Based on 352 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 KSS 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 (98% of max)
98% of all-time peak
352 hedge funds hold KSS 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 — +10% more funds vs a year ago
fund count last 6Q
+33 new funds entered over the past year (+10% YoY). Gradual, steady growth in institutional ownership is generally a healthy signal — not a speculative rush, but consistent conviction.
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Slight buying edge — 55% buying
196 buying163 selling
Last quarter: 196 funds bought or added vs 163 that reduced or exited. It's nearly a 50/50 split — some institutions are convinced, others are taking profits. This mixed picture is normal near price highs.
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More new buyers each quarter (+24 vs last Q)
new funds entering per quarter
Funds opening a new KSS position: 65 → 62 → 59 → 83. 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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66% of holders stayed for 2+ years
■ 66% conviction (2yr+)
■ 15% medium
■ 18% new
234 out of 352 hedge funds have held KSS 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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Price up while funds trimmed (+32% value, -0% shares)
Last quarter: total value of institutional KSS holdings rose +32% even though funds reduced share count by 0%. The stock price increased enough to offset the selling. Institutions are quietly trimming into price strength — watch for rotation.
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Growing discovery — still being found
54 → 65 → 62 → 59 → 83 new funds/Q
New funds entering each quarter: 65 → 62 → 59 → 83. A growing number of institutions are discovering KSS each quarter. The narrative is still spreading — leaving room for ongoing capital accumulation.
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Deep conviction — 74% of holders stayed 2+ years
■ 74% veterans
■ 7% 1-2yr
■ 19% new
Of 379 current holders: 279 (74%) 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 — 44% AUM from top-100 funds
44% from top-100 AUM funds
39 of 352 holders are among the 100 largest funds by AUM, controlling 44% of total institutional value in KSS. 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.