Hershey Co (HSY)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)
HSY
Hershey Co
$184.58
+1.02%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $36.85B
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$79.48
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $338.86B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 311% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $11.99B). KO leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 9.1%. HSY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.04. HSY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
HSY
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
KO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-23.2%
Fair Value
$187.44
Current Price
$184.58
$2.86 premium
Margin of Safety
-29.0%
Fair Value
$61.61
Current Price
$79.48
$17.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 93.6% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.3%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 10.2x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HSY
The strongest argument for HSY centers on EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.04 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : HSY
The primary concerns for HSY are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HSY profiles as a value stock while KO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
KO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.
KO is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HSY scores higher overall (69/100 vs 65/100) and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Hershey Co
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · CONFECTIONERS · USA
The Hershey Company, commonly known as Hershey's, is an American multinational company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. It also manufactures baked products, such as cookies and cakes, and sells beverages like milkshakes, and many more that are produced globally. Its headquarters are in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
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