HSY

Hershey (HSY) closed down 2.24% and underperformed the S&P 500. The company is expected to report earnings on October 29, 2026, with predicted EPS growth of 63.08% and revenue growth of 2.29% for the quarter.

However, the stock holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating with a Forward P/E of 20.16, trading at a premium to its industry average. The Food-Confectionery industry ranks in the bottom 13% of all industries.

Hershey (HSY) rose 2.7% to $168.68 in the latest session, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.33% gain. However, the stock has declined 3.83% over the past month.

The company is projected to report earnings of $2.11 per share on October 29, 2026, representing 62.31% year-over-year growth, with full-year earnings expected at $8.49 per share. Hershey currently holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E ratio of 19.35, trading at a premium to its industry average.

Hershey (HSY) is highlighted as a stock with strong potential for another earnings beat, having exceeded consensus estimates in its last two quarters with an average surprise of 22.83%. The company currently has a positive Earnings ESP of +1.51% combined with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting a high probability of beating earnings expectations in its next report expected on October 29, 2026.

With U.S. consumer sentiment hitting rock bottom in October amid economic concerns, rising inflation, and potential further rate hikes, Zacks analysts recommend four defensive consumer staples stocks: Archer-Daniels-Midland, Dole, Diageo, and The Hershey Company. These low-beta stocks offer stability during market volatility while maintaining growth potential.

With U.S. consumer sentiment hitting rock bottom in October due to inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions, analysts recommend four defensive consumer staples stocks: ADM, DOLE, DEO, and HSY. These companies offer low beta exposure and dividend yields, providing stability during market volatility and potential Federal Reserve rate hikes.

Hershey stock rose 1.37% to $162.54 on October 8, 2026, outperforming the broader market decline. The company is expected to report strong earnings with EPS up 62.31% year-over-year and revenue growth of 2.3%. Hershey holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating with a Forward P/E of 18.89, slightly above its industry average.

Hershey stock fell 1.82% on September 29, 2026, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.17% loss. The stock has declined 6.7% over the past month, lagging the Consumer Staples sector. However, the company maintains a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating with positive earnings expectations, projecting 62.31% EPS growth for the upcoming quarter and 34.55% growth for the full fiscal year.

The Hershey Company is ramping up demand creation efforts in the second half of 2026 by increasing brand investment by 30% year-over-year and launching 30% more innovation items, including new Hershey's Creme Filled Bars and Reese's Pieces with Cookie. The company is also strengthening seasonal programs and core-item availability to engage consumers amid selective spending patterns.

Five consumer goods stocks trading near 52-week lows offer attractive dividend yields (3.6%-7.6%) despite market headwinds from tariffs and shifting consumer behavior. PepsiCo and Hershey present turnaround opportunities, while General Mills appeals to patient income investors. Clorox and Kraft Heinz carry sustainability risks due to cash flow concerns and debt levels.

Hershey is set to report Q3 earnings on Oct. 29, with strong prior performance driven by price increases and lower cocoa costs, though volume declined 8%. The company raised its 2026 EPS guidance to $8.36-$8.52.

However, investors face risks from price-sensitive consumers, potential tariff impacts, and El Niño effects on cocoa harvests. The stock has fallen 12% over the past year and trades at a forward P/E of 17, appearing fairly valued with cautious bullish outlook.

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are rapidly gaining adoption, with 11% of U.S. adults now using them. This is benefiting drug manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, whose sales are surging.

However, snack and beverage companies face headwinds as GLP-1 users reduce grocery spending by 5-8%, particularly on processed snacks. While some companies like Coca-Cola and Monster Beverage are weathering the impact due to their low-calorie portfolios, others like PepsiCo and Hershey are experiencing declining sales.

The author recommends five dividend stocks currently out of favor: PepsiCo, Hormel, Hershey, McCormick, and Realty Income. Despite near-term headwinds from inflation and rising interest rates, the author believes these companies have strong fundamentals, long histories of dividend increases, and will navigate current challenges successfully. He advocates a long-term buy-and-hold approach with dividend reinvestment, ignoring short-term stock price fluctuations.

The article recommends four consumer staples companies as long-term dividend investments: Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, and Hershey. All four have decades of consistent dividend payments, strong brand portfolios, and generate sufficient free cash flow to sustain and grow their dividends through economic cycles.

Zacks analysts published research on 16 major stocks on September 29, 2026. Visa maintains strong market position in digital payments but faces margin pressure from rising client incentives.

Intuitive Surgical underperforms due to moderated U.S. procedure growth and China headwinds, though the platform remains solid. Williams Companies shows healthy momentum with raised guidance but carries high debt and valuation concerns. Additional coverage includes analysis of Friedman Industries, Jones Soda, Hershey, W.P. Carey, and other companies across various sectors.