Hershey Co (HSY)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)
HSY
Hershey Co
$173.32
-0.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $34.81B
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$88.29
+0.52%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $379.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 312% more annual revenue ($50.13B vs $12.16B). KO leads profitability with a 28.6% profit margin vs 12.2%. HSY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.87. HSY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
HSY
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
KO
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-19.4%
Fair Value
$193.34
Current Price
$173.32
$20.02 premium
Margin of Safety
-40.1%
Fair Value
$63.02
Current Price
$88.29
$25.27 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Earnings expanding 631.0% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 23.1%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 34.9%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 5.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Moderate valuation
Trading at 10.5x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HSY
The strongest argument for HSY centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.87 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 28.6% and operating margin at 34.9%.
Bear Case : HSY
The primary concerns for HSY are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
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 0.34 — expect wider price swings.
KO is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (5.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HSY scores higher overall (72/100 vs 63/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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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