Hershey Trust Co, a holder representing roughly a ten percent stake in Hershey Co (NYSE: HSY), executed sales of Hershey common shares across two days at the end of March 2026. The trust sold a total of 20,000 common shares on March 23 and March 24 for an aggregate amount of about $4.3 million, according to filings.
The transactions occurred in multiple tranches with execution prices spanning from $210.7621 to $217.0683 per share. The breakdown for March 23 lists sales of 146 shares, 248 shares, 263 shares, 517 shares, 2,266 shares, 6,150 shares and 410 shares. The March 24 activity comprised sales of 451 shares, 713 shares, 4,247 shares, 4,192 shares and 397 shares.
Hershey’s stock has appreciated strongly over the past year, climbing roughly 34% prior to these trades. The shares are currently trading near $217, and Hershey’s market capitalization is approximately $44 billion.
Following the late-March dispositions, Hershey Trust Co directly holds 1,996,119 shares of Hershey common stock. In addition, the trust indirectly owns 39,630 shares through the Hershey Trust Company, an entity wholly owned by Milton Hershey School Trust that acts as trustee. The trust’s holdings also include 54,612,012 shares of Class B Common Stock, which are convertible into common stock.
Market research noted in filings indicates differing perspectives on valuation and forward earnings. An InvestingPro analysis cited in the filings finds that Hershey’s shares appear overvalued at current levels and points investors to detailed valuation metrics and a comprehensive Pro Research Report covering HSY alongside more than 1,400 other U.S. equities.
Analyst coverage has been active in recent weeks with several firms adjusting targets and outlooks. Evercore ISI increased its price target for Hershey to $255 from $250 and raised its 2027 earnings-per-share estimate to $10.24, a figure the firm notes is above consensus. Piper Sandler reiterated an Overweight rating and a $249 price target, highlighting strong 2026 earnings-per-share guidance in the range of 30-35% growth and flagging favorable cocoa cost trends.
Stifel raised its price target to $230 from $195 while maintaining a Hold rating after Hershey reported fourth-quarter results and provided 2026 guidance that exceeded expectations. Bernstein SocGen Group lifted its target to $250 from $192, citing robust 2026 earnings guidance that it described as well above the consensus estimate.
These analyst moves reflect generally positive revisions to near- and medium-term expectations, while third-party valuation commentary characterizes the current share price as rich. The trust’s reported sales and the updated post-sale ownership figures are now reflected in public filings.