Based on 380 hedge funds · latest filing: 2025 Q4 · updated quarterly
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Buying streak — 1 quarter in a row
For 1 consecutive quarter, more hedge funds added KEX 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 (95% of max)
95% of all-time peak
380 hedge funds hold KEX 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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Outflows — 5% fewer funds vs a year ago
fund count last 6Q
22 fewer hedge funds hold KEX compared to a year ago (-5% decline). When institutions consistently reduce their exposure, it's worth exploring the underlying fundamental reasons driving them away.
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More sellers than buyers — 42% buying
172 buying235 selling
Last quarter: 235 funds reduced or exited vs 172 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 (+10 vs last Q)
new funds entering per quarter
Funds opening a new KEX position: 64 → 54 → 70 → 80. 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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63% of holders stayed for 2+ years
■ 63% conviction (2yr+)
■ 22% medium
■ 16% new
238 out of 380 hedge funds have held KEX 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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Value +32% but shares only +0% — price-driven
Last quarter: the total dollar value of institutional holdings rose +32%, but actual share count only changed +0%. The gap is explained by the stock's price rising — not new buying. Strong value growth with weak share growth means the rally is price momentum, not fresh institutional demand.
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Growing discovery — still being found
74 → 64 → 54 → 70 → 80 new funds/Q
New funds entering each quarter: 64 → 54 → 70 → 80. A growing number of institutions are discovering KEX each quarter. The narrative is still spreading — leaving room for ongoing capital accumulation.
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Deep conviction — 68% of holders stayed 2+ years
■ 68% veterans
■ 15% 1-2yr
■ 16% new
Of 383 current holders: 261 (68%) 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 — 52% AUM from top-100 funds
52% from top-100 AUM funds
42 of 380 holders are among the 100 largest funds by AUM, controlling 52% of total institutional value in KEX. 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.