13 Best Defensive Stocks to Invest in According to Analysts

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11. The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG)

Beta: 0.38

Dividend Yield: 2.8%

Potential Upside: 17%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 88

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) is one of the best defensive stocks to invest in according to analysts. The company reported its Q4 2025 (FY ends in June) on July 29 with $84.3 billion in revenue and $6.83 in EPS. In fiscal 2025, the company delivered more than $16 billion in shareholder returns, including $9.9 billion in dividends and $6.5 billion through share buybacks.

Following the results, TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow reiterated his Buy rating on Procter & Gamble, maintaining a $168 price target. His view remains constructive, even as the company wrapped up the fiscal year on a softer note and issued a wide earnings guidance range for FY26.

Moskow believes that there is uncertainty in the near term due to macroeconomic challenges such as geopolitical risks and shifting tariff policies that could weigh on performance. However, he sees these factors as manageable as he remains confident over P&G’s strategic direction.

A key part of the bullish thesis lies in P&G’s commitment to product innovation. Moskow expects this focus will help the company gain ground against peers, particularly as it looks to reclaim market share in core U.S. categories like Skin Care and diapers. While pricing dynamics may fluctuate, especially if tariffs begin to impact cost structures, he believes P&G will continue to adjust pricing to preserve margins.

The company has already announced a CEO transition (COO Shailesh Jejurikar to become CEO effective January 1, 2026), which is also seen as an opportunity for renewed strategic clarity. Moskow anticipates that under new leadership, P&G will sharpen its execution and prioritize initiatives that support longer-term growth.

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) is a consumer goods company that creates, manufactures, markets, and distributes a diversified portfolio of daily-use products such as fabric & home care, beauty, grooming, baby, feminine & family care.

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