Hershey vs Altria (HSY vs MO)

Hershey (HSY) vs Altria (MO) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Hershey (HSY) and Altria (MO) compete in consumer staples. Here are Hershey and Altria side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Hershey or Altria.

Hershey vs Altria: the figures

Hershey and Altria figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Hershey or Altria figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Hershey and Altria

1. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Altria keeps 39.3 as net profit and Hershey keeps 14.6.
2. Dividend: Altria yields 5.77% at today's price and Hershey yields 3.47%.
3. Valuation: Hershey trades at 19.7x its annual earnings and Altria at 16.1x; the market pays more for each dollar of Hershey profit, usually because it expects more growth.

Hershey or Altria: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Altria is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Altria pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Hershey has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Altria trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Hershey nor Altria wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Hershey and Altria make money

Hershey (HSY)

Hershey sells chocolate, candy and salty snacks under brands like Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat in the U.S., SkinnyPop and Dot's Pretzels. Its segments are North America Confectionery, the core of the business, North America Salty Snacks and International, selling through grocery, convenience and big-box stores. Full Hershey analysis.

Altria (MO)

Altria sells tobacco products only in the United States. Its largest segment is smokeable products, led by Marlboro cigarettes and Black & Mild cigars. Oral tobacco includes Copenhagen, Skoal and on! nicotine pouches, and it also sells NJOY e-vapor products. It holds an equity stake in AB InBev as well. Full Altria analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Hershey vs Altria

Is Hershey or Altria the better stock?

Choosing between Hershey and Altria depends on what you are looking for. Altria is growing faster right now, and Altria trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Hershey or Altria: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Hershey or Altria?

As of November 4, 2026, Altria yields 5.77% and Hershey yields 3.47%. Also check how much of their profit Hershey and Altria pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Hershey or Altria?

On P/E, Hershey (19.7x) is more expensive than Altria (16.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Hershey and Altria?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Hershey and Altria, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Hershey or Altria.

More comparisons with Hershey or Altria

• Colgate-Palmolive vs Hershey
• Hershey vs Mondelez
• Colgate-Palmolive vs Altria
• Mondelez vs Altria

More companies like Hershey and Altria: consumer staples stocks. Educational content about Hershey and Altria, not investment advice.