40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026

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40. Oracle Corporation (ORCL)

Number of Hedge Funds: 111 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 122 (2025Q3)

Based on the latest data from the Insider Monkey page as of late February 2026, the decline in bullish hedge fund positions for Oracle (ORCL) reflects a period of “cautious repositioning” rather than a lack of long-term confidence. While some funds have trimmed their stakes, elite managers remain heavily invested in the company’s AI-driven future.

1. Hedge Fund Activity: Repositioning for the “AI Infrastructure” Phase

While the total number of bullish positions saw a decline in the most recent quarter, the world’s most successful managers are still maintaining massive exposure to Oracle’s cloud and AI growth.

• The “Smart Money” Anchor: Ken Fisher’s Fisher Asset Management increased its position by 3% to 9.3 million shares, a stake valued at approximately $1.8 billion.
• Hedging the Upside: Ken Griffin’s Citadel Investment Group increased its Call options position by 6%, holding a total value of nearly $1.94 billion. This suggests that while some funds are exiting, the largest players are actually betting on a significant breakout.
• Tactical Trimming: Some growth-focused funds, like Philippe Laffont’s Coatue Management, reduced their holdings by roughly 8%—a common move among managers who are locking in gains after Oracle’s record-breaking run in 2025.

2. Why the Sentiment Shift? (Q4 2025 – Q1 2026)

The decline in the number of positions is largely attributed to specific investor letters and analyst reports citing short-term headwinds:

• Overinvestment Concerns: Recent investor letters (such as Aristotle Funds’ Q4 2025 letter) noted concerns about the massive capital expenditures and potential debt-fueled funding needed for Oracle’s AI data center expansion.
• “Bumpy” Transformation: Some funds are waiting for more clarity on how quickly Oracle’s cloud infrastructure wins (like the recent $88 million U.S. Air Force contract) will translate into bottom-line profits.

3. Insider Trading: Profit Taking at High Valuations

Insiders have been active sellers throughout December 2025 and early 2026, which often coincides with a peak in stock price and executive tax-planning windows:

• M. Clayton Magouyrk (CEO, OCI): Sold 10,000 shares in February 2026 at $155.23 and another 10,000 in December 2025 at $192.52.
• A. Douglas Kehring (EVP/PFO): Executed a significant sale of 35,000 shares on January 15, 2026, at an average price of $194.89, totaling over $6.8 million.
• Mark Hura (President): Sold 15,000 shares for nearly $3 million in late December 2025.

Summary Verdict

The “decline” in hedge fund positions appears to be a consolidation phase. While some generalist funds are stepping aside due to concerns over high debt and AI capital costs, the specialized “smart money” titans like Ken Fisher and Ken Griffin are either holding steady or doubling down via options.

With 77% of analysts still maintaining a “Buy” rating as of February 2026, the institutional consensus is that Oracle remains a top-tier technology play, even if it is currently undergoing a period of market digestion.

39. Applied Materials (AMAT)

Number of Hedge Funds: 111 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 89 (2025Q3)

The surge in hedge fund interest in Applied Materials (AMAT) comes at a time when the company is being re-rated as a core “AI Infrastructure” play. Based on the latest data from Insider Monkey, here is a summary of why the “smart money” is piling into the stock as of late February 2026:

a. Massive Hedge Fund Accumulation

Hedge funds have aggressively increased their stakes, signaling high conviction in the semiconductor equipment sector’s growth.

• Citadel’s Massive Move: Ken Griffin’s Citadel Investment Group increased its position by a staggering 600% in the most recent filing period, holding over 2.4 million shares valued at approximately $636 million.
• Bullish Options Activity: Beyond common stock, major funds like Citadel are also holding significant Call options (valued at ~$503 million), indicating a bet on continued near-term price appreciation.

b. Strong Q1 2026 Earnings & Outlook

The stock’s momentum is supported by fundamental outperformance:

• Earnings Beat: AMAT was recently highlighted as one of the “12 Best Tech Stocks that Beat Earnings Estimates,” a key driver for institutional “buy” signals.
• Price Target Hikes: Following the Q1 2026 earnings call, analysts have been raising targets, with some reaching as high as $420 and maintaining “Overweight” ratings.
• The AI Tailwind: The company is seen as a primary winner in the Wafer Fab Equipment (WFE) market, benefiting from the global “AI Supercycle” and the transition to advanced nodes required for AI chips.

c. Insider Selling (Profit Taking)

While hedge funds are buying, corporate insiders have been active sellers in February 2026. This is often interpreted as tactical profit-taking following the stock’s recent rally rather than a lack of confidence in the business.

• Judy Bruner (Director): Sold shares multiple times in late February, totaling over $2.4 million at prices ranging from $376 to $391.
• Brice Hill (CFO): Sold 5,000 shares on February 17 for approximately $1.8 million.
• Adam Sanders (Controller): Sold shares for roughly $202,000 on February 24.

Summary Verdict

The “skyrocketing” number of hedge fund positions reflects a consensus among the world’s top money managers that AMAT is a critical “toll-booth” for the AI era. While insiders are trimming their personal holdings to lock in gains at record highs, the 600% increase from titans like Citadel suggests that the institutional “long” trade still has significant room to run.

38. Vertiv Holdings (VRT)

Number of Hedge Funds: 112 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 102 (2025Q3)

The recent surge in hedge fund interest in Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) is driven by its emergence as a critical “toll-booth” for the AI data center boom. Based on the latest data from the Insider Monkey page and recent market filings as of late February 2026, here is a breakdown of what is happening:

1. Massive Hedge Fund Accumulation

Institutional and hedge fund ownership has reached approximately 89.92%. While the number of funds held relatively steady at the end of 2025, the conviction and position sizing have skyrocketed:

• The “Nvidia Partner” Effect: Hedge funds are treating VRT as a primary derivative play on Nvidia. As data centers shift to high-density AI chips, the need for Vertiv’s specialized liquid cooling and power management systems has transformed it from a traditional industrial stock into a high-growth AI infrastructure play.
• New Entries & Increases: Major players like Vanguard (38.8M shares) and State Street have increased their stakes, while firms like Marshall Wace boosted their holdings in recent cycles. Billionaire Leon Cooperman is also bullish on VRT.

2. The “$15 Billion Backlog” Signal

The most “bullish” data point drawing in professional investors is Vertiv’s massive order backlog.

• Backlog Growth: The company exited 2025 with a $15 billion backlog, which is more than double the previous year.
• Organic Orders: In the fourth quarter of 2025, organic orders grew by a staggering 252% year-over-year. This provides hedge funds with rare revenue visibility into 2026 and 2027, making it a favorite for “buy and hold” institutional strategies.

3. Strategic Partnerships (2026 Catalyst)

Hedge funds are also pricing in high-value collaborations that were highlighted in early 2026:

• Nvidia & Liquid Cooling: Vertiv is co-developing power systems for Nvidia’s next-generation architectures.
• Nuclear-Powered Data Centers: A new partnership with Oklo to develop thermal solutions for data centers powered by small modular reactors has added a “clean energy” tailwind to the stock.

Summary Verdict

The “skyrocketing” interest from hedge funds reflects a consensus that Vertiv is the dominant winner in the data center cooling space.

37. MercadoLibre (MELI)

Number of Hedge Funds: 113 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 109 (2025Q3)

MercadoLibre (MELI) is currently one of the highest-conviction holdings among the world’s most elite investors. Based on the data from the Insider Monkey page as of late February 2026, the stock is being propelled by a massive “double tailwind” of institutional accumulation and fundamental re-rating.

1. Heavy Institutional & Hedge Fund Accumulation

The “smart money” is not just holding MELI; they are aggressively increasing their stakes.

• Elite Conviction: Generation Investment Management (led by David Blood and Al Gore) is a top holder with a stake valued at over $924 million, recently increasing their position by 3%.
• Massive Trading Activity: Marshall Wace LLP (Paul Marshall and Ian Wace) signaled extreme bullishness by boosting their position by a staggering 171% in the most recent filing period.
• Billionaire Approval: The stock is a core holding for legendary billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller, who ranks it among his top 10 best stock picks for 2026.
• Significant Positions: Other high-conviction players include Henry Ellenbogen’s Durable Capital Partners (up 76%) and Ken Griffin’s Citadel Investment Group (up 31%).

2. Why the Pros are Buying (Fundamental Bull Case)

Hedge funds are betting on MercadoLibre as the undisputed champion of the Latin American digital economy.

• Brazil Growth Engine: JPMorgan recently upgraded MELI to Overweight, specifically citing its dominant market share and growth trajectory in Brazil as a primary catalyst for 2026.
• AI Synergy: Analysts see the company entering a “golden age of AI synergy,” utilizing advanced data to optimize its logistics and fintech (Mercado Pago) wings, which is expected to drive significant margin expansion.
• The “Discount” Theory: Firms like Loomis Sayles have publicly stated that MELI is still trading at a discount relative to its long-term earnings power, viewing the current investment cycle as an ideal entry point before the next leg up.

3. Insider Trading: Tactical Moves at Record Levels

While hedge funds are buying, insiders have engaged in tactical sales as the stock tests new highs near $2,000.

• Director Activity: In December 2025, Directors Dubugras, Calemzuk, and Tolda sold portions of their holdings at prices ranging from $2,027 to $2,047.
• Context: These sales are typical for “legacy” insiders who have seen the stock price appreciate significantly. Crucially, the aggregate institutional buying from funds like Marshall Wace far outweighs this individual selling, suggesting that professional managers are happy to “absorb” these shares.

Summary Verdict

MELI is popular because it offers a rare combination of high-growth e-commerce and high-margin fintech in a region with massive untapped digital potential. With billionaires like Druckenmiller and firms like Marshall Wace piling in, the consensus among the world’s smartest investors is that MercadoLibre’s trajectory for the rest of 2026 remains decidedly upward.

36. Disney (DIS)

Number of Hedge Funds: 113 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 107 (2025Q3)

The current outlook for The Walt Disney Company (DIS) as of late February 2026 shows a significant divergence between massive institutional accumulation and cautious tactical selling by insiders. Here is the analysis based on the Insider Monkey data:

1. High-Conviction Hedge Fund Accumulation

While some generalist funds have trimmed their stakes, the most successful “smart money” managers are doubling down on Disney’s turnaround.

• Arrowstreet Capital: The firm significantly boosted its position by 38%, now holding 12.5 million shares valued at approximately $1.43 billion.
• Viking Global: Led by billionaire Andreas Halvorsen, the fund increased its stake by 8%, making it a core holding at 3.38% of their total portfolio (valued at $1.27 billion).
• Mixed Activity: On the flip side, D. E. Shaw and Farallon Capital reduced their positions by roughly 20%, likely capturing gains following the stock’s recent recovery to the $115–$120 range.

2. Fundamental Catalysts for 2026

The institutional bullishness is rooted in a “cash-flow first” strategy that Disney has successfully executed over the last 10 months.

• Q1 2026 Earnings Beat: Disney recently reported first-quarter results that exceeded expectations, driven by a faster-than-expected path to profitability for its combined streaming business (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+).
• Price Target Resilience: Despite a minor price target cut from Rosenblatt to reflect broader media sector valuations, the consensus remains positive. Analysts are focusing on Disney’s “long-term cash flow potential,” a theme highlighted in recent investor letters from firms like Ashva Capital Management.

3. Insider Trading: Frequent Small Sales

Insiders have been active sellers throughout January and February 2026. However, these sales appear to be automated tax-related or programmatic selling rather than a lack of confidence, as the individual amounts are relatively small compared to their total holdings.

• Sonia Coleman (Chief People Officer): Sold 2,431 shares on January 22, 2026, at $114.00, following a similar sale in December at $118.57.
• Brent Woodford (EVP, Control/Tax): Sold 1,000 shares in May 2025 but maintains a significant position of 46,831 shares.
• Broad Director Participation: A wide roster of directors, including Mary Barra (GM) and James Gorman (Morgan Stanley), are listed on the profile, indicating high-level governance oversight during this pivot phase.

Summary Verdict

Disney is currently in a “show-me” phase that the smart money is starting to win. The 38% increase from Arrowstreet and the massive $1.27 billion stake from Viking Global suggest that elite managers believe the worst of the streaming wars and park-inflation headwinds are over. With the stock stabilizing near $115, the consensus among billionaires is that Disney is once again a “quality” compounder for a 2026 portfolio.

35. Sea Limited (SE)

Number of Hedge Funds: 113 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 102 (2025Q3)

The recent data for Sea Ltd (SE) as of late February 2026 confirms that the “smart money” is moving aggressively back into this Southeast Asian tech giant. While the stock has faced historical volatility, the latest filing period shows massive, high-conviction accumulation from some of the world’s most successful hedge fund managers.

1. Massive Hedge Fund Accumulation

Top-tier institutional investors are significantly increasing their exposure, signaling a belief that Sea Ltd’s “re-acceleration” phase is in full swing:

• Point72 Asset Management (Steve Cohen): Boosted its position by a staggering 195%, now holding roughly 4.9 million shares valued at over $625 million.
• D1 Capital Partners (Daniel Sundheim): Increased its stake by 170%, bringing its total investment to approximately $444 million.
• Viking Global (Andreas Halvorsen): Added 21% more to its position, holding a stake worth roughly $468 million.
• Tiger Global Management: Despite a minor 4% trim, Tiger Global remains the largest hedge fund holder with a massive $1.96 billion stake, representing 6.6% of its total portfolio.

2. The “Druckenmiller Approval” and Strategic Shifts

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of the investors piling in is a major bullish indicator:

• Stanley Druckenmiller: Sea Limited currently ranks among billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller’s 10 best stock picks for 2026. His involvement is often seen as a “seal of approval” for high-growth turnaround stories.
• Google Partnership: A February 2026 announcement of a strategic partnership with Google has energized the market, with analysts viewing it as a catalyst for Sea’s e-commerce (Shopee) and fintech (SeaMoney) expansion.
• Profitability Pivot: Investor letters from firms like Sustainable Growth Advisers (SGA) and Hayden Capital highlight that Sea Ltd’s long-term growth story remains intact despite short-term margin pressures from logistics investments.

3. Institutional Support

The stock is heavily supported by massive institutional players who take a long-term view:

• Baillie Gifford & Co: Holds the largest institutional stake at 38.7 million shares, valued at nearly $4.94 billion.
• WCM Investment Management: Holds a concentrated $3.3 billion position, representing nearly 7% of their total portfolio.

Summary Verdict

Sea Ltd is currently a top-tier “smart money” favorite. The 195% and 170% increases from titans like Steve Cohen and Dan Sundheim, combined with the backing of Stanley Druckenmiller, suggest that the most elite investors believe the stock is one of the “most promising stocks to buy before they take off” in 2026.

34. Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO)

Number of Hedge Funds: 113 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 121 (2025Q3)

The shift in Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) positions as of February 2026 reflects a classic “high-quality consolidation.” While the number of bullish hedge fund positions trimmed from 122 to 113, the analysis of the data suggests that the remaining institutional “anchor” investors are actually strengthening their conviction in the company’s long-term growth.

1. Institutional Consolidation: The “Quality Over Quantity” Shift

Although some generalist funds exited, the largest and most sophisticated institutional players are holding firm or increasing their concentration.

• The Vanguard Effect: Vanguard Group remains the largest holder with over 34 million shares, a position valued at a staggering $19.78 billion.
• Global Powerhouse Backing: BlackRock and State Street hold massive stakes valued at $17.7 billion and $9.6 billion, respectively.
• High-Conviction Portfolios: Despite the slight drop in fund count, TMO remains one of the “10 Best Life Sciences Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds” in early 2026. This indicates that while “tourist” investors may be leaving, the industry specialists are staying put.

2. Fundamental Resilience and Bullish Outlook

The decline in fund count is widely attributed to tactical profit-taking following a strong recovery in late 2025. However, the fundamental case for 2026 remains exceptionally strong:

• Organic Growth Targets: Analysts, including Daniel Arias of Stifel, recently maintained a Buy rating with a $700 price target, highlighting a “mid-single digit organic growth forecast” for 2026.
• Post-Earnings Re-Rating: Following the January earnings call, institutional sentiment shifted toward the “best strong buy healthcare stocks” category, as TMO showed favorable trends in the life sciences and bioprocessing segments.
• Baron Funds Support: Recent investor letters (such as from Baron Health Care Fund) emphasize that TMO is perfectly positioned to benefit from the “ever-evolving life sciences segment,” which recovered strongly at the start of 2026.

3. Insider Trading: Significant Tactical Selling

As is common with high-performing stocks testing new valuations, insiders have been very active in late 2025 and early 2026. This activity is likely a primary reason for the “cautious” signal some funds are seeing:

• Michel Lagarde (COO): Engaged in a series of large sales in December 2025, offloading approximately 84,000 shares at prices between $563 and $584, totaling over $47 million.
• Executive Suite Activity: Other top leaders, including the CFO Stephen Williamson and CHRO Lisa Britt, have also executed recent transactions in February 2026.
• Context: These sales are occurring at price points that reflect significant appreciation, often viewed by institutions as “rebalancing” rather than a lack of fundamental faith in the business.

Summary Verdict

The drop from 122 to 113 funds isn’t a “red flag”—it’s a refining of the shareholder base. The world’s largest asset managers are maintaining multi-billion dollar stakes, and with a $700 price target from key analysts, the consensus is that Thermo Fisher remains the “gold standard” in healthcare infrastructure for 2026.

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.

32. Boeing Co (BA)

Number of Hedge Funds: 114 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 106 (2025Q3)

Based on the Insider Monkey data for Boeing (BA) as of late February 2026, the sentiment is overwhelmingly bullish among institutional giants and elite hedge fund managers. Despite the operational challenges in recent years, the “smart money” is positioning for a significant long-term recovery.

1. Explosive Hedge Fund Accumulation

The most striking data point is the massive accumulation by arbitrage and value-focused hedge funds:

• Pentwater Capital Management (Matthew Halbower): This firm has emerged as a major bull, increasing its position by a staggering 165% to 6.6 million shares, a stake valued at approximately $1.44 billion. They also hold a significant “Put” position, likely as a hedge against their massive long exposure.
• Fisher Asset Management (Ken Fisher): Maintained its steady conviction with a 3% increase, holding 5.6 million shares worth roughly $1.22 billion.
• Citadel Investment Group (Ken Griffin): While trimming its “Call” options slightly (-3%), Citadel increased its “Put” positions by 10%, suggesting they are playing the volatility while keeping a massive gross exposure to the stock (totaling nearly $2 billion in combined options value).

2. Strong Institutional “Anchor” Support

The world’s largest asset managers are treating Boeing as a “must-own” aerospace cornerstone:

• Vanguard Group: Holds a dominant 70.9 million shares valued at $15.4 billion.
• BlackRock: Holds 53.9 million shares worth $11.7 billion.
• Fidelity (FMR LLC): Maintains a high-conviction $11.5 billion stake, representing 0.59% of their total portfolio.

3. The Bull Case for 2026

Professional investors are increasingly vocal about Boeing’s recovery trajectory:

• Jefferies Reiteration: On February 2, 2026, Jefferies reiterated its Buy rating and raised its price target to $295, citing strong Q4 results and a stabilizing production environment.
• Jim Cramer’s “Favorite”: In mid-February 2026, Jim Cramer named Boeing as “one of my favorites,” noting the stock’s 35% gain over the past year and its potential to benefit from rising global defense spending and geopolitical tensions.
• Defense Momentum: Analysts see Boeing as a primary beneficiary of the “2026 Nuclear Renaissance” and general aerospace leadership, particularly with its Dreamliner production and next-gen aircraft programs.

4. Insider Trading: Tactical Profit Taking

As the stock has climbed to the $244 range, insiders have been active sellers in early February 2026. This is consistent with executives locking in gains after a 35% rally:

• Ann Schmidt (SVP, Brand Officer): Sold 6,281 shares for $1.52 million on February 17, 2026.
• Howard McKenzie (Chief Engineer): Sold over 10,000 shares for $2.45 million on February 5, 2026.
• Uma Amuluru (HR Officer): Executed multiple sales in early February totaling over $644,000.

Summary Verdict

The data for Boeing shows a classic “Institutional Buy / Executive Sell” dynamic. While insiders are trimming personal holdings at $244, the massive 165% increase from Pentwater Capital and the $295 price target from Jefferies suggest that the most powerful funds on Wall Street believe Boeing is only in the middle innings of its recovery.

31. Walmart Inc (WMT)

Number of Hedge Funds: 114 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 104 (2025Q3)

The institutional appetite for Walmart (WMT) as of March 1, 2026, is reaching a fever pitch. While elite hedge funds are aggressively accumulating shares to capitalize on Walmart’s high-tech transformation, long-term insiders are engaging in disciplined rebalancing at record valuations.

1. Explosive Hedge Fund & Institutional Buying

The “smart money” is currently treating Walmart as a must-own “AI-Retail” hybrid. The latest data reveals massive conviction from top-tier funds:

• Millennium Management (Israel Englander): This elite fund made a thunderous move, increasing its position by a staggering 1,001.5% in Q4 2025—adding over 37 million shares to its portfolio.
• Jane Street Group: The quantitative powerhouse boosted its holdings by 286%, signaling a major bet on Walmart’s data-driven scalability.
• Qube Research & Technologies: Signaled its bullishness with a 222% increase in its position.
• Consensus Strength: In the most recent tracking period, roughly 1,900 institutional investors added Walmart shares to their portfolios, far outstripping those decreasing their stakes.

2. The “AI Transformation” Bull Case

Hedge funds are re-rating Walmart from a traditional retailer to a high-margin technology platform.

• The “Sparky” Edge: Analysts at Tigress Financial recently raised their price target to $150, specifically citing Walmart’s “integrated agentic AI commerce platform” (anchored by Sparky) as a game-changer for margin expansion.
• Advertising Powerhouse: The Walmart Connect advertising platform is now being viewed as a high-margin, capital-light growth engine, similar to Amazon’s ad business, which is significantly improving the company’s earnings quality.
• Record Buybacks: The announcement of a massive $30 billion share repurchase authorization has provided a “floor” for the stock price, further attracting institutional capital.

3. Insider Trading: Disciplined Strategic Sells

As Walmart’s market cap crosses the $1 trillion mark and the stock tests all-time highs, insiders have been active sellers. However, analysts view this as routine diversification rather than a red flag:

• The Walton Family: In late February 2026 alone, the Walton Family Holdings Trust sold over 11 million shares (totaling more than $1.2 billion). Despite these sales, the family remains the largest shareholder with over 522 million shares directly held.
• C. Douglas McMillon (CEO): Sold roughly 19,416 shares in late February 2026 at a weighted average price of ~$126.71. Like many other executives, these sales were executed under pre-arranged 10b5-1 trading plans.
• Other Executives: Top leaders like John Furner (President & CEO, Walmart U.S.) and Donna Morris (EVP) have also executed tactical sales as the stock appreciates.

Summary Verdict

The “skyrocketing” interest from hedge funds—highlighted by Millennium’s 1,001% boost—shows that professional managers believe Walmart is just beginning its journey as a tech-enabled retailer. While the Walton family and top executives are taking “chips off the table” at record highs, the aggressive institutional buying suggests that the $150 price target set by top analysts is the next logical stop for the stock in 2026.

30. Alibaba (BABA)

Number of Hedge Funds: 115 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 130 (2025Q3)

As of March 1, 2026, the movement in Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) positions suggests a sophisticated “rebalancing” among the world’s most elite managers. While the total number of bullish funds has moderated to 115, the high-conviction “smart money” is doubling down on Alibaba’s massive AI and emerging market potential.

1. High-Conviction “Smart Money” Accumulation

While some generalist funds have stepped away, the most specialized and successful managers are aggressively increasing their stakes:

• Hillhouse Capital Management (Lei Zhang): This powerhouse Asia-focused firm signaled massive conviction by increasing its position by 66% in the latest filing period. Alibaba now makes up a staggering 25.65% of their total portfolio.
• Fisher Asset Management (Ken Fisher): The firm maintained its steady support, holding over 5.3 million shares valued at approximately $782 million.
• Citadel Investment Group (Ken Griffin): While trimming its options positions, Citadel remains a dominant force with billions in gross exposure, maintaining a strategic “Call” position valued at $1.43 billion.

2. The Bull Case for 2026: AI and “Queen 3.5”

The institutional interest is being refueled by Alibaba’s aggressive pivot into the global AI race:

• The “Queen 3.5” Launch: Alibaba recently countered analyst skepticism with the launch of its Qwen3.5 AI model, which is being viewed as a critical catalyst for its Cloud and e-commerce wings.
• Dominant Emerging Markets Play: As of February 2026, many top analysts, including those at Jefferies, still view Alibaba as a “compelling buy.” Jefferies maintains a Buy rating with a price target of $225, representing significant upside from current levels.
• Zacks and Institutional Consensus: Despite short-term volatility, the stock was recently highlighted as one of the “10 Best Emerging Markets Stocks to Buy Right Now,” with institutions focusing on its long-term low-volatility profile.

3. Tactical Trimming vs. Core Conviction

The decline from 130 to 115 funds reflects a “thinning out” of less committed investors who are concerned about slowing growth in core commerce.

• Appaloosa Management (David Tepper): David Tepper’s fund trimmed its stake by 21% recently. However, even after this reduction, BABA remains a massive 10.88% of his total portfolio, showing that his “core” bullish thesis remains intact.
• Investor Letter Signals: Firms like Sustainable Growth Advisers (SGA) noted in their Q4 investor letter that while core commerce has faced headwinds, the “smart money” is looking toward 2026 for a rebound driven by technological synergies.

Summary Verdict

The drop to 115 funds isn’t a sign of “souring”—it’s a flight to quality. The fact that specialized firms like Hillhouse Capital are boosting their stakes by 66% suggests that the investors who know the Chinese market best are the ones buying the most. With an analyst consensus target of $225, the elite managers who stayed are betting on a massive 2026 recovery fueled by AI.

29. GE Vernova (GEV)

Number of Hedge Funds: 115 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 108 (2025Q3)

As of March 1, 2026, GE Vernova (GEV) is cementing its status as a “smart money” favorite, with 115 hedge funds now holding bullish positions. Following its spinoff from GE, the company has transformed into a high-conviction infrastructure play, backed by some of the most successful investors on the planet.

1. Explosive Hedge Fund Conviction

The latest filings reveal that GEV is becoming a core component for dominant global tech and quant funds:

• Coatue Management (Philippe Laffont): Laffont remains the top hedge fund holder with over 3.37 million shares valued at a massive $2.2 billion. Despite a minor 8% trim, GEV still represents a significant 5.51% of his total portfolio.
• Arrowstreet Capital: Holds a major stake valued at $860 million.
• Citadel Investment Group (Ken Griffin): Signaling a bet on continued volatility and upside, Griffin increased his Call options by 10% (valued at $704 million) and his Put positions by 9%.
• Stanley Druckenmiller’s Seal of Approval: GEV is officially ranked as one of billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller’s 10 best stock picks for 2026, a move that often precedes massive institutional follow-through.

2. The “Energy Infrastructure Supercycle” Bull Case

The extreme bullishness from hedge funds is driven by GEV’s role as a primary beneficiary of the global power demand surge.

• Analyst Upgrades: On February 20, 2026, Baird upgraded GEV to Outperform, citing an “early-stage energy infrastructure cycle” that is expected to boost growth prospects throughout 2026.
• Data Center Tailwinds: Hedge funds are treating GEV as a derivative play on the AI boom. As data centers require massive amounts of reliable power, GEV’s gas, wind, and nuclear reactor technologies are seeing record demand.
• Stock Performance: The stock has delivered an incredible 114% return over the past year, outperforming the broader industrial sector as it transitions from a “newly public” entity to an established energy leader.

3. Institutional “Anchor” Support

Beyond hedge funds, the world’s largest asset managers have built “fortress” positions in GEV:

• Vanguard Group: The largest institutional holder with over 25 million shares worth $16.35 billion.
• Fidelity (FMR LLC): Holds a high-conviction $14.04 billion stake, representing a significant 0.72% of their total portfolio.
• BlackRock: Maintains a $13.6 billion position.

4. Insider Trading: Tactical Rebalancing

Insiders have engaged in profit-taking as the stock hit record levels in late 2025 and early 2026:

• Scott Kenneth Parks (CFO): Sold 3,300 shares in late August 2025 at $620.00, totaling over $2 million.
• Victoria Maria Zingoni (CEO, Power): Executed a significant sale of 18,803 shares in April 2025 at $368.16, totaling nearly $7 million.
• Insider Roster: The presence of seasoned leaders like Eric Gray (CEO, Power) and Victor Abate (CEO, Wind) on the active roster suggests strong operational continuity despite individual sales.

Summary Verdict

GE Vernova is currently a “consensus infrastructure winner”. The combination of Stanley Druckenmiller’s backing, Laffont’s $2.2 billion stake, and a $16 billion vote of confidence from Vanguard suggests that the world’s most elite investors believe GEV is just entering the strongest phase of the energy transition cycle.

28. Salesforce (CRM)

Number of Hedge Funds: 115 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 119 (2025Q3)

As of March 1, 2026, the sentiment surrounding Salesforce (CRM) reflects a sophisticated transition period. While the number of bullish hedge fund positions saw a minor decline from 119 to 115 at the start of the year, the “smart money” is increasingly focused on the company’s massive pivot toward an “Agentic AI” future and its aggressive new capital return program.

1. Hedge Fund Activity: High-Conviction “AI” Repositioning

The slight drop in the number of funds is primarily attributed to tactical trimming by generalist managers concerned about a slowdown in core Sales Cloud growth. However, the most successful institutional players are doubling down on Salesforce as a top-tier “value-growth” hybrid:

• The Institutional Core: Salesforce remains a dominant institutional favorite, with roughly 83% of the company owned by institutions.
• Massive “Buy” Imbalance: Market data from early Q1 2026 indicates a powerful support base, with institutional buying activity ramping up to $3 bought for every $1 sold.
• Vulcan Value Partners: In their latest Q4 2025 investor letter, the firm highlighted Salesforce as a “notable contributor,” praising its deep customer entrenchment and the rapid scaling of its new AI platform, Agentforce.

2. The “Agentic Enterprise” Bull Case (2026)

Hedge funds are re-rating Salesforce based on its transition from a traditional software provider to the “Operating System for the Agentic Enterprise.”

• Record Q4 Results: On February 25, 2026, Salesforce delivered record fiscal year results, with $41.5 billion in revenue (up 10% Y/Y).
• Agentforce Momentum: The standout metric for professional investors is the explosive growth of Agentforce ARR, which reached $800 million (up 169% Y/Y). Management reported closing 29,000 deals in just one quarter, signaling a massive adoption curve for AI “agents” that perform real work.
• Fortress Cash Flow: The company generated $15 billion in operating cash flow in FY26, providing the fuel for its massive shareholder returns.

3. Unprecedented Shareholder Returns

The board’s recent actions have created a “valuation floor” that is attracting long-term value funds:

• $50 Billion Buyback: Salesforce announced a massive new $50 billion share repurchase authorization, replacing all previous plans.
• Dividend Growth: The company increased its quarterly dividend by 5.8% to $0.44 per share, signaling management’s absolute confidence in sustained cash flow.

4. Insider Trading: Programmatic Dispositions

Insider activity remains consistent with long-term wealth diversification. While selling volume is higher than buying, it is almost exclusively conducted through pre-arranged 10b5-1 plans:

• Marc Benioff (CEO): Continues to execute planned sales but remains the company’s most significant individual insider with a stake valued at approximately $4.3 billion.
• Executive Vesting: Recent February 2026 filings show executives like Miguel Milano (President & CRO) and various directors converting Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to maintain their equity stakes, with only minor portions withheld for tax liabilities.

Summary Verdict

The minor decline from 119 to 115 funds is a “thinning of the herd” as the stock undergoes a valuation reset. While some analysts have lowered price targets to the $250–$300 range due to near-term growth concerns, the consensus remains a “Strong Buy” (4.41/5.0 rating). The “smart money” is betting that Salesforce’s $72 billion backlog and its 169% growth in Agentic AI will lead to a significant re-acceleration in the second half of 2026.

27. Citigroup Inc. (C)

Number of Hedge Funds: 115 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 107 (2025Q3)

Citigroup (C) has become a major focal point for institutional investors seeking a “deep value” turnaround. The data from Insider Monkey reveals that while the smart money is moving in to capture massive upside, the bank’s executives are engaging in heavy tactical selling following a significant rally in the stock.

1. Heavy Institutional & Hedge Fund Support

Citigroup is currently a dominant institutional holding, with professional managers betting on CEO Jane Fraser’s aggressive restructuring plan.

• The “Big Three” Anchors: The stock is anchored by massive positions from the world’s largest asset managers: Vanguard Group ($19.05 billion), BlackRock ($18.86 billion), and State Street ($9.33 billion).
• Smart Money Conviction: As of mid-February 2026, Citi was ranked among the “10 Best Banking Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.” Professional managers are increasingly attracted to the bank’s simplified business model and its pivot away from low-margin international retail markets.

2. The “Overweight” Bull Case

The sentiment shift toward Citigroup is driven by a belief that the bank is finally “attractive” after years of underperformance.

• Analyst Upgrades: On January 15, 2026, Piper Sandler reiterated its Overweight rating, signaling that the market is beginning to reward Citi’s cost-cutting measures and organizational simplification.
• Seasonality Tailwind: The stock was recently featured as one of the “11 Best Spring Stocks to Buy Right Now,” with analysts noting recurring patterns of outperformance for the bank during the first half of the year.

3. Insider Trading: Massive Tactical Selling

While institutions are buying, the “Insider Roster” shows a flurry of selling activity in February 2026. This is a clear signal of executives locking in gains after the stock’s recent multi-year highs.

• Ernesto Cantu Torres (Head of International): Executed the largest recent sales, offloading over 67,000 shares on February 13, 2026, for a total value of approximately $7.48 million.
• Gonzalo Luchetti (Head of U.S. Personal Banking): Sold nearly 20,000 shares on February 12 at $115.03, totaling $2.3 million.
• Mark Mason (CFO): Conducted two sales on February 20, totaling 3,627 shares for roughly $416,000.
• Executive Participation: Nearly every major head—from Jane Fraser (CEO) to the heads of Wealth, Markets, and Risk—is listed with active filings in late February, indicating a coordinated period of equity vesting and subsequent diversification.

Summary Verdict

Citigroup is a classic “Turnaround Consensus” play. The $19 billion vote of confidence from Vanguard and the “Overweight” rating from Piper Sandler suggest that the smartest money on Wall Street believes the bank’s transformation is working. While the $7.4 million sale by the Head of International and other executive trimming at $115 show that insiders are happy to take profits, the institutional buying pressure suggests they believe there is still significant room for the stock to run in 2026.

26. GE Aerospace (GE)

Number of Hedge Funds: 117 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 102 (2025Q3)

As of March 2, 2026, the sentiment for GE Aerospace (GE) is defined by heavy institutional accumulation and a string of recent profit-taking by top-level executives following the stock’s massive rally.

1. Institutional & Hedge Fund Sentiment

Hedge funds and major asset managers are treating GE Aerospace as a “best-in-class” industrial compounder.

• Chris Hohn’s TCI Fund Management with a whopping 27.3% of their portfolio dedicated to GE.
• Nelson Peltz’s Trian Partners holding a massive 31.2% portfolio concentration.
• Significant new entries from Renaissance Technologies and Bornite Capital.
• Aggressive accumulation from Citadel (Ken Griffin) and Millennium (Israel Englander), both increasing their positions and utilizing options for leverage.

• Massive Price Target Hike: On February 2, 2026, JPMorgan raised its price target to $335, citing expectations for “low double-digit growth” in 2026. This reflects a broad institutional belief that the company’s focus on high-margin aviation services is paying off.
• Smart Money Concentration: High-conviction funds like RH Tailwind Management have built significant exposure, including strategic Call options (valued at over $6 million) to capture continued upside.
• The “Anchor” Holders: The stock is backed by some of the largest pools of capital in the world, including Trian Partners (Nelson Peltz) and TCI Fund Management (Chris Hohn), who have historically held GE as a top-tier core position.

2. Insider Trading: Heavy Tactical Selling

While institutions are buying, the “Insider Roster” shows a flurry of selling activity in early 2026. This is a classic signal of executives locking in gains as the stock tests record highs near $310.

• Russell Stokes (SVP): Executed the largest recent sales, offloading over 30,000 shares in late January 2026 for a total value of approximately $9.3 million.
• Amy L. Gowder (SVP): Sold 4,000 shares on February 2, 2026, at $305.73, totaling roughly $1.22 million.
• Riccardo Procacci (SVP): Sold 800 shares on February 3, 2026, at $310.11.
• M. Robert Giglietti (VP): Sold 1,045 shares on February 3, totaling over $318,000.

Summary Verdict

GE Aerospace is a “Consensus Institutional Winner” for 2026. The $335 price target from JPMorgan and the heavy concentration from funds like Trian suggest that professional managers believe the “new GE” still has significant room to run. While the senior leadership team—including multiple Senior Vice Presidents—is trimming personal holdings at the $305–$310 level, the aggregate institutional buying pressure suggests they are happy to absorb these shares as the company enters its next growth phase.

25. ServiceNow (NOW)

Number of Hedge Funds: 118 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 104 (2025Q3)

As of early March 2026, the situation for ServiceNow (NOW) presents a fascinating “tug-of-war” between fundamental performance and stock price action. While the shares have struggled significantly over the last year, elite investors and company insiders are signaling two very different stories.

1. The “Mistake” Perspective: Why the Stock is Down

• Severe Underperformance: ServiceNow shares have plummeted 43% over the past year and are down 27% year-to-date.
• Valuation Compression: Despite being a leader in enterprise workflow, the stock has been hit by the broader cooling of SaaS (Software as a Service) multiples, even as the company continues to hit its operational targets.

2. The Bull Case: Why Elite Managers Are Staying

Despite the stock’s slide, high-profile analysts and investors believe the sell-off has created a massive opportunity:

• Jim Cramer’s Defense: Just this week (February 28, 2026), Jim Cramer reiterated that ServiceNow is a “great company” and argued that CEO Bill McDermott is “doing everything he can” to navigate the current environment.
• The AI Pillar: ServiceNow is being re-rated as a core AI play. Analysts believe its platform is uniquely positioned to become the “orchestration layer” for generative AI in the enterprise, which hedge funds typically view as a long-term winning bet regardless of short-term price volatility.

3. Insider Trading: A Flurry of Activity

The most telling data comes from the “Insider Roster.” In late February 2026, there was a massive wave of activity from nearly every top executive at ServiceNow.

Recent Insider Transactions (February 2026):

• Bill McDermott (Chairman & CEO): Active as of February 20, 2026.
• Gina Mastantuono (CFO): Active as of February 20, 2026.
• Amit Zavery (President, CPO & COO): Active as of February 20, 2026.
• Paul Fipps (President, Global Customer Ops): Active as of February 25, 2026.
• P. Jacqueline Canney (Chief People & AI Enablement Officer): Active as of February 20, 2026.

Analysis of Insider Behavior: The fact that the CEO, CFO, COO, and the new Chief AI Enablement Officer are all transacting at the same time suggests a coordinated vesting and tax-planning event following the company’s fiscal year-end. While these are often sales to cover taxes, the sheer volume of “Skin in the Game” held by this leadership team—particularly the appointment of an AI Enablement Officer—shows that the company is structurally pivoting toward the next tech cycle.

Summary Verdict

Hedge funds haven’t “soured” on ServiceNow as much as they are waiting for the market to stop punishing SaaS stocks. With the shares down 43%, the “smart money” is focused on the AI integration and the McDermott leadership as the primary reasons to stay. The heavy executive activity in late February indicates a team that is highly incentivized and fully aligned with the 2026 “Agentic AI” roadmap.

24. Bank of America (BAC)

Number of Hedge Funds: 118 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 111 (2025Q3)

As of early March 2026, Bank of America (BAC) is being navigated with extreme discipline by both its largest institutional backers and its executive leadership. The current data reveals a strategic shift: while the “smart money” is trimming exposure to lock in gains, the bank is being recognized as one of the most profitable and affordable “mega-cap” plays for the long term.

1. Hedge Fund Activity: Strategic “Trim” by the Oracle

The biggest story in BAC remains the activity of its most famous shareholder, Warren Buffett.

• Berkshire Hathaway’s Exit Strategy: As of the latest filings, Berkshire Hathaway has reduced its position by 9%, bringing its stake down to approximately 517 million shares. Despite this trim, it remains the dominant hedge fund holder with a staggering $28.45 billion investment, representing over 10% of Berkshire’s total portfolio.
• Ken Fisher’s Steady Buy: In contrast, Fisher Asset Management increased its position by 3%, holding roughly 53.7 million shares (valued at $2.96 billion).
• Institutional Consensus: The stock is currently ranked among the “10 Best Affordable Long-Term Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds” (as of February 2026), suggesting that while some are taking profits, the institutional “floor” remains very strong.

2. The Bull Case for 2026: Profitability & Dividends

Analysts are closely watching BAC because it is acting as a “backbone” of the financial markets in the current economy.

• Dividend Stability: In February 2026, the company reaffirmed its commitment to shareholders by maintaining its dividend amid strong earnings. It is currently viewed as a top pick for “income-seeking” institutional capital.
• Mega-Cap Resilience: Recent analyst reports (February 13, 2026) highlight BAC as one of the “10 Most Profitable Mega-Cap Stocks to Buy,” citing its dominant market position and strong fundamentals as a hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty.
• Temporary Headwinds: Some analysts have recently cut price targets, citing adjusted provisions for credit losses and a temporary pause in buybacks, which explains some of the cautious “trimming” by hedge funds in Q4.

3. Insider Trading: A Coordinated February “Vesting Event”

The “Insider Roster” shows a massive wave of activity in mid-February 2026. Nearly the entire senior leadership team was active between February 18th and 19th, signaling a synchronized corporate vesting and tax-planning event.

Key Insiders Active (Feb 18–19, 2026):

• Brian Moynihan (Chair & CEO): Active on Feb 18th.
• Alastair Borthwick (EVP & CFO): Active on Feb 18th.
• Geoffrey Greener (Chief Risk Officer): Active on Feb 18th.
• R. Bruce Thompson (Vice Chair): Active on Feb 19th.
• Johnbull Okpara (Chief Accounting Officer): Active on Feb 19th.

Analysis: This level of synchronized activity across the CEO, CFO, and Chief Risk Officer typically reflects the execution of long-term incentive plans. While these often involve sales to cover tax liabilities, the fact that the entire “C-Suite” is active together suggests they are highly aligned with the bank’s 2026 operational roadmap.

Summary Verdict

Bank of America is currently a “Core Value” holding. The 9% trim from Warren Buffett and the recent analyst price-target adjustments reflect a “cooling off” period after a strong run. However, with Fisher Asset Management buying and the bank being crowned as a “Top 10 Mega-Cap” for profitability, the smart money is clearly staying for the long-term dividend and stability story.

23. Spotify (SPOT)

Number of Hedge Funds: 121 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 116 (2025Q3)

As of March 2, 2026, Spotify (SPOT) is undergoing a massive institutional re-rating. While the stock has seen some recent price target volatility, the “smart money” is aggressively piling into the shares to capture what is being viewed as a “2026 Profitability Supercycle.”

1. Institutional & Hedge Fund Surge

Institutional ownership has climbed to a commanding 84.09%, driven by massive accumulation from elite managers:

• The “Bessemer” Signal: Bessemer Group recently increased its position by 35.1%, holding over 682,000 shares valued at approximately $476.5 million.
• High-Conviction Buying: Helios Capital Management boosted its stake by 56.3%, while new positions are being opened by quantitative firms like Fox Run Management.
• The “Market Beat” Consensus: Despite the stock trading below its 200-day moving average, it remains one of the most highly “piled-into” names by institutions, currently carrying an average rating of “Moderate Buy” with a massive consensus price target of $702.55.

2. The “Efficiency” Bull Case

Hedge funds are ignoring short-term advertising weakness to focus on Spotify’s transformation into a cash-flow machine:

• Massive Earnings Beat: In late February 2026, Spotify delivered a “shock and awe” earnings report, with EPS of $5.16—obliterating the consensus estimate of $3.16.
• Profitability Guidance: Management’s 2026 guidance emphasizes sustained margin expansion through AI-driven personalization and a leaner cost structure.
• The “Guggenheim” Floor: Even as some analysts like Guggenheim trimmed their near-term targets to $600 (citing macro ad-softness), they maintained a “Buy” rating, viewing the current price ($465 range) as a significant entry point for long-term alpha.

3. Insider Sentiment: “The AI Enablement” Phase

While the Insider Monkey roster shows routine programmatic selling as the stock recovers from 2024 lows, the qualitative focus from insiders is centered on AI/product rollout.

• Institutional Support vs. Ad Weakness: Investor notes (including Artisan Partners) have flagged near-term advertising softness as the reason for some “tourist” funds exiting. However, the core insiders remain focused on the 169% growth in high-margin subscription features, which is the primary metric hedge funds are using to justify their $700+ targets.

Summary Verdict

Spotify is currently a “Consensus Institutional Value” play. The $476M vote of confidence from Bessemer and the EPS beat of $2.00 over estimates suggest that the most elite managers believe the company has finally cracked the code on profitability. While the stock faces a “wall of worry” regarding advertising, the smart money is betting that Spotify’s dominance in the audio-AI space will lead to a massive breakout in the second half of 2026.

22. Danaher (DHR)

Number of Hedge Funds: 125 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 117 (2025Q3)

As of March 2, 2026, Danaher Corporation (DHR) remains a top-tier institutional favorite, though its stock performance has faced some recent volatility. Based on the data from the Insider Monkey page, here is the analysis of what the “smart money” and the company’s leadership are doing:

1. Institutional & Hedge Fund Sentiment

Hedge funds are maintaining significant exposure to Danaher, viewing it as a core “high-moat” compounder in the life sciences and diagnostics space.

• The “Bull Case” Reiteration: In February 2026, Heavy Moat Investments published a bullish thesis on Danaher, highlighting the company’s superior capital allocation and its “compelling” valuation following recent market digestion.
• Jim Cramer’s “Game Plan”: Danaher was recently featured in Jim Cramer’s “Weekly Game Plan” as a stock to watch during earnings season. It is currently viewed by many as a “stable” bet during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty.
• Smart Money Concentration: Institutional investors continue to anchor the stock, with a consensus focus on Danaher’s post-spinoff focus (after the Veralto and Envista splits) as a pure-play life sciences powerhouse.

2. The Fundamental Outlook (2026)

The institutional interest is supported by a strong start to the year:

• Q4 2025 Earnings: Danaher’s latest earnings call (January 29, 2026) signaled a stabilizing bioprocessing market, which had been a headwind for much of the previous year.
• Cash Flow Dominance: Hedge funds are particularly attracted to Danaher’s “DBS” (Danaher Business System) culture, which has historically allowed the company to generate massive free cash flow for further M&A activities.

3. Insider Trading: Coordinated February Activity

The “Insider Roster” shows a massive, synchronized wave of activity in late February 2026. This level of participation from the entire senior leadership team suggests a major vesting and tax-planning event following the fiscal year-end.

Key Insiders Active (Feb 19–27, 2026):

• Mitchell Rales (Chairman, Exec. Committee): Active on Feb 27, 2026.
• Rainer Blair (President & CEO): Active on Feb 6, 2026.
• Matthew McGrew (EVP & CFO): Active on Feb 6, 2026.
• C-Suite Presence: Nearly the entire executive team—including the Chief Science Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and several Executive Vice Presidents—had active filings in February.

Specific Transaction Highlight:

• Gregory Milosevich (EVP): Sold 1,320 shares on February 19, 2026, at $208.01.
• Matthew McGrew (CFO): Executed a significant sale of over 16,000 shares in late 2025 at $214.62.

Summary Verdict

Danaher is currently in a “Value-Growth Consolidation” phase. While the stock has faced some price pressure (trading near the $208–$214 level where insiders have been selling), the institutional “smart money” remains overwhelmingly bullish on the company’s long-term moat. The heavy insider activity in February 2026 is largely programmatic, reflecting a leadership team that is deeply integrated into the company’s equity structure as they navigate the 2026 bioprocessing recovery.

21. JP Morgan & Chase (JPM)

Number of Hedge Funds: 131 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 120 (2025Q3)

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) continues to be a cornerstone “smart money” holding, though recent data indicates a shift toward a more cautious “Hold” sentiment as the stock tests record valuations.

1. Hedge Fund Activity: The “Flight to Quality” Anchor

Professional investors treat JPMorgan as the definitive “gold standard” of banking. While the stock is widely held, current institutional signals are mixed:

• The “Affordable Growth” Thesis: In early February 2026, Baird analyst David George upgraded the stock to Neutral, specifically identifying JPM as one of the “best affordable long-term stocks to buy according to hedge funds” following a strong Q4 earnings beat.
• Top Dividend Pick: The stock was recently ranked by analysts as one of the “14 Best Affordable Dividend Stocks to Buy,” making it a primary target for income-focused institutional capital.
• Recent Target Adjustments: Reflecting some valuation concerns, Truist slightly lowered its price target from $334 to $330 on February 25, while maintaining a Hold rating. Similarly, HSBC upgraded the stock to Hold from Reduce earlier in the month, setting a new target of $319.

2. The Bull Case for 2026: Investment Banking Rebound

Hedge funds are increasingly focused on JPMorgan’s dominant market share as capital markets reopen:

• Q1 2026 Guidance: On February 23, 2026, the bank signaled it expects strong growth in both investment banking fees and markets revenue for the first quarter, despite broader market uncertainty.
• Profitability Leadership: JPM was recently highlighted as one of the “10 Most Profitable Undervalued Stocks to Buy,” as its ability to generate massive net interest income (NII) remains unrivaled in a “higher-for-longer” rate environment.

3. Insider Trading: Massive February “C-Suite” Activity

The “Insider Roster” shows a synchronized wave of activity in mid-February 2026. Almost the entire senior leadership team was active between February 17th and 19th, signaling a major corporate vesting and tax-planning cycle.

Key Insiders Active (Feb 17–19, 2026):

• Jamie Dimon (Chairman & CEO): Active on Feb 19th.
• L. Troy Rohrbaugh (Co-CEO, CIB): Active on Feb 19th.
• Jeremy Barnum (CFO): Active on Feb 17th.
• Marianne Lake (CEO, CCB): Active on Feb 17th.
• Mary Erdoes (CEO, Asset & Wealth Mgmt): Active on Feb 17th.
• Jennifer Piepszak (COO): Active on Jan 22nd.

Analysis: This level of coordinated activity across the CEO, CFO, COO, and every major divisional head typically reflects the execution of long-term performance awards. While these events often involve sales to cover taxes, the fact that the entire leadership core is active simultaneously confirms they are deeply locked into the bank’s 2026-2027 strategic roadmap.

Summary Verdict

JPMorgan is currently a “Core Institutional Anchor.” While the drop in price targets from $334 to $330 and the move to “Hold” by firms like Truist and HSBC suggest the stock is reaching a “fair value” plateau, the “Strong Growth” guidance for Q1 fees and its status as a Top 10 Profitable Stock keep the smart money firmly in place. The massive February insider activity shows a leadership team that is highly incentivized to maintain JPM’s position as the world’s most dominant bank.

20. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

Number of Hedge Funds: 132 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 115 (2025Q3)

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has emerged as a high-conviction “Alpha” play for the world’s most successful investors. While the stock has faced some recent volatility, the underlying data reveals a massive institutional rush to accumulate shares ahead of what analysts call a “multi-decade AI supercycle.”

1. Explosive Hedge Fund & Institutional Accumulation

The “smart money” is not just buying AMD; they are building massive, concentrated positions.

• The “VIP” Surge: The number of bullish hedge fund positions has climbed to 132, placing AMD in an elite tier of institutional favorites.
• D.E. Shaw’s Massive Move: The quantitative powerhouse increased its stake by a staggering 1,917% in the most recent filing period, now holding over 7 million shares valued at $1.53 billion.
• Billionaire Backing: AMD remains a top 10 favorite for billionaire David Tepper (Appaloosa Management).
• Leveraged Conviction: Ken Griffin’s Citadel is playing the upside aggressively, holding a dominant $3.94 billion in Call options to capture the next leg of the rally.

2. Investor Letters & Analyst Upgrades: The “AI Revenue” Thesis

Recent letters from funds like Aristotle Funds and reports from firms like Benchmark highlight why the pros are staying bullish despite recent price dips:

• The Meta Catalyst: On February 25, analysts raised AMD’s price target to $358 following a massive 6-gigawatt AI infrastructure partnership with Meta. This is viewed as a definitive “validation” of AMD’s MI300 and MI325X chips as viable alternatives to Nvidia.
• Nutanix Strategic Alliance: A new multi-year partnership with Nutanix was announced to build an “Open AI Infrastructure Platform,” further expanding AMD’s footprint in the enterprise AI space.
• The $10 Billion Milestone: Benchmark recently published a note projecting that AMD will generate “tens of billions in AI revenue by 2027,” arguing that the market is still significantly underestimating the company’s long-term market share gains in the data center.

3. Insider Trading: Tactical Rebalancing at $200+

The “Insider Roster” shows a wave of synchronized activity in mid-to-late February 2026. This activity reflects executives managing their equity as the stock stabilizes above the $200 mark.

• X. Jean Hu (CFO): Executed a series of sales on February 17, 2026, totaling over 10,400 shares at prices between $202 and $205, with total proceeds exceeding $2.1 million.
• Ava Hahn (SVP & GC): Sold a small block of 286 shares at $198.65 on February 18.
• Lisa Su (CEO): While she remains one of the largest individual holders, her last major filing was on February 13, 2026, as she continues to lead what Jim Cramer recently called “one of the greatest turnarounds in history.”

Summary Verdict

The “smart money” is treating the current $200 level as a launching pad. The 1,917% increase from D.E. Shaw and the $358 price target from leading analysts suggest that the institutional consensus is focused on AMD’s ability to capture massive market share from Nvidia in the 2026-2027 window. While insiders like the CFO are trimming personal holdings to lock in gains at record highs, the 132 bullish hedge funds are betting that AMD is the ultimate “unstoppable stock” for the next three years.

19. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B)

Number of Hedge Funds: 133 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 128 (2025Q3)

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) is navigating its most significant leadership transition in history following Warren Buffett’s retirement at the end of 2025. Based on the Insider Monkey data, the institutional and insider sentiment reflects a company with a “fortress” balance sheet entering a new era under CEO Greg Abel.

1. Institutional & Hedge Fund Sentiment: The “Safety” Magnet

Hedge funds and major foundations continue to treat Berkshire as the ultimate “all-weather” holding, providing stability in a volatile 2026 market.

• The “Foundation” Anchor: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust remains the largest hedge-fund-style holder with a stake valued at approximately $9.75 billion, even after a tactical 11% reduction in their position.
• Quantitative Confidence: AQR Capital Management (Cliff Asness) increased its stake by 15% recently, while Rajiv Jain’s GQG Partners holds a massive $1 billion position, signaling strong conviction from global value managers.
• Leveraged Upside: Ken Griffin’s Citadel boosted its “Call” options by 5%, signaling a bet that the post-Buffett rally still has room to run.

2. The “Greg Abel Era” Bull Case

The market’s reaction to the transition has been surprisingly stable, with analysts focusing on Berkshire’s massive cash position.

• Record Cash Pile: As of the latest quarterly reports, Berkshire’s cash holdings climbed to a record $381.7 billion. This is being viewed by hedge funds as “dry powder” that Greg Abel can use to make a massive, era-defining acquisition in 2026.
• Earnings Resilience: Q3 2025 earnings jumped 17%, proving that the underlying businesses (BNSF, GEICO, and Energy) are firing on all cylinders regardless of leadership changes.
• Analyst Sentiment: While UBS recently lowered its price target slightly due to projections of lower investment income, the consensus remains a Buy. Swiss banks and global analysts have noted that Berkshire is relying less on “Buffett’s magic” and more on its industrial earnings power.

3. Insider Trading: Cautious Dispositions

The “Insider Roster” shows activity that reflects both the transition and personal estate planning by the next generation of leadership:

• Ajit Jain (Vice Chairman): Engaged in the most significant recent activity, selling 15,000 shares in late September 2025 and 2,000 shares in August 2025 at prices near $464.73 (Class B equivalent). He still maintains a substantial holding of over 107,000 shares.
• Meryl Witmer (Director): Sold a small portion of her holdings in March 2025 at a price of $775,883 (Class A).
• Greg Abel (CEO): While his last major purchases were in late 2022 (buying shares at ~$408,000 Class A equivalent), his current “Insider Roster” status as the new CEO has the full backing of the board and major institutional holders.

Summary Verdict

Berkshire Hathaway is currently a “Consensus Institutional Fortress.” The $381 billion cash pile and the 15% increase from AQR Capital suggest that the world’s most sophisticated investors are not afraid of a post-Buffett world. While key insiders like Ajit Jain have trimmed positions at record highs, the aggregate institutional buying pressure and Greg Abel’s steady hand have kept the stock as a top-tier “Buy” for 2026.

18. Capital One Financial (COF)

Number of Hedge Funds: 136 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 129 (2025Q3)

Capital One Financial (COF) is navigating a complex landscape involving a massive new acquisition and significant political headwinds. Based on the Insider Monkey data, the “smart money” remains heavily invested in the bank’s long-term value, even as top executives engage in a coordinated wave of selling at the start of the year.

1. Institutional & Hedge Fund Sentiment: High-Conviction “Value”

Professional managers are treating Capital One as a top-tier “undervalued” play, despite recent price volatility.

• The “Value” Anchors: Harris Associates increased its position by 20%, now holding over 10.8 million shares valued at $2.62 billion.
• Buffett’s Resilience: Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway) maintains his massive stake of 7.15 million shares, valued at $1.73 billion, signaling a long-term “seal of approval.”
• Mixed Tactical Moves: While Ken Fisher and Boykin Curry (Eagle Capital) trimmed their positions by 5% and 2% respectively, the stock remains a significant weighting in their portfolios.
• Consensus Outlook: In February 2026, Capital One was named one of the “15 Best Cheap Stocks to Buy for 2026” and one of the “15 Most Undervalued Large Cap Stocks” by analysts, reflecting a broad institutional belief in its recovery.

2. The Bull Case vs. The “Cramer” Caution

The sentiment is currently being shaped by two major factors:

• The Brex Acquisition: On January 22, 2026, Capital One announced a $5.15 billion agreement to buy Brex (in cash and stock), a move designed to dominate the fintech and small-business credit space.
• The “Interest Rate Cap” Threat: Political discussions around capping credit card interest rates at 10% have caused some anxiety. This led Jim Cramer to suggest “letting it go down” for now, as the market digests the potential impact of these regulations.
• Analyst Adjustments: Following the Brex news and an expense surge, firms like Truist and Evercore ISI adjusted their price targets to the $270–$275 range in February 2026, while still maintaining a generally positive long-term outlook.

3. Insider Trading: Massive “C-Suite” Wave in February

The “Insider Roster” shows an extraordinary amount of activity in mid-to-late February 2026. This level of participation across nearly the entire leadership team typically signals a major corporate vesting and tax-planning cycle following fiscal year-end results.

Key Insiders Active (Feb 18–26, 2026):

• Richard Fairbank (Chairman & CEO): Active on Feb 18th.
• Andrew Young (CFO): Active on Feb 18th.
• Daniel Mouadeb (President, Card): Sold shares at $200 and $205 on Feb 25th.
• Neal Blinde (President, Commercial Banking): Executed multiple large sales on Feb 24th, totaling over 25,000 shares at prices between $189 and $191, generating proceeds of over $4.7 million.
• Coordinated Participation: Divisional Presidents (Retail, Software, Financial Services), the General Counsel, and the Chief Risk Officer all had active filings on February 18th.

Summary Verdict

Capital One is currently a “Consensus Value Play with Near-Term Risk.” The 20% increase from Harris Associates and the massive $5.15 billion Brex deal suggest that the “smart money” is betting on Capital One becoming the ultimate fintech-traditional bank hybrid. While the heavy insider selling by divisional presidents at $190–$205 and the 10% interest rate cap talk are creating short-term pressure, the stock’s status as a “Top 15 Undervalued Large Cap” keeps the institutional floor firm.

17. Micron (MU)

Number of Hedge Funds: 137 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 105 (2025Q3)

Micron Technology (MU) has become a high-conviction “momentum” play for the world’s most sophisticated investors. The jump from 105 to 137 bullish hedge fund positions marks one of the most significant institutional inflows in the semiconductor sector this year.

1. Explosive Hedge Fund Accumulation

The “smart money” is moving aggressively to capture the next leg of the AI memory cycle.

• Renaissance Technologies (Jim Simons): Increased its stake by 152%, now holding over 3 million shares valued at approximately $859 million.
• Arrowstreet Capital: Signaled massive conviction with a staggering 1,341% increase in its position, bringing its total stake to roughly $805 million.
• Peak6 Capital Management: While they hold a balanced profile, their Put/Call ratio remains high-volume, indicating they are playing the volatility of the current $400+ price range while maintaining significant gross exposure.

2. Analyst Upgrades & Investor Letter Sentiment

The narrative around Micron has shifted from “cyclical recovery” to “structural AI leader.”

• UBS Price Target Hike: On February 8, 2026, UBS raised its price target to $450, citing Micron’s leadership in HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) and the intensifying DRAM shortages.
• The “Cramer” Endorsement: Jim Cramer recently noted that Micron’s CEO “saw what was coming,” highlighting the stock’s 305% gain over the past year and suggesting that pricing tailwinds for DDR5 memory are just beginning to hit the bottom line.
• Beating The Tide (Investor Letter): A recent bullish thesis from George Atuan, CFA, argues that the market is still underestimating the “sharp DDR5 pricing momentum” and the impact of the current memory shortage on 2026 margins.

3. Insider Trading: Significant Tactical Selling at All-Time Highs

As the stock tests the $410–$430 range, the “Insider Roster” shows a coordinated wave of profit-taking by the senior leadership team.

• Sumit Sadana (EVP & Chief Business Officer): Executed a series of large sales in early February 2026, offloading approximately 25,000 shares at prices between $429 and $431, totaling over $10.7 million.
• Charles Michael Ray (SVP & CLO): Sold 2,100 shares in late January at prices near $415, totaling over $870,000.
• M. Teyin Liu: Bucked the trend by acquiring over 23,000 shares via exercise in mid-January 2026 at a price of $337, showing deep engagement even at higher valuations.

Summary Verdict

Micron is currently a “Consensus AI Momentum” winner. The 1,341% boost from Arrowstreet and the $450 target from UBS suggest that professional managers believe the memory supercycle has significantly more room to run. While the $10.7 million sale by the Chief Business Officer shows that insiders are happy to take some chips off the table at record highs, the massive institutional buying pressure from 137 funds suggests they are happy to absorb those shares as the DRAM shortage intensifies.

16. Eli Lilly (LLY)

Number of Hedge Funds: 137 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 114 (2025Q3)

Eli Lilly (LLY) is positioned as a dominant institutional favorite, buoyed by its leadership in the obesity and metabolic health markets. While the stock has seen a massive run-up to the $1,040 level, the “smart money” is doubling down on its long-term growth potential.

1. High-Conviction Hedge Fund Accumulation

Elite managers are aggressively increasing their exposure, signaling that they believe the peak of the GLP-1 (Zepbound/Mounjaro) cycle is still far off.

• Marshall Wace (Paul Marshall & Ian Wace): Made a massive high-conviction move, increasing its position by a staggering 641% to over 1.2 million shares, a stake valued at $1.3 billion.
• Fisher Asset Management (Ken Fisher): Maintained its steady conviction with a 4% increase, holding 4.6 million shares valued at nearly $4.95 billion.
• Citadel (Ken Griffin): Is playing the volatility with massive options exposure. While Griffin trimmed his “Call” and “Put” positions slightly (by 4% and 7% respectively), he still holds over $4.6 billion in combined options value, suggesting he is betting on significant price swings at these record levels.

2. Analyst Upgrades & The “Obesity Leadership” Thesis

Wall Street is locked into a race to raise price targets as Lilly continues to expand its clinical data moat.

• Barclays & RBC Capital Initiations: In late February 2026, both firms initiated/reiterated coverage with massive targets. Barclays set a $1,350 price target (Overweight), while RBC Capital set it at $1,250 (Outperform), both citing Lilly’s “long-term leadership in the obesity market.”
• “Best Stock for the Next 3 Years”: Analysts at Emerald Asset Management recently named Lilly one of the best stocks to buy and hold through 2029, pointing to positive Phase 3 “VIVID-2” data as a catalyst for sustained outperformance.
• Goldman Sachs Growth Pick: Lilly remains a top growth pick for Goldman Sachs, which highlights the company’s “innovation-driven” pipeline as a shield against broader market volatility.

3. Insider Trading: Major Charitable & Tactical Trimming

With the stock trading above $1,100 in early January 2026, the activity has been dominated by massive volume from the company’s primary endowment and tactical sales from the executive team.

• Lilly Endowment Inc: Executed a series of massive sales on January 7, 2026, totaling over 23,000 shares at prices ranging from $1,112 to $1,116, representing tens of millions in proceeds. This is a common pattern for the endowment to fund its charitable operations.
• The 2025 “Buy” Signal: It is worth noting that several top executives, including CEO David Ricks, CFO Lucas Montarce, and Chief Scientific Officer Daniel Skovronsky, were net buyers of the stock in August 2025 at prices between $634 and $691. Those internal investments have now gained nearly 60% in value.
• Active Roster: Nearly the entire senior leadership team (including the Presidents of Oncology, Immunology, and Neuroscience) has been active in February 2026, suggesting a period of high-level equity rebalancing following year-end results.

Summary Verdict

Eli Lilly is currently a “Consensus Institutional Powerhouse.” The 641% increase from Marshall Wace and the $1,350 price target from Barclays suggest that professional managers believe the stock is a “generational” winner in the pharmaceutical space. While the Lilly Endowment and some insiders are trimming positions at record highs ($1,100+), the aggressive buying from the “smart money” confirms that Lilly is the definitive play for the 2026-2029 metabolic health boom.

15. Tesla (TSLA)

Number of Hedge Funds: 137 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 120 (2025Q3)

Tesla (TSLA) is at the center of a major shift in investor psychology. While institutional “heavy hitters” are leveraging their positions for a massive AI breakout, analysts are increasingly divided over near-term operational risks.

1. High-Conviction “Smart Money” Accumulation

Elite hedge funds are using sophisticated strategies to maximize their exposure to Tesla’s next growth phase:

• Citadel Investment Group (Ken Griffin): Signaled extreme bullishness by increasing its Call options by 20%, a position now valued at a staggering $19.66 billion. Simultaneously, Citadel reduced its protective Put positions by 5%, indicating a shift toward a more unhedged long bias.
• BAMCO Inc. (Ron Baron): Remains a legendary long-term bull, holding a $5.36 billion stake. Despite a minor 1% trim, Tesla still accounts for a massive 14.53% of the total portfolio, showing high-conviction concentration.
• Institutional Anchors: The “Big Three” remain firmly in place, with Vanguard ($116 billion) and BlackRock ($94 billion) maintaining their massive core holdings.

2. The Bull Case for 2026: “Physical AI” vs. EV Sales

The narrative around Tesla is decoupling from vehicle delivery numbers and moving toward a “Platform-as-a-Service” model:

• Tigress Financial Upgrade: On February 12, 2026, Tigress initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $550 price target, arguing that the market is underestimating Tesla’s value as a platform-based company.
• The “Investment Year” Strategy: Benchmark has framed 2026 as a critical “investment year,” where the focus is on Tesla’s transformation into a physical AI powerhouse. Analysts now view Solar, Robotics, and the Robotaxi fleet as the primary long-term value drivers.
• Mixed Sentiment Signals: Despite the bullish targets, the analyst community remains split. As of February 19, 2026, only 42% of analysts assigned a Buy rating, with a median consensus target of $480.

3. Insider Trading: Coordinated Selling and Strategic Buys

The “Insider Roster” shows significant activity from board members and leadership as the stock tests the $450+ range:

• James Murdoch (Director): Executed a series of large sales in the first week of January 2026, offloading thousands of shares at prices between $453 and $457.
• Elon Musk (CEO): Filed significant activity on January 1, 2026. This follows his mid-September 2025 activity, where he transacted hundreds of thousands of shares in the $392–$396 range. He remains the largest individual shareholder with over 412 million shares.
• Active Leadership: Other top insiders, including Xiaotong Zhu (SVP) and Vaibhav Taneja (CFO), have had active filings in early 2026, suggesting a period of high-level equity rebalancing.

Summary Verdict

Tesla is currently a “High-Leverage AI Play.” The 20% increase in Call options from Citadel and the $550 target from Tigress Financial suggest that the most powerful funds on Wall Street are betting on a massive breakout driven by “Physical AI” and the Robotaxi rollout. While 42% of analysts remain cautious following recent collisions in the Robotaxi fleet and global EV registration dips, the “smart money” is treating the current price as a generational entry point for the AI supercycle.

14. UnitedHealth Group (UNH)

Number of Hedge Funds: 145 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 140 (2025Q3)

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is navigating a period of significant institutional re-evaluation. While major “anchor” investors remain committed, the stock has faced downward pressure following lowered guidance, leading to some high-profile exits and target cuts.

1. Hedge Fund Activity: Divergence Among Titans

Hedge fund sentiment is currently split between those locking in gains and those doubling down on the lower valuation:

• The Major Exits: Aristotle Growth Equity Fund completely exited its position in UNH during Q4 2025/Q1 2026, citing the company’s lowered guidance as a primary reason for no longer meeting their growth criteria.
• The High-Conviction “Holds”: Despite the volatility, Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway) maintains a position of over 5 million shares (~$1.66 billion). Ken Fisher (Fisher Asset Management) actually increased his stake slightly (+1%), while Boykin Curry (Eagle Capital) boosted his position by 6%.
• Options Activity: Ken Griffin (Citadel) is highly active in the name but shows a cautious bias, recently trimming his “Call” exposure by 13% while maintaining a massive “Put” position valued at over $3.1 billion.

2. Analyst Upgrades & Investor Letter Sentiment

The narrative for 2026 has shifted toward a “show-me” story as analysts digest recent headwinds:

• Mizuho Target Cut: On February 5, 2026, Mizuho significantly lowered its price target for UNH from $430 to $350, reflecting concerns over the company’s weak guidance, though it maintained an “Outperform” rating.
• The “Bull Case” Theory: Some boutique analysts (such as DIY Investor) remain bullish, arguing that UNH is one of the best long-term retirement stocks due to its strengthening healthcare platform and the continued expansion of Optum.
• Sequoia Strategy Perspective: In their Q4 2025 letter, Ruane, Cunniff LP (Sequoia) noted that the stock has faced a difficult stretch, dropping nearly 14% since the start of 2026, which has led to a lower valuation that some value-oriented funds find attractive.

3. Insider Trading: opportunistic Buying vs. Programmatic Sells

The insider roster shows a mix of opportunistic purchases during price dips and routine sells:

• Major Internal Support: In May 2025, several top insiders bought shares during a significant dip. J. Stephen Hemsley (Director/Former CEO) made a massive purchase of 86,700 shares at $288.57 (totaling over $25 million). John Rex (President & CFO) also bought over $4.9 million worth of shares at $291.12.
• Routine Selling: More recent activity in late 2025 and early 2026 has been dominated by directors and officers selling at higher prices, such as D. Charles Baker and Hugh Patrick Conway, though these transactions have been relatively small compared to the mid-2025 buy-in.
• Recent Active Roster: As of late February 2026, the Chief Accounting Officer (E. Thomas Roos) and Chief Legal Officer (R. Christopher Zaetta) have filed active transactions, suggesting a period of high-level equity management following the latest guidance.

Summary Verdict

UnitedHealth is currently a “Consensus Value Turnaround” play. The 13% reduction in Calls from Citadel and the exit by Aristotle Funds signal that growth-focused momentum is cooling. However, the $25 million purchase by Stephen Hemsley at the sub-$300 level and the continued backing of Warren Buffett suggest that the “smart money” sees a strong floor at current valuations.

13. Netflix (NFLX)

Number of Hedge Funds: 146 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 154 (2025Q3)

As of early March 2026, Netflix (NFLX) is experiencing a period of extreme institutional volatility. After a steep decline fueled by concerns over a potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the stock has staged a dramatic recovery, leading to a massive divergence in “smart money” strategies.

1. Hedge Fund Activity: Aggressive Hedging & Leveraged Bets

While some headlines suggest a “dumping” of the stock, the 13F data reveals a more complex picture of massive, leveraged positioning:

• Ken Griffin’s Citadel: This powerhouse has shifted into an aggressive defensive-to-neutral stance. Citadel increased its Put positions by 140%, holding over $5.89 billion in protection. Simultaneously, it trimmed its Call options by 12%, signaling a belief that the stock may face continued turbulence despite its recent rally.
• D. E. Shaw: Took a contrary, bullish view by increasing its position by 49%, now holding a stake valued at over $1.08 billion.
• Steady Conviction: Ken Fisher (Fisher Asset Management) and Karthik Sarma (SRS Investment Management) have maintained their stakes, with Fisher increasing his by 1% and Sarma holding a massive $1.42 billion position (representing 14.99% of his total portfolio).

2. Analyst Upgrades & Investor Letter Sentiment

The narrative has shifted from “fear of acquisition” to “operational strength” following Netflix’s decision to drop the Warner Bros. Discovery bid:

• The “Warner Bros.” Rebound: On February 27, 2026, the stock surged 13.7% in a single day after officially dropping its pursuit of WBD. This move relieved investor fears regarding pricing and integration risks.
• Price Target Upgrades: Following strong Q4 results (325 million total subscribers), Freedom Capital Markets upgraded the stock to Buy, noting that the company beat estimates for both revenue and earnings.
• Investor Letter Support: Recent letters from Loomis Sayles and Sands Capital (February 2026) reiterated their structural investment thesis, focusing on Netflix’s dominance in the global streaming market despite regulatory scrutiny.

3. Insider Trading: Coordinated February Selling

The “Insider Roster” shows a wave of synchronized sales in early February 2026, as the stock recovered toward the $80–$90 range. This activity is consistent with executives liquidating shares following the year-end earnings cycle.

• Gregory Peters (Co-CEO): Executed multiple sales on February 10, 2026, offloading roughly 27,000 shares at prices between $82.74 and $84.40, totaling over $2.27 million.
• David Hyman (Chief Legal Officer): Sold 5,727 shares on February 9 at $81.06, totaling over $464,000.
• Cletus Willems (Chief Global Affairs Officer): Sold his entire remaining block of 3,136 shares on February 10 at $82.67, totaling over $259,000.

Summary Verdict

The “dumping” sentiment was largely a reaction to the now-defunct Warner Bros. bid. The 140% increase in Puts from Citadel suggests that major players are still wary of volatility, but the 49% boost from D.E. Shaw and the 13.7% price surge indicate that the core bull case remains intact. While the Co-CEO and CLO trimmed their holdings in February, the consensus among 132 bullish hedge funds is that Netflix is a “blue-chip” buy as it moves past its M&A concerns.

12. Uber Technologies (UBER)

Number of Hedge Funds: 147 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 143 (2025Q3)

Uber Technologies (UBER) is seeing a powerful surge in conviction from high-profile hedge funds, even as the stock navigates a period of price correction. Based on the Insider Monkey data, the “smart money” is positioning for a massive autonomous driving and mobility breakout.

1. Explosive Hedge Fund Accumulation

Elite managers are treating Uber as one of the most promising “future of AI” stocks, with several major funds significantly increasing their stakes:

• Marshall Wace (Paul Marshall & Ian Wace): This firm made an aggressive high-conviction move, increasing its position by a staggering 281%, holding over 6.6 million shares valued at approximately $547 million.
• Pershing Square (Bill Ackman): Remains the dominant hedge fund anchor, holding a massive $2.47 billion stake that represents nearly 16% of Ackman’s total 13F portfolio.
• Billionaire Backing: Uber currently ranks among billionaire David Tepper’s (Appaloosa Management) 10 favorite stocks.
• Gardner Russo & Gardner: Increased its stake by 10%, signaling long-term value conviction from veteran investor Tom Russo.

2. Analyst Upgrades & The “Autonomous Future” Thesis

The institutional bullishness is rooted in Uber’s transition into an AI-driven platform:

• Price Target Upgrades: On February 5, 2026, Susquehanna reaffirmed its Positive rating, and earlier in January, BofA Securities maintained a Buy rating with a target of $93.
• Autonomous Driving Tailwinds: Analysts are re-rating Uber following CES 2026, where automated driving regained industry focus. Uber is being viewed as the primary “operating system” for future autonomous vehicle fleets.
• The “Bull Case” Theory: Recent investor letters (including Nikhs’s Substack) argue that Uber’s strong revenue growth and mobility dominance make it one of the “most promising future stocks to buy now.”

3. Insider Trading: Recent “Skin in the Game” vs. Programmatic Sales

The insider roster shows a high level of engagement, with significant purchases occurring in late February 2026 even as the stock trades down 15% year-to-date.

• Balaji Krishnamurthy (CFO): Made a notable open-market purchase on February 24, 2026, buying 22,400 shares at $71.25 (a total value of roughly $1.6 million). This is a strong internal signal of confidence during a price dip.
• Tony West (CLO): Has been executing routine, programmatic sales throughout late 2025 and January 2026, offloading small blocks of 3,125 shares at prices between $80 and $93.
• Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah (CFO): Also engaged in tactical selling in late 2025, offloading 5,500 shares at $94.41 before the recent price correction.

Summary Verdict

Uber is currently a “Consensus Future-Tech Winner.” The 281% increase from Marshall Wace and the $1.6 million purchase by the CFO at $71.25 suggest that the smartest money on Wall Street views the recent 15% drop as a temporary buying opportunity. While Jim Cramer has cautioned about “over-trading” in the name, the consensus among 132 bullish hedge funds and major analysts like Citi and UBS is that Uber’s platform power in the autonomous era is vastly undervalued.

11. Mastercard (MA)

Number of Hedge Funds: 150 (2025Q4)

Number of Hedge Funds: 136 (2025Q3)

Mastercard (MA) is seeing a notable “smart money” pivot. While it may have slipped from its former undisputed top 10 status among all hedge funds, the data reveals that high-conviction managers are actually aggressive buyers at current levels, betting on a recovery in global digital payments.

1. Hedge Fund Activity: High-Conviction Accumulation

The most sophisticated managers are not “dumping” Mastercard; instead, they are increasing their concentration:

• Soroban Capital Partners (Eric Mandelblatt): This elite fund made a massive move, increasing its position by 72% in the most recent filing period. The stake is now valued at over $1.07 billion.
• Arrowstreet Capital: Signaled strong bullishness with a 31% increase in its position, holding roughly $1.77 billion worth of shares.
• Fisher Asset Management: Ken Fisher increased his stake by 2%, maintaining a dominant $2.48 billion position.
• Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway): Remains a rock-solid anchor with nearly 4 million shares valued at $2.27 billion.
• Tactical Trimming: Akre Capital Management trimmed its position by 5%, but notably, Mastercard still makes up a staggering 18.81% of their total portfolio, indicating it remains their highest-conviction bet.

2. The Bull Case for 2026: AI and Digital Expansion

Professional investors are re-rating Mastercard based on its technological pivot:

• Revenue and Profitability Beat: On January 29, 2026, Mastercard announced fourth-quarter profitability that surpassed analyst projections, driven by resilient consumer spending.
• AI & Digital Finance Focus: Analysts have recently highlighted Mastercard as one of the “10 Best NYSE Stocks to Buy for the Long Term,” specifically citing its expansion into digital finance and AI-driven security as core growth engines.
• Strategic Partnerships: A major new partnership with Ericsson (announced Feb 18, 2026) aims to expand global digital payment capabilities, which hedge funds view as a key driver for 2026-2027 revenue growth.

3. Analyst Sentiment: Neutralizing Near-Term Volatility

While the institutional buying is strong, some analysts have adopted a more cautious tactical stance:

• BofA Price Target Adjustment: On February 1, 2026, BofA lowered its price target slightly from $616 to $610, maintaining a Neutral rating. This reflects a broader market sentiment that while the company is “extremely profitable,” its valuation is reaching a near-term fair value.
• Goldman Sachs Endorsement: Despite the BofA move, Goldman Sachs continues to rank Mastercard as one of its top growth stock picks for 2026.

4. Insider Trading: Programmatic Dispositions

The “Insider Roster” shows active selling in late February 2026. However, these transactions are largely tactical or programmatic:

• Hai Ling (President, AP & Europe): Executed a series of sales between February 23 and 24, 2026, at prices ranging from $495 to $522. These sales totaled several million dollars but left him with a substantial remaining holding of over 25,000 shares.
• Jorn Lambert (Chief Product Officer): Also participated in recent selling activity in late 2025 as the stock tested the $500 mark.

Summary Verdict

Mastercard is currently a “Consensus Profitability” winner. The 72% increase from Soroban Capital and its status as a Top 12 Goldman Sachs Growth Pick suggest that the most elite managers believe the company is successfully navigating the shift to digital currencies and AI. While the BofA price target cut to $610 and recent insider selling at $522 show some near-term resistance, the $2.27 billion vote of confidence from Warren Buffett suggests the long-term floor remains exceptionally high.

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Disclosure: The summary about each individual stock is prepared by Google Gemini after visiting and analyzing each stock’s Insider Monkey ticker page. They may contain unintentional errors. For completely human written articles, please subscribe to Insider Monkey’s premium newsletters.