WallStSmart

Hershey Co (HSY)vsMonster Beverage Corp (MNST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hershey Co generates 32% more annual revenue ($12.16B vs $9.22B). MNST leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 12.2%. HSY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.85. HSY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

HSY

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.11

MNST

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 6.0Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 6.29
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HSYSignificantly Overvalued (-19.4%)

Margin of Safety

-19.4%

Fair Value

$193.39

Current Price

$168.45

$24.94 premium

UndervaluedFair: $193.39Overvalued
MNSTUndervalued (+69.4%)

Margin of Safety

+69.4%

Fair Value

$145.33

Current Price

$44.27

$101.06 discount

UndervaluedFair: $145.33Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSY4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
32.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
631.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 631.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.858/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
23.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.1%

MNST6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.2910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$85.02B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
23.1%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
29.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.2%8/10

Revenue surging 20.2% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

HSY2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.233/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

MNST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.3x4/10

Trading at 9.3x book value

P/E RatioValuation
40.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HSY

The strongest argument for HSY centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.85 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MNST

The strongest argument for MNST centers on Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.1% and operating margin at 29.2%. Revenue growth of 20.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HSY

The primary concerns for HSY are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : MNST

The primary concerns for MNST are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 40.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HSY profiles as a value stock while MNST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MNST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.

MNST is growing revenue faster at 20.2% — sustainability is the question.

MNST generates stronger free cash flow (461M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HSY scores higher overall (72/100 vs 64/100). MNST offers better value entry with a 69.4% margin of safety. 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.

Monster Beverage Corp

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

Monster Beverage Corporation is an American beverage company that manufactures energy drinks including Monster Energy, Relentless and Burn.

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