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PepsiCo stock (NASDAQ:PEP) is one of the top consumer defensive stocks to buy now. On April 8, JPMorgan reiterated an Overweight rating on PepsiCo stock (NASDAQ:PEP) but lowered the price target to $172 from $176.

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The price target cut is in response to the company maintaining its 2026 organic sales growth at 2.5%, with earnings per share expected at $1.55. On the other hand, the investment bank lowered the company’s organic sales growth to 3.1% from 3.3%, and also lowered the earnings per share estimate to $8.54 from $8.64. The estimate is still above the consensus of $8.60 a share.

Earlier, analysts at BofA Securities reiterated a neutral rating on the stock with a $173 price target. The neutral rating aligns with expectations that the company will deliver first-quarter results in line with consensus estimates. The research firm expects the company to deliver earnings per share of $1.53 and $8.60 for the full year.

PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is a global food and beverage leader that manufactures, markets, and sells iconic snacks (Frito-Lay, Doritos, Cheetos, Lay’s) and beverages (Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Aquafina).

While we acknowledge the potential of PEP as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

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