Hershey Co vs 3M Company — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $183 (market cap $36.56B), while 3M Company trades at $183.32 (market cap $94.44B). The key difference: 3M Company is far larger — about 2.6× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.19%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | MMM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $36.56B | $94.44B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $183.13 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $141.10 |
Enterprise Value | $41.70B | $103.67B |
Dividend Yield | 3.19% | 1.7% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Hershey (HSY) trades at $184.19, up 0.79% with a bullish technical outlook and strong fundamental performance. The stock shows consistent earnings beats with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.90 exceeding expectations by 33%, while revenue growth remains steady at $11.69 billion for 2025. Technical indicators show bullish momentum with the current price near resistance at $184, supported by positive moving average signals. The company maintains robust profitability with 38.38% gross margins and 32.81% ROE, though net income declined to $883 million in 2025 from previous highs.
HSY presents a favorable risk-reward profile with analyst consensus target of $196.78 offering 7% upside potential. Recent margin recovery from favorable cocoa contracts and dividend growth support bullish sentiment, though volume declines and competitive pressures in salty snacks remain concerns. With 68.57% of analysts maintaining Hold ratings, the stock offers steady growth potential but requires monitoring of consumer demand trends and input cost management.
3M (MMM) trades at $184.15, up 1.16% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, beating estimates and raising full-year guidance, driven by growth in Safety & Industrial and Transport & Electronics segments. Financial health is solid with a net income margin of 11.9% and robust cash flow, though valuation ratios like P/E of 32.53 appear elevated. Recent news highlights innovation in high-growth verticals and a partnership with Microsoft on EBO technology.
The outlook for MMM is positive due to operational improvements and raised guidance, but risks include high valuation, ongoing litigation, and macroeconomic pressures. Analyst sentiment is mixed with a consensus price target of $173.00 below the current price, suggesting cautious optimism. Investors should weigh strong fundamentals against potential headwinds for balanced decision-making.
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 →3M Company conducts operations in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, health care, safety, and other markets. The Company businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, marketing channels, and other resources. 3M serves customers worldwide.
Read more on MMM →