WallStSmart

Hershey Co (HSY)vsPepsiCo Inc (PEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PepsiCo Inc generates 696% more annual revenue ($95.45B vs $11.99B). PEP leads profitability with a 9.2% profit margin vs 9.1%. HSY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.08. HSY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

HSY

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9

PEP

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.26
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HSYOvervalued (-12.1%)

Margin of Safety

-12.1%

Fair Value

$206.02

Current Price

$186.98

$19.04 premium

UndervaluedFair: $206.02Overvalued
PEPUndervalued (+3.6%)

Margin of Safety

+3.6%

Fair Value

$154.78

Current Price

$149.12

$5.66 discount

UndervaluedFair: $154.78Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSY3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
93.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 93.6% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
23.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.3%

PEP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$204.04B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

HSY3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
8.0x4/10

Trading at 8.0x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.674/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.5x4/10

Trading at 9.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-406.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HSY

The strongest argument for HSY centers on EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.08 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PEP

The strongest argument for PEP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : HSY

The primary concerns for HSY are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : PEP

The primary concerns for PEP are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.39 — expect wider price swings.

HSY is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.

HSY generates stronger free cash flow (354M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CONFECTIONERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HSY scores higher overall (69/100 vs 63/100) and 10.6% revenue growth. 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.

PepsiCo Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American based multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo's business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

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