Diversified Trust Co Acquires New Holdings in The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY)

Diversified Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) during the fourth quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund acquired 1,181 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $200,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in HSY. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new position in Hershey in the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. raised its position in Hershey by 55.0% in the second quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 155 shares of the company’s stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the period. Peterson Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in Hershey in the third quarter worth approximately $46,000. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC bought a new position in Hershey in the third quarter worth approximately $48,000. Finally, Quarry LP raised its position in Hershey by 123.9% in the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 300 shares of the company’s stock worth $55,000 after acquiring an additional 166 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 57.96% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have weighed in on HSY shares. TD Cowen decreased their price target on shares of Hershey from $190.00 to $172.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Hershey from $160.00 to $150.00 and set an “underweight” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 7th. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on shares of Hershey from $165.00 to $168.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Friday, November 8th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of Hershey from $165.00 to $159.00 and set a “sell” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on shares of Hershey from $163.00 to $161.00 and set an “underperform” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and fourteen have given a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $182.21.

Hershey Price Performance

Hershey stock opened at $158.40 on Monday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $174.11 and a 200-day moving average price of $185.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.05 billion, a PE ratio of 18.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.38 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The Hershey Company has a 12-month low of $156.10 and a 12-month high of $211.92.

Hershey Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 16th. Investors of record on Monday, November 18th were issued a dividend of $1.37 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 18th. This represents a $5.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.46%. Hershey’s payout ratio is 63.13%.

Hershey Profile

The Hershey Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of confectionery products and pantry items in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International. It offers chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products; gum and mint refreshment products, including mints, chewing gums, and bubble gums; protein bars; pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings, beverages, and sundae syrups; and snack items comprising spreads, bars, snack bites, mixes, popcorn, and pretzels.