Hershey Trust Sells $5.17M in Stock as Growth Concerns Persist

The Hershey Trust Company has continued its periodic divestments, selling approximately $5.17 million in Hershey Co. (NYSE: HSY) stock between September 14 and September 16, 2026. This transaction follows a series of similar sales throughout the third quarter, while analysts raise concerns regarding the company's competitive performance.

According to a filing reported by Investing.com, the Trust disposed of 29,900 shares at prices ranging from $169.73 to $177.67 per share. These transactions are part of a recurring divestment strategy observed throughout 2026, which included a $5.17 million sale in July and a $5.62 million sale in late August.

Ongoing Ownership Structure

Following the mid-September sales, the Trust maintains a large stake in the confectionary company. Its holdings include:

• 786,119 shares of common stock held directly.
• 39,630 shares held indirectly.
• 54,612,012 shares of Class B common stock, which are convertible on a one-for-one basis into common stock.

Market Position and Analyst Outlook

These divestments occur as the company experiences slower growth relative to its category. Analysts at firms including RBC Capital have noted that Hershey's year-to-date growth of 3.7% is trailing the industry average of 4.8%. These figures highlight challenges in maintaining market share, a primary concern for investors tracking the company's competitive trajectory in the retail environment.