Home to the ninth-lowest beta in the S 500 index, snacking juggernaut The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) dispels the notion that "safe" stocks can't generate life-changing returns. While its 0.34 beta -- which measures the company's share price movements compared to the broader market -- signifies extremely stable operations, Hershey has tripled the total returns of the S 500 since 2000.

However, a rare amalgamation of challenges over the last year has sent Hershey's shares down 30% from their 52-week highs.

Despite these difficulties, the company's kid-friendly operations and simple business model make it a great starter stock to learn from, which is why I have happily been buying Hershey's shares for my daughter's portfolio over the last few months.

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Source Fool.com