In this article, we will look at the 7 Heavily-Battered Consumer Stocks That Could Triple by 2027.
The broader market has struggled in recent weeks as the escalating Iran conflict continues to ripple through the global economy. Oil prices have surged sharply, pushing up inflation expectations and weighing on growth. Stock markets have pulled back amid rising uncertainty. At the same time, higher fuel costs are beginning to squeeze household budgets, raising concerns that consumer spending could slow in the months ahead. This combination of rising costs and weakening sentiment has hit consumer-facing companies particularly hard, leaving parts of the sector trading well below previous levels.
BlackRock, in their latest Weekly Commentary, said that the “escalating Mideast conflict has now caused energy markets to price in a prolonged disruption” and warned that “higher energy costs and uncertainty start to weigh on demand.” That is a difficult backdrop for consumer-facing companies, especially the ones already dealing with weak sentiment, softer discretionary spending, or margin pressure.
The market is under pressure, but investors may still find opportunities where expectations have already been reset, and the underlying business is more durable than the share price implies. With this in mind, we will look at the 7 Heavily-Battered Consumer Stocks That Could Triple by 2027.
Our Methodology
We used the Finviz screener to identify consumer stocks with an RSI reading below 30. We limited our final selection to companies that recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
7. Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR)
On March 20, 2026, Wells Fargo downgraded Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) to Equal Weight from Overweight and lowered its price target to $43 from $48. Wells Fargo said the share price reaction tied to the Iran conflict has been “disproportionate” across the packaging sector and noted a preference for companies with low leverage, high U.S. concentration, and “defensive” production exposures. Wells Fargo also adjusted ratings across the group.
Last month, Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) reported Q2 adjusted EPS of 86c, above the 84c consensus estimate, while revenue came in at $5.449B compared with the $5.52B consensus. CEO Peter Konieczny said performance was “in line with expectations” despite a challenging volume environment, pointing to adjusted EPS growth supported by disciplined execution and synergy benefits from the Berry acquisition. Konieczny added that the first-half performance supports confidence in reaffirming fiscal 2026 earnings and free cash flow guidance, while portfolio optimization efforts continue.
Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) sees FY26 adjusted EPS of $4.00-$4.15 versus the $4.02 consensus and expects free cash flow of $1.8B to $1.9B.
Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) produces and sells packaging products across global markets through its Global Flexible Packaging Solutions and Global Rigid Packaging Solutions segments.
6. Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG)
On March 24, 2026, Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG) announced that its Board of Directors appointed Jerry “JJ” Fleeman Jr. to succeed Todd Vasos as Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2027, with plans to also appoint Fleeman to the Board at that time. Todd Vasos will remain CEO until the transition and will serve as Senior Advisor through April 2, 2027, after which Todd Vasos is expected to continue as a Board member. Jerry “JJ” Fleeman Jr. previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Ahold Delhaize USA, Inc.
On March 13, 2026, Telsey Advisory raised its price target on Dollar General Corporation to $140 from $130 and maintained a Market Perform rating, citing “much better-than-expected” Q4 results but noting the shares appear fairly valued.
On the same day, Piper Sandler raised its price target to $133 from $132 and kept a Neutral rating, pointing to strong Q4 results and 2026 guidance largely in line with consensus, though EPS growth for 2026 was “a bit underwhelming” as prior shrink reduction efforts in 2025 exceeded expectations.
Dollar General Corporation operates a discount retail business offering a range of merchandise products across the United States.
5. Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE:GPK)
On March 20, 2026, RBC Capital analyst Arun Viswanathan lowered the price target on Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE:GPK) to $10 from $13 and maintained a Sector Perform rating after meeting with the company’s investor relations team. Arun Viswanathan said food demand remains soft but noted the stock’s 23% selloff appears to discount continued weak demand and potential energy inflation.
Earlier in the month, Graphic Packaging Holding Company disclosed in a regulatory filing that CEO Robbert Rietbroek purchased 44.3K shares of common stock on March 4 in a transaction valued at $501K.
Last month, Graphic Packaging Holding Company reported Q4 adjusted EPS of 29c, below the 35c consensus estimate, while revenue came in at $2.1B compared with the $2.03B consensus. CEO Robbert Rietbroek said “consumer affordability created a challenging market,” pointing to ongoing competitive pressure as a near-term headwind. Robbert Rietbroek added that the company is focused on operational execution, cost improvements, and generating free cash flow, while also reviewing its structure, operations, and portfolio to better allocate resources.
Graphic Packaging Holding Company designs, produces, and sells consumer packaging products through its Americas Paperboard Packaging and International Paperboard Packaging segments.
4. Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR)
On March 16, 2026, Raymond James said quarter-to-date major appliance industrial production is down 7% year over year through February, while daily AHAM data is estimated down 4%-6% over the same period, indicating Q1 industry production and wholesale shipments are tracking below Whirlpool’s expectation for flat to slightly down. Raymond James noted March benefits from an easier prior-year comparison and a five-week month, with February PPI pricing data due later in the week, and maintains a Market Perform rating on Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR).
On March 13, 2026, JPMorgan analyst Michael Rehaut lowered the price target on Whirlpool Corporation to $59 from $76 previously and maintained a Neutral rating, reducing 2026 and 2027 earnings estimates in a model update.
Earlier in the month, Stifel also lowered its price target on Whirlpool Corporation to $68 from $75 previously and kept a Hold rating, adjusting estimates for dilution following Whirlpool’s offering of common equity and depository shares, partly offset by interest rate savings, and now estimates FY26 EPS at $6.00.
Whirlpool Corporation manufactures and markets home appliances and related products and services globally.
3. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL)
On March 23, 2026, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) confirmed it is in discussions regarding a potential business combination with Puig (PUGBY), under which the two companies could merge their businesses. The company noted that no final decision has been made and no agreement has been reached, adding that there can be no assurances regarding the deal or its terms unless an agreement is signed.
On March 12, 2026, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. filed a lawsuit against Jo Malone, her fragrance brand “Jo Loves,” and Zara’s UK business over the use of Malone’s name on certain products. The company said it owns the brand and rights to use the name following its 1999 acquisition, and stated that Malone’s use of “Jo Malone” in recent ventures “goes beyond that legal agreement,” referring to prior restrictions on commercial use of the name.
Earlier in March, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announced an agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, to acquire the remaining interests in Forest Essentials, an Indian beauty brand. The deal is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2026 and follows a minority investment made in 2008, which was later increased to 49% in 2020.
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. manufactures and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide.
2. Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT)
On March 24, 2026, BofA noted that shares of Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) were down intraday following news of The Farmer’s Dog’s first launch into retail. The firm said the launch could lead to potential share leakage given the expanded distribution opportunity and added that two consecutive competitor launches raise concerns about the company’s competitive moat. BofA maintained a Neutral rating and an $80 price target on the shares.
Earlier in the day, The Farmer’s Dog announced it will launch at retail for the first time with Walmart (WMT), bringing its personalized meal plan service to Walmart.com beginning in April. The company said the move will “dramatically expand access to human-grade nutrition,” referring to broader availability of its products to dog owners across the United States.
On March 23, 2026, Benchmark raised its price target on Freshpet, Inc. to $93 from $90 and maintained a Buy rating after attending a sell-side analyst event at the company’s Commercial Center of Excellence in New Jersey. Benchmark said Freshpet is “extending its competitive moat,” pointing to confidence that newer entrants are not pressuring its position, and added it is raising FY26 and FY27 estimates based on a modest acceleration in volume trends.
Freshpet, Inc. produces and sells natural fresh meals and treats for dogs and cats across North America and Europe.
1. The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC)
On March 23, 2026, Piper Sandler lowered the price target on The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) to $24 from $26 and maintained a Neutral rating. Piper Sandler said the company’s shift toward increased investment in its brands and capabilities is “the right thing” and “long overdue,” while noting CEO Steve Cahillane has relevant experience but faces a significant turnaround following years of underinvestment. Piper Sandler added that U.S. retail sales momentum remains pressured, with additional headwinds expected from the rollout of SNAP work requirements.
On March 21, 2026, Kraft Heinz Canada announced a C$250M investment to modernize its Mont Royal factory in Montreal, with plans to upgrade plant systems to improve efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. The company said the investment will also support new production volume at the facility, which employs over 1,000 workers, and is intended to strengthen domestic manufacturing and support local communities. President Simon Laroche said the move reflects a long-standing commitment to producing food in Canada and highlighted the role of the Mont Royal facility in supplying key products.
On March 18, 2026, The Kraft Heinz Company and the National Football League announced a five-year global strategic partnership, with Kraft Heinz becoming the league’s first global condiment partner and expanding brand visibility through stadium presence, co-branded marketing, and retail activations.
The Kraft Heinz Company manufactures and markets food and beverage products globally.
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