HersheyGeneral Mills

Hershey vs General Mills

This page compares Hershey and General Mills, examining each companyโ€™s business models, financial performance, and market context in clear, neutral terms. It explains how their strategies shape outcom...

Why It's Moving

Hershey

Hershey Flashes Golden Cross as Technicals Signal Short-Term Rally Potential

  • Golden cross formed as HSY broke above its 20-day moving average, reinforcing momentum after reaching key support levels.[1]
  • Nine earnings estimates raised with none lowered in the past two months, boosting the consensus outlook and Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) status.[1]
  • Shares up 0.86% to $181.61 on December 11, extending a multi-week advance amid steady volume and favorable technical signals.[2]
Sentiment:
๐ŸƒBullish
General Mills

General Mills faces pivotal earnings test amid forecasts of sharp profit and sales drop.

  • North America Retail net sales expected to tumble 14.6% year-over-year, dragging operating profit down to $649.8 million from $862.3 million, as consumers pull back on staples like cereal and yogurt.
  • EPS consensus dipped 0.11% lower in the past 30 days, with Earnings ESP at -0.14%, tilting odds against a beat despite GIS's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) status.
  • Bright spots include North America Pet sales projected up 9.4% and international up 2.8%, potentially cushioning weakness if management highlights strategic shifts on the earnings call.
Sentiment:
๐ŸปBearish

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Winning Confectionery

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

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Food & Drink

Food & 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

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Investment Analysis

Pros

  • Hershey reported 6.2% organic sales growth under CEO Kirk Tannerโ€™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 companyโ€™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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