Zacks Investment Management Adds $8M in The Hershey Company ($HSY)
Zacks Investment Management boosted its holdings in Hershey by 27%, now holding 200,228 shares.
Key Points
- Zacks Investment Management increased its stake in The Hershey Company by 27%, adding 43,132 shares, now totaling 200,228 shares valued at approximately $36.4 million.
- Hershey's stock, trading near $181.66, has a market cap of about $36.85 billion with a forward P/E ratio of 18.28.
- Insider sales at Hershey included planned transactions by Hershey Trust Co, while analysts have set price targets ranging from $185 to $227.
Important disclosure: Podchat is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, or financial planner. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Content may be generated by automated systems using public filings, market data, and third-party sources, and may contain errors or omissions. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance, insider activity, analyst ratings, price targets, sentiment scores, and hypothetical or backtested results are not guarantees of future performance. Please do your own research and consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions.
Zacks Investment Management has increased its stake in The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) by about 27%. According to its latest 13F filing with the SEC, the fund added 43,132 shares, bringing its total holdings to 200,228 shares valued at approximately $36.4 million as of the reporting period.
What Changed in Zacks Investment Management's Hershey Position
Zacks Investment Management's recent filing shows a notable boost in its Hershey holdings. The fund raised its stake by 43,132 shares from a previous count of 157,096 shares, marking a 27% increase. This move brings its total holdings to 200,228 shares, valued at around $36.4 million.
Other Institutional Activity in Hershey
Among other institutional investors, BlackRock, Inc. grew its holdings by 865,242 shares, ending with 12,780,486 shares worth about $2.66 billion. Vanguard Capital Management LLC entered with 9,626,691 shares valued at $2.00 billion. State Street Corp added 121,771 shares, bringing its total to 7,320,055 shares valued at $1.52 billion. Meanwhile, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. reduced its position by 1,016,903 shares, holding 4,298,750 shares worth $893.67 million.
The Hershey Company Stock Down 2.0%
Shares of The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) traded around $181.66 recently. The company has a market capitalization of approximately $36.85 billion and a forward P/E ratio of 18.28. Hershey's stock has experienced a 52-week low of $160.07 and a high of $239.48. The stock's 50-day moving average is $190.63, while its 200-day moving average is $193.93. The company maintains a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 120.01.
Recent Earnings
Hershey reported revenue of $11.99 billion, reflecting a growth of 10.6%. The company achieved a net margin of 9.13% and a return on equity of 23.23%. Earnings per share stood at $5.38. The company's next earnings report is expected on July 30, 2026.
Dividend
The Hershey Company offers an annual dividend rate of $5.81, yielding 3.2% with a payout ratio of 103.58%.
Insider Buying and Selling at The Hershey Company
Recently, Hershey Trust Co, acting as a trustee for Milton Hershey School, executed several planned sales. From June 3 to June 10, 2026, the trust sold 10,000 shares each day at prices ranging from $175.47 to $185.12.
Analysts Set New Price Targets
Analysts have maintained various ratings on Hershey. On May 20, 2026, Mizuho maintained a hold rating with a $185 price target. DA Davidson and Barclays, on May 4, both maintained hold ratings with targets of $208 and $220, respectively. TD Cowen upgraded the stock to a buy on May 1, with a target of $210. The consensus among 22 analysts is a buy, with a mean price target of $217.14.
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a leading confectionery manufacturer. It operates through segments like North America Confectionery, Salty Snacks, and International. Hershey's wide product range includes chocolates, gums, mints, and snacks under brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, and Kit Kat. Founded in 1894, the company serves customers in over 65 countries.
Bottom Line
Zacks Investment Management's increased stake in Hershey reflects its confidence in the confectionery giant. Investors track these filings to understand institutional sentiment, though it's important to remember that 13F filings are backward-looking and may not represent current positions. Hershey's strong market position and diverse product offerings continue to attract investor interest.
Get The Hershey Company alerts
New 13F filings, insider trades, and analyst moves on $HSY, sent to your inbox. Free, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
This instant news alert was generated by automated narrative technology and financial data from Podchat and public regulatory filings. It is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.