Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is one of the best stocks to buy with wide moats.

The latest moat-relevant update came on May 5, 2026, when Reuters reported that Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) argued against a potential EU order that would require it to give rival AI chatbots free access to WhatsApp. The dispute followed Meta’s January policy allowing only Meta AI on WhatsApp, later amended in March to let rivals use the messaging app for a fee. While regulatory pressure is a risk, the case also highlights why WhatsApp is strategically important: access to Meta’s messaging network has become valuable enough for AI companies and regulators to fight over.

That fits the wide-moat case because Meta’s advantage is built on network effects, user data, and advertising technology across its Family of Apps. Morningstar says Meta merits a wide economic moat because of intangible assets and the network effect around Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. The moat also showed up in first-quarter results reported on April 29, when revenue rose 33% to $56.31 billion, ad impressions increased 19%, and average Family daily active people reached 3.56 billion in March.

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Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) operates Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, Threads, advertising technology, AI products, virtual and augmented reality platforms, and related digital services.

While we acknowledge the potential of META 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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