The Hershey Company (HSY) vs Target Corporation (TGT)
HSY and TGT are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.
A side-by-side comparison of The Hershey Company and Target Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 21, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
HSY
The Hershey Company
$172.63Consumer Defensive
TGT
Target Corporation
$130.74Consumer Defensive
Total return — HSY vs TGT
growth of $100 · last 30yHSY +869.3%TGT +1344.6%TGT compounded faster
HSY TGT
HSY vs TGT: by the numbers
- •TGT is the larger company ($59.38B vs $35.02B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower earnings multiple (17.27 vs 32.15 P/E).
- •HSY converts more revenue to profit (9.12% vs 3.24% net margin).
- •HSY grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.65% vs 1.62% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.49% vs 3.27%).
Which is better, HSY or TGT?
Metric tally: HSY 8 · TGT 8It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueTGT(lower P/E)
GrowthHSY(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeTGT(higher dividend yield)
QualityTGT(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | HSY | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 32.15 | 17.27● |
| Forward P/E | 17.28 | 14.58● |
| P/S ratio | 2.94 | 0.56● |
| P/B ratio | 7.45 | 3.63● |
| EV / EBITDA | 18.32 | 9.33● |
| FCF yield | 6.15%● | 5.25% |
Profitability
| Metric | HSY | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 34.76%● | 28.14% |
| Operating margin | 14.08%● | 4.49% |
| Net margin | 9.12%● | 3.24% |
| ROE | 23.11%● | 21.04% |
| ROIC | 9.00% | 9.76%● |
Dividends
| Metric | HSY | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.27% | 3.49%● |
| Payout ratio | 128.27% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | HSY | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.65%● | 1.62% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -6.42% | -1.34%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 10.95%● | -17.01% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.76%● | -8.10% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, HSY or TGT?
- It depends on your goal. value: TGT (lower P/E); growth: HSY (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: TGT (higher dividend yield); quality: TGT (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
- Is HSY or TGT cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, TGT is cheaper: HSY trades at a 32.15 P/E and TGT at 17.27.
- Which has grown faster, HSY or TGT?
- Over the past five years, HSY grew revenue faster — HSY at a 7.65% CAGR versus TGT at 1.62%.
- Does HSY or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- HSY yields 3.27% and TGT yields 3.49% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is HSY or TGT more profitable?
- HSY runs the higher net margin — HSY at 9.12% versus TGT at 3.24%.
- Which has been the better investment, HSY or TGT?
- Over the past 10-year, TGT delivered the higher annualized total return — HSY at 8.49% versus TGT at 10.03%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Hershey P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioHershey dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldHershey ROETarget ROEHershey operating marginTarget operating marginHershey revenue growthTarget revenue growthHershey free cash flowTarget free cash flow
Hershey & Target appear in these rankings
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 21, 2026.