13 Best Extremely Profitable Stocks to Invest in According to Hedge Funds

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6. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 136

On February 1, 2026, BofA lowered its price target on Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) from $616 to $610, while retaining a ‘Neutral’ rating. Two days earlier, Bryan Bergin of TD Cowen raised the price target to $671 from $668, while reiterating a ‘Buy’ rating. The firm’s bullish stance reflects strong top-line growth driven by a stable consumer and solid organic VASS momentum. Considering the company’s strong earnings and optimistic outlook amid a volatile operating environment, JPMorgan reduced its target price to $655 from $685 while maintaining an ‘Overweight’ rating.

Announced on January 29, 2026, Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)’s fourth-quarter results featured adjusted EPS of $4.76, above the $4.25 consensus, alongside an upbeat revenue figure of $8.81 billion. During the quarter, gross dollar volume grew 7% amid resilient consumer spending. At the same time, cross-border volumes increased by 14%. Around 4% of the company’s workforce will be impacted by a strategic restructuring. This will result in a $200 million charge in the current quarter to reallocate funds to priority areas.

Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Purchase, New York, Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) offers payment solutions through credit, debit, prepaid, and commercial programs under the brands Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus, as well as cyber and intelligence services.

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