The Hershey Company (HSY) vs Target Corporation (TGT)

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 August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnHSY vs TGT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
HSY +117.0% (+8.1%/yr)TGT +205.5% (+11.8%/yr)TGT compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$217$306
HSY TGT

HSY vs TGT: by the numbers

  • TGT is the larger company ($72.23B vs $38.29B market cap).
  • TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.49 vs 25.79 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • HSY converts more revenue to profit (12.24% vs 4.08% net margin).
  • HSY grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.31% vs -0.29% CAGR).
  • HSY pays the higher dividend yield (3.03% vs 2.88%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHSYTGT
P/E ratio25.7916.49
Forward P/E22.2521.77
P/S ratio3.170.67
P/B ratio8.454.07
EV / EBITDA16.287.79
FCF yield6.60%9.58%

Profitability

MetricHSYTGT
Gross margin38.11%29.30%
Operating margin17.58%5.59%
Net margin12.24%4.08%
ROE32.64%24.61%
ROIC15.00%11.35%

Dividends

MetricHSYTGT
Dividend yield3.03%2.88%
Payout ratio130.14%56.13%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHSYTGT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.31%-0.29%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-6.42%-1.34%
FCF CAGR (5Y)9.19%-13.56%
Total return CAGR (5Y)3.51%-5.40%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, HSY or TGT?
TGT has the lower trailing P/E: HSY trades at 25.79 and TGT at 16.49. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, HSY or TGT?
Over the past five years, HSY grew revenue faster — HSY at a 7.31% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
Does HSY or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
HSY yields 3.03% and TGT yields 2.88% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HSY or TGT more profitable?
HSY runs the higher net margin — HSY at 12.24% versus TGT at 4.08%.
How have HSY and TGT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, HSY delivered 7.85% and TGT delivered 11.85% 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 August 20, 2026.