Based on 218 hedge funds · latest filing: 2025 Q4 · updated quarterly
📉
Selling streak — 1 quarter in a row
For 1 consecutive quarter, more hedge funds reduced or closed their VTS positions than added to them. Sustained institutional selling is a meaningful warning sign — these are professionals with deep research teams collectively deciding to exit.
📊
High ownership — 94% of 3.0Y peak
94% of all-time peak
218 funds currently hold this stock — 94% of the 3.0-year high of 231 funds (reached 2025 Q1). Ownership is elevated but not yet at maximum concentration. Room to grow, but watch if the trend reverses.
〰️
Stable — ownership unchanged year-over-year
fund count last 6Q
The number of hedge funds holding VTS is almost the same as a year ago (-3 funds, -1% change). No significant rush to buy or sell — institutional backing is holding steady.
🟠
More sellers than buyers — 45% buying
90 buying112 selling
Last quarter: 112 funds reduced or exited vs 90 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.
➡️
Steady new buyers — ~30 new funds per quarter
new funds entering per quarter
Funds opening this position for the first time: 36 → 17 → 33 → 30. A stable flow of new institutional buyers suggests ongoing interest without signs of either acceleration or slowdown.
🔒
59% of holders stayed for 2+ years
■ 59% conviction (2yr+)
■ 22% medium
■ 19% new
128 out of 218 hedge funds have held VTS 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.
💎
Buying through price weakness — shares +0%, value -17%
Last quarter: funds added +0% more shares while total portfolio value only changed -17%. Institutions were buying while the price was falling — a high-conviction accumulation signal. They're deliberately loading up on the dip.
📈
Growing discovery — still being found
27 → 36 → 17 → 33 → 30 new funds/Q
New funds entering each quarter: 36 → 17 → 33 → 30. A growing number of institutions are discovering VTS each quarter. The narrative is still spreading — leaving room for ongoing capital accumulation.
🏛️
Deep conviction — 60% of holders stayed 2+ years
■ 60% veterans
■ 14% 1-2yr
■ 26% new
Of 225 current holders: 134 (60%) 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.
🏆
Elite ownership — 44% AUM from top-100 funds
44% from top-100 AUM funds
31 of 218 holders are among the 100 largest funds by AUM, controlling 44% of total institutional value in VTS. 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 3.4/10 — low institutional crowding. Ownership is below peak levels, holder base is relatively sticky, and buying momentum is positive.