12 Safest Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

3. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 131    

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is a technology company that provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services. The firm is in strong financial health, supported by consistent revenue growth, profitability, and a robust balance sheet. As of Q3 2024, the company reported net revenue of $7.4 billion, an 11% year-over-year increase, driven by higher cross-border transaction volumes and a 19% growth in value-added services. Cross-border volumes surged 21%, reflecting resilient consumer spending and international travel recovery. The company posted an adjusted net income of $3.9 billion, translating to an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.89, exceeding market expectations. Operating margins remain strong at over 57%, underscoring Mastercard’s ability to manage costs effectively while scaling its business.