Hershey vs General Mills
This page compares Hershey and General Mills, examining each company’s business models, financial performance, and market context in clear, neutral terms. It explains how their strategies shape outcomes and how different markets influence their position. Educational content, not financial advice.
This page compares Hershey and General Mills, examining each company’s business models, financial performance, and market context in clear, neutral terms. It explains how their strategies shape outcom...
Why It's Moving
Hershey Stock Climbs on Analyst Upgrades and Cocoa Cost Relief Ahead of Earnings.
- DA Davidson hiked its price target to $207 from $185, citing cocoa deflation and tariff relief that could restore earnings power for fiscal 2027.
- Piper Sandler upgraded to Overweight with a $213 target, highlighting cocoa cost relief providing flexibility for growth and higher margins.
- Shares gained 4.7% over the past month, beating the Consumer Staples sector, amid positive estimate revisions signaling analyst confidence.
General Mills Beats Q2 Earnings Forecasts, Sparking Pre-Market Gains Amid Strategic Optimism
- EPS beat estimates by 7.84% at $1.10 versus $1.02 expected, with revenue topping $4.78 billion forecast, boosting pre-market stock rise of 1.55%.
- Strong progress on 'remarkability agenda' drove better volume and sales trends quarter-over-quarter, led by brands like Old El Paso, Nature Valley, and pet food lines Tastefuls and Tiki Cat.
- Guidance held steady for fiscal 2026 with organic net sales flat to up 1% and second-half improvements expected from innovations, offsetting profit pressures from investments and divestitures.
Hershey Stock Climbs on Analyst Upgrades and Cocoa Cost Relief Ahead of Earnings.
- DA Davidson hiked its price target to $207 from $185, citing cocoa deflation and tariff relief that could restore earnings power for fiscal 2027.
- Piper Sandler upgraded to Overweight with a $213 target, highlighting cocoa cost relief providing flexibility for growth and higher margins.
- Shares gained 4.7% over the past month, beating the Consumer Staples sector, amid positive estimate revisions signaling analyst confidence.
General Mills Beats Q2 Earnings Forecasts, Sparking Pre-Market Gains Amid Strategic Optimism
- EPS beat estimates by 7.84% at $1.10 versus $1.02 expected, with revenue topping $4.78 billion forecast, boosting pre-market stock rise of 1.55%.
- Strong progress on 'remarkability agenda' drove better volume and sales trends quarter-over-quarter, led by brands like Old El Paso, Nature Valley, and pet food lines Tastefuls and Tiki Cat.
- Guidance held steady for fiscal 2026 with organic net sales flat to up 1% and second-half improvements expected from innovations, offsetting profit pressures from investments and divestitures.
Investment Analysis
Hershey
HSY
Pros
- Hershey reported 6.2% organic sales growth under CEO Kirk Tanner’s leadership, indicating solid top-line expansion.
- The company has a diversified product portfolio including confectionery, pantry items, and snacks across multiple global markets.
- Hershey maintains a strong dividend yield of over 3%, reflecting consistent shareholder returns.
Considerations
- The adjusted gross margin deteriorated significantly by 850 basis points to 31.8%, signaling margin pressure.
- Stock sentiment is currently bearish with moderate price volatility, and analyst consensus leans toward hold or reduce ratings.
- Shares trade at a relatively high forward P/E ratio exceeding 26, suggesting valuation risk amidst slowing growth.
Pros
- General Mills has a broad consumer foods portfolio with stable revenues around $4.5 billion from recent data.
- The company shows a higher dividend yield of approximately 4.8%, appealing for income-focused investors.
- General Mills holds substantial equity capital and reserves, supporting financial stability and debt management.
Considerations
- General Mills carries a high debt load nearing $14.4 billion, which may constrain financial flexibility and increase interest costs.
- The company’s earnings per share are modest at about $0.33, reflecting lower profitability compared to peers.
- Operating expenses are significant, and EBIT margins remain limited, indicating operational efficiency challenges.
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Hershey (HSY) Next Earnings Date
Hershey (HSY) is scheduled to report its next earnings on Thursday, February 5, 2026, before market open at 8:30 AM ET. This release will cover the Q4 2025 fiscal quarter ending December 2025. The date aligns with the company's historical pattern of early February reporting for year-end results.
General Mills (GIS) Next Earnings Date
General Mills' next earnings announcement is estimated for March 18, 2026, though the company has not yet officially confirmed this date. This report will cover the company's Q3 2026 fiscal quarter results. Based on historical reporting patterns, the earnings release is expected to occur before market open, followed by a conference call with management. Analysts are currently projecting an EPS of $0.82 for this quarter.
Hershey (HSY) Next Earnings Date
Hershey (HSY) is scheduled to report its next earnings on Thursday, February 5, 2026, before market open at 8:30 AM ET. This release will cover the Q4 2025 fiscal quarter ending December 2025. The date aligns with the company's historical pattern of early February reporting for year-end results.
General Mills (GIS) Next Earnings Date
General Mills' next earnings announcement is estimated for March 18, 2026, though the company has not yet officially confirmed this date. This report will cover the company's Q3 2026 fiscal quarter results. Based on historical reporting patterns, the earnings release is expected to occur before market open, followed by a conference call with management. Analysts are currently projecting an EPS of $0.82 for this quarter.
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
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Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
Winning Confectionery
This carefully curated collection features the market leaders in candy, chocolate, and sweet treats. Handpicked by our analysts, these companies deliver the small indulgences consumers consistently buy, even during economic downturns.
Published: June 17, 2025
Explore BasketFood & Drink
Hungry for an investment? These carefully selected food and beverage stocks offer a menu of growth opportunities. Our analysts have handpicked industry leaders that feed and refresh millions of customers every day.
Published: May 1, 2025
Explore BasketBuy HSY or GIS in Nemo
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