2025 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the U.S. and global financial markets, marked by relentless volatility and political drama. A storm of tariff threats from President Donald Trump, intensifying trade tensions with China, and abrupt policy U-turns have kept investors on edge. In fact, things took a sharp turn on April 21, when markets tumbled in a massive selloff triggered by fears that the Federal Reserve’s independence was under threat, as Trump floated the idea of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell over their differences on interest rates. 

In the wake of all this turmoil, the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has crashed nearly 10.4% so far this year, with most sectors deep in the red. Yet even as most sectors buckle under pressure, one defensive corner is holding firm. Consumer staples have emerged as a rare bright spot, quietly outperforming with the S&P 500 Consumer Staples Sector SPDR (XLP) up roughly 4.4% in 2025. With that in mind, here are two consumer defensive names that could not only offer a safe harbor in this stormy market but also boast over 20% upside to their average analyst price targets.

Stock #1: Ambev 

Brazil-based Ambev S.A. (ABEV) operates across the Americas through three key units, Latin America North, Latin America South, and Canada. It produces and distributes a wide range of beverages, including beer and soft drinks, and partners with PepsiCo (PEP) to deliver popular brands like Gatorade and Lipton in several Latin American markets. From Brazil to Canada, Ambev blends local operations with international reach through its extensive footprint and regional focus.

Valued at approximately $37.8 billion, shares of this Brazilian beverage giant have shown impressive resilience in a shaky market, with its stock up almost 32% on a YTD basis. 

On Feb. 26, Ambev popped the cap on its fourth-quarter earnings results, reporting a 35.2% surge in net revenue to 27 billion Brazillian reais. This impressive growth was powered by smart pricing strategies and stronger revenue per hectoliter across core markets, even as production volumes dipped slightly. Despite the top-line momentum, total volume declined by 3.2% annually to 50.4 million hectoliters, reflecting softer demand in Argentina and adverse weather in Brazil.

However, profitability remained a strong suit. During the final quarter of 2024, the company’s adjusted EBITDA soared roughly 34.5% to 9.6 billion Brazillion reais, up from 7.2 billion Brazillian reais in the same quarter of 2023. The Brazilian beverage powerhouse closed the quarter with a net profit of 5 billion reais, reflecting an 11% jump from 4.5 billion reais a year earlier. 

Looking ahead to 2025, the company is bracing for headwinds. Rising commodity costs and currency depreciation are expected to pressure margins. Ambev projects its cash cost of goods sold (COGS) per hectoliter, excluding depreciation and amortization, to increase between 5.5% and 8.5%. Nonetheless, management remains focused on uncovering efficiencies and unlocking new opportunities as it strives to expand its consolidated margins.

Wall Street also seems optimistic about ABEV stock, with a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Of the nine analysts offering recommendations, four firmly back it with a “Strong Buy,” and the remaining five give it a “Hold.” 

The average analyst price target of $2.91 indicates 20% potential upside from the current price levels, while the Street-high price target of $5 suggests that ABEV could rally as much as 105% from here.

Stock #2: Primo Brands 

Florida-based Primo Brands (PRMB) stands out in North America’s beverage scene with a wide-ranging portfolio of water and hydration products. Its lineup spans iconic names like Poland Spring and Pure Life, premium labels such as Saratoga and Mountain Valley, and regional staples including Arrowhead and Zephyrhills. 

With products available in over 200,000 retail locations across the U.S. and Canada, Primo serves a broad mix of channels, from grocery stores and convenience outlets to food service and wholesale. Valued at roughly $12.3 billion, like ABEV, Primo Brands is holding firm in 2025, with its stock up 6.6% YTD.

On Feb. 20, Primo Brands unveiled a strong fourth-quarter earnings report, highlighted by a robust 28.7% year-over-year surge in revenue to $1.4 billion, fueled largely by rising volume. For the quarter, combined net sales climbed 5.5% to $1.6 billion, with volume growth of 4.4% acting as the key catalyst. Profitability metrics followed suit, as adjusted EBITDA soared 24.1% year over year to $254.8 million, while adjusted EPS rose 18.2% annually to $0.13. 

Primo’s gross margin reached an impressive 30.8%, all thanks to stronger volumes that enhanced fixed-cost leverage, alongside improved freight and water sourcing efficiencies. CEO Robbert Rietbroek highlighted the company’s strong brand portfolio and market share gains as key drivers of momentum, reinforcing its position as the top choice for customers and stakeholders alike. 

Looking forward to fiscal 2025, the company expects net sales growth to range between 3% and 5%, with adjusted EBITDA ranging from $1.60 billion to $1.63 billion. Capital expenditures are projected at 4% of net sales, while adjusted free cash flow is forecasted to land between $790 million and $810 million.

Overall, Wall Street remains quite bullish on PRMB stock, with a consensus “Strong Buy” rating. Of the eight analysts offering recommendations, seven give it a solid “Strong Buy," and the remaining one advocates a “Moderate Buy.” 

The average analyst price target of $40.86 indicates almost 26.8% potential upside from the current price levels. The Street-high price target of $48 suggests that PRMB could rally as much as 48.9% from here.