Archer-Daniels-Midland Co vs Hershey Co — how do they compare? Archer-Daniels-Midland Co trades at $80.39 (market cap $38.78B), while Hershey Co trades at $183.97 (market cap $36.56B). The key difference: Archer-Daniels-Midland Co and Hershey Co are close in size by market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.19%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADM | HSY | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $38.78B | $36.56B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $87.32 | $236.28 |
52-Week Low | $56.00 | $162.31 |
Enterprise Value | $47.03B | $41.70B |
Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 3.19% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ADM trades at $79.41, down 1.34% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong earnings beats in recent quarters. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $1.84, exceeding expectations, and raised its full-year outlook, driven by biofuels and crushing margins. Valuation ratios like P/E of 21.98 and P/S of 0.48 suggest reasonable pricing relative to peers. Cash flow improved in 2025 with net cash flow of $1.58 billion.
The outlook is positive with analyst consensus price target of $88.00, implying upside. Key opportunities include growth in AgTech and biofuels, while risks involve execution challenges and volatile commodity markets. The stock offers a dividend yield supported by consistent payments, but investors should monitor margin pressures from input costs.
Hershey (HSY) trades at $183.19, up 0.24% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with Q2 2026 EPS beating estimates by 33% and revenue growth of 4.5-5% guidance. Recent earnings show significant margin recovery to 45.3% as cocoa prices decline, supporting the stock's premium valuation at 24.86 P/E. Analyst consensus price target of $196.78 suggests 7.4% upside potential from current levels.
HSY presents a compelling investment case with improving fundamentals, dividend growth resumption, and margin expansion. However, risks include volume declines in salty snacks, competitive pressures, and potential cocoa price volatility. The stock's current technical overbought condition near resistance at $184 warrants caution despite positive earnings momentum and institutional support.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Archer-Daniels Midland is a major processor of oilseeds, corn, wheat, and other agricultural commodities. Additionally, the company owns an extensive network of logistical assets to store and transport crops around the globe. ADM also runs a nutrition business that focuses on both human and animal ingredients. The company is also a large producer of corn-based sweeteners, starches, and ethanol.
Read more on ADM →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 →