Who Owns Hershey’s Chocolate?

Hershey’s chocolate is a beloved brand known for its rich, chocolatey goodness. But behind the scenes, the ownership of Hershey’s chocolate is a complex web of corporate interests. Currently, Hershey’s chocolate is owned by The Hershey Company, a publicly traded corporation founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey. This article delves into the ownership structure of The Hershey Company and its major stockholders.

The Hershey Company - A Giant in the Chocolate Industry

The Hershey Company is one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. Throughout its nearly 130-year history, it has grown significantly, expanding its product range and market share. Today, it produces a wide variety of chocolate products and operates in numerous countries around the globe. The success and growth of The Hershey Company have been driven by both strategic business decisions and the dedication of its founders and shareholders.

Ownership Structure at The Hershey Company

As a publicly traded company, The Hershey Company’s ownership is distributed among its shareholders. Unlike many family-owned businesses, The Hershey Company has a diverse ownership base featuring both institutional and individual investors. Shareholders can buy and sell shares of the company’s common stock on major stock exchanges.

Institutional Investors and Mutual Funds

A significant portion of the company’s shares is held by institutional investors and mutual funds. These investors provide capital and manage their investments on behalf of many individuals and entities. Some of the largest institutional investors in The Hershey Company include:

The Vanguard Group Inc. with 9.23% BlackRock Fund Advisors with 6.67% SSgA Funds Management Inc. with 5.02% Renaissance Technologies LLC with 2.10% Geode Capital Management LLC with 1.99% Columbia Management Investments with 1.69% Northern Trust Investments Inc. with 1.42% Victory Capital Management Inc. with 1.30% Janus Henderson Investors US LLC with 1.21% American Century Investment Management with 1.01%

These institutional investors manage billions of dollars in assets, making key decisions that impact the company's strategy, capital allocation, and overall performance. Their influence on The Hershey Company can be substantial, often guiding the company's growth plans and investment choices.

Retained Ownership and Influence

While a significant proportion of the company is held by institutional investors, the Hershey family continues to retain a portion of ownership and significant influence over the company’s operations. The Hershey family's roots run deep in the company, with the family playing a crucial role in guiding its direction and maintaining its legacy.

The Company’s Stock Market Performance

Given its position as a leading player in the chocolate industry, The Hershey Company's stock performance is closely watched. The company regularly reports financial results and updates its investors on its growth and strategic initiatives. Investors are interested in factors such as revenue growth, profit margins, and market share, as these all impact the company’s stock price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hershey’s chocolate belongs to The Hershey Company, a publicly traded corporation with a diverse ownership structure. While the Hershey family retains a portion of ownership and influence, the company’s success is largely reliant on the investments of institutional and mutual fund investors. Understanding the company's ownership and stockholders can provide valuable insights into its strategic direction and performance.