11 Most Profitable Financial Stocks to Invest In

8. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)

Net Income (TTM): $14.25 billion

Profit Margin (TTM): 45.3%

Number of Hedge Fund holdings: 136

On January 20, Truist trimmed the price target on Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) to $609 from $630 and reaffirmed a Buy rating. This is part of the firm’s broader research note previewing the fourth quarter for the fintech group.

Earlier on January 13, Compass Point upgraded Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) to Buy from Neutral and set a price target of $735, which suggests an upside potential of 39%. Despite headwinds for payment stocks since August 1, 2025, the firm remains positive on payment networks relative to other companies in the long haul.

A day prior to this, TD Cowen lifted the price target on Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) to $668 from $654 and reiterated a Buy rating, citing “consistent spend behavior” that appears “broad-based and supportive.” Although geopolitical and macroeconomic risks continue to persist, the firm highlights that there was a “modest intra-quarter FX surprise” from the company.

​Overall, Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is a consensus buy, with 80% of the analysts recommending buying the stock and the remaining 20% holding a cautious view. With a 1-year median price target of $665, the stock has an upside potential of 24.79%.

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is a New York-based financial technology company that offers payment-related products and services. Founded in 1966, the company serves a diverse range of customers, including individuals, digital partners, businesses, and governments.