13 Best Defensive Stocks to Invest in According to Analysts

6. AptarGroup Inc. (NYSE:ATR)

Beta: 0.57

Dividend Yield: 1.3%

Potential Upside: 22%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28

AptarGroup Inc. (NYSE:ATR) is one of the best defensive stocks to invest in according to analysts. On August 4, William Blair analyst Matt Larew reiterated a Buy rating on AptarGroup (without mentioning a price target), pointing to a combination of solid execution and long-term potential for the company. The analyst’s positive stance comes after the company reported stronger-than-expected results for the second quarter of 2025, with revenue and core growth beating expectations across all segments.

Larew noted that AptarGroup’s third-quarter EPS guidance came in slightly below expectations, but the company’s overall financial performance remains healthy, backed by solid gross margins and strong adjusted EBITDA. He sees higher legal expenses and a pullback in Naloxone sales as short-term challenges, but believes that they are not expected to impact the long-term trajectory.

Another factor that the analyst highlighted was that AptarGroup shares are trading below their historical valuation range and at a discount to peer companies in the pharma packaging space. In his view, this offers an attractive opportunity, especially as earnings are expected to rebound. He expects a return to roughly 10% earnings growth by 2026, which adds to the case for longer-term upside.

AptarGroup Inc. (NYSE:ATR) designs and manufactures drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing, and protection technologies, serving end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, food, beverage, personal care, and home care.