HSY Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis
Updated 81h ago·SEC filings & market data
Key Takeaway
For every dollar of shareholder equity, HSY carries $1.21 in debt, meaning the company uses leverage to fund its operations above its own invested capital.
Sector Performance
70th percentileHSY
1.21x
Sector Median
0.74x
Sector Avg
2.51x
Prior Period
1.12x(Jul 2026)
Deep Analysis
For every dollar of shareholder equity, HSY carries $1.21 in debt, meaning the company uses leverage to fund its operations above its own invested capital.
This is well above the sector median of 0.73x, putting HSY in the 72nd percentile among peers, so it is more debt-heavy than most comparable companies. The year-over-year change is not available, but quarter-over-quarter the debt-to-equity ratio rose 8.0% from 1.12x to 1.21x. Higher leverage than peers, combined with a rising trend, implies increased financial risk because more earnings must go toward debt servicing. That said, a 1.21x ratio is not extreme, and additional debt could support growth if used productively. This metric tilts toward caution, so it supports, rather than contradicts, the overall NEUTRAL verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Debt-to-Equity Ratio tell investors about HSY?
Shows how much a company is financing its operations through debt vs shareholder funds. High D/E can amplify returns — and losses.
How is the Debt-to-Equity Ratio calculated?
Debt-to-Equity Ratio is calculated as: Total Debt / Shareholders' Equity.
Who are HSY's closest peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio?
The closest peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio include: TAP (0.76x), PCAR (0.72x), O (0.78x), PRU (0.78x), KIM (0.85x).
Learn More About Debt-to-Equity Ratio
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Learn how to spot a debt problem in stocks using D/E, interest coverage, and net debt/EBITDA ratios. Real examples from META and MSFT, plus danger thresholds you need to know.
Debt/Equity Ratio: How Much Debt Is Too Much?
The debt to equity ratio explained: why context, interest coverage, and sector norms matter far more than the raw number when assessing debt risk.
The Formula
Total Debt / Shareholders' Equity
Why It Matters
Shows how much a company is financing its operations through debt vs shareholder funds. High D/E can amplify returns — and losses.
Master HSY's Valuation
Get the complete institutional research report covering all fundamental and technical metrics.
View full HSY research report →HSY
1.21x
Sector Median
0.74x
Sector Avg
2.51x
How HSY's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compares to sector peers.
Also Analyze
Not financial advice. Research tool only. Data may be delayed.