Cal-Maine Foods or Hershey: Which Stock Has More Upside?
Hershey surged 25% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Cal-Maine Foods gives you more. Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Hershey (HSY) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in CALM
- CALM’s Last 12 Months revenue growth was 36.6%, vs. HSY’s 4.4%.
- In addition, its Last 3-Year Average revenue growth came in at 19.2%, ahead of HSY’s 4.0%.
- CALM leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 34.3% and 3-year average of 26.6%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how HSY’s fundamentals stack up against those of CALM on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| HSY | CALM | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 32.7 | 2.9 | CALM |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 7.0% | -19.4% | HSY |
| Last 12 Months | 4.4% | 36.6% | CALM |
| Last 3 Year Average | 4.0% | 19.2% | CALM |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 12.5% | 34.3% | CALM |
| Last 3 Year Average | 20.5% | 26.6% | CALM |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 6.8% | 85.5% | CALM |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: HSY Revenue Comparison | CALM Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: HSY Operating Income Comparison | CALM Operating Income Comparison
- Is IVV’s Growth Engine Worth The Price Of Admission?
- Does Constellation Energy Stock’s Surge Broaden Your Portfolio Or Just Amplify It?
- Google Has The Best Problem Money Can’t Quite Buy
- How One Partnership Profit Line Reframes The Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Stock Story
- Who Really Powered VGT’s Climb This Year?
- Is The AI Super-Cycle Real Enough To Bet On Micron Stock?
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell CALM Stock and Buy or Sell HSY Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| HSY Return | 30% | 22% | -18% | -7% | 11% | 31% | 75% | ||
| CALM Return | -1% | 52% | 14% | 87% | -16% | 10% | 199% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 0% | 83% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| HSY Win Rate | 75% | 58% | 33% | 33% | 42% | 67% | 51% | ||
| CALM Win Rate | 42% | 75% | 67% | 75% | 58% | 67% | 64% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 33% | 60% | ||
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| HSY Max Drawdown | -5% | -0% | -21% | -7% | -15% | -1% | -8% | ||
| CALM Max Drawdown | -9% | 0% | -14% | -6% | -20% | -9% | -10% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -1% | -7% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 3/2/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
Still not sure about HSY or CALM? Consider portfolio approach.
Portfolios Are The Smarter Way To Invest
Individual stocks are unpredictable. A smart portfolio helps you invest, limits downside shocks, and provides upside exposure.
Why settle for average market returns? The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio invests in a diverse group of 30 stocks that have collectively delivered stronger upside with reduced volatility compared to the broader indices. Discover the methodology behind these smoother, higher returns by checking the HQ Portfolio performance data.