The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is one of the best sugar stocks to buy according to hedge funds. Stephens adjusted the price target on The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) to $260 from $200 on February 12 and reiterated an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm told investors that it updated the rating on the stock after a “clean” Q4 beat and fiscal year 26 guidance that “reads better-than-feared on both sales and adjusted EPS.” Deutsche Bank Lifts Hershey (HSY) Target but Stays on the Sidelines Ahead of Q4 ...

Consumer Spending Insights - U.S. consumer spending for Valentine's Day is projected to reach a record $29.1 billion, an increase from last year's $27.5 billion, with an average spend of $199.78 per shopper, the highest ever recorded [1][9] Company-Specific Opportunities Hershey - Hershey is a primary beneficiary of Valentine's Day spending, with its chocolate products being the most popular gifts during the holiday [3] - The company is enhancing its investment case through strategic initiatives such as cost optimization and product innovation, with adjusted EPS projected to grow 30-35% by fiscal 2026, reaching between $8.20 and $8.52 [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hershey's 2026 EPS has increased by 96 cents recently, and the stock holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [5] Brinker International - Brinker, the parent company of Chili's and Maggiano's, is well-positioned to benefit from increased dining out during Valentine's Day, with Chili's being a key growth driver [6] - The company focuses on operational excellence and guest experience, implementing initiatives to enhance engagement and customer satisfaction, which positions it for sustainable traffic growth [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Brinker's fiscal 2026 EPS indicates a year-over-year growth of 20%, with the stock also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [8] Movado Group - Movado capitalizes on the demand for meaningful gifts during Valentine's Day, appealing to younger consumers with fresh designs [9] - The growth of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales has improved margins, positioning Movado for both seasonal and long-term growth opportunities [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Movado's fiscal 2027 EPS suggests a year-over-year growth of 32%, with the stock rated Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [12] Inter Parfums - Inter Parfums benefits from the demand for luxury fragrances during Valentine's Day, with core brands like Jimmy Choo and Coach driving sales [13] - The introduction of new high-margin products and strengthening e-commerce channels are expected to enhance growth [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Inter Parfums' fourth-quarter 2025 EPS has seen a slight increase, and the stock carries a Zacks Rank 2 [15] Airbnb - Airbnb is positioned to capture seasonal demand for travel experiences during Valentine's Day, reporting a strong increase in bookings [16] - The company is enhancing its platform with new features to improve user experience and is expected to achieve low double-digit revenue growth in 2026 [17] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Airbnb's 2026 EPS indicates a year-over-year growth of 14%, with the stock rated Zacks Rank 2 [18]

Tanner described the U.S. snacking environment as steady in the fourth quarter, with consumers “spend[ing] selectively” on items that deliver emotional or functional value. He said U.S. confectionery category retail takeaway accelerated in 2025, and confection was the third-fastest-growing U.S. snacking category for the year behind nutritional bars and meat snacks.CFO Steve Voskuil said consolidated 2025 net sales were approximately $11.7 billion, up 4.4% year over year, with organic constant currency growt ...

Core Viewpoint - The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is recognized as one of the 15 Best Wide Moat Dividend Stocks to invest in, indicating strong competitive advantages and reliable dividend performance [1]. Group 1: Price Target and Ratings - Deutsche Bank has raised its price target for Hershey to $188 from $180 but maintains a Hold rating ahead of the Q4 earnings report [2]. Group 2: Marketing Strategy - Hershey has increased its marketing budget for the Hershey's brand by 20%, amounting to approximately $600 million for 2024, supporting its first new advertising campaign in eight years [2]. - The new campaign will utilize traditional television and streaming platforms, as well as expand into influencer marketing on TikTok, live events, and promotions linked to significant cultural events like the Winter Olympics and America250 celebrations [3]. Group 3: Business Performance - Stronger performance from the Hershey's brand is expected to positively impact the overall company results, as management considers it a core driver of growth [4]. - The Hershey Company operates as a global snacks company with three main segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International [4].

Group 1 - Morgan Stanley has upgraded Hershey Foods (HSY) stock rating from "Equal Weight" to "Overweight," indicating a potential comeback after significant negative revisions [1] - Analysts have observed early-stage positive inflection in Hershey's fundamentals, which could lead to faster EPS growth, and raised the stock price target from $195 to $211, suggesting a 13% upside [2] - Hershey Foods, headquartered in Pennsylvania, is a leader in the global confectionery sector with a market capitalization of $38 billion and a diverse portfolio of iconic brands [3][4] Group 2 - Hershey's stock has gained 9% over the past 52 weeks and 8% over the past six months, despite facing pressure from high cocoa prices, leading to announced price increases in U.S. retail [5] - The company's Q3 2025 results exceeded expectations, with net sales rising by 6.5% year-over-year to $3.18 billion, surpassing the anticipated $3.13 billion [7] - Hershey's current price-to-earnings ratio stands at 31.5 times, which is higher than the industry average, indicating a relatively pricey valuation [6]

Core Insights - The Hershey Company has completed the acquisition of LesserEvil, enhancing its portfolio of better-for-you snacks and expanding its manufacturing capacity [1][3][4] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of LesserEvil adds a high-growth brand known for organic snacks that align with consumer demand for healthier options [1][2] - LesserEvil's product line includes organic popcorn and puffs made with premium ingredients, categorized as USDA Organic and non-GMO [2][4] - The acquisition is part of Hershey's strategy to diversify its offerings and meet the growing consumer preference for better-for-you snacking [5][6] Group 2: Strategic Fit - LesserEvil complements Hershey's existing brands, including its well-known confectionery products and salty snack brands like SkinnyPop and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels [4][6] - The salty snack portfolio has shown significant growth, expanding 1.5 times faster in 2024 compared to the previous three years, indicating a strategic focus on this category [4] Group 3: Leadership and Operations - The leadership team at LesserEvil will remain in place to continue driving innovation and maintaining product quality [6] - The combined teams will focus on delivering growth and insights to ensure the right products are available to consumers at the right time [6] Group 4: Company Overview - The Hershey Company generates over $11.2 billion in annual revenues and operates in approximately 70 countries, with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands [8][9] - Hershey has a long-standing commitment to responsible operations and community support, dating back over 130 years [9]

Group 1 - The Hershey Company has faced significant struggles over the past two and a half years, largely attributed to the impact of GLP-1 weight loss drugs on the packaged food industry [1] - Despite the challenges, there is a belief that the worst may be behind Hershey, suggesting potential for recovery [1] - The company is recognized for its iconic brands, including Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat, and SkinnyPop, and offers a variety of products such as chocolates, gums, mints, and baking ingredients [2] Group 2 - While Hershey is acknowledged as a potential investment, there are opinions that certain AI stocks may present greater upside potential and lower downside risk [3]

Company Overview - The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) produces and sells a variety of confectionery and snack products under well-known brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat, and Jolly Rancher [2] Market Position - Hershey is considered to be in an "unassailable position" with commodity prices, particularly cocoa, having peaked, and there is no significant competition threatening its market dominance [1] - The company is viewed as a strong earnings play, especially among food stocks, which are performing well [1] Leadership Changes - The recent transition from CEO Michele Buck to Tanner, who has a brief tenure at Wendy's, raises concerns about leadership stability, despite Tanner's extensive background at PepsiCo [2] Investment Perspective - While Hershey is acknowledged as a potential investment, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [3]

Core Insights - The Hershey Company has appointed Natalie Rothman as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective August 18, 2025, to lead its global HR function [1][3] - Rothman has over 25 years of HR experience and is recognized for her ability to build high-performing teams and modernize HR operations across various industries [2][3] Company Overview - The Hershey Company is a leading snacks company with over 20,000 employees globally, generating more than $11.2 billion in annual revenues from over 90 brand names in approximately 80 countries [5] - The company is committed to ethical and sustainable operations, with a long history of supporting education through initiatives like the Milton Hershey School [6] Leadership Experience - Rothman previously served as CHRO at Inspire Brands, where she implemented business process automation and AI tools to modernize HR operations [3] - At Advance Auto Parts, she led efforts to drive cultural change and enhance organizational capabilities through technology [3][4] Professional Affiliations - Rothman is a member of the New York and New Jersey Bar and the Human Resources Policy Association, and serves on the boards of Udemy and Pearce Services [4]

Company Overview - The Hershey Company is an industry-leading snacks company generating over $11.2 billion in annual revenues and operating in approximately 70 countries with a workforce of more than 20,000 employees [4]. - The company's portfolio includes well-known chocolate and confectionery brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, and popular salty snacks like SkinnyPop and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels [4]. Leadership Transition - Kirk Tanner has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hershey Company, bringing extensive experience from his previous role as CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America, where he oversaw a $28 billion business [1][2]. - Tanner's leadership is expected to focus on core brand growth, innovation, operational excellence, and accelerating new unit growth globally [2]. - Mary Kay Haben, Lead Independent Director, praised Tanner's proven leadership in driving growth in complex global businesses and his commitment to engaging with employees, the community, and stockholders [3]. Strategic Vision - Tanner emphasized the importance of understanding and delighting consumers, building strong partnerships with customers, and investing in colleagues as the three pillars that will guide Hershey's strategic decisions [3]. - The company aims to advance its ambition of becoming a Leading Snacking Powerhouse, leveraging Tanner's experience in snacks, beverages, M&A, and innovation [3]. Legacy and Future Direction - The previous CEO, Michele Buck, was recognized for her exceptional leadership and for guiding Hershey through multiple phases of transformational growth, leaving a legacy that positions the company well for the future [3]. - Tanner expressed his honor in leading a company he has long admired and his commitment to making a difference with beloved brands [3].