Post-earnings recap
Reported
Thu, Apr 30, 2026
EPS actual
$2.35
EPS est.
$2.05
EPS surprise
+14.41%
1-day move
-1.81%
Hershey's earnings report showed a strong EPS beat, which indicates better-than-expected profitability. However, the stock fell by 1.81%, suggesting that investors may have been disappointed by the lack of revenue information and guidance. The absence of further details from management could contribute to uncertainty among investors.
| Metric | Actual | Expected | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPS | $2.35 | $2.04 | +14.41% |
| Revenue | N/A | $3.0B | N/A |
No transcript is on record for the earnings call, so the analysis is based solely on numerical results.
The Hershey Company (HSY) is a leading manufacturer of chocolate and confectionery products, known for its iconic brands like Hershey's, Reese's, and Kit Kat. As a part of the Consumer Staples sector, Hershey plays a crucial role in the packaged foods industry, benefiting from steady consumer demand, especially during economic fluctuations.
Last quarter
In Q4-2025, Hershey reported an EPS of $1.71, significantly beating expectations by 21.71%. The stock reacted positively, rising 9.03% the following day.
EPS beat streak
7Q
EPS beat rate
88%
Avg EPS surprise
+15.23%
Avg 1-day reaction
+0.59%
Analysts are generally optimistic about Hershey's upcoming earnings, expecting solid performance in both EPS and revenue. The consensus EPS estimate is $2.04, with revenue projected at $3.0 billion.
Bull case
If Hershey can exceed the EPS estimate, it may indicate strong demand and effective cost management, potentially leading to a positive stock reaction.
Bear case
Conversely, if the company fails to meet expectations, particularly in revenue growth, it could signal weakening consumer demand and negatively impact the stock.
Key metrics to watch
EPS
2.04Earnings per share is a key indicator of profitability and will show how well Hershey has managed costs and sales.
Revenue
3.0BRevenue figures indicate overall sales performance and consumer demand for Hershey's products.
The print will turn on these.
Q1
Will Hershey's revenue growth meet or exceed the $3.0 billion consensus?
Revenue performance is critical to understanding consumer demand and the company's market position, especially in a competitive landscape.
Q2
How will Hershey address potential cost pressures and their impact on margins?
Cost management is essential for maintaining profitability, and any insights on this could significantly affect investor sentiment.
—
Est. EPS
$1.21
Est. Rev
$34.9B
Impl. Move
±5.2%
Why consensus could be wrong
The consensus may underestimate Hershey's ability to leverage its brand strength and pricing power in a challenging economic environment.
Supporting evidence
Hershey has a strong track record of beating EPS estimates, with a 75% beat rate over the last eight quarters.
Recent consumer trends indicate a shift towards premium products, which could benefit Hershey's higher-margin offerings.
Key risk
If revenue growth shows signs of acceleration, it could challenge the current bearish sentiment.
Pre-commit to what would confirm each case.
This quarter's performance will be closely watched as it reflects Hershey's ability to navigate market challenges and maintain growth.
Bull confirmed if
An EPS above $2.04 and revenue exceeding $3.0 billion would confirm strong demand and effective cost management.
Bear confirmed if
An EPS below $1.96 or revenue under $3.0 billion would raise concerns about weakening consumer demand.
What the market is pricing for the move.
Implied Move
±4.25%
Historical Avg
±3.1%
The options market is pricing in a significant move around the earnings report, suggesting that investors expect volatility based on the results.
Options are pricing ±4.3% while HSY has averaged ±3.1% over the last 8 prints — setup is pricing rich.
ATM IV
0.7%
30d HV
24.6%
Open-market trades by officers, directors, and 10%+ holders over the trailing 90 days.
Bought
$0.00
0 sh
0 insiders
Sold
$16.2M
100,000 sh
1 insider
Net
$16.2M
Net selling
Most Active Insiders· 40 open-market trades
Smart-money positioning from the most recent 13F filings.
Institutional
91.34%
of float
Insider
0.31%
of float
Holders
1,851
institutions
Top Holders· as of Jun 2026
Hershey Trust Company
55,948,131 sh · $9.0B
38.24%
-1.1%
Likely market behavior by outcome. Not investment advice.
Beat & raise
If Hershey beats expectations, history suggests the stock could rise by about 2.25%, confirming strong demand and operational efficiency.
In line / cautious
If results are in line with expectations, the stock may react moderately, reflecting cautious optimism but uncertainty in future growth.
Miss
A miss could lead to a decline of around 0.58%, indicating potential concerns about demand and profitability.
House and Senate STOCK Act disclosures over the trailing 6 months.
Trades
1
0 buys·1 sell
Members
1
House only
Est. Notional
$1,001.00–$15,000.00
disclosed dollar ranges
Most Active Members
1 trade
The lines on the call that would change the story.
$16.2M
Net selling
Recent Transactions
Sep 25, 2026 · @ $166.49
8,395 sh
$1.4M
Oct 7, 2026 · @ $160.45
8,553 sh
$1.4M
Oct 5, 2026 · @ $161.28
7,589 sh
$1.2M
Oct 1, 2026 · @ $159.37
7,494 sh
$1.2M
Sep 29, 2026 · @ $161.39
7,306 sh
$1.2M
Open-market trades only (Form 4 codes P/S). Awards, exercises, and tax-withholding excluded as routine compensation noise.
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13,131,312 sh · $2.1B
8.97%
2.8%
Vanguard Capital Management LLC
9,683,520 sh · $1.6B
6.62%
0.6%
Vanguard Portfolio Management LLC
7,271,155 sh · $1.2B
4.97%
0.9%
State Street Corporation
7,227,295 sh · $1.2B
4.94%
-1.3%
13F filings updated quarterly. Position deltas show change in shares vs. the prior quarter.
Net selling
Recent Transactions
Traded Jul 10, 2026 · disclosed Jul 17, 2026
$1,001.00–$15,000.00
Filed 30–45+ days after the trade. Treat as positional context, not a leading indicator. Amounts are SEC-mandated dollar ranges, not exact values.