Dernières nouvelles pour Hershey (NYSE:HSY) Stock

HERSHEY CO/THE

Hershey

Hershey is a leading US confectionery manufacturer (around a $54 billion market, according to Euromonitor), controlling around 36% of the domestic chocolate space. 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 US, 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, Pirate Brands, and Dot's Pretzels over the past few years.

The Hershey Co

HARMONIC DRIVE SYS INC by Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.

Harmonic Drive Systems Inc

<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/47111/000004711125000047/exhibit991-2025asmpresenta.htm" title="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/47111/000004711125000047/exhibit991-2025asmpresenta.htm">https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/47111/000004711125000047/exhibit991-2025asmpresenta.htm</a>

News

Guidance

General

Hershey Sees Outlook Long Term Net Sales Growth 2%-4%; Adj EPS Growth 6%-8%

Barclays analyst Andrew Lazar maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $160 to $165.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on Hershey, Raises Price Target to $165

DA Davidson analyst Brian Holland maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $162 to $163.

DA Davidson Maintains Neutral on Hershey, Raises Price Target to $163

UBS analyst Peter Grom maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $175 to $170.

UBS Maintains Neutral on Hershey, Lowers Price Target to $170

RBC Capital analyst Nik Modi maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Sector Perform and lowers the price target from $178 to $175.

RBC Capital Maintains Sector Perform on Hershey, Lowers Price Target to $175

Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) shares are<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket"> trading lower in premarket</a> on Thursday after its first-quarter FY25 earnings.
The company reported a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/05/n45129351/hershey-reports-first-quarter-2025-financial-results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">13.7% year-over-year decline in first-quarter revenue</a> to $2.81 billion, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $2.79 billion.
Hershey's North America Confectionery segment net sales declined 15% year-over-year to $ 2.3 billion. Sales for Hershey's International segment decreased 15.9% to $227.5 million.
Gross margin contracted 1780 basis points Y/Y to 33.7%, and gross profit plunged 43.6% Y/Y to $944.3 million.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/downgrades/25/04/45117074/starbucks-faces-brand-margin-headwinds-as-analysts-react-to-disappointing-q2">Starbucks Faces Brand, Margin Headwinds As Analysts React To Disappointing Q2</a>
The operating margin compressed by 1930 basis points to 13.2%, and the operating income for the quarter slumped 65.1% to $369.2 million.
Adjusted EPS of $2.09 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">beat the consensus</a> estimate of $1.95. Hershey held $1.51 billion in cash and equivalents as of the end of March.
&#8220;Despite heightened cost pressure, our strong balance sheet gives us flexibility to invest in the business and participate in recent strategic acquisitions that further expand our better-for-you portfolio and drive long-term value creation," said CEO and president Michele Buck.
Outlook: Hershey reaffirmed FY25 net sales growth of at least 2% (more than $11.43 billion with an estimate of $11.41 billion) and adjusted EPS of $6.00 &#8211; $6.18 against the consensus of $6.13.
Tariff expense, as understood today, is expected to be approximately&nbsp;$15 million&nbsp;to&nbsp;$20 million&nbsp;in the second quarter.
Price Action: HSY shares traded lower by 2.51% at $163.00 in premarket at last check Thursday.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Earnings

Why Is Chocolate Maker Hershey's Stock Sliding Today?

Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) raises FY2025 GAAP EPS guidance from $5.54-$5.86 to $5.55-$5.87 vs $5.80 analyst estimate..

Hershey Raises FY2025 GAAP EPS Guidance from $5.54-$5.86 to $5.55-$5.87 vs $5.80 Est

Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) affirms FY2025 Adj EPS guidance from $6.00-$6.18 to $6.00-$6.18 vs $6.13 analyst estimate. FY2025 Revenue expected to be more than $11.43B vs $11.41B Est

Hershey Affirms FY2025 Adj EPS Guidance of $6.00-$6.18 vs $6.13 Est; FY2025  Revenue expected to be more than $11.43B vs $11.41B Est

Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $2.09 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.95 by 7.18 percent. This is a 31.92 percent decrease over earnings of $3.07 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $2.81 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $2.79 billion by 0.38 percent. This is a 13.77 percent decrease over sales of $3.25 billion the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Hershey Q1 Adj. EPS $2.09 Beats $1.95 Estimate, Sales $2.81B Beat $2.79B Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For May 1, 2025

Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) will release its quarterly earnings report on Thursday, 2025-05-01. Here's a brief overview for investors ahead of the announcement.
Analysts anticipate Hershey to report an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.95.
The announcement from Hershey is eagerly anticipated, with investors seeking news of surpassing estimates and favorable guidance for the next quarter.
It's worth noting for new investors that guidance can be a key determinant of stock price movements.
<h3>Earnings History Snapshot</h3>
In the previous earnings release, the company beat EPS by $0.31, leading to a 1.7% increase in the share price the following trading session.
Here's a look at Hershey's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q4 2024</th>
<th>Q3 2024</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>2.38</td>
<td>2.56</td>
<td>1.44</td>
<td>2.79</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>2.69</td>
<td>2.34</td>
<td>1.27</td>
<td>3.07</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
<td>-0.0%</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746021769_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Stock Performance</h3>
Shares of Hershey were trading at $165.07 as of April 29. Over the last 52-week period, shares are down 14.74%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are likely bearish going into this earnings release. 
<h3>Analyst Observations about Hershey</h3>
For investors, staying informed about market sentiments and expectations in the industry is paramount. This analysis provides an exploration of the latest insights on Hershey.
Analysts have given Hershey a total of 11 ratings, with the consensus rating being Neutral. The average one-year price target is $159.36, indicating a potential 3.46% downside.
<h3>Comparing Ratings Among Industry Peers</h3>
The below comparison of the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Kraft Heinz, General Mills and Tyson Foods, three prominent players in the industry, gives insights for their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
<ul>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for Kraft Heinz, with an average 1-year price target of $29.75, suggesting a potential 81.98% downside.</li>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for General Mills, with an average 1-year price target of $62.25, suggesting a potential 62.29% downside.</li>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for Tyson Foods, with an average 1-year price target of $60.33, suggesting a potential 63.45% downside.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis Summary for Peers</h3>
The peer analysis summary offers a detailed examination of key metrics for Kraft Heinz, General Mills and Tyson Foods, providing valuable insights into their respective standings within the industry and their market positions and comparative performance.

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Consensus</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
<th>Gross Profit</th>
<th>Return on Equity</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Hershey</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>8.67%</td>
<td>$1.56B</td>
<td>17.86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kraft Heinz</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>-4.14%</td>
<td>$2.25B</td>
<td>4.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Mills</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>-5.04%</td>
<td>$1.64B</td>
<td>6.78%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyson Foods</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>2.28%</td>
<td>$1.09B</td>
<td>1.95%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Key Takeaway:
Hershey ranks at the top for Revenue Growth and Gross Profit among its peers. It is in the middle for Return on Equity.
<h3>Unveiling the Story Behind Hershey</h3>
Hershey is a leading US confectionery manufacturer (around a $54 billion market, according to Euromonitor), controlling around 36% of the domestic chocolate space. 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 US, 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, Pirate Brands, and Dot's Pretzels over the past few years.
<h3>Financial Insights: Hershey</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With a profound presence, the company's market capitalization is above industry averages. This reflects substantial size and strong market recognition.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Hershey showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 8.67% as of 31 December, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: Hershey's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 27.59%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Hershey's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 17.86% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 6.23%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 1.16, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HSY/earnings">To track all earnings releases for Hershey visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

What to Expect from Hershey's Earnings

Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. Hormel Foods, Hershey, and Horace Mann Educators have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of over 3%.
Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HRL#NYSE">HRL</a>) develops, processes, and distributes various meat, nuts, and other food products to foodservice, convenience store, and commercial customers in the U.S. and internationally.
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<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
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Hormel Foods has increased its dividends consecutively for the last 59 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Nov. 25, its board raised the quarterly payout by 3% to $0.29 per share, which is equal to an annual figure of $1.16 per share. More recently, in its March 24 dividend announcement, the company kept the payout unchanged at that level. Currently, the dividend yield is 3.82%.
Hormel Foods' annual revenue as of Jan. 31 stood at $11.91 billion. In its latest earnings release on Feb. 27, the company posted Q1 2025&nbsp; revenues of $2.99 billion, above the consensus estimate of $2.93 billion, while EPS of $0.35 missed the consensus of $0.38.
How much would it take to earn $100 a month from Hormel Foods stock? Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43077758/how-much-would-it-take-to-earn-100-a-month-from-hormel-foods-stock">article by Benzinga</a> to learn more.
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Hershey
Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) manufactures and sells confectionery products and pantry items in the U.S. and internationally.
Hershey has raised its dividends every year for the last 15 years. In its latest dividend hike announcement on Feb. 8, 2024, the company increased the quarterly payout from $1.19 to $1.37 per share, equal to an annual figure of $5.48 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on Feb. 6, it maintained the payout at the same level. The dividend yield on the stock currently stands at 3.29%.
Hershey's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $11.20 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 6, the company posted revenues of $2.89 billion and EPS of $2.69. Both figures beat the consensus estimates.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
Horace Mann Educators
Horace Mann Educators (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HMN#NYSE">HMN</a>) operates as an insurance holding company in the U.S.&nbsp;
The company has increased its dividends consecutively for the last 15 years. As per its most recent dividend hike announcement on March 3, it raised the quarterly payout by 3% to $0.35 per share, equaling an annual figure of $1.40 per share. Currently, the dividend is 3.60%.
Horace Mann Educators' annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $1.55 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 5, the company posted revenues of $409 million, below the consensus estimate of $418.33 million, while EPS of $1.62 beat the consensus of $1.03.
Hormel Foods, Hershey, and Horace Mann Educators are good choices for investors seeking reliable passive income. Their dividend yields of over 3% and long history of consistent hikes make them attractive to income-focused investors.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44890180/why-hp-altria-and-terreno-realty-are-winners-for-passive-income">article by Benzinga</a> for three more stocks offering high dividend yields.&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

How Hormel Foods, Hershey, And Horace Mann Educators Can Put Cash In Your Pocket

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply#:~:text=%E2%80%9CToday%2C%20the%20FDA%20is%20asking,obesity%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20ADHD" title="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply#:~:text=%E2%80%9CToday%2C%20the%20FDA%20is%20asking,obesity%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20ADHD">https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply#:~:text=%E2%80%9CToday%2C%20the%20FDA%20is%20asking,obesity%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20ADHD</a>.
<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply#:~:text=%E2%80%9CToday%2C%20the%20FDA%20is%20asking,obesity%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20ADHD" title="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply#:~:text=%E2%80%9CToday%2C%20the%20FDA%20is%20asking,obesity%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20ADHD">https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply#:~:text=%E2%80%9CToday%2C%20the%20FDA%20is%20asking,obesity%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20ADHD</a>.

MNST

U.S. FDA Commissioner Makary Says FDA Is Taking Action To Remove Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes From Food Supply And Medications; FDA Food Policy Is Justified By Studies Raising Concern About Link Between Dyes And Health Conditions

Chocolate lovers are in for a rude awakening this Easter, with their favorite bars, cherished brands, and even the iconic Cadbury Creme Egg are significantly dearer compared to prior years.
The 370% rally in cocoa prices, from $2,600 a ton in 2023 to $12,200 in April 2024, is more than just a bitter pill for consumers. It is weighing on the entire supply chain, from farmers and traders to confectionery giants and small chocolatiers alike.
While prices have stabilized this year, they are still well above historic averages at $7,750 a ton, and analysts warn that there is little relief on the horizon.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Turmoil In West Africa &#8211; Poor Weather, Crop Failures &amp; Floods</h2>
The world produces nearly 6 million tonnes of cocoa beans each year, with two-thirds of them coming from the West African nations of Ghana and Ivory Coast. Starting with the 2022-23 cocoa season, however, the region has been hit by a perfect storm of floods, crop failures, and shifting weather patterns.
According to the International Cocoa Association, the global market has faced three consecutive years of deficit, the latest being a 150,000 tonne deficit during the 2024-25 season.&nbsp;
Following devastating floods that wiped out key growing regions, the extra dry Harmattan season roasted the cocoa pods, according to a <a href="https://think.ing.com/articles/cocoa-deficit-concerns-grow-chocolate-prices-record/">report</a> by ING Group analysts. Harmattan refers to dusty easterly or north-easterly winds on the West African coast that prevail between December to February. 
To make matters worse, nearly 600,000 hectares of the 1.4 million hectares of land in Ghana that is under cocoa production has been infected with Swollen Foot Virus, which affects cocoa trees, harming their yield, and ultimately killing them, according to Reuters.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="710" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-1024x710.png" alt="" class="wp-image-878110" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-1024x710.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-300x208.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-768x532.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Chart representing Cocoa prices in USD per Tonne: source: tradingeconomics.com
Even as the dust settles on these issues, climate change-driven shifting weather patterns are threatening to destroy West Africa's cocoa industry for good.
Max Dugan-Knight, a climate data scientist at Deep Sky, a Canadian carbon capture startup, says that cocoa is grown in tropical climates, but persistent temperatures above 90°F kill cocoa trees. Both Ivory Coast and Ghana now see extended periods above these thresholds every year.
Climate change is causing more extreme heat, extreme precipitation, and larger swings between hot and cold and wet and dry. None of that is good for crops like cocoa, he adds.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariffs &amp; Other Structural Issues</h2>
While critical problems continue to persist across key areas of the supply, new structural issues have since cropped up, further adding to the complexity of this crisis.
With just two days left for Easter, the White House is planning its annual Easter Egg Roll, a time-honored tradition going back nearly 150 years. The event will use 30,000 real eggs, but for those who want to celebrate with chocolate Easter Bunnies and eggs, things aren't as festive.
Recently, the U.S. Government <a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44616760/donald-trump-sets-reciprocal-tariffs-on-key-trade-partners-in-historic-policy-shock">imposed reciprocal tariffs</a> of 21% on the Ivory Coast and 10% on Ghana, making cocoa more expensive for importers and chocolate producers located in the United States. To make matters worse, no region in the U.S. besides small parts of Hawaii is suitable for cultivating cocoa.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shrinkflation Takes Hold of Big Chocolate</h2>
The big chocolate and confectionery companies such as Hershey Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) and Mondelez International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>), which owns Cadbury's, have come under pressure from rising raw material prices, but not to the extent that was expected.
While cocoa prices have rallied over 300%, Hershey's has raised prices by 12% to 13% for some products, Mondelez by less than 10% for its chocolate products, while other popular brands such as Lindt &amp; Spruengli AG have hiked prices by 6.5%.
According to the consumer price index, the retail price of chocolate has increased by 3% over the past year. A part of this was owing to the extensive hedging strategies and long-term contracts used by the big companies to handle volatility, but that doesn't last very long.
As cocoa prices show no signs of retreating, companies have begun employing other strategies to maintain their prices and margins in the long run.&nbsp;
This includes a reduction in product sizes, or ‘Shrinkflation,' along with changing formulations, with some products now labeled &#8220;chocolatey&#8221; or &#8220;chocolate flavored&#8221; to reflect reduced cocoa content, according to a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-29/rising-cocoa-prices-drive-mars-hersey-to-use-less-chocolate">report</a> by Bloomberg.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small Craft Chocolatiers Are Doing Better</h2>
Smaller craft chocolatiers see an opportunity in this crisis and are using their unique niche positioning to pass on the costs to consumers.
According to Chaitanya Muppala, the CEO of Manam Chocolate, an Indian craft chocolate brand focused on ethical sourcing and sustainability, "Given that for many companies the cacao content is going to change to cushion the volatility, this stands as an opportunity for us to truly familiarize people with premium quality, world-class chocolate."
Muppala adds that fine flavor cacao that craft chocolatiers work with has always traded at a premium to bulk cacao, and while the gap has narrowed, it still trades at a considerable premium. "We don't bother much about spot cacao prices," he says.
According to Carla Martin, director of the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute at Harvard University, there are 400 specialty chocolate companies in the U.S., a number that has doubled since 2017. She now worries that the rising prices alongside the new tariffs by the Trump administration could kill this nascent industry, as <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/01/03/climate-related-cocoa-shortages-put-strain-on-the-global-chocolate-industry">reported</a> by The Marketplace. &nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Easter Bunnies: More Expensive Than Ever, Not Getting Any Cheaper</h2>
Chocolate Easter bunnies, already costlier to produce due to their intricate shapes, are expected to see price increases, with German manufacturers reporting bunnies are 2 to 3 times more expensive than regular chocolate bars, according to a <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/germany-high-global-cocoa-prices-hamper-easter-bunny-output/a-72220808">report</a> by DW.&nbsp;
Cocoa's rally has turned a holiday indulgence into a bellwether for climate resilience and trade policy. Whether the industry can channel record prices into better farm incomes and sustainable replanting will determine if the current boom ends in relief, or another meltdown the following Easter.
Photo Courtesy: LenaAndPhoto via Shutterstock.com
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Easter Candy Sticker Shock: Trump Tariffs And Climate Threaten to Make Your Chocolate Bunny A Luxury Item

UBS analyst Peter Grom maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $159 to $175.

UBS Maintains Neutral on Hershey, Raises Price Target to $175

Morgan Stanley analyst Megan Alexander maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $183 to $177.

Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-Weight on Hershey, Lowers Price Target to $177

It&#8217;s been a week since the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) jumped 5.39% by afternoon in a surprise midday rally, up from an intraday low of $23.88 to a high of $25.79, before closing further up at $25.87. The price has remained elevated, albeit 1.7% lower than last Wednesday.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/04/44824711/etfs-for-the-brave-are-these-high-octane-funds-your-best-bet-to-ride-an-upward-market-">ETFs For The Brave: Are These High-Octane Funds Your Best Bet To Ride An Upward Market Swing?</a>
The spike, which caught traders off guard after a relatively quiet morning of April 9, suggested a potential surge of institutional buying or tactical reallocations—possibly tied to rebalancing or changing interest rate expectations.
While the specific volume figures have not yet been validated, the distinctive price action was noteworthy, particularly relative to key benchmarks such as the S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), both of which also had positive momentum that day. Neither one, however, even came close to SCHD&#8217;s stunning percentage increase.
Market observers suspect this action could be indicative of a wider value and dividend-rich stock rotation, as inflationary anxiety and interest rate uncertainty drive investors onto firmer ground. With mega-cap growth leaders such as Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) experiencing double-digit intraday gains, sentiment among ETFs was positive. However, SCHD&#8217;s strength could also be an indicator of something more profound: a reversion to fundamentals.
A Decade Of Discipline: Why SCHD Matters Now
While Wall Street weathers yet another round of tariff-induced volatility, investors yearn for consistency. Boasting a 3.96% SEC 30-day <a href="https://www.schwabassetmanagement.com/products/schd">yield</a>, dividend <a href="https://stockanalysis.com/etf/schd/history/">yield </a>of 4.09%, a sub-0.06% expense ratio, and a long-term value-oriented approach, SCHD has quietly established itself as a steady performer in trying times.
Following the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, SCHD filters for U.S. stocks with 10 or more years of unbroken dividend growth, sorting them by financial stability, cash flow health, return on equity and dividend track record. The outcome? A concentrated portfolio of dividend champions such as Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) and Altria (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>)—names that have performed better than broader benchmarks through previous crises, including the 2008 meltdown.
Structure Built For Stability
SCHD&#8217;s durability is supported by its diversified strategy. Diversified over 103 holdings in seven sectors—financials (19%), healthcare (17%) and consumer staples (14%), the ETF is sector-diversified while remaining underweight in tech, which overhangs competitors such as the S&amp;P 500, where tech companies alone constitute almost 30%.
This conservative bias translates to a lower beta of 0.81 (a beta of less than 1 means lower vulnerability to volatility) and less downside risk. During previous downturns, staples sectors fell only 20% versus 30%+ declines in tech-heavy indexes, according to Money Morning. When Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) fell 17% earlier this year, SCHD remained steadfast, thanks to its sector capping (no sector >25%) and single-stock exposure limits (no stock >4%).
What&#8217;s Next?
SCHD&#8217;s performance will be shaped by the prospects of its current holdings. Among those with high upside potential are:
Inter Parfums (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPAR#NASDAQ">IPAR</a>)
Murphy Oil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MUR#NYSE">MUR</a>)
Kforce (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KFRC#NYSE">KFRC</a>)
Conversely, some caution is perhaps justified with:
CNA Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNA#NYSE">CNA</a>)
The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>)
Watsco (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSO#NYSE">WSO</a>)
Bottom Line
SCHD doesn&#8217;t pursue hype; it accumulates quietly through consistency. With $65.6 billion in assets and a 53% 5-year total return, it continues to provide a compelling combination of income, value and stability. Its dividend payout ratio of 61.07% and its 16.67% dividend raise last year highlight the fund&#8217;s power of income.
In a world where sentiment and speculation wildly fluctuate, SCHD is a north star for long-term investors because it provides not just peace of mind but reliable outcomes.
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Citigroup analyst Thomas Palmer maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $173 to $165.

Citigroup Maintains Neutral on Hershey, Lowers Price Target to $165

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Shares of consumer staple companies are trading higher following President Trump's decision to implement a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for all countries except China.

Hershey's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) short percent of float has risen 5.28% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 8.33 million shares sold short, which is 6.38% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.15 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Hershey Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744207224_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Hershey has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Hershey's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Hershey's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.02%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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