The Hershey Company (HSY) vs The Kroger Co. (KR)

HSY leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of The Hershey Company and The Kroger Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 17, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — HSY vs KR

growth of $100 · last 30y
HSY +937.6%KR +1220.6%KR compounded faster
05001k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,038$1,321
HSY KR

HSY vs KR: by the numbers

  • KR is the larger company ($39.54B vs $37.02B market cap).
  • HSY trades at the lower earnings multiple (33.99 vs 41.60 P/E).
  • HSY converts more revenue to profit (9.12% vs 0.69% net margin).
  • HSY grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.65% vs 2.19% CAGR).
  • HSY pays the higher dividend yield (3.09% vs 2.19%).

Which is better, HSY or KR?

Metric tally: HSY 10 · KR 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueHSY(lower P/E)
GrowthHSY(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeHSY(higher dividend yield)
QualityHSY(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHSYKR
P/E ratio33.9941.60
Forward P/E18.2711.44
P/S ratio3.110.27
P/B ratio7.886.82
EV / EBITDA19.2510.73
FCF yield5.82%8.73%

Profitability

MetricHSYKR
Gross margin34.76%23.30%
Operating margin14.08%1.28%
Net margin9.12%0.69%
ROE23.11%17.14%
ROIC9.00%4.70%

Dividends

MetricHSYKR
Dividend yield3.09%2.19%
Payout ratio128.27%89.74%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHSYKR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.65%2.19%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-6.42%-13.96%
FCF CAGR (5Y)10.95%-2.23%
Total return CAGR (5Y)3.64%13.71%

Frequently asked

Which is better, HSY or KR?
It depends on your goal. value: HSY (lower P/E); growth: HSY (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: HSY (higher dividend yield); quality: HSY (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, HSY leads 10 to 6.
Is HSY or KR cheaper?
On trailing earnings, HSY is cheaper: HSY trades at a 33.99 P/E and KR at 41.60.
Which has grown faster, HSY or KR?
Over the past five years, HSY grew revenue faster — HSY at a 7.65% CAGR versus KR at 2.19%.
Does HSY or KR pay a bigger dividend?
HSY yields 3.09% and KR yields 2.19% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HSY or KR more profitable?
HSY runs the higher net margin — HSY at 9.12% versus KR at 0.69%.
Which has been the better investment, HSY or KR?
Over the past 10-year, HSY delivered the higher annualized total return — HSY at 9.14% versus KR at 8.32%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 17, 2026.