In this article, we will be taking a look at the 10 Most Widely Held Stocks by Individuals in 2026.
Despite continuous global unrest, strong corporate profits are boosting market confidence. According to a May 6, 2026, Reuters article, more than two-thirds of the way through the first-quarter reporting season, S&P 500 businesses are predicted to produce their largest quarterly earnings increase in over four years. S&P 500 earnings are anticipated to have increased by 28.2% in the first quarter over the previous year, according to LSEG Data & Analytics. Binky Chadha, chief U.S. equities strategist at Deutsche Bank, described the performance as “arguably the strongest in two decades” when excluding one-time variables like tax cuts and favorable comparisons.
The momentum is expected to continue throughout the year. LSEG IBES data shows that full-year 2026 earnings are projected to increase 22.6%, while estimates for the next three quarters have steadily moved higher since April 1. In addition, analysts’ projections for future 12-month U.S. earnings have climbed more than 10% since the start of the year, according to LSEG Datastream.
The strength in earnings is broad-based across the market. According to LSEG IBES, nine of the eleven S&P 500 sectors are anticipated to report higher first-quarter earnings, with eight sectors likely to expand by at least 10%. Goldman Sachs projects that five hyperscalers will spend $751 billion on capital expenditures in 2026, indicating that artificial intelligence is still a significant contributor to this expansion. Deutsche Bank verified this trend, reporting a 50% increase in first-quarter earnings for businesses in the AI ecosystem.
Investors are keeping a careful eye on geopolitical developments at the same time. Jeffrey Solomon stated on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” on May 18 that the Iran war and its effects on oil prices continue to be the market’s top concerns. However, he said that because both parties have significant financial motivations to prevent a protracted interruption to the world economy, the issue might be handled sooner than anticipated.
With that said, let’s now take a look at the most widely held stocks by individuals.
Our Methodology
For our methodology, we tracked the stocks with the highest number of hedge fund holders, as monitored by the Insider Monkey database. From that list, we selected stocks with an analyst upside of more than 20%, along with companies that had recent news and developments. We then picked the 10 best stocks and ranked them in ascending order based on their total number of hedge fund holders as of Q4 2025.
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 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
Here is our list of the 10 most widely held stocks by individuals in 2026.
10. Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 111
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) is one of the most widely held stocks by individuals on this list.
TheFly reported on May 19 that Argus increased its price target on AMAT to $500 from $420 while reaffirming a Buy rating following the company’s stronger-than-expected second quarter results. The firm highlighted AMAT’s favorable long-term outlook, supported by rising AI-related chip demand and increased domestic semiconductor manufacturing initiatives.
In a separate major development, on May 20, Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) revealed that Broadcom will participate in its EPIC platform as a strategic innovation collaborator focused on advancing next-generation semiconductor packaging solutions for AI systems. The partnership aims to support the growing need for faster and more energy-efficient computing infrastructure as artificial intelligence workloads continue expanding worldwide. Through the collaboration, Broadcom will gain access to AMAT’s research and development ecosystem, including its global innovation facilities and the upcoming EPIC Center in Silicon Valley.
The companies plan to jointly accelerate the commercialization of advanced chip packaging and heterogeneous integration technologies designed to improve interconnect density, bandwidth, and overall system performance. AMAT also emphasized that the EPIC platform is intended to strengthen cross-industry cooperation between equipment providers, semiconductor companies, and system designers to shorten development timelines and help bring emerging AI-related semiconductor technologies into high-volume manufacturing more efficiently.
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) is a global leader in materials engineering solutions and supplies the equipment, software, and services used to manufacture advanced semiconductor chips and displays worldwide.
9. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 113
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is among the most widely held stocks by individuals.
TheFly reported on May 14 that RBC Capital restarted coverage of TMO with a Sector Perform rating and assigned a $490 price objective. The firm pointed to improving conditions across the company’s end markets while also noting concerns surrounding the sustainability of TMO’s long-term organic growth expectations above 7%.
Separately, on May 18, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) announced the launch of a new bioanalytical and biomarker laboratory in Gothenburg, Sweden, located within GoCo Health Innovation City. The facility strengthens the company’s worldwide laboratory network and is designed to support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies throughout every stage of drug development. Equipped with advanced analytical technologies and Good Laboratory Practice capabilities, the site will provide services ranging from preclinical research to post-commercialization testing.
The laboratory also supports complex therapeutic areas, including cell and gene therapies, antibodies, peptides, and oligonucleotides. TMO stated that the expansion is intended to address increasing demand for sophisticated drug development solutions as therapies become more advanced and data-intensive. The new Sweden-based facility complements the company’s existing bioanalytical operations in the United States and China while reinforcing its broader investment strategy within the European life sciences sector.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is a global leader in scientific services and laboratory solutions, providing analytical instruments, diagnostics, biopharma services, and life sciences products worldwide.
8. Sea Limited (NYSE:SE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 113
Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) is one of the most widely held stocks by individuals.
TheFly reported on May 14 that Barclays lifted its price objective on Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) to $122 from $120 and maintained an Overweight rating on the stock. The firm cited the company’s strong first-quarter performance, noting solid results across its major business segments.
On May 12, Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) released its first-quarter 2026 financial results, reporting significant year-over-year growth across revenue, profitability, e-commerce, digital financial services, and gaming operations. Total revenue climbed 46.6% to $7.1 billion, while gross profit increased 40.7% to $3.1 billion. Net income reached $438.2 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose to $1 billion during the quarter. Shopee remained a major growth driver, with gross orders rising 29.3% and gross merchandise volume expanding 30.2%.
The company’s digital financial services division, Monee, delivered strong revenue growth alongside a sharp increase in outstanding consumer and SME loans. Meanwhile, Garena posted higher bookings, revenue, and paying users compared to the previous year. SE also continued returning capital to shareholders through its ongoing $1 billion repurchase program, buying back 1.8 million shares during the quarter for approximately $168.4 million.
Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) is a Singapore-based technology company operating digital entertainment, e-commerce, and financial services platforms, including Garena, Shopee, and SeaMoney.
7. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 114
The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is one of the most widely held stocks by individuals.
TheFly reported on May 20 that China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed an agreement to purchase 200 aircraft from The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) following recent trade discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The deal also included U.S. commitments to ensure supplies of aircraft engine parts and related components to China. Both countries further agreed to continue negotiations on extending their tariff pause and reducing duties on billions of dollars’ worth of goods. BA stated that the order represents an initial commitment and indicated that additional aircraft purchases could follow in future agreements as trade relations between the two economies continue improving.
Separately, on May 19, The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) received a contract modification valued at approximately $396.76 million related to the production of CH-47F Block I helicopters for Foreign Military Sales. The adjustment finalizes and expands an existing agreement, increasing the total contract value to about $793.51 million. The scope of work will be assigned through individual orders, with funding and specific execution details determined as requirements are issued. The program is scheduled to run through an expected completion date of April 30, 2027. The award was issued through the U.S. Army’s contracting authority and supports ongoing procurement activity for military aviation platforms used by allied defense customers.
The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is a global aerospace leader that designs, manufactures, and services commercial aircraft, defense systems, and space technologies for customers worldwide.
6. Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 121
Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT) is among the most widely held stocks by individuals.
TheFly reported on May 22 that Rosenblatt increased its price target on SPOT to $534 from $500 and maintained a Neutral stance on the stock. The firm described the company’s recent investor day as strong and positively received. It also pointed to new initiatives, including an AI-based remix collaboration with Universal Music Group and an exclusive ticketing arrangement with Live Nation. However, the analyst noted that these developments may already be largely reflected in the current share price, limiting additional upside in the near term despite the strategic progress.
Additionally, on May 21, Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT) announced a new feature called “Reserved” through a blog post, aimed at improving how fans access concert tickets. The company described current ticket buying as highly competitive and often frustrating for users. Under the new system, eligible Premium subscribers aged 18 and above in the United States will be identified as highly engaged fans and offered two pre-allocated tickets before general sales begin.
This approach is designed to reduce competition during ticket drops and give priority access to dedicated listeners. SPOT stated that the feature will initially launch in the U.S. with plans to expand to additional markets later. The company also emphasized that the system does not include extra fees from its side and is intended to increase the presence of genuine fans at live events.
Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT) is a global audio streaming platform operating in over 180 markets with hundreds of millions of users. It offers music, podcasts, and audio content through both free and premium subscription plans.
5. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 137
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is also one of the most widely held stock by individuals.
TheFly reported on May 21 that Wolfe Research maintained an Outperform rating on LLY and kept its $1,350 price target unchanged. The firm highlighted late-stage Phase 3 data for retatrutide, showing strong weight reduction outcomes, reaching up to 26.1% at 80 weeks and exceeding 30% in longer follow-up among higher-body-mass participants. The results also showed meaningful improvements across key cardiometabolic health indicators. Wolfe Research said these findings reinforce LLY’s leadership position in GLP-1-based obesity treatments and strengthen its differentiation in the competitive metabolic disease space. The firm further noted that the drug candidate may help set a new standard for future obesity therapies aimed at higher efficacy benchmarks.
Separately, on May 20, Engage Biologics confirmed that Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) had acquired it in a transaction valued at up to $202 million in cash. The deal includes an upfront payment along with additional milestone-based payments tied to future development achievements. Engage Biologics is working on the Tethosome platform, a non-viral DNA delivery technology designed to address challenges in gene delivery such as limited potency, reduced tolerability, and restrictions on repeat dosing.
The acquisition is intended to support the advancement of this platform by integrating it into Lilly’s broader research and development efforts in genetic medicine and advanced therapeutic delivery systems.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a U.S.-based pharmaceutical firm that develops and manufactures prescription medicines in areas like cardiometabolic diseases, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience.
4. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 146
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is one of the most widely held stocks.
TheFly reported on May 14 that TD Cowen reiterated its Buy rating on NFLX and maintained a $112 price target. The firm highlighted disclosures from NFLX’s upfront presentation showing continued expansion of its advertising-supported tier, with global monthly active users rising to 250 million from 190 million in November 2025. The company also outlined plans to expand the ad-supported offering into 15 additional markets starting next year while enhancing programmatic advertising tools for advertisers. TD Cowen noted that NFLX expects advertising revenue to reach $3 billion in 2026, contributing a significant share of incremental growth and reinforcing the importance of the ad-supported segment in its overall monetization strategy.
On the same day, it was reported that Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) has been developing an internal production studio called INKubator focused on using generative artificial intelligence to produce short-form animated content. The initiative appears to be in early stages, with hiring activity reported across roles such as producers, software engineers, and computer graphics artists based on recently posted job listings.
Although the company has not formally announced the project, online professional profiles suggest the studio began operating quietly around March. The effort reflects NFLX’s exploration of AI-assisted content creation tools and expanding its internal production capabilities for animation and digital storytelling formats.
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is a global streaming platform that offers TV shows, movies, documentaries, and games to hundreds of millions of subscribers worldwide.
3. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 184
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is among the most widely held stocks by individuals in 2026.
TheFly reported on May 20 that V and Men in Blazers Media Network announced a partnership to introduce “Men in Blazers City Guides,” a travel-focused initiative aimed at highlighting cities through their culture, communities, and local businesses. The collaboration is designed as a fan-oriented guide for travelers during the summer and beyond, helping visitors experience destinations connected to global soccer events.
The project emphasizes simplifying trip planning by curating local recommendations so users can focus more on cultural experiences. Men in Blazers noted that the initiative reflects the idea that soccer extends beyond stadiums and into everyday city life, with Visa supporting efforts to elevate local institutions and improve how fans engage with host cities.
Separately, on May 12, Commerce Bancshares reported that Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) accepted its tender of 411,723 shares of Visa Class B-2 common stock, which were exchanged for a mix of Visa Class B-3 and Class C shares. Following the completion of the exchange, the bank recorded a $99 million gain after revaluing its remaining Visa Class C holdings based on prevailing market pricing.
The company also outlined a portfolio repositioning plan involving the sale of roughly $911 million in available-for-sale debt securities, which carry lower yields, and reinvestment into higher-yielding instruments. Management said the strategy is intended to strengthen net interest income, reduce earnings volatility, and improve balance sheet flexibility while maintaining a broadly neutral impact on regulatory capital ratios.
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a global payments network that enables secure electronic transactions between consumers, businesses, and financial institutions worldwide.
2. Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 256
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is also among the most widely held stocks by individuals.
TheFly reported on May 20 that META CEO Mark Zuckerberg informed employees that the company does not expect any additional broad layoffs for the remainder of the year. Earlier restructuring reduced the global workforce by about 10% and included the reassignment of roughly 7,000 employees into artificial intelligence-focused roles. The internal communication, reported via a memo cited by Reuters, indicated that the company is shifting headcount toward AI development rather than continuing large-scale workforce reductions. The update suggests a transition phase in which META is stabilizing staffing levels after prior cuts while prioritizing investment in artificial intelligence initiatives and reorganizing internal teams to support that strategic direction.
In a separate move, on May 20, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) regarding its Meta AI smart glasses, focusing on privacy and data protection concerns. The inquiry examines whether the device’s camera-enabled eyewear could expose sensitive personal information, including audio, video recordings, and facial data of individuals in Texas.
The glasses include continuous data-processing features linked to Meta AI, along with a recording indicator light that authorities say may not always be easily noticeable. The investigation also references concerns about third-party data access and potential exposure of private user content during data annotation processes. Additional scrutiny involves reports that future versions may incorporate facial recognition capabilities using embedded camera systems to identify individuals without their knowledge.
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is a global tech company that operates major social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, connecting billions of users worldwide.
1. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 264
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is one of the most widely held stocks by individuals in 2026.
TheFly reported on May 21 that Truist increased its price target on NVDA to $307 from $287 while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. The firm said the company delivered a strong quarterly performance with results exceeding expectations and an improved outlook. It noted that demand trends remain firm and growth momentum is accelerating rather than slowing. Truist also emphasized its view that artificial intelligence expansion is still in an early phase, not a speculative bubble, and highlighted expectations for substantial long-term industry growth, with AI market expansion projected to reach multi-trillion-dollar levels by 2030 under continued high growth rates.
Separately, today, on May 22, it was reported that Taiwanese authorities have detained three individuals in connection with allegations of document forgery linked to the unauthorized export of NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) chips. The case involves shipments reportedly intended for destinations including China, Hong Kong, and Macau, in violation of U.S. export control regulations. Officials said the activity covered approximately 50 servers containing restricted semiconductor components. The suspects were taken into custody on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation led by the Taiwan Keelung District Prosecutors’ Office. The case highlights continued enforcement efforts against illegal diversion of advanced computing hardware amid heightened global scrutiny of semiconductor supply chains and trade compliance rules.
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is a U.S. technology company known for inventing GPUs and leading the development of AI computing and accelerated computing infrastructure.
READ NEXT: 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years AND 12 Best Stocks That Will Always Grow.
Disclosure: None. Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below.
Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
