Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA vs Hershey Co — how do they compare? Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA trades at $79.92 (market cap $153.45B), while Hershey Co trades at $172.07 (market cap $34.78B). The key difference: Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA is far larger — about 4.4× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.39%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BUD | HSY | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $153.45B | $34.78B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $85.09 | $236.28 |
52-Week Low | $57.10 | $162.31 |
Enterprise Value | $214.64B | $39.58B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 3.39% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
BUD trades at $79.33, down 0.35% with bearish technical signals. The company demonstrates solid fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, 11.9% net margin, and improving cash flow. Recent dividend payment of $1.17 and positive analyst sentiment with 57.8% buy ratings support the investment case. Premiumization strategy and digital expansion drive growth amid changing consumer preferences.
Outlook remains positive with $90.08 consensus price target offering 13.5% upside. Key risks include alcohol moderation trends and competitive pressures. Strong balance sheet with declining debt-to-asset ratio to 33.9% provides financial stability. Revenue growth expected to accelerate to $61B in 2026 with expanding margins.
Hershey (HSY) trades at $175.24, up 0.91% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, including Q1 2026 EPS of $2.35 versus $2.04 expected. Revenue growth is steady, with 2025 revenue at $11.69 billion, though net income margin compressed to 9.12% from prior years. Analyst consensus price target is $209.25, implying significant upside, supported by a 3.3% dividend yield and recent margin recovery trends.
The outlook for HSY is cautiously optimistic, with earnings momentum and valuation support offset by near-term technical weakness. Investment opportunity lies in continued execution on margin improvement and innovation, such as new REESE'S PIECES products. Key risks include persistent input cost pressures, competitive threats, and macroeconomic sensitivity. Wall Street sentiment is mixed, with 65.7% hold ratings reflecting balanced risk-reward amid recovery phase.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Anheuser-Busch InBev is the largest brewer in the world and one of the world's top five consumer product companies, as measured by EBITDA. After the SABMiller acquisition, the company's portfolio now contains five of the top 10 beer brands by sales and 18 brands with retail sales over $1 billion. AB InBev was created by the 2008 merger of Belgium-based InBev and U.S.-based Anheuser-Busch. The firm holds a 62% economic interest in Ambev and in 2016 acquired SABMiller.
Read more on BUD →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 →