Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) calls are changing hands at a slightly faster-than-expected pace today. Speculators are buying to open the April 95 call, the stock's most popular option by far. These traders are betting on the shares to topple $95 -- territory never before charted -- by options expiration at the close on Friday, April 17.
Elsewhere, most analysts feel confident in MA, handing out 19 "buy" or better ratings, versus only eight "hold" or worse recommendations. What's more, the equity's average 12-month price target comes in at $98.39 -- a 10% premium to current levels.
Technically speaking, Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) has been strong on the charts, adding close to 15% year-over-year. Late last month, in fact, the shares hit a record high of $93. Today, however, the stock is down 1.9% at $89.39.