Hershey Co vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $162.74 (market cap $32.66B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $125.79 (market cap $9.52B). 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 (3.57%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Hershey Co for 135 Days and Advanced Drainage Systems Inc for 43 Days on average.
| HSY | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $32.66B | $9.52B |
Volume | 1,578,237 | 907,564 |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Basic Materials |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $157.61 | $125.33 |
Typical Hold Time | 135 Days | 43 Days |
Enterprise Value | $37.79B | $11.12B |
Dividend Yield | 3.57% | 0.63% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Hershey (HSY) trades at $162.54, up 1.37% with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with 12.24% net margin and 32.81% ROE, though 2025 net income declined to $883M. Analyst consensus targets $204.62 with 65.72% hold ratings, while recent news highlights dividend resumption and international leadership changes.
HSY offers value near 52-week lows with 25% upside to consensus target, supported by consistent earnings outperformance and brand strength. Key risks include cocoa cost pressures, margin compression from 2025 results, and technical bearish momentum. The dividend yield of 3.57% provides income support during market volatility.
Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) trades at $126.21, up 0.1% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages despite neutral oscillators. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $2.49 per share, beating estimates, and maintains solid profitability with a 14% net income margin. Recent news highlights institutional activity and the release of a sustainability report, while analyst consensus leans bullish with a $188.70 price target.
The outlook for WMS is supported by earnings beats and structural growth in water management solutions, but near-term risks include a projected negative cash flow in 2026 and competitive pressures. The stock offers potential upside relative to analyst targets, though investors should weigh execution risks against the company's market position and margin strength.
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 →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 →