Hershey Shares Pull Back After Salty Snacks Sales Jump 28%
Hershey’s stock has eased from its 52-week high after rising over 20% YTD, with Salty Snacks sales up 28% to $357M and cash & equivalents surging 181% to $926M. Analysts have lifted FY26 EPS forecasts by 13% to $8.16 (a 29% hike) while the yield is 2.58%.
1. Stock Pullback
Hershey’s shares have eased from their 52-week high after climbing over 20% year to date on the back of its Q4 earnings beat, reinforcing the stock’s defensive appeal during market swings.
2. Salty Snacks Growth
The Salty Snacks segment delivered a 28% year-over-year sales increase to $357 million in Q4, reflecting successful portfolio diversification beyond Hershey’s core chocolate products.
3. Cash Flow and Dividends
Cash and equivalents have surged 181% over five years to $926 million, supporting annual operating cash flow above $2 billion, a 15-year streak of dividend increases and a 2.58% yield.
4. EPS Revisions and Valuation
Q4 EPS topped expectations by 22%, prompting analysts to raise FY26 forecasts by 13% to $8.16 per share (a 29% rise), while the shares trade at a 27X forward multiple.