FactSet is out with its quarterly report on which 50 stocks are most widely held by the 50 largest hedge funds.
According to their research, FactSet found that these funds increased their equity exposure by 9.8% in the second quarter. And following M&A activity in the Health Care sector, four health care stocks involved in merger discussions were among the top ten equity additions this quarter.
By comparison, in the first quarter hedge funds increased their equity exposure by 1.9%.
Hedge funds sold large interests in International Paper and Micron Technology. Additionally, the report adds that "several media companies and 'systemically important' financial institutions" were also sold by large hedge funds.
We've put together a list of the 50 most widely held stocks by the 50 largest hedge funds.
50. Federal-Mogul Holdings is held by 8 funds
Sector: Consumer Discretionary
Market value held by funds (in millions): $2,464
Weight of stock in Top 50's aggregated portfolio: 0.3%
% of shares outstanding: 81.2%
Recent news: Federal-Mogul saw a steep decline in earnings per share in Q2, compared to the same period last year. The company also made several large leadership changes in July.
Source: FactSet
49. ThyssenKrupp is held by 3 funds
Sector: Materials
Market value held by funds (in millions): $2,488
Weight of stock in Top 50's aggregated portfolio: 0.3%
% of shares outstanding: 15.1%
Recent news: ThyssenKrupp recently raised its earnings outlook for the year, and expects to break even or return a profit in September.
Source: FactSet
48. LyondellBasell Industries is held by 19 funds
Sector: Materials
Market value held by funds (in millions): $2,498
Weight of stock in Top 50's aggregated portfolio: 0.3%
% of shares outstanding: 4.9%
Recent news: The company reported record earnings in Q2.
Source: FactSet
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