Hershey Co vs Xylem, Inc. — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $171.69 (market cap $34.83B), while Xylem, Inc. trades at $116 (market cap $27.81B). 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 | XYL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $34.83B | $27.81B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $152.95 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $106.34 |
Enterprise Value | $39.63B | $29.06B |
Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 1.47% |
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.
XYL trades at $117.00, down 4.71% today, amid mixed technical signals with a bullish overall trend but neutral oscillators. Fundamentally, the company shows steady revenue growth from $8.6B in 2024 to $9.04B in 2025, with net income margins improving to 10.79%. Recent earnings beats and a consistent dividend history support investor confidence, while analyst consensus leans slightly bullish with a $152.71 price target.
The outlook for XYL remains positive given its earnings momentum and strategic partnerships in water technology. Key risks include execution challenges in integrating new leadership and macroeconomic pressures on industrial spending. The stock offers potential upside to analyst targets but requires monitoring of upcoming Q2 2026 results due July 28, 2026.
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 →Xylem is a global leader in water technology and offers a wide range of solutions, including the transport, treatment, testing, and efficient use of water for customers in the utility, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Xylem was spun off from ITT in 2011. Based in Rye Brook, New York, Xylem has a presence in over 150 countries and employs 16,200. The company generated $6.2 billion in revenue and $611 million in adjusted operating income in 2021.
Read more on XYL →