Hershey Co vs Williams-Sonoma, Inc. — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $171.69 (market cap $34.83B), while Williams-Sonoma, Inc. trades at $222.43 (market cap $26.04B). 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 | WSM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $34.83B | $26.04B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $240.06 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $168.64 |
Enterprise Value | $39.63B | $26.88B |
Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 1.37% |
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.
Williams-Sonoma (WSM) trades at $221.13, down 3.19% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company maintains strong profitability with a 13.81% net margin and 54.01% ROE, though revenue has shown volatility. Recent earnings beats and consistent dividend payments highlight operational strength amid consumer discretionary sector challenges noted in recent financial media coverage.
The outlook is mixed with solid fundamentals and analyst consensus near current price, but risks include consumer spending sensitivity and competitive pressures. Upside potential exists if earnings momentum continues, yet macroeconomic headwinds and sector underperformance pose near-term challenges for shareholder returns.
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 →With a wide retail and direct-to-consumer presence, Williams-Sonoma is a leader in the $300 billion domestic home category, focused on expanding its exposure in the B2B, marketplace, and franchise areas. Namesake Williams-Sonoma (175 stores) offers high-end cooking essentials, while Pottery Barn (189) provides casual home accessories. Brand extensions include Pottery Barn Kids (52) and PBteen. West Elm (121) is an emerging concept for young professionals, and Rejuvenation (9) offers lighting and house parts. Williams-Sonoma also has a business-to-business team that supports projects that range from residential to large-scale commercial.
Read more on WSM →