating segments: life science and applied tools (45% of fiscal 2021 sales), cross lab (35% of sales consisting of consumables and services related to its life science and applied tools), and diagnostics and genomics (20%). Over half of its sales are generated from the biopharmaceutical, chemical, and energy end markets, but it also supports clinical lab, environmental, forensics, food, academic, and government-related organizations. The company is geographically diverse, with operations in the U.S. (34%) and China (20%) representing the largest country concentrations.
Read more on A →Hershey is a leading confectionery manufacturer in the U.S. (around a $25 billion market), controlling around 46% of the domestic chocolate space (per IRI). Beyond its namesake label, the firm's mix has expanded over the last 85 years and now consists of 100 brands, including Reese's, Kit Kat, Kisses, and Ice Breakers. Hershey's products are sold in about 80 countries, albeit with just a high-single-digit percentage of sales coming from markets outside the U.S., including Brazil, India, and Mexico. The firm has sought inorganic opportunities to extend its reach beyond its core confection business, adding Amplify Snack Brands and its Skinny Pop ready-to-eat popcorn to its mix and Pirate Brands (including the Pirate's Booty, Smart Puffs, and Original Tings brands) over the past few years.
Read more on HSY →