Hershey Co vs Packaging Corporation of America — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $183 (market cap $36.72B), while Packaging Corporation of America trades at $257.2 (market cap $22.70B). The key difference: Hershey Co is the larger of the two by market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.18%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | PKG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $36.72B | $22.70B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Technology |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $256.04 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $191.68 |
Enterprise Value | $41.85B | $26.51B |
Dividend Yield | 3.18% | 2.36% |
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.
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) trades at $256.04, up 1.3% on the day, with a bullish technical trend supported by moving averages and strong support at $252. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.35, beating estimates, driven by record corrugated shipments and contributions from the Greif acquisition, though net income margins face pressure from rising costs. A $1.50 dividend for H1-2026 reflects management's confidence, with a consensus price target of $269.33 suggesting modest upside.
Outlook: PKG benefits from robust demand and strategic acquisitions, but cost headwinds and a high P/E of 33.08 pose valuation risks. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 34.6% buy ratings, indicating cautious optimism amid margin compression and economic uncertainties. Key risks include freight and input cost inflation, competitive pricing pressure, and execution of integration synergies.
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 →Packaging Corporation of America is a leading producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in North America. The company also produces white papers, which include printing and writing papers. PKG operates as an integrated manufacturer, with a strong focus on high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce, food and beverage, and other industrial and consumer markets.
Read more on PKG →