40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026

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33. Rocket Companies (RKT)

Number of Hedge Funds: 114 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 77 (2025Q3)

The skyrocketing interest in Rocket Companies (RKT) as of February 2026 is one of the most significant “momentum” stories in the current market. Based on the Insider Monkey data, the surge from 77 to 114 bullish hedge fund positions makes it one of the top 15 stocks with the biggest hedge fund momentum entering the new year.

Here is the analysis of why the “smart money” is piling in and what insiders are doing:

1. Massive High-Conviction Accumulation

The increase in the number of funds is matched by aggressive position-sizing from elite managers:

  • ValueAct Capital: Remains the dominant anchor with over 39.3 million shares valued at ~$762 million. They increased their stake by 56% in the most recent filing period.
  • Slate Path Capital (David Greenspan): Boosted its position by 87%, now holding roughly $497 million worth of RKT.
  • Marshall Wace (Paul Marshall & Ian Wace): Signaled extreme bullishness by increasing their stake by a staggering 667%, a massive “buy” signal from one of the world’s largest quantitative hedge funds.
  • Durable Capital Partners (Henry Ellenbogen): Increased its holdings by 59%, valuing their stake at over $338 million.

2. The “AI-Driven Mortgage” Thesis

Hedge funds are re-rating Rocket Companies not just as a mortgage lender, but as an AI-technology powerhouse.

  • AI Integration: The company’s recent launch of a ChatGPT-powered app integration and its focus on automating the loan process have convinced many tech-focused funds that RKT can achieve much higher margins than traditional banks.
  • Interest Rate Tailwinds: In late December 2025, the Federal Reserve’s hints at keeping rates steady triggered a 3.5% jump in a single day, as investors front-run a potential housing market recovery in 2026.
  • Analyst Upgrades: Jefferies recently initiated coverage with a “Buy” rating, and Keefe Bruyette boosted its price target to $20, citing strong sector growth and the company’s superior digital acquisitions.

3. Insider Trading: Strong Executive Presence

The insider roster is packed with high-level engagement, though most recent activity has been related to administrative or tax-related transactions:

  • Matthew Rizik (Director): Continues to be one of the most active insiders, with recent filings showing he maintains a significant holding of over 707,000 shares.
  • Shawn Malhotra (CTO): His presence on the roster as of late 2025 underscores the company’s pivot toward technology leadership.
  • Founder Alignment: Dan Gilbert remains a massive “Large Shareholder,” ensuring that the interests of the executive team are closely aligned with long-term capital appreciation.

Summary Verdict

Rocket Companies is currently a “consensus momentum” play. The 667% increase from Marshall Wace and the 56% boost from ValueAct suggest that elite managers believe RKT is the definitive winner in the “Digital Mortgage” war. With 36 new hedge fund holders joining in a single quarter, the smart money is betting that RKT’s AI platform will lead to a massive breakout as interest rates stabilize.

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