The Hershey (HSY) 10% Owner School Sells $1.6M of Stock

The Hershey Trust Co Trustee in Trust for Milton Hershey School sold 10,000 shares of The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) on October 13, 2026, for about $1.63 million. The sale reflects a planned transaction, with the shares sold at an average price of $163.17. After this sale, the trust still holds a significant position in the company, which plays a major role in the confectionery market.

The sale comes as Hershey's stock trades at $169.80, just above its 52-week low of $161.43. The stock has been moving in a range, and this sale could indicate the trust's strategy following recent market trends. The Hershey Company's market value is approximately $33.7 billion and it has a P/E ratio of 22.9, suggesting it is valued at a premium compared to its earnings.

Other Institutional Activity in Hershey Company

In recent institutional activity, Hershey Trust Company reduced its holdings by 610,837 shares, leaving it with 55,948,131 shares worth about $9.5 billion. Meanwhile, Blackrock Inc. increased its share count by 351,446 shares, now holding 13,131,312 shares valued at around $2.23 billion. Vanguard Capital Management LLC also slightly boosted its position by 56,798 shares, bringing its total to 9,683,520 shares worth about $1.64 billion. These movements reflect a mix of confidence and caution among major institutional players in Hershey.

The Hershey Company Stock Up 0.7%

The Hershey Company stock is currently trading near $169.80, close to its 52-week low. This price point could be significant for investors watching for potential rebounds as the stock has previously reached highs of $239.48. The stock is also trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which may indicate bearish sentiment.

Recent Earnings

In its last earnings report, The Hershey Company posted revenue of $12.16 billion, marking a revenue growth of 6.6% year-over-year. The company had an EPS of $7.32 and a net margin of 12.24%. Its next earnings report is scheduled for November 5, 2026, which could provide further insights into its financial health and market performance.

Dividend

The Hershey Company pays an annual dividend rate of $5.81, giving it a yield of 3.42%. This payout ratio stands at approximately 77.1%, indicating a solid commitment to returning value to shareholders despite ongoing market fluctuations.

Insider Buying and Selling at The Hershey Company

Recently, the Hershey Trust Co Trustee sold 10,000 shares on October 13, 2026, at an average price of $163.17, totaling approximately $1.63 million. Previously, on October 14, 2026, the trust sold 30,000 shares, though specific pricing details were not disclosed. These planned transactions suggest a strategic management of the trust's holdings in Hershey as they navigate market conditions.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

On October 15, 2026, JP Morgan maintained a 'Neutral' rating on Hershey with a price target set at $183. TD Cowen also maintained a 'Buy' rating with a target of $198, while Wells Fargo set its target at $170, reflecting a cautious outlook. Overall, analysts have a consensus 'buy' rating with an average target price of $205.52, indicating a general expectation of price appreciation in the future.

About Hershey Company

The Hershey Company is a well-known player in the consumer defensive sector, specializing in confectionery products and pantry items. The company operates primarily in North America, but its products are available internationally. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Hershey continues to be a leader in the candy and snack market, making strategic moves to enhance its portfolio and shareholder value.

Bottom Line

Investors should monitor upcoming earnings on November 5, 2026, to gauge Hershey's current financial health. This recent insider sale reflects ongoing adjustments in the market, as noted in the latest 13F filings, which may not fully represent the current positions of major investors.