Hershey Co vs Ralph Lauren Corp — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $181.98 (market cap $36.72B), while Ralph Lauren Corp trades at $397.75 (market cap $24.24B). 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 | RL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $36.72B | $24.24B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $414.25 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $285.35 |
Enterprise Value | $41.85B | $25.31B |
Dividend Yield | 3.18% | 0.92% |
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.
Ralph Lauren (RL) trades at $395.53, down 0.08% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook and strong fundamental performance. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with Q1 2027 EPS of $4.59 exceeding expectations of $4.32, driven by robust demand and margin expansion. Revenue growth accelerated to 13% in constant currency, and the company updated its fiscal 2027 outlook upward. Key support lies at $388, with resistance at $402.
The investment outlook is positive, supported by earnings momentum, brand strength, and a 66% analyst buy rating. Risks include high valuation multiples, such as a P/E of 24.92, and sensitivity to consumer spending trends. The consensus price target of $456.50 implies 15% upside potential from current levels.
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 →Founded by designer Ralph Lauren in 1967, Ralph Lauren Corp. designs, markets, and distributes lifestyle products in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its products include apparel, footwear, eyewear, jewelry, leather goods, home products, and fragrances. The company's brands include Ralph Lauren Collection, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Double RL. Distribution channels for Ralph Lauren include wholesale (including department stores and specialty stores), retail (including company-owned retail stores and e-commerce), and licensing.
Read more on RL →