From sweet confections like chocolate bars to savoury treats like pretzels, The Hershey Company has solidified its global reputation as a powerhouse in the world of snacks. Over its storied history, the company has seamlessly transitioned from crafting iconic chocolates to curating a comprehensive selection that caters to various flavour cravings.
Here’s a handy guide to Hershey, where we cover everything from it’s history, to current stock price, dividend yield and more.
History [1]
Hershey’s history begins with Milton S Hershey and his caramel business in the 1880s when he established the Lancaster Caramel Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. During this time, chocolate was only used as a coating for his caramels.
This changed after seeing German-made chocolate machinery at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1983. Inspired by this encounter, Hershey decided to go into the world of chocolate. In 1984, he established The Hershey chocolate company, where he then later sold their first candy bar in 1900. Hershey’s method of mass production made milk chocolate, a treat available only to the rich — an affordable luxury at that time.
In 1907, The Hershey Company manufactured its first iconic chocolate Kisses. Initially wrapped by hand, the introduction of advanced machinery in 1921 streamlined production, giving rise to the distinctive foil wrapper adorned with the signature paper plume. Now, more than 70 million Hershey’s Kisses chocolates are produced each day.
Hershey’s footprint broadened through its acquisition of confectionery businesses in 1960 with the H.B. Reese Candy Company, followed by the acquisition of LEAF.Inc in 1996 whose portfolio included household favourites like Jolly Rancher, Whoppers, and Milk Duds. The company’s most recent acquisition, in 2021, welcomed Lily’s Sweets into its fold.
Hershey’s commitment to global cocoa sustainability can be seen through its founding role in the World Cocoa Foundation in 2000, dedicated to enhancing cocoa farming practices in West Africa.
In more recent times, The Hershey Company’s achievements have garnered recognition. For seven consecutive years, the company was named to the 2019 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and securing its place in the 2021 The Civic for the ninth year in a row.
Hershey’s Share Price 2023 [2]
Here is how The Hershey Company has been performing on the stock market for the year 2023:
Chart 1: Hershey’s share price performance for the year 2023
In 2023, Hershey’s share price experienced fluctuations on an upwards trend, hitting an all-time high of $276.35 on 1 May. It has since been on a decline, plummeting to 213.85 on 23 August.
Hershey Stock Price History (Annual) | ||||||
Year | Average Stock Price | Year Open | Year High | Year Low | Year Close | Annual % Change |
2022 | 214.1134 | 187.1789 | 238.0183 | 187.1789 | 228.4112 | 21.86% |
2021 | 162.5753 | 143.3161 | 187.4308 | 137.8171 | 187.4308 | 29.55% |
2020 | 134.2567 | 133.7993 | 150.3123 | 104.0652 | 144.6742 | 5.91% |
2019 | 123.4156 | 95.8531 | 149.2213 | 94.8167 | 136.6061 | 40.20% |
2018 | 89.9547 | 99.1134 | 100.8373 | 79.6948 | 97.4349 | -2.91% |
2017 | 94.7989 | 89.7596 | 102.0662 | 89.3536 | 100.3511 | 12.33% |
2016 | 82.7009 | 74.1514 | 97.2218 | 70.2159 | 89.3363 | 18.75% |
2015 | 78.7848 | 85.3279 | 91.1448 | 69.9588 | 75.2301 | -12.02% |
2014 | 79.3437 | 77.3004 | 87.7386 | 71.7077 | 85.5089 | 9.14% |
2013 | 71.6187 | 58.7014 | 80.8956 | 58.0538 | 78.3480 | 37.37% |
Table 1: History of Hershey’s annual stock price
When was Hershey listed [3]
In 1927, the Hershey Chocolate Co. went through a reorganisation and became a publicly traded company as the Hershey Chocolate Corporation – making its first public listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
About the stock: Hershey
Hershey Trading Information
Primary exchange: NYSE
Hershey Stock Symbol: HSY
Country: U.S.
Currency: USD
Trading hours:
Main: 9.30am to 4pm ET, Mon to Fri
Pre-market: 4am to 9.30am
After-market: 4pm to 8pm
Business Segment [4]
Sector | Industry | Market Cap (As of 23 August 2023) | Revenue (2022) |
Consumer Staples | Food Items – Confectionery | $44.224B | $10.419B |
Table 2: Hershey’s business segment
Hershey, operating in the consumer staples sector, specialises in confectionery products within the food items industry. Hershey’s strength lies in its iconic brands and consistent product innovatio, allowing it to main a competitive edge.
Dividend yield [5]
Dividend Yield 2.25% | Annual Dividend $4.76 | Ex Dividend Date August 17, 2023 | Annualised 3-Year Dividend Growth 9.02% |
Payout Ratio 54.78% | Payout Period Quarterly | Next Div Payment September 15, 2023 | Consecutive Growth 14 Years |
Table 3: Hershey’s dividend yield
Hershey stands out in the consumer staples sector with its consistent dividend payouts which are distributed quarterly every year. Hershey’s commitment to its shareholders is evident in its 14 consecutive years of dividend growth. With an annualised 3-year dividend growth rate of 9.02%, it shows the company’s dedication to returning value to its investors.
Stock split history [6]
Since The Hershey Company’s first public listing in 1927, the company has undergone a total of 5 stock splits. Hershey’s split their stock for the first time in 1947.
Stock split list [7]
Date | Stock Split |
16 September 1947 | 3:1 |
15 September 1983 | 2:1 |
15 September 1986 | 3:1 |
13 September 1996 | 2:1 |
15 June 2004 | 2:1 |
Table 4: Hershey’s stock split list
What could affect Hershey’s share price
Here are some factors that could affect the share price of a stock like Hershey.
- Cocoa price spike [8]
Chocolate manufacturers like Hershey are facing a challenging year ahead as soaring cocoa prices hit a 46-year high and sugar prices reaching their highest point in over a decade. Current data from Nielsen paints a concerning picture: chocolate consumption in Europe and North America experiencing a decline due to the 20% surge in chocolate prices over the past two years.
The increase in manufacturing costs and chocolate prices might further dampen demand, resulting in lower sales volume for Hershey in the near future.
- Hershey buys back Smiths Falls facility [9]
Hershey is making a strategic move by repurchasing its inaugural facility outside the United States, located in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada. Jason Reiman, the company’s Chief Supply-Chain Officer, has underlined the significance of this acquisition within their broader investment strategy aimed at fortifying their supply-chain network, a move designed to support future growth.
This acquisition positions Hershey to manage costs more effectively, which is particularly crucial in the face of rising industry expenses.
Why trade Hershey stocks
- Hershey’s consistent growth [10]
With growth showing no signs of slowing down, Hershey seems to be presenting a trading opportunity for investors.
The company reported a total revenue of $10.4 billion for the full year in 2023, making an impressive 16% increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend continued into Q1 2023, where April’s report headlines $2.9 billion in sales, reflecting a 12% year on year growth.
Hershey has also achieved growth across all its geographical segments, with its international business increasing 19% year over year during Q1 2023
- Dividends [11]
Hershey has been consistently increasing their dividends for the past 14 years, showcasing not only its enduring financial stability but also its ability to maintain a dependable dividend stream moving forward.
Here is Hershey’s dividend payout over the past 14 years:
Year | Dividend Payout (USD$) |
2022 | 3.874 |
2021 | 3.41 |
2020 | 3.154 |
2019 | 2.99 |
2018 | 2.756 |
2017 | 2.548 |
2016 | 2.402 |
2015 | 2.236 |
2014 | 2.04 |
2013 | 1.81 |
2012 | 1.56 |
2011 | 1.38 |
2010 | 1.28 |
2009 | 1.19 |
Table 5: Hershey’s dividend payouts for the past 14 years
Trade Hershey with Vantage
Vantage offers commission-free and secure trading of Hershey and other leading US stocks via Contracts for Differences (CFDs). With Vantage, you will be able to trade a broad selection of US shares with zero commission. Sign up for a live account and start trading today!
References:
- “A History of Goodness | History of The Hershey Company – The Hershey Company” https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/about-us/the-company/history.html. Accessed 23 August 2023
- “Hershey – 38 Year Stock Price History | HSY – Macrotrends” https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/HSY/hershey/stock-price-history Accessed 23 August 2023
- “A History of Goodness | History of The Hershey Company – The Hershey Company” https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/about-us/the-company/history.html Accessed 23 August 2023
- “A History of Goodness | History of The Hershey Company – The Hershey Company” https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/about-us/the-company/history.html. Accessed 23 August 2023
- “Hershey (HSY) Dividend Yield, Date & History – MarketBeat” https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/HSY/dividend/ Accessed 23 August 2023
- “Hershey Stock Split in 2023 [What You Should Know] – Dataromas” https://dataromas.com/hershey-stock-split/ Accessed 23 August 2023
- “Hershey Stock Split in 2023 [What You Should Know] – Dataromas” https://dataromas.com/hershey-stock-split/ Accessed 23 August 2023
- “Chocolate bars jump in prices as costs of cocoa, sugar increase –Malaysia Sun“ https://www.malaysiasun.com/news/273938827/chocolate-bars-jump-in-prices-as-costs-of-cocoa-sugar-increase Accessed 23 August 2023
- “Canopy Growth selling Smiths Falls facility back to Hershey to generate about $39 million to pay down debt – MarketWatch” https://www.marketwatch.com/story/canopy-growth-selling-smiths-falls-facility-to-hershey-5875c66f?mod=search_headline Accessed 23 August 2023
- “When It Comes to Value Stocks, Hershey Isn’t Even Close to Falling Short – The Motley Fool” https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/07/29/when-it-comes-to-value-stocks-hershey-isnt-even/ Accessed 23 August 2023
- “Dividend & Stock Split History – Hershey Investors” https://investors.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/company-profile/dividend-history.html