HSY vs ERIC Comparison

Hershey is a leading US confectionery manufacturer (around a $54 billion market, according to Euromonitor), controlling around 36% of the domestic chocolate space. 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, 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 confectionery business, adding Amplify Snack Brands and its Skinny Pop ready-to-eat popcorn to its portfolio, as well as Pirate Brands and Dot's Pretzels over the past few years.

Ericsson provides telecom equipment and services that are primarily used to build and operate mobile networks. The firm divides its business into three segments: networks, cloud and software services, and enterprise. Wireless carriers have traditionally been the firm's primary customers, but it is pushing to cater more to enterprises as well, as both try to take advantage of 5G capabilities and utilize "as-a-service" communications platforms. The company also licenses its patents to handset manufacturers.