HCA Health Inc vs Hershey Co — how do they compare? HCA Health Inc trades at $373.29 (market cap $82.17B), while Hershey Co trades at $171.9 (market cap $34.83B). The key difference: HCA Health Inc is far larger — about 2.4× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.38%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HCA | HSY | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $82.17B | $34.83B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $545.13 | $236.28 |
52-Week Low | $334.32 | $162.31 |
Enterprise Value | $131.08B | $39.63B |
Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 3.38% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
HCA Healthcare trades at $373.09, up 0.51% with bearish technical signals despite strong fundamentals. The company reported Q2 2026 preliminary revenue above expectations but cut full-year profit guidance, causing recent stock pressure. Analyst consensus remains bullish with a $469.40 price target, though multiple law firms are investigating potential securities law violations following the guidance revision.
Investment outlook balances strong operational performance against near-term headwinds. The stock offers value with a 12.76 P/E ratio and consistent earnings beats, but faces risks from rising expenses, payer mix challenges, and ongoing legal investigations. Institutional sentiment remains positive despite technical weakness and recent guidance concerns.
Hershey (HSY) trades at $170.63, down 0.46% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported revenue of $11.69B for 2025 with a net income margin of 9.12%, though margins have compressed from prior years. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, and the company announced a $1.45 dividend payable in June 2026. Analyst consensus is a 'Hold' with a price target of $207.82, indicating potential upside from current levels.
The outlook for HSY hinges on margin recovery as high cocoa costs cycle out. While valuation multiples appear elevated, consistent earnings beats and a solid dividend yield of approximately 3.4% provide support. Key risks include persistent volume weakness and competitive pressures. The stock presents a cautious opportunity for investors betting on a fundamental rebound in the second half of 2026.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
HCA Healthcare is a Nashville-based healthcare provider organization operating the largest collection of acute-care hospitals in the U.S. As of December 2021, the firm owned and operated 182 hospitals, 125 freestanding outpatient surgery centers, and a broad network of physician offices, urgent care clinics, and freestanding emergency rooms across nearly 20 states and a small foothold in England.
Read more on HCA →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 →