VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF: A Strategic Play for ASX 200 Investors

May 09, 2025 03:18 PM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media
 VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF: A Strategic Play for ASX 200 Investors
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Highlights:

  • The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX:MOAT) has recently seen significant growth.

  • Despite its rally, many of the ETF's holdings remain undervalued.

  • The ETF offers a disciplined approach with a strategy focused on value and sustainable competitive advantages.

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX:MOAT) belongs to the ASX 200 index and tracks companies with durable competitive advantages, focusing on US-listed firms that demonstrate an ability to sustain strong market positions over time. This ETF has been a notable player in the investment landscape due to its unique approach of investing in businesses with wide economic moats.

A Strategy Built on Value

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF targets companies that hold a competitive edge over their peers. This edge allows them to defend their market share and generate consistent profits over time. The ETF includes US-based companies that are trading at a discount to their perceived fair value, adding an additional layer of appeal to value-focused investors.

The ETF stands out for its regular rebalancing strategy, which ensures the portfolio remains aligned with its goal of maintaining exposure to companies that are undervalued yet demonstrate long-term competitive advantages. This focus on businesses with strong moats allows the ETF to concentrate on high-quality companies even in periods of market volatility.

Continued Undervaluation Among Key Holdings

Despite the ETF’s recent gains, many of its key holdings, such as Nike, Adobe, Merck, Huntington Ingalls, Walt Disney, and Constellation Brands, are still trading well below their previous highs. For example, Nike, a recognized global leader, continues to face challenges due to trade tariffs. Similarly, Adobe's market valuation is being questioned, despite its expanding role in artificial intelligence and marketing automation.

In addition, companies like Huntington Ingalls, which specializes in defense and shipbuilding, have seen limited attention from the market despite benefiting from rising global defense spending. This presents an opportunity for investors looking for underappreciated companies with solid fundamentals and growth prospects.

A Discount to Net Asset Value

At the time of writing, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF is trading at a slight discount to its net asset value (NAV). This means that the current price of the ETF is lower than the market value of its underlying assets, offering a potential margin of safety for long-term holders. The discount provides an interesting dynamic for those looking to maintain exposure to high-quality companies without paying a premium.

Such a discount is particularly notable considering the ETF's strong momentum in recent weeks. When combined with a portfolio of undervalued businesses, this type of pricing can present an attractive risk-to-reward profile for disciplined investors.

Value in a Changing Market

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, while recently rising, continues to offer significant value for those looking at long-term growth. Its strategy, focused on companies with strong economic moats and sustainable business practices, positions it as an appealing choice for those who believe in the strength of these businesses over time.

Despite the ETF’s recent rally, many of the companies within its portfolio remain undervalued, offering long-term potential for growth. The strategy of regularly rebalancing to focus on undervalued businesses with a competitive edge remains a key strength of the fund, making it a compelling option for those interested in maintaining exposure to high-quality assets within the ASX 200 index.


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