Charles Akre’s and John Neff’s 10 Stock Picks with Huge Upside Potential

4. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)

% holding in portfolio: 16.86%

Upside Potential: 16.12%

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) provides transaction processing and related services for credit, debit, prepaid, and commercial payment cards. The company is among the largest payment networks, emphasizing cybersecurity, data services, and financial inclusion. It is headquartered in New York and serves banks, merchants, and governments globally. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA), a key rival to Visa, differentiates through AI-driven fraud detection and strategic fintech partnerships. Its multi-rail payment infrastructure and global acceptance footprint give it a strong foothold in the digital economy.

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) dominates our list regarding percentage holding in the portfolio, with an impressive 16.86% stake in Akre Capital’s portfolio. The confidence is rightly placed as the company achieves a net revenue growth of 16% year-over-year on a non-GAAP currency-neutral basis in the fourth quarter of 2024. By focusing on renewals and expansions, the company has successfully enhanced its partnership in 2024 and expects an increase in international growth in 2025. The $80 trillion addressable commercial market also provides Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) with great opportunities to capitalize on, thus gaining a positive reception for its stocks in the market.

Analysts have estimated an upside potential of 16.12%, reflecting market confidence. The upside potential makes Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) an essential pillar of modern financial infrastructure.