Hershey Co vs McDonald's Corp — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $181.98 (market cap $36.72B), while McDonald's Corp trades at $273.75 (market cap $193.70B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is far larger — about 5.3× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.18%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | MCD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $36.72B | $193.70B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $341.06 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $262.80 |
Enterprise Value | $41.85B | $247.47B |
Dividend Yield | 3.18% | 2.72% |
Volume | — | 2,230,036 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
McDonald's (MCD) trades at $274.15, down slightly by 0.12% on the day, with technical indicators showing a neutral overall signal. The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with consistent revenue growth, reaching $26.89 billion in 2025, and robust profitability with a 31.72% net income margin. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, and the company has announced a new global growth strategy focused on automation and menu innovation to drive future performance.
The outlook for MCD is positive, supported by strong analyst consensus with a $322.45 price target implying significant upside. Key opportunities include the successful execution of its new growth plan and its defensive qualities in a challenging economy. Primary risks involve inflationary pressures on franchisee margins and intense competition in the quick-service restaurant sector.
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 →McDonald's Corporation franchises and operates fast-food restaurants in the global restaurant industry. The Company's restaurants serves a variety of value-priced menu products in countries around the world.
Read more on MCD →