Purchase 5 Non-Tech Wide Moat Stocks to Boost Your Portfolio Performance

Investing in Wide Moat Companies for Lasting Growth

The wide moat investment approach centers on selecting businesses that not only dominate their sectors today but are also well-equipped to sustain their leadership over time. These companies are protected by robust competitive advantages—such as strong brands, exclusive technologies, patents, and network effects—that make it difficult for rivals to erode their market position. This strategy aims to build a resilient portfolio capable of enduring economic downturns and generating consistent, reliable returns over the long term.

Key features of wide moat companies include exceptional brand value, proprietary innovations, legal protections, and business models that benefit from scale or network effects. These attributes help ensure ongoing profitability and market strength, even during periods of market turbulence.

Top 5 Wide Moat Stocks to Watch

Below are five Wide Moat stocks that currently hold a strong Zacks Rank, indicating positive analyst sentiment. These picks include:

• The Hershey Co.
• Moody's Corp.
• CBRE Group Inc.
• Mettler-Toledo International Inc.
• Zebra Technologies Corp.

Each of these stocks is rated either Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy).

Year-to-Date Performance

The following chart illustrates the year-to-date price movement for these five stocks:

Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Hershey Company (HSY)

Holding a Zacks Rank #1, Hershey is focused on driving innovation, enhancing supply chain flexibility, and improving commercial execution as it broadens its reach in the snacking market. The company’s disciplined pricing, successful product launches, and strong performance in salty snacks have fueled its growth.

Hershey is undergoing a multi-year transformation to modernize its supply chain, strengthen commercial operations, and improve demand forecasting. Investments in data analytics and digital tools are supporting upgrades across procurement, production, distribution, and planning.

Retail performance has improved in core categories, thanks to better shelf execution and effective brand investments. Management remains optimistic about returning to its long-term growth trajectory next year.

For the current year, Hershey is projected to achieve 4.4% revenue growth and a 29.3% increase in earnings. The consensus earnings estimate has risen by 1.7% over the past week.

Moody's Corporation (MCO)

Moody’s, with a Zacks Rank #2, maintains a leading position in the credit rating industry. The company’s strategy of expanding through acquisitions and restructuring has diversified its revenue streams and global presence, supporting ongoing growth.

Recent acquisitions—including a majority stake in Middle East Rating & Investors Service and the full acquisition of ICR Chile—have strengthened Moody’s footprint in international credit markets.

Growth in bond issuance is expected to further boost Moody’s performance. A strong balance sheet and solid earnings outlook support continued shareholder returns.

Moody’s anticipates revenue growth of 7.8% and earnings growth of 11.7% this year, with the consensus earnings estimate up 0.5% over the last week.

CBRE Group Inc. (CBRE)

CBRE, also rated Zacks Rank #2, is well-positioned due to its comprehensive suite of real estate services and products. The company’s shift toward a more balanced and resilient business model, along with ongoing diversification, has strengthened its market position.

CBRE’s outsourcing segment remains robust, with a strong pipeline supporting future growth. Strategic acquisitions and investments in technology are expected to drive performance, while the BOE segment—offering integrated outsourcing services such as facilities management—continues to expand.

CBRE forecasts revenue growth of 10.8% and earnings growth of 15.4% for the current year. The consensus earnings estimate has increased by 0.8% in the past week.

Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (MTD)

Mettler-Toledo, with a Zacks Rank #2, benefits from a diverse product portfolio, strong demand for automation, and market share gains in product inspection. The company’s expanded midrange offerings are attracting new clients, while bioprocessing sales remain robust due to specialized workflow solutions.

Guidance for 2026 is positive, with operating margins expected to improve by 60 to 70 basis points. Strong liquidity supports ongoing share repurchases, and free cash flow is projected to reach approximately $900 million in 2026—a 5% increase per share, with $100 million anticipated in the first quarter alone.

Mettler-Toledo expects revenue to grow by 4.6% and earnings by 8.5% this year. The consensus earnings estimate has improved by 1.2% over the past month.

Zebra Technologies Corporation (ZBRA)

Zebra Technologies, also holding a Zacks Rank #2, is seeing increased sales in mobile computing and data capture solutions within its Enterprise Visibility & Mobility segment. Growth in RFID product sales is driving the Asset Intelligence & Tracking segment.

The company is investing in digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and advanced analytics to enhance customer engagement. Zebra also pursues strategic acquisitions to expand its geographic reach and continues to prioritize shareholder returns.

Zebra Technologies projects revenue growth of 10.8% and earnings growth of 13.6% for the current year. The consensus earnings estimate has climbed 2.7% in the last 30 days.

Analyst’s Top Pick for Potential Doubling

Zacks’ research team has identified five stocks with the potential to gain 100% or more in the coming months. Among these, the Director of Research highlights one standout pick—a lesser-known satellite communications company poised to benefit from the rapidly growing space industry. Analysts anticipate a significant revenue surge in 2025. While not all top picks achieve such dramatic gains, this stock could outperform previous winners like Hims & Hers Health, which soared over 200%.

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