Discussion Reply: Outside Research / Peer-Reviewed Journal
Discussion Reply: Outside Research/Peer Reviewed Journal sources
Analyzing a company's internal environment through an Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) provides crucial insights into its strengths and weaknesses, guiding strategic decision-making (David & David, 2017). Hershey’s financial ratios offer a valuable lens into its internal capabilities, highlighting areas of success and concern.
Hershey has demonstrated notable strength in its domestic market dominance within the United States. The company's robust market share and brand recognition give it a competitive advantage over rivals like Mars and Nestlé. This solid standing is bolstered by strong financial performance indicators, including consistent revenue growth and healthy profit margins. However, Hershey's international operations present a contrasting picture. The company's struggle to establish a significant foothold overseas is evident, prompting the sale of its international assets to refocus resources domestically (Hirsch, 2018). While this strategic retreat helps concentrate on its core U.S. market, it simultaneously hampers the company's global expansion prospects, allowing competitors to capture larger portions of the international chocolate market.
From a financial perspective, Hershey's recent ratios indicate a company performing well in the short term. The rise in margins and equity reflects operational efficiency and profitability (Investing, 2020). Nonetheless, long-term projections raise red flags. Forecasts anticipate stagnation or decline in growth, cash flow, and financial stability over the next five years, signaling potential vulnerabilities. Such indicators suggest that although Hershey is currently capitalizing on industry trends, including the cocoa industry's growth, its future competitiveness may be compromised if internal weaknesses—like limited international presence—are not addressed.
The company's internal strengths, such as strong brand equity and market dominance, position Hershey favorably for sustained success, provided it can mitigate its weaknesses. This includes expanding international presence and innovating product lines to adapt to evolving consumer preferences. Its financial health, characterized by rising margins and equity, underscores its operational efficiency, yet caution is warranted given the declining growth prospects and rising debt levels projected for the future (Malawskey, 2011). Effective strategic planning and investment in international markets could bridge the gap between current performance and future potential, ensuring Hershey maintains its competitive edge.
In conclusion, Hershey’s internal environment, as evaluated through financial ratios and strategic positioning, reveals a company with significant strengths but also notable weaknesses. Its ability to capitalize on domestic market dominance while addressing international expansion and long-term growth challenges will determine its trajectory in the evolving confectionery industry.
References
- David, F. R., & David, F. R. (2017). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases (15th ed.). Pearson.
- Hirsch, L. (2018). Hershey sells two international businesses to focus on US snacking. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com
- Investing. (2020). Hershey (HSY) Financial Ratios. Retrieved from https://www.investing.com
- Malawskey, N. (2011). Foreign students who work at Hershey warehouse say 'we have our rights'. The Tribune. Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com
- Conway, J. (2019). U.S. market share of chocolate companies, 2018. Statista. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com