Hershey Co vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $183.28 (market cap $36.56B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $140.33 (market cap $10.83B). The key difference: Hershey Co is far larger — about 3.4× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.19%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $36.56B | $10.83B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $41.70B | $12.44B |
Dividend Yield | 3.19% | 0.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Hershey (HSY) trades at $183.19, up 0.24% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with Q2 2026 EPS beating estimates by 33% and revenue growth of 4.5-5% guidance. Recent earnings show significant margin recovery to 45.3% as cocoa prices decline, supporting the stock's premium valuation at 24.86 P/E. Analyst consensus price target of $196.78 suggests 7.4% upside potential from current levels.
HSY presents a compelling investment case with improving fundamentals, dividend growth resumption, and margin expansion. However, risks include volume declines in salty snacks, competitive pressures, and potential cocoa price volatility. The stock's current technical overbought condition near resistance at $184 warrants caution despite positive earnings momentum and institutional support.
Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) trades at $140.13, down 1.09% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company demonstrates strong profitability with a 14% net income margin and 24.9% ROE, supported by recent earnings beats. Revenue for fiscal 2025 was $2.90 billion, with cash flow from operations at $581.49 million. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $185.86 price target, indicating significant upside potential from current levels.
The outlook for WMS is positive based on solid fundamentals and analyst optimism, though near-term technical weakness and competitive pressures pose risks. Investment appeal centers on earnings growth and market leadership in water management solutions, balanced by exposure to construction sector volatility and rising debt levels noted in 2026 projections.
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 →Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →