HSY vs ARES Comparison

Hershey is a leading US confectionery manufacturer (in a $55 billion market, according to Euromonitor), controlling more than 35% of the domestic chocolate aisle. Beyond its namesake label, the firm's portfolio has expanded over the last 85 years and now comprises 100 brands, including Reese's, Kit Kat, Kisses, and Ice Breakers. Hershey's products are sold in about 80 countries, though only a high-single-digit percentage of sales comes from markets outside the US, including the UK, Brazil, India, and Mexico. The firm has sought inorganic opportunities to extend its reach beyond its core confectionery business, adding Amplify Snack Brands and its Skinny Pop ready-to-eat popcorn to its portfolio, as well as Pirate Brands, Dot's Pretzels, and LesserEvil over the past few years.

Ares Management is one of the world's largest alternative-asset managers, with $671.3 billion in total assets under management, including $409.9 billion in fee-earning AUM, at the end of June 2026. The company has four main business segments: credit strategies ($440.5 billion in total AUM and $266.1 billion in fee-earning AUM), private equity ($24.5 billion/$13.9 billion), real estate/real assets ($151.2 billion/$88.6 billion), and other alternatives ($55.1 billion/$41.3 billion). The firm primarily serves institutional investors (80% of AUM) and high-net-worth individuals (20%). Ares operates through more than 35 offices in over 15 countries.