Hershey Co vs MPLX LP — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $171.69 (market cap $34.83B), while MPLX LP trades at $56.74 (market cap $57.32B). The key difference: MPLX LP is the larger of the two by market cap, and MPLX LP pays the higher dividend (7.62%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | MPLX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $34.83B | $57.32B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Technology |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $59.17 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $47.80 |
Enterprise Value | $39.63B | $81.95B |
Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 7.62% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Hershey (HSY) trades at $170.63, down 0.46% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported revenue of $11.69B for 2025 with a net income margin of 9.12%, though margins have compressed from prior years. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, and the company announced a $1.45 dividend payable in June 2026. Analyst consensus is a 'Hold' with a price target of $207.82, indicating potential upside from current levels.
The outlook for HSY hinges on margin recovery as high cocoa costs cycle out. While valuation multiples appear elevated, consistent earnings beats and a solid dividend yield of approximately 3.4% provide support. Key risks include persistent volume weakness and competitive pressures. The stock presents a cautious opportunity for investors betting on a fundamental rebound in the second half of 2026.
MPLX trades at $57.13, showing modest daily gains of 0.12%. The stock maintains a bullish technical outlook with strong moving average signals, while fundamentals reveal robust profitability with 41.24% net margins and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. Recent news highlights the company's resilient midstream business model and attractive dividend yield, with analyst consensus strongly favoring the stock.
Outlook remains positive given the 71% buy rating consensus and $60 price target representing 5% upside. Key risks include energy market volatility and the Q1 2026 earnings miss, but the company's fee-based contracts and Permian Basin exposure provide stability. The sustainable dividend and strong cash flow generation support long-term value for income-focused investors.
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 →MPLX LP is a Master Limited Partnership (MLP) formed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC). It is a diversified, growth-oriented company primarily engaged in the gathering, processing, and transportation of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), as well as the transportation, storage, and distribution of crude oil and refined petroleum products. MPLX owns and operates a network of midstream energy infrastructure assets, providing essential services to the energy industry across the United States.
Read more on MPLX →