Hershey Co vs McDonald's Corp — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $171.9 (market cap $34.83B), while McDonald's Corp trades at $264.14 (market cap $190.16B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is far larger — about 5.5× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.38%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | MCD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $34.83B | $190.16B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $341.06 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $264.54 |
Enterprise Value | $39.63B | $243.87B |
Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 2.78% |
Volume | — | 2,230,036 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
No Aura AI signal available yet.
McDonald's (MCD) trades at $267.71, down 2.1% on the day, with a bearish technical signal driven by moving averages. The company reported steady revenue growth to $26.89 billion in 2025 and a net income margin of 31.62%, though Q2 2026 earnings are pending. Recent news highlights a new 'McDonald's NEXT' strategy focusing on automation and menu improvements to boost competitiveness.
The stock presents a buying opportunity with a consensus price target of $329, implying 23% upside, supported by strong analyst sentiment (58% buy ratings). Risks include inflationary pressures on franchisee margins and high long-term debt of $38.42 billion. Earnings execution and strategy rollout will be key for near-term performance.
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 →