Hershey Co vs Viatris Inc — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $171.9 (market cap $34.83B), while Viatris Inc trades at $17.54 (market cap $19.79B). The key difference: Hershey Co is the larger of the two by market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.38%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | VTRS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $34.83B | $19.79B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Health |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $17.39 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $8.74 |
Enterprise Value | $39.63B | $32.00B |
Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 2.83% |
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.
Viatris (VTRS) trades at $17.59, up 1.74% today, with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. The company reported revenue of $14.3B for 2025 but posted a net loss of $3.51B, reflecting margin pressures. Positive pipeline developments include FDA acceptance of a new drug application for fast-acting meloxicam, with a PDUFA date set for December 2026. Cash flow from operations remains strong at $2.32B, supporting debt reduction efforts.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus targets $20.00 (13.7% upside), but profitability challenges and high debt levels pose risks. Investment appeal hinges on successful pipeline execution and margin recovery, while competitive and regulatory pressures in the generics market remain key watchpoints for shareholders.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Formed by the combination of Mylan and Pfizer's Upjohn business in 2020, Viatris is one of the world's largest generic drug manufacturers, with a substantial off-patent branded drug portfolio. Its portfolio consists of more than 1,400 molecules with penetration across most of the developed world and in select emerging markets. The company's branded drug portfolio consists of off-patent blockbuster drugs that continue to generate strong sales, including Lipitor, Norvasc, Lyrica, Viagra, and EpiPen. While global competition has facilitated the commodification of small-molecule generic drugs, the company has demonstrated an edge over peers in its ability to manufacture complex generics (for example, generic Advair and Copaxone).
Read more on VTRS →