Zacks Investment Management 13F: Adds $7.6M to HSY Stake

Zacks Investment Management has increased its stake in The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) by about 27%. According to its latest 13F filing with the SEC, the fund added 43,132 shares, bringing its total holdings to 200,228 shares valued at approximately $36.4 million as of the reporting period.

What Changed in Zacks Investment Management's Hershey Position

Zacks Investment Management's recent filing shows a notable boost in its Hershey holdings. The fund raised its stake by 43,132 shares from a previous count of 157,096 shares, marking a 27% increase. This move brings its total holdings to 200,228 shares, valued at around $36.4 million.

Other Institutional Activity in Hershey

Among other institutional investors, BlackRock, Inc. grew its holdings by 865,242 shares, ending with 12,780,486 shares worth about $2.66 billion. Vanguard Capital Management LLC entered with 9,626,691 shares valued at $2.00 billion. State Street Corp added 121,771 shares, bringing its total to 7,320,055 shares valued at $1.52 billion. Meanwhile, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. reduced its position by 1,016,903 shares, holding 4,298,750 shares worth $893.67 million.

The Hershey Company Stock Up 4.0%

Shares of The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) traded around $181.66 recently. The company has a market capitalization of approximately $36.85 billion and a forward P/E ratio of 18.28. Hershey's stock has experienced a 52-week low of $160.07 and a high of $239.48. The stock's 50-day moving average is $190.63, while its 200-day moving average is $193.93. The company maintains a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 120.01.

Recent Earnings

Hershey reported revenue of $11.99 billion, reflecting a growth of 10.6%. The company achieved a net margin of 9.13% and a return on equity of 23.23%. Earnings per share stood at $5.38. The company's next earnings report is expected on July 30, 2026.

Dividend

The Hershey Company offers an annual dividend rate of $5.81, yielding 3.2% with a payout ratio of 103.58%.

Insider Buying and Selling at The Hershey Company

Recently, Hershey Trust Co, acting as a trustee for Milton Hershey School, executed several planned sales. From June 3 to June 10, 2026, the trust sold 10,000 shares each day at prices ranging from $175.47 to $185.12.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Analysts have maintained various ratings on Hershey. On May 20, 2026, Mizuho maintained a hold rating with a $185 price target. DA Davidson and Barclays, on May 4, both maintained hold ratings with targets of $208 and $220, respectively. TD Cowen upgraded the stock to a buy on May 1, with a target of $210. The consensus among 22 analysts is a buy, with a mean price target of $217.14.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a leading confectionery manufacturer. It operates through segments like North America Confectionery, Salty Snacks, and International. Hershey's wide product range includes chocolates, gums, mints, and snacks under brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, and Kit Kat. Founded in 1894, the company serves customers in over 65 countries.

Bottom Line

Zacks Investment Management's increased stake in Hershey reflects its confidence in the confectionery giant. Investors track these filings to understand institutional sentiment, though it's important to remember that 13F filings are backward-looking and may not represent current positions. Hershey's strong market position and diverse product offerings continue to attract investor interest.