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

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 July 31, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnHSY vs KR

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
HSY +1673.4%KR +1603.6%HSY compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,773$1,704
HSY KR

HSY vs KR: by the numbers

  • HSY is the larger company ($35.51B vs $35.37B market cap).
  • KR trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.77 vs 59.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • HSY converts more revenue to profit (12.24% vs 0.71% net margin).
  • HSY grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.31% vs 2.33% CAGR).
  • HSY pays the higher dividend yield (3.22% vs 2.42%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHSYKR
P/E ratio59.7433.77
Forward P/E20.6612.02
P/S ratio2.940.24
P/B ratio7.845.49
EV / EBITDA15.0410.41
FCF yield6.68%8.13%

Profitability

MetricHSYKR
Gross margin38.11%23.18%
Operating margin17.58%1.33%
Net margin12.24%0.71%
ROE32.64%16.27%
ROIC9.00%4.70%

Dividends

MetricHSYKR
Dividend yield3.22%2.42%
Payout ratio128.27%89.74%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHSYKR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.31%2.33%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-6.42%-13.96%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.87%-1.62%
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.06%9.54%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, HSY or KR?
KR has the lower trailing P/E: HSY trades at 59.74 and KR at 33.77. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, HSY or KR?
Over the past five years, HSY grew revenue faster — HSY at a 7.31% CAGR versus KR at 2.33%.
Does HSY or KR pay a bigger dividend?
HSY yields 3.22% and KR yields 2.42% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HSY or KR more profitable?
HSY runs the higher net margin — HSY at 12.24% versus KR at 0.71%.
How have HSY and KR total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, HSY delivered 7.22% and KR delivered 7.57% annualized total return. 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 July 31, 2026.