In this article, we will look at the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years.
On July 4, Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary, gave a statement noting that the market resilience has shown that the tariffs haven’t hurt the economy. The general sentiment was that tariffs would hurt the economy and the stock market in general. However, the market has shown the fastest recovery ever from the lows in April to reaching all-time highs in July.
To discuss the current and future market outlook, Lisa Shalett, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management CIO, joined CNBC television on July 4. She noted that the statement that the market has completely moved past the tariff situation is far-fetched, as some of the tariff policy resolutions are still pending, and many countries have not signed any deals with the US regarding tariffs. She believes that this is also one of the reasons why the Fed has been on hold.
Shalett noted that she thinks the market has moved on from tariffs, assuming that any kind of response would be digestible. She highlighted that the market sentiment for the next 6-12 months is based on the hope for some stimulus from the tax bill, which will help earnings growth for the said period.
With that, let’s take a look at the 10 best non-tech stocks to buy and hold for 3 years.
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Our Methodology
To curate the list of 10 best non-tech stocks to buy and hold for 3 years, we used reputable financial media. Using various reputable sources, we aggregated a list of non-tech stocks to buy and hold for the next 3 years. Lastly, we ranked these stocks based on the number of hedge fund holders sourced from Insider Monkey’s Q1 2025 Hedge Funds database.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years
10. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 91
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On July 3, Janssen-Cilag, a company of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), reported applying to the European Medicines Agency to expand the use of AKEEGA, a drug that combines niraparib and abiraterone acetate.
The new application seeks approval for treating adults with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer who have specific genetic changes called homologous recombination repair gene alterations. While treatments for mHSPC have improved, over 20% of mHSPC patients have HRR gene alterations, including the BRCA1/2 genes. These patients often have worse outcomes and limited treatment options.
Janssen-Cilag’s submission is based on results from the Phase 3 AMPLITUDE study. This study tested niraparib and abiraterone acetate with prednisone or prednisolone versus the current standard treatment. The combination significantly delayed cancer progression and the worsening of symptoms.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is an international healthcare company that develops and sells medical products. The company operates through two main segments, which include Innovative Medicine and MedTech.
9. The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 91
The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On June 26, analyst Gregory Peters from Raymond James reiterated a Buy rating on The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) with a price target of $305.
The reiterated bullish sentiment comes after the company reported its May 2025 results on June 18. The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) grew its Net Premium Written by 11% year-over-year to reach $6.634 billion, whereas the Net Premium Earned grew 15% during the same time to reach $6.715 billion. Notably, the net income surged around 353% year-over-year to reach $1.065 billion against $235 a year ago.
Management noted that the Net Premium Written growth rate for May is lower by 2% to 3% as the report for May was released in June. Looking ahead, the company expects the June premium growth rates to be higher by around the same margins.
The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) is a major insurance holding company based in the United States. The company operates through a range of insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries and affiliates.
8. PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92
PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On June 26, PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL) announced signing multi-year agreements with the Big Ten and Big 12 college sports conferences. These partnerships aim to modernize how universities pay student-athletes. This follows a recent court decision allowing colleges to share revenue directly with athletes.
As part of the partnership, the athletic departments can now send payments to student-athletes using PayPal. This is particularly important for student athletes as they can use these funds through PayPal to fund various activities on campus. PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL)’s PayPal app and Venmo are already popular with students for daily payments. This partnership will make PayPal a preferred platform for tuition fee payments as well.
PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL) provides digital financial payment platforms for consumers and merchants.
7. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 99
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On July 1, GlobalNewswire reported that the Cannabis Light Market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2025 to 2030. This is because companies like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) have entered the industry.
In 2021, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) entered the medical cannabis sector by acquiring Arena Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion. The report highlighted that the industry is rapidly evolving due to increased legalization and cultivation activities around the globe. This has led to key pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) to forge partnerships to maximize the efficient use of cannabis using advanced lighting techniques.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is an international biopharmaceutical company that researches, develops, manufactures, and sells medicines and vaccines. Its products cover a wide range of health areas, including oncology, primary care, and specialty care.
6. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 100
Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On July 2, Ivan Feinseth, an analyst from Tigress Financial, reiterated a Buy rating on Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) with a price target of $120.
Analyst Ivan Feinseth highlighted the company’s strong market position as the world’s largest retailer. This position, coupled with the company’s cost advantage and sophisticated omnichannel infrastructure, is the key factor enabling Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) to grow its market share and revenue. Feinseth noted that the company’s digital transformation and disciplined execution help maintain profitability.
The company is also focused on expanding its e-commerce, maintaining its grocery leadership, and investing in technology to leverage AI. Feinseth also noted Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)’s strategy of reinvesting cash flow into new technologies, store improvements, and strategic acquisitions to enhance competitiveness and shareholder returns.
Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is an international retailer operating physical stores, e-commerce websites, and mobile apps. The company sells a wide range of products, including groceries, clothing, and household goods.
5. MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 108
MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On June 24, analyst Robert Ford of Bank of America Securities maintained a Buy rating on MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) with a price target of $3,000.
Analyst Robert Ford likes the company’s strategic progress in advertising and fulfillment. He noted that MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI)’s integration with Google’s ad exchange expands its advertising reach, which should increase ad revenue and earnings.
Ford also highlighted the company’s growth in fulfillment centers and inventory centralization, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. This expansion could double MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI)’s addressable market and improve its competitive position in Latin America. Moreover, regardless of the regulatory pressure in Mexico, the analyst believes that the company will maintain its market position.
MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) is a Latin American e-commerce platform that operates in around 18 countries.
4. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 119
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On June 22, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) announced new results for its once-weekly insulin, Efsitora alfa. The drug is being tested for adults with type 2 diabetes.
The company released results for QWINT-1, QWINT-3, and QWINT-4 Phase 3 clinical trials. Each trial looked at a different group of patients. QWINT-1 looked at people starting insulin for the first time, QWINT-3 looked at people already using insulin daily, and QWINT-4 tested people who used both daily basal and mealtime insulin. The main goal was to see if Efsitora could lower A1C as well as daily insulin.
Results showed that Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)’s Efsitora lowered A1C by 1.31% for QWINT-1, 0.58% for QWINT-3, and 1.07% after 26 weeks for QWINT-4. The treatment is notable as Efsitora only needs to be injected once a week.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a pharmaceutical company that focuses on diabetes, oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and other therapeutic areas.
3. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 125
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On June 3, analyst Brian Meredith from UBS lowered its price target on Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) from $606 to $591, while keeping a Buy rating on the stock.
The analyst noted that the price revision reflects the conservative investment approach of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B). The company’s investment approach prioritizes liquidity and risk mitigation amidst volatile market conditions. However, while the analyst lowered the price target, he maintained a Buy rating due to the company’s strong balance sheet and diversified investment portfolio. Brian Meredith noted that these factors are key strengths of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B), which supports its long-term value.
Moreover, Qualivian Investment Partners also mentioned Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) in its Q1 2025 investor letter. The fund noted the company to be among the top three contributors for the quarter.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) is a large holding company that owns and operates various businesses through its subsidiaries.
2. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 129
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On July 1, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) announced plans to increase dividends and also authorized a new common share repurchase program.
The company announced that its Board of Directors intends to increase the quarterly common stock dividend from $1.40 to $1.50. The increase is subject to the approval of the board at the customary times of dividend declaration. The company has a forward dividend yield of 1.89% and has growth dividends at a growth rate of 8.04% during the past 5 years. Moreover, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) also authorized a new common share repurchase program of $50 billion.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is a global financial services firm that provides a wide range of banking and investment services. It operates through segments including Consumer & Community Banking, Commercial & Investment Banking, and Asset & Wealth Management.
1. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 165
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is one of the 10 Best Non-Tech Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years. On July 4, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) launched a new Security Roadmap for New Zealand to fight the rise of AI-driven scams and payment fraud.
This three-year plan is focused on protecting consumers and businesses from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) noted that in 2024, New Zealand suffered NZ$194 million in scam and card fraud losses, with unauthorized card fraud up 32% and online shopping scams now the most common type reported. The release highlighted that criminals are using artificial intelligence to mimic real consumer behavior, bypass security checks like SMS passcodes, and manipulate victims with precision.
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) used AI to stop over NZ$273 million in fraud in New Zealand in 2023. To keep up with evolving threats, the company plans to invest in next-generation security tools, real-time analytics, biometric authentication, and stronger cybersecurity across the payment ecosystem.
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a global payments technology company that enables secure and fast money movement and commerce across more than 200 countries.
While we acknowledge the potential of V to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than V and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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