에 대한 최신 뉴스 Hershey (NYSE:HSY) 주식

Hershey

Hershey is a leading us confectionery manufacturer (around a $25 billion market), controlling around 36% of the domestic chocolate space (per Euromonitor). Beyond its namesake label, the firm's mix has expanded over the last 85 years and now consists of 100 brands, including Reese's, Kit Kat, Kisses, and Ice Breakers. Hershey's products are sold in about 80 countries, albeit with just a high-single-digit percentage of sales coming from markets outside the us, including Brazil, India, and Mexico. The firm has sought inorganic opportunities to extend its reach beyond its core confection business, adding Amplify Snack Brands and its Skinny Pop ready-to-eat popcorn to its mix, Pirate Brands, and Dot's Pretzels over the past few years.

BROS

IVAC

MDLZ

ROKU

새로이 등장한 블록 인테백(NASDAQ:IVAC)은 태양전지나 하드디스크 드라이브와 같은 애플리케이션용 기술을 제조하는 회사로, 최근 변화를 겪었다. 과거의 구조조정 문제를 뒤로하고, 이 회사의 예상 EBITDA는 훨씬 건강해 보인다. 이제 투자은행 훌리한 로키(Houlihan Lokey)가 어떤 전략적 대안이 있는지 탐색 중인데, 이는 기본적으로 거래를 원하는 누구와도 대화를 나누고 있다는 뜻이다.

딜 디스패치: 허쉬와 몬델리즈의 인수 협상, 훌리한이 인테백을 쇼핑, 어니언과 인포워스 등

Opinion

Trading Ideas

MLDZ

2021년 미국에서 인수합병(M&amp;A) 활동이 최고조에 달했지만, SPAC이 타격을 받고 바이든 행정부가 대규모 합병에 대해 더 엄격한 태도를 보인 이후, 거래 건수가 줄고 간헐적으로만 발생했다.하지만 이러한 추세는 2025년에 반전될 것으로 보인다.

트럼프 취임 전 매수해야 할 2025년 인수 대상 기업 5곳

News

Movers

초콜릿 제조사 허쉬 컴퍼니(NYSE:HSY) 주가는 수요일 하락했다. 허쉬 의결권의 80%를 보유한 허쉬 트러스트 컴퍼니가 몬델레즈 인터내셔널(NASDAQ:MDLZ)의 예비 입찰을 거절했기 때문이다.

허쉬 주가 5% 하락한 이유는?

The Hershey Co

HARMONIC DRIVE SYS INC by Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.

Harmonic Drive Systems Inc

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) disclosed recent purchases of several stocks on Christmas Eve, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/marjorie-taylor-greene">Benzinga Government Trades.</a>
Here's a look at what the far-right politician bought.
What Happened: Greene has been an active trader of stocks while in Congress, based on her disclosures over the years.
After going several years without disclosing any trades, Greene <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38611874/marjorie-taylor-greene-reveals-new-stock-trades-after-2-year-gap-berkshire-hathway-goldman-sachs">disclosed several purchases</a> in May. She also made<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/11/41754747/is-marjorie-taylor-greene-betting-on-trump-victory-buys-apple-meta-tesla-stocks-ahead-of-2024-electi"> multiple transactions</a> later in September, October and November.
Greene recently disclosed multiple stock purchases that happened on Dec. 24. Here are the trades that she made, with each valued between $1,000 and $15,000:
<ul>
<li>Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>)</li>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)</li>
<li>Applied Materials (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>)</li>
<li>Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>)</li>
<li>Duke Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUK#NYSE">DUK</a>)</li>
<li>Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>)</li>
<li>Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>)</li>
<li>Johnson and Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>)</li>
<li>Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)</li>
<li>Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)</li>
<li>Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NSC#NYSE">NSC</a>)</li>
<li>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</li>
<li>ServiceNow (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>)</li>
<li>The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>)</li>
</ul>
Of these stocks bought in the latest disclosures, Eli Lilly, Gilead and Norfolk Southern are new buys for Greene over the last two years.
The rest of the stocks are already owned by Greene with her adding to her position. Several of the stocks, like Hershey have been bought four times by Greene in 2024.
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent123124">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
Why It's Important: The trading activity of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/congress-trading">members of Congress </a>continues to be a hot-button item closely monitored by retail investors and the public.
President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42538504/biden-endorses-ban-of-congressional-stock-trading-nobody-in-the-congress-should-be-able-to-make-money-in-the-stock-market-while-in-office">endorsed a ban</a>, suggesting Congress members shouldn&#8217;t be able to trade stocks and options while in office.
&#8220;Nobody in the Congress should be able to make money in the stock market while they&#8217;re in the Congress,&#8221; Biden said in an interview with political advisor&nbsp;Faiz Shakir.
There have been numerous calls to vote for Congress members to vote for a ban on Congressional trading, but a vote has not happened. Representative&nbsp;Ro Khanna&nbsp;(D-Calif.)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/39096827/exclusive-khanna-says-shameful-congress-members-profited-from-stocks-calls-for-trading-ban-makin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously told Benzinga&nbsp;</a>that he will continue to advocate for a vote to ban the practice.
Congressional committee assignments can create conflicts of interest when trades are disclosed. Greene serves on the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, which could give her information on government contracts for technology companies.
Greene's latest stock purchases in November and the new disclosures show a continued bet on technology stocks going forward. Chip stocks and technology companies were among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/10/41584466/these-10-stocks-were-the-best-s-p-500-performers-in-2017-when-trump-was-president-will-history-r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the best performing&nbsp;</a>in the S&amp;P 500 in 2017, Trump&#8217;s first year in the White House previously.
Tech giants Meta and Microsoft remain popular for Greene in 2024 with multiple purchases made. A pending ban of TikTok could benefit Meta in 2025.
Greene is also positioning her portfolio with several healthcare names like Eli Lilly, Gilead and Johnson and Johnson.
A deal between Mondelez International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>) and Hershey could benefit Greene if the chocolate company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/ma/24/12/42496403/deal-dispatch-hershey-monelez-houlihan-intevac-onion-infowars">approves an acquisition</a>.
While Greene has been actively buying stocks over the last several months, she has not reported selling her shares of Trump Media &amp; Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>), the Trump co-founded media company that completed a SPAC merger earlier this year.
Greene <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/41031499/marjorie-taylor-greene-stays-loyal-to-trump-keeps-djt-stock-buys-into-warren-buffetts-berkshire-in-l">disclosed buying</a>&nbsp;Digital World Acquisition&nbsp;shares back in October 2021, the SPAC that took&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;media company public in March 2024.
The transaction was done with shares trading between $67.96 to $118.80. A tweet from UnusualWhales pins the purchase price at $94.20, meaning Greene is down significantly on her $15,000 to $50,000 purchase in the Trump-linked stock. Shares of DJT trade at $39.13 at the time of writing.
Previous disclosures by Greene have shown buys of Tesla and Berkshire Hathaway stock. Greene's portfolio currently consists of investments tied to some of the richest people in the world including Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Jensen Huang. Her portfolio also has exposure to Trump via his media company.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/01/36459015/10-best-stock-traders-in-congress-in-2023-spoiler-nancy-pelosi-is-back-on-the-list">10 Best Stock Traders In Congress In 2023 (Spoiler: Nancy Pelosi Has Reentered The Chat)</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Politics

ADBE

AMAT

AMZN

GILD

MSFT

NVDA

Marjorie Taylor Greene Went Christmas Shopping For Stocks, Here's What She Bought Before Holiday

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h2>
Intevac, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVAC#NASDAQ">IVAC</a>), which manufactures technologies for applications like solar cells and hard disk drives, has undergone a makeover. With its old restructuring woes in the rearview mirror, the company&#8217;s forecasted EBITDA is looking a lot healthier — basically, it&#8217;s flexing its financial muscles. Now, investment bank Houlihan Lokey is putting out feelers to see what kind of strategic alternatives are out there, which basically means they're chatting with anyone who might want <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mergers-and-acquisitions">to ink a deal</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h2>
Hershey Trust Co., holding a hefty 80% of the voting power at The Hershey Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>), recently told Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>) to try again after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42398159/whats-going-on-with-hershey-stock-monday">rejecting their preliminary bid</a>, calling it &#8220;too low,&#8221; according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-11/hershey-s-main-owner-said-to-reject-mondelez-s-offer-as-too-low?sref=TBDibEcD&amp;embedded-checkout=true">Bloomberg</a>. Meanwhile, Mondelez is wrestling with skyrocketing cocoa and coffee prices, possibly using that stress as fuel for their merger plans. Cocoa prices have gone through the roof—up over three times in the past year, and there was a 20% leap between October and November alone. Blame it on bad weather in cocoa-growing regions, shrinking global inventories, and the usual supply chain drama. Even BofA Securities analyst Peter T. Galbo jumped in, noting that Hershey looks like a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42483141/hershey-merger-talks-fail">pretty tasty merger target</a> amid all the cocoa chaos​.
Nippon Life Insurance wants to acquire all the shares it doesn&#8217;t already own in Resolution Life Group Holdings. The all-cash deal of $8.2 billion is the largest overseas acquisition ever by a Japanese insurer. It&#8217;s also only the second major deal Nippon Life has announced this year. It's clear that Japanese insurers, like Nippon Life, are on the lookout for opportunities abroad.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/24/12/42376708/nasa-mission-to-land-humans-on-moon-delayed-artemis-3-now-slated-for-mid-2027">NASA Mission To Land Humans On Moon Delayed &#8211; Artemis 3 Now Slated For&#8230;</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Off The Block</h2>
Dow agreed to sell a 40% stake in its U.S. Gulf Coast infrastructure assets to a fund managed by Macquarie Asset Management for $2.4 billion. The new partnership, cheekily named Diamond Infrastructure Solutions, will act as a go-to provider of top-tier infrastructure services for Dow and other industrial clients in Texas and Louisiana.
Novolex, the packaging giant backed by Apollo Global Management, has sealed the deal to acquire Pactiv Evergreen. The price hovers around <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42395976/pactiv-evergreen-realreal-kodiak-sciences-and-other-big-stocks-moving-higher-on-monday">$3.22 billion</a>. The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/apollo-backed-novolex-to-buy-pactiv-evergreen-for-3-22-billion-0e4815cf">reported</a> that the price tag equates to about $18 per share in cash, which is a sweet 23% premium over the stock's closing price of $14.66 on Dec. 6. It's also about 32% above where Pactiv's stock was trading on Dec. 2, right before rumors started flying about Apollo sniffing around for a takeover. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h2>
The Onion's owners are upset with a bankruptcy judge for nixing their winning bid to buy Alex Jones&#8216; Infowars company. A federal bankruptcy judge declared <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41982446/jokes-on-jones-onion-backed-by-families-of-sandy-hook-victims-buys-info-wars">last month's auction</a> and The Onion's offer "flawed," citing issues like a lack of transparency and an uneven playing field, as well as the failure to maximize value for Jones' creditors. This decision came after Elon Musk <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42229130/elon-musks-x-objects-to-sale-of-conspiracy-theorist-alex-joness-infowars-accounts-to-the-onion-claims-ownership-over-joness-social-media">stirred the pot</a>. Jones vowed that even if Infowars gets shut down, he'll simply move his operations to his backup studios and keep broadcasting via satellites, stations, and of course, Musk&#8217;s X platform. Despite all the drama, the ruling was a rare victory for Jones, who's been battling legal claims from the families of victims from the Sandy Hook tragedy, which he defamed by calling it a hoax.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Notes From The Block</h2>
Fitch Ratings <a href="https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/us-corporate-m-a-could-accelerate-in-2025-credit-implications-mixed-02-12-2024">identified</a> several sectors with ample dry powder and legroom for acquisitions. They include construction, aerospace, gaming and leisure, healthcare, banking, and tech. Benzinga narrowed down which companies, based on growth potential and brand recognition, will likely attract suitors in 2025. These are primarily mid-size firms with market caps between $5 and $12 billion.
<ul>
<li>Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BROS#NYSE">BROS</a>): This takeover target boasts expanding profits, minimal debt load, strong brand recognition, and potentially untapped markets in the coffee-crazed northeastern U.S.</li>
<li>Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>): On Dec. 10, news broke that Sycamore Partners was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42421855/walgreens-stock-jumps-on-report-of-potential-private-equity-sale-what-you-need-to-know">exploring an acquisition</a> of Walgreens, who intend to take the company private and potentially split up its divisions.</li>
<li>Roku Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROKU#NASDAQ">ROKU</a>): ROKU's market cap is just under $12 billion, which is couch cushion cash for companies like Disney, Netflix, or Apple that could benefit from adding a hardware supplier</li>
<li>Zoom Video Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZM#NASDAQ">ZM</a>): With a $26 billion market cap, Zoom needs a buyer with deep pockets like Google, Microsoft, or Apple, but the company has plenty of positive free cash flow and a sturdy balance sheet.</li>
</ul>
For <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42473024/5-merger-and-acquisition-targets-to-buy-before-trump-takes-over">more coverage, click here</a>.
For last week&#8217;s Deal Dispatch, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42378209/deal-dispatch-ubisoft-in-buyout-talks-dental-supplier-explores-sale-beloved-drive-through-goes-bankrupt">click here</a>.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42391429/canopy-growth-closes-acreage-deal-expanding-us-cannabis-portfolio-heres-what-investors-need-to-know">Canopy Growth Wraps Up Acreage Acquisition Expanding US Cannabis Portfolio, What Investors Need To Know</a></li>
</ul>

Deal Dispatch: Hershey Wants More From Mondelez, Houlihan Shops Intevac, Onion And Infowars Saga Continues

Bank of America Securities and other experts are weighing in on the breakdown in merger talks between The Hershey Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42446249/whats-going-on-with-hershey-shares-wednesday">Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>). </a>
What Happened: Early Wednesday morning, Mondelez announced a new $9 billion share repurchase program. The Chicago-based company also addressed its M&amp;A strategy while reports of deal discussions with Hershey swirled.
In a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42435009/mondel-z-international-approves-new-9-billion-share-repurchase-authorization-and-declares-regular-">press release</a>, Mondelez confirmed that it remains &#8220;committed to its key capital allocation priorities.&#8221; Those priorities include &#8220;reinvesting in brands and capabilities, returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, and M&amp;A.&#8221;
Its acquisition strategy will focus on bolt-on assets similar to recent purchases of Chipita, Clif and Ricolino.
Later on Wednesday, it was reported that Hershey Trust Co., which holds 80% of the voting power in Hershey Co., turned down a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42398159/whats-going-on-with-hershey-stock-monday"> preliminary bid</a> from Mondelez. Hershey said the offer was too low, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-11/hershey-s-main-owner-said-to-reject-mondelez-s-offer-as-too-low?sref=TBDibEcD&amp;embedded-checkout=true">according</a> to Bloomberg. 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42440681/markets-have-the-green-light-to-rally-after-novembers-yawner-inflation-report-experts-say">&#8216;Markets Have The Green Light To Rally&#8217; After November&#8217;s &#8216;Yawner&#8217; Inflation Report, Experts Say </a>&nbsp;
Expert Insights: Steve Powers, Deutsche Bank managing director, told CNBC on Thursday that Mondelez is facing several challenges including high cocoa and coffee prices which may be one of the drivers behind the company&#8217;s merger strategy. 
Cocoa prices have more than tripled over the past year, climbing 20% from October to November alone. Cocoa prices have been <a href="https://www.focus-economics.com/commodities/agricultural/cocoa/">driven higher</a> by adverse weather conditions in regions where its grown, decreased global inventories and supply uncertainty. 
BofA Securities analyst Peter T. Galbo made similar observations on the price of cocoa and highlighted Hershey as an attractive merger candidate for global confectionary companies due to its strong North American market share and modernized manufacturing network.&nbsp;
Galbo also noted that self-help has been a recurring theme in consumer staples and portfolio reshaping through mergers, acquisitions and divestitures is prominent in the industry when companies seek new growth opportunities. 
MDLZ Buyback: The BofA analyst said Mondelez's newly announced $9 billion share repurchase authorization was likely coincidental and unrelated to merger talks with Hershey.&nbsp;
He pointed to funds received from its sale of JDE Peet's, recent stock performance and only $2.8 billion remaining on its prior authorization as the most likely factors contributing to the expanded buyback program.
BofA Securities analyst Peter T. Galbo maintained a Buy rating and $82 price objective on Mondelez stock.
Price Action: According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Hershey shares are down .11% at $183.75 in pre-market trading Friday.
Mondelez shares are down 0.69% at $62.20 at the time of publication Friday.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42370672/sofi-makes-spacex-accessible-for-retail-investors">SoFi Unlocks SpaceX Exposure For Retail Investors: Here&#8217;s How</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Buybacks

Analyst Ratings

Hershey Merger Talks Melt: Did High Cocoa Prices, Mondelez Buyback Program Hurt Deal?

Merger and acquisitions activity peaked in the United States in 2021, but after SPACs got shellacked and the Biden administration took a harsher view of large-scale mergers, deals became fewer and further between.
This trend is expected to reverse in 2025 as the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates and a more M&amp;A-friendly Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enters the fold. Analysts at Goldman Sachs expect many <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/goldman-sachs-sees-more-larger-162800585.html">larger-scale deals</a> to be explored in the next 12 months, and one may already be underway as Mondelez International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MLDZ#NASDAQ">MLDZ</a>) is again considering purchasing chocolate conglomerate Hershey Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>).
Today, we'll explore five more stocks that could be M&amp;A targets in 2025.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How We Made Our Picks</h2>
Fitch Ratings has identified <a href="https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/us-corporate-m-a-could-accelerate-in-2025-credit-implications-mixed-02-12-2024">several sectors</a> with ample dry powder and legroom for acquisitions, such as homebuilding and construction, aerospace, gaming and leisure, healthcare, banking, and (of course) tech. We looked for companies in these industries and narrowed down our selections based on growth potential, brand recognition, financial position, and number of potential suitors. These are primarily mid-size firms with market caps between $5 and $12 billion.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BROS#NYSE">BROS</a>)</h3>
If you're annoyed waiting in long lines at Starbucks or Dunkin&#8217; for your morning coffee, you aren't alone. Even with mobile orders and online promos, drive-thru lines are a constant pressure point for big chains, and as coffee prices continue to rise, customers might consider eschewing the line altogether.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="304" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/Bros-1024x304.png" alt="" class="wp-image-690339" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/Bros-1024x304.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/Bros-300x89.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/Bros-768x228.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/Bros.png 1302w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Artisan coffee chains like Dutch Bros might be a way for bigger companies to gain a competitive edge without sacrificing quality. BROS is a fast-growing coffee chain with over 900 stores in the United States, mainly in the Western part of the country, that prides itself on quick drive-thru experiences and attentive service. While 900 stores might seem quaint to giants like Starbucks, this is impressive growth from the 135 stores in operation in 2009, and the company also sells its name-brand varieties online. Dutch Bros revenue growth has continued its steady ascent, and gross profits have more than doubled since 2020. BROS is a takeover target thanks to these expanding profits, minimal debt load, strong brand recognition, and potentially untapped markets in the coffee-crazed northeastern United States.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>)</h3>
Walgreens has long been a takeover target, but realistic dealmaking scenarios have failed to materialize, and the stock has been stuck in a multi-year decline. While a public acquisition has eluded WBA, 2025 could be the year the company returns to private markets.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="304" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/WBA-1024x304.png" alt="" class="wp-image-690340" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/WBA-1024x304.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/WBA-300x89.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/WBA-768x228.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163047/WBA.png 1302w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
On December 10, news broke that Sycamore Partners was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42421855/walgreens-stock-jumps-on-report-of-potential-private-equity-sale-what-you-need-to-know">exploring an acquisition</a> of Walgreens, who intend to take the company private and potentially split up its divisions. WBA stock has plummeted from a $100 billion market cap in 2015 to just $8.5 billion at the end of 2024, making a private market acquisition much more feasible.
<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/earnings-gaps-masterclass-registration/?utm_source=RD-1213">Last Chance Before 2025 Earnings Season</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Roku Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROKU#NASDAQ">ROKU</a>)</h3>
Roku's stock chart will forever be distorted by the COVID-19 pandemic and meme stock craze, which saw its price jump from $100 to $500 in less than a year. When rates began rising in early 2022, ROKU was decimated and has traded under $100 per share for the better part of the last two years. But Netflix and Disney+ have shown that streaming services are the new way Americans watch TV, and Roku provides hardware and software to bring these services into living rooms.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="299" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ROKU-1024x299.png" alt="" class="wp-image-690341" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ROKU-1024x299.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ROKU-300x88.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ROKU-768x224.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ROKU.png 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
ROKU made a record $1.5 billion in gross profits in 2023 thanks to more customers ditching cable for streaming services requiring Roku's products, such as smart TVs, streaming sticks, and the all-new Roku Ultra, the company's fastest and highest-quality device. ROKU's market cap is just under $12 billion, which is couch cushion cash for companies like Disney, Netflix, or Apple that could benefit from adding a hardware supplier that can entice potential customers to sign up for their services (and steer them from the competition).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Zoom Video Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZM#NASDAQ">ZM</a>)</h3>
Another company with a rollercoaster stock chart is Zoom, the video conferencing service that kept people connected during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom found itself in the right place at the right time, and its stock exploded from $76 in January 2020 to nearly $500 by the start of November. But by August 2022, the stock had given up all its COVID gains and settled back under $100.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="300" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ZM-1024x300.png" alt="" class="wp-image-690342" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ZM-1024x300.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ZM-300x88.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ZM-768x225.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163048/ZM.png 1302w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
ZM shares have traded under the $100 mark for most of the last two years, but the previous three months have shown the stock shaking off the cobwebs. In October, ZM's 50-day moving average made a bullish cross over the 200-day MA, and there's optimism that Zoom's infrastructure, brand recognition, and return to positive sales growth will make it a desirable acquisition in 2025. With a $26 billion market cap, Zoom needs a buyer with deep pockets like Google, Microsoft, or Apple, but the company has plenty of positive free cash flow and a sturdy balance sheet.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SPDR Regional Banking ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRE#NYSE">KRE</a>)</h3>
Now, no one is actually looking to acquire a banking ETF. However, the small and mid-size bank sector is ripe for consolidation, and the performance of this index shows how much optimism has flooded the industry since Donald Trump's election night victory. In 2023, the number of FDIC-insured commercial banks <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/184536/number-of-fdic-insured-us-commercial-bank-institutions/">grew to 4,470</a>, the first expansion in more than two decades (over 8,000 banks were insured in 2000). Many market analysts believe this to be a one-time blip and expect consolidation to resume under new FTC leadership.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="300" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163103/KRE-1024x300.png" alt="" class="wp-image-690343" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163103/KRE-1024x300.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163103/KRE-300x88.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163103/KRE-768x225.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12163103/KRE.png 1302w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
The S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF got a massive boost on the Wednesday following the presidential election as a deregulation agenda paves the way for bank mergers and acquisitions. KRE is a relatively small fund with only $5.7 billion in assets under management, but it holds a diverse range of regional banking stocks. Over 140 banks and financial services firms fill the index, ranging from large caps like Truist Financial ($60 billion market cap) to niche local banks like Atlantic Union Bancshares (under $4 billion market cap). Selecting which of the more than 4,000 banks will be acquired is a monumental task; buying this small ETF is a way to take advantage of the overall M&amp;A trend.
Join two veteran traders December 15th for their complete system: Find perfect entries, manage risk, and catch potential +1,452% winners others miss. <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/earnings-gaps-masterclass-registration/?utm_source=WebRD-1213">SAVE MY SPOT</a>
Photo via Shutterstock

5 Merger and Acquisition Targets to Buy Before Trump Takes Over

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Goldman Sachs analyst Noah Poponak downgraded the rating for General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>) from Neutral to Sell and lowered the price target from $283 to $245. General Dynamics shares closed at $265.43 on Wednesday.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GD/analyst-ratings"> See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Deutsche Bank analyst Stephen Powers downgraded Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>) from Buy to Hold and cut the price target from $78 to $67. Mondelez shares closed at $62.69 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MDLZ/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Curt Woodworth downgraded Nucor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUE#NYSE">NUE</a>) from Buy to Neutral and lowered the price target from $171 to $156. Nucor shares closed at $138.44 on Wednesday. See how other analysts view this stock.</li>
<li>Keybanc analyst Brandon Nispel downgraded the rating for T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) from Overweight to Sector Weight and maintained the price target of $252. T-Mobile US shares closed at $234.34 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TMUS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Chris Carey downgraded the rating for The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) from Equal-Weight to Underweight and slashed the price target from $175 to $160. Hershey shares closed at $177.00 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HSY/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying HSY stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="591" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12095131/image-104-1024x591.png" alt="" class="wp-image-689625" style="width:470px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12095131/image-104-1024x591.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12095131/image-104-300x173.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12095131/image-104-768x444.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12095131/image-104.png 1103w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read This Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/12/42437595/jim-cramer-says-keep-owning-this-energy-stock-abbott-laboratories-legal-stuff-is-behind-them">Jim Cramer Says &#8216;Keep Owning&#8217; This Energy Stock, Abbott Laboratories &#8216;Legal Stuff&#8217; Is Behind Them</a></li>
</ul>

Downgrades

Markets

TMUS

This Hershey Analyst Turns Bearish; Here Are Top 5 Downgrades For Thursday

Wells Fargo analyst Chris Carey downgrades Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) from Equal-Weight to Underweight and lowers the price target from $175 to $160.

Price Target

Wells Fargo Downgrades Hershey to Underweight, Lowers Price Target to $160

B of A Securities analyst Peter Galbo reinstates Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Neutral and announces $180 price target.

Initiation

B of A Securities Reinstates Neutral on Hershey, Announces $180 Price Target

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with HSY, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 22 uncommon options trades for Hershey.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 54% bullish and 27%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 19 are puts, for a total amount of $1,772,357, and 3 are calls, for a total amount of $147,125.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $160.0 and $200.0 for Hershey, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Hershey's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Hershey's whale trades within a strike price range from $160.0 to $200.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Hershey Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733946419_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>HSY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$16.3</td>
<td>$15.0</td>
<td>$15.1</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$453.0K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td align="right">381</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HSY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$16.4</td>
<td>$15.3</td>
<td>$15.3</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$267.7K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td align="right">523</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HSY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$16.0</td>
<td>$15.0</td>
<td>$16.0</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$181.8K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td align="right">190</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HSY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$16.6</td>
<td>$15.3</td>
<td>$15.3</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$100.9K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td align="right">348</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HSY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.5</td>
<td>$14.4</td>
<td>$14.8</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$87.3K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td align="right">479</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Hershey</h3>
Hershey is a leading us confectionery manufacturer (around a $25 billion market), controlling around 36% of the domestic chocolate space (per Euromonitor). Beyond its namesake label, the firm's mix has expanded over the last 85 years and now consists of 100 brands, including Reese's, Kit Kat, Kisses, and Ice Breakers. Hershey's products are sold in about 80 countries, albeit with just a high-single-digit percentage of sales coming from markets outside the us, including Brazil, India, and Mexico. The firm has sought inorganic opportunities to extend its reach beyond its core confection business, adding Amplify Snack Brands and its Skinny Pop ready-to-eat popcorn to its mix, Pirate Brands, and Dot's Pretzels over the past few years.
In light of the recent options history for Hershey, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of Hershey</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 4,294,436, the price of HSY is down by -4.51%, reaching $178.75.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 57 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Hershey</h3>
In the last month, 3 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $186.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from RBC Capital lowers its rating to Sector Perform with a new price target of $183. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Mizuho keeps a Neutral rating on Hershey with a target price of $180. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Mizuho keeps a Neutral rating on Hershey with a target price of $195. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Hershey options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Hershey Unusual Options Activity For December 11

The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) stock is moving lower on Wednesday. The Hershey Trust Co., holding 80% of the voting power in Hershey, turned down a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42398159/whats-going-on-with-hershey-stock-monday">preliminary bid</a> from Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>).
The Details: The Hershey Trust rejected the bid, citing that the offer was too low, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-11/hershey-s-main-owner-said-to-reject-mondelez-s-offer-as-too-low?sref=TBDibEcD&amp;embedded-checkout=true">Bloomberg</a>. In 2016, the two companies attempted to reach an acquisition agreement, but talks stalled after Hershey turned down a $23 billion bid.
 If the companies reach an agreement, the acquisition could create a food conglomerate with a combined revenue of about $50 billion.
What Else: Today, Mondelez <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42439792/mondelez-shares-surge-on-unveiling-9-billion-share-repurchase-program">announced</a> a $9 billion share repurchase program. The share repurchase authorization will begin Jan. 2025 and last through Dec. 2027. 
This new authorization will take the place of the existing $6 billion program, which has about $2.8 billion remaining and is set to expire at the end of 2025.
In the press release announcing the new repurchase program, Mondelez stated it, &#8220;remains committed to its key capital allocation priorities, which include reinvesting in brands and capabilities, returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, and M&amp;A.&#8221;
It then stated, &#8220;Given current market conditions, share repurchase remains an opportunity and key priority. The company remains committed to an acquisition strategy that is focused on bolt-on assets similar to recent acquisitions of Chipita, Clif and Ricolino.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42441647/whats-going-on-with-trade-desk-ttd-stock">What&#8217;s Going On With Trade Desk (TTD) Stock?</a>
HSY Price Action: At the time of writing, Hershey stock is trading 6.52% lower at $174.98, according to data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image: Image by Melissa from Pixabay

What's Going On With Hershey Shares Wednesday?

WIIM

Hershey shares are trading lower on reports indicating Hershey Trust turned down Mondelez's offer.

-Bloomberg
-Bloomberg
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-11/hershey-s-main-owner-said-to-reject-mondelez-s-offer-as-too-low" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-11/hershey-s-main-owner-said-to-reject-mondelez-s-offer-as-too-low">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-11/hershey-s-main-owner-said-to-reject-mondelez-s-offer-as-too-low</a>

Hershey's Main Owner Said To Reject Mondelez's Offer As Too Low

U.S. stock futures were mixed this morning, with the Nasdaq futures gaining around 50 points on Wednesday.
Shares of Macy&#8217;s, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/M#NYSE">M</a>) fell sharply in today's pre-market trading after the company reported<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/12/42436387/macys-lowers-annual-profit-forecast-amid-accounting-misstep-stock-tumbles"> third-quarter financial results and lowered FY24 EPS outlook.</a>
Macy's expects 2024 sales of $22.3 billion—$22.5 billion, compared to prior guidance of $22.1 billion—$22.4 billion and a consensus of $22.42 billion. Macy's expects 2024 adjusted EPS of $2.25-$2.50 compared to prior guidance of $2.34-$2.69 and a consensus of $2.73, including accounting error.
The company expects a 2024 comparable owned-plus-licensed-plus-marketplace sales change of Down ~1.0% to ~flat versus 2023 versus Down ~2.0% to down ~0.5% expected earlier.
Macy&#8217;s shares dipped 11.2% to $14.84 in the pre-market trading session.
Here are some other stocks moving lower in pre-market trading.
<ul>
<li>ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBRX#NASDAQ">IBRX</a>) shares fell 29.4% to $3.26 in pre-market trading after the company announced the pricing of its $100 million offering of 33,333,334 shares at $3.00 per share.</li>
<li>Acelyrin, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLRN#NASDAQ">SLRN</a>) shares dipped 13.8% to $3.4999 in pre-market trading after the company announced its Phase 2b/3 study of Izokibep did not meet its primary endpoint, with secondary endpoints also failing to achieve statistical significance.</li>
<li>Dave &amp; Buster&#8217;s Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLAY#NASDAQ">PLAY</a>) shares dipped 14.1% to $31.62 in pre-market trading after the company reported worse-than-expected third-quarter EPS and sales. Multiple analysts downgraded the stock following the report.</li>
<li>Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLCO#NYSE">BLCO</a>) shares fell 12.4% to $18.10 in pre-market trading after Citigroup downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral and lowered its price target from $24 to $22.</li>
<li>Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OTTR#NASDAQ">OTTR</a>) fell 8.4% to $71.87 in pre-market trading.</li>
<li>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) dipped 6.1% to $38.01 in pre-market trading. This decline occurred despite reassurances from CEO Charles Liang that the company&#8217;s stock would not be delisted from Nasdaq.</li>
<li>The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) fell 5.1% to $177.50 in pre-market trading.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/12/42429181/macys-adobe-and-3-stocks-to-watch-heading-into-wednesday">Macy&#8217;s, Adobe And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Wednesday</a></li>
</ul>

Pre-Market Outlook

BLCO

IBRX

OTTR

PLAY

SLRN

SMCI

Macy's, Dave & Buster's, Bausch + Lomb And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower In Wednesday's Pre-Market Session

RBC Capital analyst Nik Modi reiterates Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Sector Perform and maintains $183 price target.

Reiteration

RBC Capital Reiterates Sector Perform on Hershey, Maintains $183 Price Target

The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) today announced that Michael Del Pozzo, President, U.S. Confection, is departing the company effective December 12, 2024. Michele Buck, The Hershey Company President and Chief Executive Officer, will assume leadership of the U.S. Confection Business while the company identifies a successor from among a strong pipeline of internal and external candidates.
Del Pozzo is returning to PepsiCo – where he had worked his entire career prior to joining Hershey – and will assume a new leadership role.
Buck will partner closely with the highly experienced U.S. Confection leadership team during this interim period to lead the business through its next phase of growth and advance Hershey's Leading Snacking Powerhouse vision.

Management

Hershey's Michele Buck To Assume Leadership Of U.S. Confection Business On Interim Basis Upon Departure Of Michael Del Pozzo

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Mizuho raised the price target for Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) from $240 to $260. Mizuho analyst James Lee maintained an Outperform rating. Amazon shares closed at $226.09 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMZN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Barclays boosted the price target for Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTN#NYSE">MTN</a>) from $155 to $165. Barclays analyst Brandt Montour maintained an Underweight rating. Vail Resorts shares closed at $190.67 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MTN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Baird boosted MongoDB, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDB#NASDAQ">MDB</a>) price target from $380 to $390. Baird analyst William Power maintained an Outperform rating. MongoDB shares settled at $350.13 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MDB/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Mizuho increased The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) price target from $180 to $195. Mizuho analyst John Baumgartner maintained a Neutral rating. Hershey shares closed at $193.65 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HSY/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Evercore ISI Group boosted Oracle Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) price target from $190 to $200. Evercore ISI Group analyst Kirk Materne maintained an Outperform rating. Oracle shares closed at $190.45 on Monday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ORCL/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>BMO Capital cut Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) price target from $175 to $165. BMO Capital analyst Andrew Strelzik maintained a Market Perform rating on the stock. Darden shares closed at $168.64 on Monday. See how other analysts view this stock.</li>
<li>Citigroup raised the price target for Pactiv Evergreen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTVE#NASDAQ">PTVE</a>) from $13 to $18. Citigroup analyst Anthony Pettinari downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral. Pactiv Evergreen shares settled at $17.36 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PTVE/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Northland Capital Markets boosted C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AI#NYSE">AI</a>) price target from $35 to $45. Northland Capital Markets analyst Michael Latimore maintained an Outperform rating. C3.ai shares closed at $41.68 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AI/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Stifel increased the price target for Braze, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRZE#NASDAQ">BRZE</a>) from $37 to $48. Stifel analyst Parker Lane maintained a Buy rating. Braze shares closed at $41.80 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BRZE/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>JP Morgan raised MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>) price target from $12 to $23. JP Morgan analyst Reginald Smith upgraded the stock from Underweight to Neutral. MARA Holdings shares closed at $23.85 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MARA/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying AMZN stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="581" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10083615/image-79-1024x581.png" alt="" class="wp-image-685211" style="width:661px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10083615/image-79-1024x581.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10083615/image-79-300x170.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10083615/image-79-768x436.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10083615/image-79.png 1122w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Amazon To Rally Around 15%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Tuesday

Mizuho analyst John Baumgartner maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $180 to $195.

Mizuho Maintains Neutral on Hershey, Raises Price Target to $195

The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) stock is moving higher on Monday following a report suggesting that Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>), owner of brands like Oreo and Ritz, is exploring a potential acquisition of the company.
The Details: A successful acquisition could result in the formation of a food conglomerate with a combined revenue of around $50 billion, according to<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-09/mondelez-said-to-explore-takeover-of-us-chocolate-maker-hershey?embedded-checkout=true"> Bloomberg</a>, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Mondelez has initiated an initial inquiry regarding a potential merger. Mondelez and Hershey have engaged in merger discussions before. In 2016, discussions fell apart after Hershey rejected a $23 billion bid.
Any potential deal would need approval from Hershey Trust Co., which holds nearly all of the Class B stock in Hershey, granting it around 80% of the company&#8217;s voting power. Also, there is no guarantee that the two companies will come to an agreement.
Why It Matters: The food industry is facing challenges like slower growth and changing consumer preferences, as shoppers become more mindful of both costs and health. This shift has prompted companies to seek new ways to expand, possibly leading to more mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive.
In addition, a successful merger could create a stronger player in the food industry. This might allow the combined company to have more influence over competitors and market trends.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/24/12/42395482/unpacking-the-latest-options-trading-trends-in-lam-research">Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Lam Research</a>
HSY Price Action: At the time of writing, Hershey stock is trading 14.2% higher at $199.52, according to data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image: Photo via Pixabay

What's Going On With Hershey Stock Monday?

U.S. stocks were lower, with the Nasdaq Composite falling around 100 points on Monday.
Shares of Pactiv Evergreen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTVE#NASDAQ">PTVE</a>) rose sharply during Monday's session after the company announced it will merge with Novolex in which Pactiv shareholders will receive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PTVE">$18.00 per share in cash</a>.
Pactiv Evergreen shares jumped 18.8% to $17.45 on Monday.
Here are some other big stocks recording gains in today's session.
<ul>
<li>The RealReal, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REAL#NASDAQ">REAL</a>) shares jumped 42.9% to $9.20 after Wells Fargo upgraded the stock from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raised its price target from $4 to $15.</li>
<li>Kodiak Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KOD#NASDAQ">KOD</a>) jumped 33.2% to $10.43. Jefferies analyst Michael Yee upgraded Kodiak Sciences from Hold to Buy and announced a $20 price target.</li>
<li>Titan International, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWI#NYSE">TWI</a>) gained 31.5% to $9.14.</li>
<li>UP Fintech Holding Limited  (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TIGR#NASDAQ">TIGR</a>) surged 29.9% to $7.99.</li>
<li>Satellogic Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SATL#NASDAQ">SATL</a>) gained 29% to $5.06. Satellogic announced a $10 million private placement with a single institutional investor.</li>
<li>Bilibili Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BILI#NASDAQ">BILI</a>) gained 23.4% to $23.54. Shares of US-listed Chinese stocks traded higher following reports suggesting Chinese officials would embrace a ‘moderately loose' monetary policy.</li>
<li>Navitas Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVTS#NASDAQ">NVTS</a>) gained 19.6% to $4.51.</li>
<li>Akso Health Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AHG#NASDAQ">AHG</a>) climbed 17.3% to $0.9500.</li>
<li>NIO Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>) gained 15.2% to $5.31. Shares of US-listed Chinese stocks traded higher following reports suggesting Chinese officials would embrace a &#8216;moderately loose&#8217; monetary policy.</li>
<li>The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) jumped 14.4% to $199.93 following a Bloomberg report suggesting Mondelez is exploring a potential acquisition of the company.</li>
<li>Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) gained 12.8% to $2.5850.</li>
<li>Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) surged 9.3% to $93.92 following reports suggesting Chinese officials would embrace a &#8216;moderately loose&#8217; monetary policy.</li>
<li>The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPG#NYSE">IPG</a>) gained 7.7% to $31.50 after the company announced it approved a definitive agreement to be acquired by Omnicon.</li>
<li>The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EL#NYSE">EL</a>) gained 5.6% to $83.83.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42392614/toll-brothers-earnings-are-imminent-these-most-accurate-analysts-revise-forecasts-ahead-of-earnings-call">Toll Brothers Earnings Are Imminent; These Most Accurate Analysts Revise Forecasts Ahead Of Earnings Call</a></li>
</ul>

Intraday Update

BABA

BILI

LCID

NVTS

REAL

SATL

TIGR

Pactiv Evergreen, RealReal, Kodiak Sciences And Other Big Stocks Moving Higher On Monday

Hershey shares are trading higher following a Bloomberg report suggesting Mondelez is exploring a potential acquisition of the company.

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-09/mondelez-said-to-explore-takeover-of-us-chocolate-maker-hershey?srnd=homepage-europe" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-09/mondelez-said-to-explore-takeover-of-us-chocolate-maker-hershey?srnd=homepage-europe">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-09/mondelez-said-to-explore-takeover-of-us-chocolate-maker-hershey?srnd=homepage-europe</a>

'Mondelez Exploring Takeover Of U.S. Chocolate Maker Hershey; Chicago-Based Mondelez Has Made A Preliminary Approach; Mondelez Walked Away From Potential Hershey Deal In 2016' - Bloomberg News

Buying chocolatier Hershey looks like a nutty idea. Mondelez International, the maker of Oreo cookies and Cadbury Dairy Milk bars, may nonetheless give it a shot eight years after a previous bid failed. Crunching the numbers leaves a bitter taste.

Hershey Would Be A Bitter Confection To Swallow

Mairs & Power Balanced Fund Q3 2024 Commentary

Commodity Roundup: Cocoa prices hit fresh highs; UBS retains bullish view on gold

In a report released today, Robert Dickerson from Jefferies maintained a Sell rating on The Hershey Company (HSY – Research Report), with a price t...

Jefferies Remains a Sell on The Hershey Company (HSY)

Mizuho lowered the firm's price target on Hershey (HSY) to $170 from $195 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm says 2025 opens with U...

Hershey price target lowered to $170 from $195 at Mizuho

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In a report released yesterday, Robert Dickerson from Jefferies maintained a Sell rating on The Hershey Company (HSY – Research Report). The compan...

Jefferies Keeps Their Sell Rating on The Hershey Company (HSY)

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Entertainment

Press Releases

General

Oh Shift! Ice Breakers Launches New Flavor Shifters Gum that Changes Flavors as You Chew It

Jolly Rancher Unleashes the Fruitiest Ropes, Inside and Out, with the Launch of Jolly Rancher Ropes

Ivory Coast Plans 23% Price Hike On Cocoa Harvest

Hershey to Webcast Third-Quarter Conference Call

Contracts

Hershey Signs Groundbreaking Long-Term Agreement with Cocoa Cooperatives Aimed at Improving Farmer Income and Farm Resiliency

Earnings

Hershey Reports Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Updates 2024 Net Sales and Earnings Outlook

Dividends

Hershey Declares Quarterly Dividends

Hershey Expands Sweets Portfolio with Acquisition of Sour Strips

KIT KAT® Brand Debuts First-Ever Seasonal Shape: KIT KAT® Santas

Michele Buck to Assume Leadership of U.S. Confection Business on Interim Basis Upon Departure of Michael Del Pozzo

Conagra Brands

Cal-Maine Foods

The Campbell`s

Flowers Foods

Freshpet

General Mills

Hormel Foods

J&J Snack Foods

Kellanova

Kraft Heinz

Lancaster Colony Corporation - Common Stock

Lancaster Colony

Lamb Weston Hldgs

Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

Mondelez International

McCormick & Company, Incorporated Common Stock

McCormick & Co

Nomad Foods

Post Holdings

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation - Common Stock

Pilgrims Pride

Seaboard

JM Smucker

The Simply Good Foods Company - Common Stock

Simply Good Foods

Comments

Hershey

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에 대한 최신 뉴스 Hershey (NYSE:HSY) 주식

토요일, 12월 14, 2024

목요일, 12월 12, 2024

수요일, 12월 11, 2024

월요일, 12월 09, 2024

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일요일, 8월 18, 2024

사람들이 또한 지켜본다

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