Based on 153 hedge funds · latest filing: 2025 Q4 · updated quarterly
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Selling streak — 5 quarters in a row
For 5 consecutive quarters, more hedge funds reduced or closed their ZTO positions than added to them. Sustained institutional selling is a meaningful warning sign — these are professionals with deep research teams collectively deciding to exit.
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Below peak — only 66% of 3.0Y high
66% of all-time peak
Only 153 funds hold ZTO today versus a peak of 232 funds at 2024 Q3 — just 66% of the maximum. Low institutional ownership can mean the stock is out of favor, but it also means there's a large pool of potential buyers if sentiment turns.
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Outflows — 22% fewer funds vs a year ago
fund count last 6Q
43 fewer hedge funds hold ZTO compared to a year ago (-22% decline). When institutions consistently reduce their exposure, it's worth exploring the underlying fundamental reasons driving them away.
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Slight buying edge — 51% buying
97 buying95 selling
Last quarter: 97 funds bought or added vs 95 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 (+9 vs last Q)
new funds entering per quarter
Funds opening a new ZTO position: 34 → 20 → 27 → 36. 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+)
■ 18% medium
■ 19% new
96 out of 153 hedge funds have held ZTO 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
27 → 34 → 20 → 27 → 36 new funds/Q
New funds entering each quarter: 34 → 20 → 27 → 36. A growing number of institutions are discovering ZTO 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
■ 12% 1-2yr
■ 20% new
Of 163 current holders: 111 (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 — 43% AUM from top-100 funds
43% from top-100 AUM funds
26 of 153 holders are among the 100 largest funds by AUM, controlling 43% of total institutional value in ZTO. 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 1.8/10 — low institutional crowding. Ownership is below peak levels, holder base is relatively sticky, and buying momentum is positive.