On Wednesday, a Wells Fargo analyst revised the price target for shares of Hershey (NYSE:HSY), the renowned chocolate and confectionery manufacturer, to $200.00, down from the previous $205.00. Despite the adjustment, the firm maintained its Equal Weight rating on the stock.
The change in the price target reflects a cautious stance on the company's earnings per share (EPS) outlook amidst challenging economic conditions. Hershey's commitment to counteract inflationary pressures was acknowledged, with the company having previously demonstrated the ability to grow its EPS in the mid-teens during inflationary periods similar to those projected for 2024 and 2025.
The analyst highlighted Hershey's past performance, where the company managed to increase its EPS despite inflation rates of +7.1% and +11.3% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. These figures are comparable to the estimated all-in inflation rates of +8.0% and +14.5% for 2024 and 2025. This ability to grow earnings in the face of inflation has been a strength for Hershey in the past.
However, the current demand backdrop differs, and there is an anticipation that the price of cocoa, a key ingredient in Hershey's products, will eventually decline. The timing and impact of this potential decrease remain uncertain.
Wells Fargo's revised price target of $200.00 is set at 21.5 times the calendar year 2025 estimated earnings, which is on the lower end of historical valuations. The firm's position indicates a wait-and-see approach, looking for greater visibility on Hershey's future earnings before adopting a more bullish stance.
InvestingPro Insights
According to recent data from InvestingPro, Hershey (NYSE:HSY) is currently operating with a market capitalization of $37.43 billion and a P/E ratio of 20.22, which indicates a high valuation relative to near-term earnings growth. Despite these metrics, two InvestingPro Tips that stand out in the context of the article are Hershey's commendable history of raising its dividend for 14 consecutive years and the company's capability to maintain dividend payments for an impressive 54 consecutive years. This consistent return to shareholders may be particularly appealing to investors who value income stability, especially during uncertain economic conditions.
The company's gross profit margin for the last twelve months as of Q1 2023 stands at 44.77%, underlining its ability to maintain profitability. Additionally, Hershey's return on assets is reported at 16.29%, showcasing effective asset utilization. These figures echo the company's historical performance in managing earnings growth amidst inflation, as highlighted by the Wells Fargo analyst.
For those looking to delve deeper into Hershey's financial health and future prospects, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available. These include insights on the company's debt levels, PEG ratio, and analyst profitability predictions. To explore these further and benefit from the full range of analytical tools, readers can use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription. With a total of 9 additional InvestingPro Tips listed, investors can gain a comprehensive understanding of Hershey's investment potential.
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