12 Stocks Most Bought by Hedge Funds in Q1 2026

10. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 157

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) ranks among stocks most bought by hedge funds in Q1 2026. On May 1, TD Cowen reiterated its Buy rating on Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) with a $671 price target on the stock.

The research firm pointed to the company’s Q1 results, which showed 12% growth in net revenue on a foreign exchange-neutral basis and 10% growth in adjusted transactions.  Value-added services and solutions also increased 18% on a foreign exchange-neutral basis.

TD Cowen noted that cross-border travel slowed in April because of the impact related to Iran. However, the firm noted that much of this is transitory. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) also reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 outlook for foreign exchange-neutral growth.

The company has increased capital returns as pressure on the stock continues. TD Cowen expects this trend to continue. In Q1 2026, Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) repurchased 7.8 million shares worth $4 billion and paid $777 million in dividends.

TD Cowen also highlighted agentic technology and stablecoins as possible long-term growth opportunities for the company.

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is an American multinational financial services company that provides transaction processing and payment-related products and services to individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide.

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