Key Takeaways Hershey is focused on strengthening innovation, supply-chain agility and commercial execution.Moody's is expanding via acquisitions, while CBRE benefits from diversification and outsourcing strength.Mettler-Toledo and Zebra Technologies are driven by innovation, automation demand and digital expansion.The wide moat strategy involves investing in companies that not only lead their industries but are also strategically fortified to maintain dominance in the future. The business models of these c ...

For those looking to find strong Consumer Staples stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is Hershey (HSY) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Consumer Staples peers, we might be able to answer that question.Hershey is a member of our Consumer Staples group, which includes 178 different companies and currently sits at #13 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the s ...

Core Viewpoint - Hershey Company is recognized for its strong market presence in the confectionery industry and is currently trading above the price target set by Mizuho Securities, indicating potential overvaluation, yet it is positioned for exceptional returns due to robust growth attributes [1][6]. Group 1: Stock Performance - As of February 24, 2026, Hershey's stock (HSY) was trading at $226.07, reflecting a price change of $4.30, or an increase of approximately 1.94% [4]. - The stock has fluctuated between a low of $218.15 and a high of $227.80 during the day, with a yearly high of $234.87 and a low of $150.04, showcasing its volatility [4]. - The current market capitalization of Hershey stands at approximately $45.84 billion, with a trading volume of 1,889,581 shares, indicating strong market presence and investor interest [5][6]. Group 2: Growth Potential - Zacks Investment Research recommends Hershey, highlighting its favorable Growth Score and top Zacks Rank, suggesting strong future growth prospects [2][6]. - The Zacks Growth Style Score system evaluates Hershey's real growth potential beyond traditional metrics, supporting a positive outlook for the company [3]. - Hershey is considered a cutting-edge growth stock that could consistently outperform the market, making it an attractive option for growth investors [3].

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street began 2026 positively after a significant bull run over the past three years, with optimism that the upward trend in U.S. stock markets will persist this year despite fluctuations in February due to concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) trade [1] Group 1: Investment Opportunities - It is advisable to invest in U.S. giants with a market capitalization over $30 billion and a favorable Zacks Rank, with five highlighted stocks: The Hershey Co. (HSY), Tapestry Inc. (TPR), FedEx Corp. (FDX), Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM), and Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) [2] - Each of the selected stocks carries either a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [2] Group 2: The Hershey Co. (HSY) - Hershey is focused on innovation, supply-chain agility, and commercial execution, expanding its presence in the snacking category [5] - The company is undergoing a multi-year transformation to modernize its supply chain and enhance demand forecasting, supported by investments in data and digital tools [6] - HSY's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 4.4% and 27.1%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.62% [7] Group 3: Tapestry Inc. (TPR) - Tapestry is strengthening its position as a global house of brands, driven by strong performance from Coach, particularly among Gen Z consumers [9] - TPR's adjusted gross margin increased by 110 basis points in Q2 of fiscal 2026, with projected revenues above $7.75 billion and EPS between $6.40 and $6.45 [10] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for TPR are 9.6% and 23.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.02% [11] Group 4: FedEx Corp. (FDX) - FedEx is implementing cost realignment initiatives under the DRIVE program, achieving annual cost savings of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2025 [12] - The company returned $4.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks in fiscal 2025, exceeding its target [13] - FDX's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.6% and 1.5%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.49% [14] Group 5: Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) - Howmet Aerospace is benefiting from strong momentum in the commercial aerospace market and rising defense budgets [15] - The company has a solid liquidity position supporting shareholder-friendly policies, with robust orders for defense aerospace units [16] - HWM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 11% and 20.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 0.19% [17] Group 6: Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) - Southwest Airlines is experiencing improved air travel demand, with expectations for solid revenue trends continuing into 2026 [18] - The company is focused on cost-cutting initiatives and fleet modernization, supported by a strong balance sheet [19] - LUV's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 12.8% and over 100%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.38% [21]

Growth investors focus on stocks that are seeing above-average financial growth, as this feature helps these securities garner the market's attention and deliver solid returns. But finding a growth stock that can live up to its true potential can be a tough task.In addition to volatility, these stocks carry above-average risk by their very nature. Also, one could end up losing from a stock whose growth story is actually over or nearing its end.However, it's pretty easy to find cutting-edge growth stocks wit ...

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 ...

Market Overview - Wall Street began 2026 positively after a significant bull run over the past three years, but U.S. stock markets experienced fluctuations in February due to concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) trade [1] - Investors are moving away from tech stocks amid growing worries about the downsides of AI stocks, leading to a continued selloff as fears increase about the potential of AI stocks compared to the substantial investments in the sector [1] Investment Strategy - It is advisable to invest in high dividend-paying corporate giants, which typically possess strong financial positions, robust business models, and globally recognized brand value, providing a steady income stream during market fluctuations [2] Stock Recommendations - Five stocks with a top Zacks Rank are identified as strong investment opportunities: - AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) - Ford Motor Co. (F) - The Hershey Co. (HSY) - Rio Tinto Group (RIO) - BHP Group Ltd. (BHP) - Each of these stocks currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [3] Company Profiles AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) - Operates as a gold mining company with a focus on Africa, Australia, and the Americas, primarily exploring for gold and producing silver and sulphuric acid as by-products [6] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 22.5% and 52.9%, respectively, with a 10% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [7] - Current dividend yield stands at 3.36% [7] Ford Motor Co. (F) - Generated $187 billion in revenues in 2025, marking its fifth consecutive year of revenue growth, with the Ford Pro unit being a key growth driver [8][9] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 0.3% and 39.5%, respectively, with a 3.4% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [11] - Current dividend yield is 4.33% [11] The Hershey Co. (HSY) - Focused on innovation, supply-chain agility, and commercial execution, expanding its presence in the snacking category [12] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 4.4% and 27.1%, respectively, with a 15.9% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [14] - Current dividend yield is 2.62% [14] Rio Tinto Group (RIO) - An international mining company with interests in various minerals, including aluminum, copper, and iron ore, with operations in multiple countries [15] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 10% and 19%, respectively, with a 9% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [16] - Current dividend yield is 2.98% [16] BHP Group Ltd. (BHP) - Experienced a 1% dip in iron ore output, while copper production increased by 4% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, projecting iron ore production of 258-269 million tons for fiscal 2026 [17][9] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are -4.1% and 29.1%, respectively, with a 0.4% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last seven days [19] - Current dividend yield is 3.18% [19]

A bitter taste in the world of chocolate. Brad Reese, the grandson of the inventor of the iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, posting an open letter to Hershey on LinkedIn, saying it is quietly replacing the very ingredients that built Reese's trust in the first place. Some experts say it has to do with cost.The price of cocoa skyrocketed over the past two years due to climate impacts in West Africa, and that caused some brands to swap in different ingredients. Now, Reese telling the AP he recently threw out ...

Group 1 - The grandson of the founder of Reese's Peanut Butter Cup claims that Hershey has replaced high-quality ingredients with lower-quality alternatives since acquiring the brand [1][2] - Allegations include the substitution of real milk chocolate with a cheap compound coating made from vegetable oils and the replacement of real peanut butter with peanut butter flavored creams [1][2] - The grandson expresses embarrassment over the changes, stating that the quality of ingredients has decreased while prices remain the same, potentially with smaller product sizes [2]

Core Viewpoint - The grandson of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup inventor publicly criticizes The Hershey Company for allegedly changing the recipe of certain Reese's products, replacing traditional ingredients with lower-cost substitutes [1][2]. Company Summary - Brad Reese, the grandson of H.B. Reese, claims that Hershey has replaced milk chocolate and peanut butter in some Reese's products with compound coatings and peanut-butter-style crèmes [2][3]. - He expressed disappointment after purchasing Reese's Unwrapped Chocolate Peanut Butter Creme Mini Hearts, stating that the product was inedible due to the absence of milk chocolate and peanut butter, which were replaced by vegetable oils and fats [4]. - Hershey maintains that its flagship Reese's Peanut Butter Cups remain unchanged, asserting that they still use fresh peanuts and milk chocolate [7][8]. - The company acknowledged that it has made recipe adjustments to accommodate new shapes and variations while claiming to protect the essence of the brand [9]. Industry Context - The chocolate industry has been under significant cost pressures, with cocoa prices reaching record highs in late 2024, prompting several chocolate makers, including Hershey, to adjust their recipes [12]. - Hershey announced price increases across its candy portfolio due to unprecedented rises in cocoa costs, although cocoa prices have since dropped due to weakening demand and improved supply conditions [12][13].