Hershey Co vs The Coca-Cola Co K — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $171.9 (market cap $34.83B), while The Coca-Cola Co K trades at $82.05 (market cap $353.32B). The key difference: The Coca-Cola Co K is far larger — about 10.1× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.38%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | KO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $34.83B | $353.32B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $84.92 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $65.67 |
Enterprise Value | $39.63B | $383.39B |
Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 2.58% |
Volume | — | 14,630,257 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Hershey (HSY) trades at $171.72, showing modest daily gains of 0.18%. The stock faces bearish technical signals with recent price action near support at $170, while fundamentals reveal mixed performance with strong earnings beats but compressed margins. Recent Q1 2026 EPS of $2.35 exceeded expectations by 15%, though net income margin declined to 7.55% in 2025 from 19.82% in 2024 due to cocoa cost pressures. The company maintains solid cash flow generation with $2.28B operating cash flow in 2025.
Hershey presents a cautious opportunity as margin recovery begins in Q2 2026, with analyst consensus target of $208.42 offering 21% upside. However, volume concerns and competitive pressures pose near-term risks. The 3.3% dividend yield provides income support while investors await evidence of sustained sales volume recovery and margin expansion in upcoming earnings.
Coca-Cola (KO) trades at $81.98, up 0.51% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS expected at $0.92. Revenue grew to $47.94 billion in 2025, with a robust net income margin of 27.8%. Analysts maintain a consensus Buy rating with a $90.67 price target, implying upside potential from current levels.
The stock offers a defensive investment with a reliable dividend history, but faces risks from regional demand divergence and high valuation multiples. Long-term growth depends on execution in key markets and managing debt levels. The current price near support at $82 suggests a potential entry point for dividend-focused investors seeking stability.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →The Coca-Cola Company manufactures, markets, and distributes soft drink concentrates and syrups. The Company also distributes and markets juice and juice-drink products. Coca-Cola distributes its products to retailers and wholesalers in the United States and internationally.
Read more on KO →