Czech National Bank Grows Position in The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY)

Czech National Bank lifted its position in The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY - Free Report) by 6.5% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 32,034 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 1,952 shares during the quarter. Czech National Bank's holdings in Hershey were worth $5,425,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Hershey in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. grew its stake in shares of Hershey by 61.7% during the fourth quarter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. now owns 262 shares of the company's stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Peterson Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Hershey during the third quarter worth $46,000. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC acquired a new position in shares of Hershey during the third quarter worth $48,000. Finally, Quarry LP grew its stake in shares of Hershey by 123.9% during the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 300 shares of the company's stock worth $55,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.96% of the company's stock.

Hershey Price Performance

Shares of HSY traded up $2.38 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $154.13. 1,973,193 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,081,869. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.19 billion, a PE ratio of 17.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.31 and a beta of 0.38. The Hershey Company has a fifty-two week low of $150.31 and a fifty-two week high of $211.92. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $172.69 and a 200 day simple moving average of $184.81.

Hershey Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 18th were paid a $1.37 dividend. This represents a $5.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.56%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 18th. Hershey's payout ratio is 63.13%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on HSY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Hershey from $171.00 to $151.00 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Redburn Atlantic initiated coverage on Hershey in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. They issued a "sell" rating and a $165.00 target price on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Hershey from $163.00 to $161.00 and set an "underperform" rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on shares of Hershey from $195.00 to $180.00 and set a "hold" rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 25th. Finally, TD Cowen lowered their price target on Hershey from $190.00 to $172.00 and set a "hold" rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and fourteen have given a hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Hershey presently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $177.47.

About Hershey

The Hershey Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of confectionery products and pantry items in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International. It offers chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products; gum and mint refreshment products, including mints, chewing gums, and bubble gums; protein bars; pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings, beverages, and sundae syrups; and snack items comprising spreads, bars, snack bites, mixes, popcorn, and pretzels.