Hershey Co vs QUALCOMM, Inc. — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $181.98 (market cap $36.72B), while QUALCOMM, Inc. trades at $164.36 (market cap $170.28B). The key difference: QUALCOMM, Inc. is far larger — about 4.6× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.18%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | QCOM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $36.72B | $170.28B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Technology |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $251.10 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $124.07 |
Enterprise Value | $41.85B | $177.24B |
Dividend Yield | 3.18% | 2.27% |
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.
Qualcomm (QCOM) trades at $162.68, down 3.09% amid broader semiconductor sector pressure. The stock shows mixed signals with bearish technical indicators but strong fundamentals including recent earnings beats and a 21.01% net income margin. Recent news highlights Qualcomm's strategic pivot toward AI and data centers, though competition from Nvidia's new PC chip has sparked investor concerns. The company maintains solid cash flow generation of $14.01B from operations in 2025 and continues dividend payments.
Qualcomm presents a compelling value opportunity with a P/E of 18.53 below sector averages, supported by analyst consensus price target of $200.56 implying 23% upside. Key risks include smartphone market softness and intensifying AI competition. The company's diversification into automotive and data centers provides growth catalysts, though execution risks remain. Current levels offer attractive entry for long-term investors seeking exposure to semiconductor and AI infrastructure.
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 →Qualcomm develops and licenses wireless technology and designs chips for smartphones. The company's key patents revolve around CDMA and OFDMA technologies, which are standards in wireless communications that are the backbone of all 3G and 4G networks. The firm is a leader in 5G network technology as well. Qualcomm's IP is licensed by virtually all wireless device makers. The firm is also the world's largest wireless chip vendor, supplying nearly every premier handset maker with leading-edge processors. Qualcomm also sells RF-front end modules into smartphones and chips into automotive and Internet of Things markets.
Read more on QCOM →