China smartphone shipments slumped in June on inventory overhang: Jefferies
Hershey Co . (NYSE:HSY) Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steven E. Voskuil recently sold 3,000 shares of the company’s common stock, according to a regulatory filing. The transaction, which took place on February 25, 2025, was executed at a price of $180 per share, totaling $540,000. The stock, which has seen a strong 9% return over the past week according to InvestingPro data, currently trades at an attractive P/E ratio of 15.6x.
Following this sale, Voskuil retains ownership of 66,893 shares in the confectionery giant. This transaction was conducted under a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which Voskuil adopted on May 17, 2024, allowing for the sale of shares at predetermined times. InvestingPro analysis reveals Hershey maintains a GREAT financial health score and has consistently paid dividends for 55 consecutive years. For deeper insights into HSY’s insider trading patterns and comprehensive financial analysis, access the full Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.
In other recent news, The Hershey Company has issued $2 billion in new debt notes, comprising four tranches with varying maturities, as disclosed in a recent SEC filing. This financial move indicates Hershey’s strategic approach to managing its capital, potentially for refinancing existing debt or funding future investments. Additionally, Hershey has granted special retention awards to three top executives, including Senior Vice President and CFO Steven E. Voskuil, as an incentive to retain key leadership.
Analyst firms have also updated their outlook on Hershey, with CFRA raising the stock price target to $192 while maintaining a Hold rating, reflecting confidence in the company’s growth potential by 2026. Citi has increased its price target for Hershey shares to $173, citing a decline in cocoa prices and an improved cost environment as factors influencing its valuation. Both firms highlight Hershey’s presentation at the CAGNY Conference as a pivotal event in their revised projections.
These developments come amid a backdrop of significant cocoa supply changes, with Ghana reporting a 70% surge in cocoa arrivals due to an improved harvest and anti-smuggling measures. The global market is closely watching cocoa supply dynamics, which have previously led to record high cocoa prices. Hershey’s financial and strategic decisions are being closely monitored by investors, given the importance of cocoa prices in the company’s cost structure.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.