Bank of America has identified several stocks that it believes are defensive and resilient amid market fears. The firm’s analysts have picked out companies like DoorDash, Netflix, Spotify, Flutter, and Live Nation as buy-rated stocks.
DoorDash is a top pick, according to analyst Michael McGovern, who notes that the company’s “convenience factor” makes delivery somewhat inelastic. Despite lowering its price target to $235 per share from $245, McGovern believes DoorDash shares are up 7.5% this year. The analyst attributes the company’s steady order volumes and lower items per order as a benefit.
Live Nation is another firm favorite, with analyst Peter Henderson saying that “live music is relatively recession resilient.” Henderson highlights the company’s unique value in offering in-person events over virtual or digital experiences. He also notes the secondary ticket market provides value during economic downturns. Live Nation shares are up 26% over the last 12 months.
Spotify is considered a defensive name, according to analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich. The firm believes the company’s subscription model will hold up well in a recessionary environment or downturn. However, they will be watching for signs of advertising growth hemorrhaging if volatility continues. Spotify shares are up 21% this year.
Flutter is rated as buy, with analysts believing it is well-positioned to capture a large share of the fast-growing US market. The company’s strong cash generation and scale make it an attractive investment. Recently listed in the US, Flutter is expected to drive interest from retail investors.
Lastly, Netflix is seen as one of the more defensive names in Bank of America’s coverage universe. Its subscription model and status as a leading global streaming platform make it unlikely to see significant churn during economic downturns. However, there may be an impact on gross adds and advertising revenue. Netflix shares are also up 7.5% this year.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/12/five-stocks-to-buy-with-markets-in-turmoil.html