Based on 1358 hedge funds · latest filing: 2025 Q4 · updated quarterly
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Buying streak — 2 quarters in a row
For 2 consecutive quarters, more hedge funds added HSY than sold it. That's a consistent pattern of professional buying — not a one-time trade. When institutions keep buying quarter after quarter, it usually means they see a multi-year opportunity, not just a short-term momentum flip.
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At the ownership peak (100% of max)
100% of all-time peak
1,358 hedge funds hold HSY right now — the highest count in 3.0 years. When ownership is this concentrated, any bad news can trigger a chain reaction: one big fund sells, others follow. This is a classic 'crowded trade' — high popularity doesn't equal safety.
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Steady growth — +6% more funds vs a year ago
fund count last 6Q
+79 new funds entered over the past year (+6% YoY). Gradual, steady growth in institutional ownership is generally a healthy signal — not a speculative rush, but consistent conviction.
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More sellers than buyers — 49% buying
606 buying631 selling
Last quarter: 631 funds reduced or exited vs 606 that bought or added. When more than half of active funds are selling, it's a caution flag — especially if the stock price hasn't moved down yet.
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More new buyers each quarter (+20 vs last Q)
new funds entering per quarter
Funds opening a new HSY position: 161 → 122 → 158 → 178. A growing influx of new institutional buyers means the asset is still gathering momentum — the consensus hasn't fully saturated yet.
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68% of holders stayed for 2+ years
■ 68% conviction (2yr+)
■ 19% medium
■ 14% new
919 out of 1,358 hedge funds have held HSY for over 2 years without selling. Long-term investors are generally harder to shake out during market stress, creating a stable ownership base that limits the risk of sudden capitulation.
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Growing discovery — still being found
161 → 161 → 122 → 158 → 178 new funds/Q
New funds entering each quarter: 161 → 122 → 158 → 178. A growing number of institutions are discovering HSY each quarter. The narrative is still spreading — leaving room for ongoing capital accumulation.
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Deep conviction — 69% of holders stayed 2+ years
■ 69% veterans
■ 11% 1-2yr
■ 19% new
Of 1,391 current holders: 965 (69%) have held for over 2 years without selling. These are not momentum buyers — they have lived through drawdowns and stayed. A large veteran base acts as a stabilizing force during selloffs.
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Elite ownership — 62% AUM from top-100 funds
62% from top-100 AUM funds
51 of 1358 holders are among the 100 largest funds by AUM, controlling 62% of total institutional value in HSY. When the biggest players dominate the cap table, it signifies deep institutional support — since mega-funds deploy the most rigorous due diligence and capital.
Exit risk score 3.5/10 — low institutional crowding. Ownership is below peak levels, holder base is relatively sticky, and buying momentum is positive.