Hershey Co vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $162.32 (market cap $32.66B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $208.73 (market cap $83.98B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 2.6× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.57%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Hershey Co for 135 Days and Waste Management, Inc. for 130 Days on average.
| HSY | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $32.66B | $83.98B |
Volume | 1,578,237 | 2,182,180 |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $157.61 | $196.77 |
Typical Hold Time | 135 Days | 130 Days |
Enterprise Value | $37.79B | $106.78B |
Dividend Yield | 3.57% | 1.8% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Hershey (HSY) trades at $161.88, up 0.96% with a bearish technical outlook. The stock shows strong profitability with 12.24% net margin and 32.81% ROE, though Q3 2026 earnings are pending. Recent news highlights brand investments and dividend resumption after a near 2-year freeze. Valuation metrics include P/E of 22.2 and P/S of 2.72, with analyst consensus price target at $204.62 representing 26% upside potential.
HSY presents a mixed investment case with strong fundamentals offset by near-term headwinds. The opportunity lies in consistent dividend growth potential and market leadership, while risks include commodity cost pressures and competitive challenges. Analyst sentiment leans cautious with 66% hold ratings, suggesting patience for earnings catalysts and margin stabilization.
Waste Management (WM) trades at $207.71, down 0.59% on the day, with a bullish technical signal despite bearish moving averages. The company reported revenue of $25.20 billion in 2025, with net income of $2.71 billion and a net margin of 10.74%. Recent earnings show mixed results, with a miss in Q4 2025 but beats in Q1 and Q2 2026. Analyst consensus is strongly positive with 54.29% buy ratings and no sell recommendations.
WM's outlook remains favorable due to steady revenue growth, strong cash flow, and a resilient business model. Key risks include elevated debt levels and competitive pressures. The stock offers a reliable dividend, with the next payment of $0.95 scheduled for September 25, 2026. Investors should weigh solid fundamentals against debt concerns for long-term holdings.
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 →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →