15 Best S&P 500 Stocks to Buy Right Now

7. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 150

Next on our list of the Best S&P 500 Stocks is Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA). The company connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, digital partners, businesses, and other organizations worldwide by enabling electronic payments and making those payment transactions secure and accessible.

On April 1, Evercore ISI trimmed its price target on Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) from $610 to $550, while keeping an ‘In Line’ rating on the shares. The lowered target still indicates an upside potential of over 11% from the current share price.

According to the analyst, while Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) and Visa still offer long-term quality, there is a rise in investor skepticism as the market shifts focus from near-term execution to terminal growth and defensibility. With multiples near cycle lows, Evercore believes that the setup is more attractive for patient, long-term holders. However, there is a lack of near-term catalysts, and the burden of proof is higher than it has been in years.

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is projecting its FY 2026 net revenues to grow at the high end of a low double-digit range on a currency-neutral basis, excluding inorganic activity. Moreover, the company expects a tailwind of approximately 1 to 1.5 ppt from foreign exchange.