Hershey’s $0.23 Billion Trading Volume Ranks 436th as New CEO Kirk Tanner Steps In Amid Market Caution

On August 15, 2025, The Hershey Company (HSY) traded with a volume of $0.23 billion, ranking 436th in market activity. The stock closed down 1.26% amid leadership transition news. Michele Buck, CEO since 2018, announced her retirement and will step down on August 18, 2025, succeeded by Kirk Tanner, former Wendy’s CEO. Tanner, with a track record in food and beverage leadership, will assume full control after months of transition, while Buck remains until 2026 to ensure operational continuity. The change follows a strategic shift highlighted in Buck’s January statement, emphasizing long-term innovation and stakeholder value. Analysts have maintained a “Hold” rating for HSY, with a 12-month price target of $172.42, reflecting cautious optimism about the transition.

The stock’s decline aligns with broader market skepticism toward leadership changes in consumer staples, a sector sensitive to management stability. Tanner’s experience at PepsiCo and Wendy’s positions him to address challenges like cocoa cost volatility and pricing strategies. Recent reports indicated Hershey’s second-quarter earnings exceeded expectations despite a reduced full-year outlook, driven by strong Easter and pre-Halloween demand. However, ongoing tariffs and input costs remain headwinds. The company’s recent dividend announcement and Halloween product innovations, including collaborations with Mondelez, aim to sustain growth amid competitive pressures.

The strategy of buying the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding them for one day from 2022 to 2025 delivered moderate returns. Total profit reached $10,720, with a cumulative return of 1.08 times the initial investment. This approach underscores the role of trading volume in identifying short-term opportunities but highlights market volatility’s impact on consistency.