3 ASX shares rising in today’s defensive rotation

ASX investors are more cautious now which encouraged them to shift towards defensive stocks with relatively stable demand and established business models. Three ASX-listed defensive shares rose on Friday and attracted investor attention as market participants sought greater resilience amid the uncertain market environment.

Amcor plc (ASX: AMC)

Amcor plc (ASX: AMC) is a global packaging manufacturer which is involved in the development and production of packaging and dispensing solutions for customers in several industries.

Amcor acquired Berry Global in April 2025 which created a larger global packaging business with approximately 75,000 employees and around 400 manufacturing facilities across more than 40 countries.

The company reported net sales of US$6.129 billion for the quarter ended 30 September 2026 which represented a 7% increase while gross profit rose 3% to US$1.159 billion.

Amcor shares had gained 5.18% at the time of writing on Friday which gave the company a market capitalisation of US$30.2 billion.

The company has a major focus on the benefits of the Berry Global integration as management has set a target of approximately US$530 million in pre-tax synergies by June 2028.

Endeavour Group Limited (ASX: EDV)

Endeavour Group Limited (ASX: EDV) is one of Australia's major liquor retail and hospitality businesses with brands such as Dan Murphy's and BWS as well as a large network of hotels and pubs.

The company has a customer base of more than 16 million people which has given it a great presence across the retail and hospitality sectors.

Its growth strategy has an aim to strengthen Dan Murphy's position as a value leader while also increasing the potential of its hotels business through targeted refurbishments and simpler group operations to reduce costs.

Management has also launched a $300 million cost reduction program which is targeted for completion by FY29 and plans to optimise its asset base before reinvesting the savings into areas with stronger long-term returns.

The company entered FY27 with positive retail performance as first-quarter Retail sales rose by 3% and Hotels sales increased by 1.9% while 34 additional hotel venues are expected to receive upgrades by the end of the first half.

Telstra Group Limited (ASX: TLS)

Telstra Group Limited (ASX: TLS) is Australia's largest telecommunications provider and it operates essential national infrastructure and provides digital connectivity to millions of Australians.

The company has defensive qualities because telecommunications are now essential to everyday life.

Telstra's strong market position comes from its extensive network and major infrastructure investments. The company invested more than $9.5 billion in its national mobile network over five years.

The company is also pursuing its five-year Connected Future 30 strategy which focuses on improving its mobile network and expanding fibre and satellite connectivity while developing digital infrastructure.

Telstra has set a target of achieving mid-single-digit annual compound growth in cash earnings by FY30. It also aims to raise its underlying return on invested capital to 10% over the same period.

Such targets are supported by further network investment and greater operational efficiency. The company also expects rising demand for digital connectivity to support its long-term growth ambitions.

(Source: Company Announcements)