Hershey Co vs McDonald's Corp — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $162.5 (market cap $32.22B), while McDonald's Corp trades at $236.88 (market cap $163.38B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is far larger — about 5.1× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.62%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Hershey Co for 135 Days and McDonald's Corp for 164 Days on average.
| HSY | MCD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $32.22B | $163.38B |
Volume | 944,010 | 4,647,229 |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $341.06 |
52-Week Low | $157.61 | $230.88 |
Typical Hold Time | 135 Days | 164 Days |
Enterprise Value | $37.35B | $217.15B |
Dividend Yield | 3.62% | 3.34% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Hershey (HSY) trades at $162.54, up 1.08% with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, maintains robust profitability with 12.24% net margin and 32.81% ROE, and offers a $1.45 dividend. Recent news highlights brand investments and international leadership changes. Current price sits near key support at $160 with resistance at $163.
HSY presents a mixed outlook with strong operational performance offset by technical weakness. The stock trades at a discount to analyst consensus target of $204.62, offering potential upside. Key risks include commodity cost pressures and competitive threats, while institutional sentiment remains cautious with 68.57% hold ratings. Earnings momentum and dividend stability support long-term value.
McDonald's (MCD) trades at $236.9, up 1.91% for the day, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The company reported strong fundamentals with 2025 revenue of $26.89B and net income of $8.56B, supported by a 57.38% gross margin. Recent news highlights a new 'NEXT' growth strategy focusing on automation and menu innovation to counter competitive pressures.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus is bullish with a $286.95 price target, but technical indicators and macroeconomic headwinds pose risks. Investment opportunity lies in McDonald's resilient franchise model and dividend yield, though inflation and execution of new initiatives are key watchpoints for shareholders.
Trailing returns across standard periods
What Pluang investors did over the last 30 days
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 →