Hershey (HSY) Upgraded at Piper Sandler as Cocoa Pressure Eases

The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is included among the 13 Best Consumer Staples Dividend Stocks to Invest in Now.

On January 7, Piper Sandler upgraded The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) to Overweight from Neutral and raised its price target to $213 from $193. The call reflects easing cocoa costs and the removal of cocoa tariffs, which the firm says give Hershey “significant flexibility” to reinvest in the business and grow earnings ahead of its long-term algorithm. Analysts believe Hershey is positioned to deliver sales and earnings growth above that algorithm in 2026.

Back in October, Hershey raised its full-year sales and profit outlook after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly results. Demand held up well for higher-priced chocolates and snacks, giving management more confidence in the outlook. The company now expects 2025 net sales growth of about 3%, up from its earlier target of at least 2%. It also lifted the low end of its adjusted earnings forecast to $5.90 per share from $5.81.Sales benefited from an expanded lineup of healthier, zero-sugar products, along with solid momentum across chocolate, sweets, and mints. In North America, Salty Snacks volumes rose 11% year over year, driven by brands like SkinnyPop and Dot’s Pretzels. Prices in that category fell 1% during the quarter, which helped support volume growth.

The picture looked different in the core North America Confectionery. Volumes slipped 1%, while prices rose 7%, reflecting a more price-driven approach in that part of the business.

The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) operates as a snacks company with three main segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International.

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