HERSHEY, Pa. – The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) has announced the distribution of its latest quarterly dividends. The board of directors declared dividends of $1.370 per share on the Common Stock and $1.245 per share on the Class B Common Stock, representing a current yield of 3.76%. Stockholders of record as of February 17, 2025, will be eligible for the dividend payout scheduled for March 14, 2025. According to InvestingPro data, Hershey has maintained dividend payments for an impressive 54 consecutive years.
This marks the 380th consecutive regular dividend on the Common Stock and the 161st consecutive regular dividend on the Class B Common Stock, continuing Hershey’s long-standing practice of providing returns to its shareholders. The commitment to regular dividends underscores the company’s financial stability and consistent performance, despite the stock trading near its 52-week low of $140.13 and experiencing a 25.71% decline over the past six months.
Investors and market watchers often view such announcements as a sign of a company’s health and its ability to maintain a steady cash flow. Regular and consistent dividends can also be indicative of a company’s confidence in its ongoing profitability and its commitment to sharing success with its shareholders.
The announcement is based on a press release statement from The Hershey Company and reflects the company’s latest financial decisions as it navigates the current economic landscape. While dividends are subject to change based on the company’s performance and market trends, Hershey’s history of regular payouts provides a track record that investors might consider when assessing the company’s stock. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with a "GOOD" overall Financial Health Score, making it an interesting consideration for value investors. Get access to 12 additional exclusive ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis with an InvestingPro subscription.
It is important to note that the dividend figures are subject to approval at the company’s discretion and may vary in future quarters. Shareholders looking to benefit from the upcoming dividend distribution should be recorded by the specified date in February.
The Hershey Company, known for its confectionery products, has a presence in markets worldwide and continues to be a significant player in the food industry. The dividend announcement reflects only a part of the company’s financial activities and does not necessarily represent broader market trends or industry impacts.
In other recent news, Hershey has been the focus of several analyst adjustments. Bernstein SocGen Group reduced its price target for Hershey from $177.00 to $146.00, maintaining a Market Perform rating due to concerns over high cocoa input costs and the potential impact of GLP-1 drugs on chocolate consumption. Additionally, Hershey’s CEO Michele Buck’s planned retirement in 2026 and upcoming leadership transitions add to the company’s challenges.
Similarly, DA Davidson lowered its price target on Hershey from $187.00 to $164.00, maintaining a Neutral rating, citing uncertainties in the cocoa market and potential pressures. Piper Sandler downgraded Hershey from Neutral to Underweight, adjusting the price target to $120. This is primarily due to expectations of persistent high cocoa costs potentially affecting the company’s earnings per share in the coming years.
Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) also adjusted the price target for Hershey to $148, citing persistent high cocoa prices as a potential pressure on Hershey’s gross margins and volume. Furthermore, Barry Callebaut’s reported decrease in sales volume has led to a negative watch for U.S. and European chocolate companies, including Hershey. These developments show the recent challenges Hershey faces in the market.
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