The ownership landscape of data storage specialist NetApp is undergoing a significant transformation. Recent regulatory filings reveal a dramatic rotation among major institutional players, a move that could alter the stock’s near-term trading dynamics by concentrating influence in fewer hands.
Institutional Moves Reshape Ownership
The most striking change comes from Osaic Holdings, which aggressively increased its stake in NetApp during the second quarter of fiscal 2025. The asset manager expanded its position by a substantial 555.1%, acquiring an additional 68,533 shares. This buying spree brings Osaic’s total holdings to 80,879 shares.
Conversely, Corient Private Wealth moved in the opposite direction, reducing its exposure. The firm sold approximately 11,974 shares, a decrease of 20%, leaving it with a holding of 47,951 shares. This activity underscores a broader reality: institutional investors collectively control 92.17% of NetApp’s outstanding shares. Consequently, price movements are predominantly driven by the decisions of large money managers rather than retail investors.
Key Ownership Shifts:
* Osaic Holdings: Position increased by 555.1% (+68,533 shares; total 80,879)
* Corient Private Wealth: Position decreased by 20% (-11,974 shares; total 47,951)
* Aggregate Institutional Ownership: 92.17%
Financial Forecasts and Market Context
Against this backdrop of shifting ownership, NetApp’s financial outlook remains a focal point. The company has issued an earnings per share (EPS) guidance range of $7.75 to $8.05 for the full fiscal year 2026. For the upcoming second quarter of FY2026, consensus estimates point to EPS of $2.05, up from a prior $1.88, with revenue anticipated around $1.71 billion.
Sentiment among market analysts is cautiously positive. Coverage of the stock includes 19 analysts, with a consensus leaning toward a “Hold” rating, comprising 1 “Strong Buy,” 8 “Buy,” and 10 “Hold” recommendations.
The company also returns capital to shareholders through a quarterly dividend of $0.52 per share, which annualizes to $2.08. Investors should note the ex-dividend date is set for January 2, 2026.
Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying NetApp?
NetApp operates in a market environment fueled by robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The expansion of data centers and the need for high-performance flash storage are key industry tailwinds. The central challenge for NetApp is converting this demand into sustained, profitable growth.
From a technical perspective, the stock recently closed at €95.46, trading approximately 6% below its 52-week high. Its 30-day volatility measure stands at about 28.8%.
Outlook: Concentration and Catalysts
Osaic’s substantial investment signals a strong vote of confidence in NetApp’s strategy. However, a single large position does not necessarily indicate a broad-based shift in market sentiment. With institutional ownership so high, the actions of just a few major investors can exert significant short-term pressure on the share price in either direction.
The primary drivers for the stock’s trajectory will be the company’s ability to meet or exceed its raised financial targets and to profitably scale its AI-driven storage solutions.
Potential catalysts to watch include:
* Upside Scenario: Quarterly results that surpass expectations or continued accumulation of shares by large institutions could provide upward momentum.
* Downside Risk: Revenue or margin figures that disappoint, coupled with profit-taking from other major holders, may create near-term selling pressure.
Ultimately, while the ex-dividend date on January 2, 2026, may influence short-term capital flows, the long-term investment thesis will be decided by NetApp’s execution in the competitive and rapidly evolving data storage landscape.
Ad
NetApp Stock: Buy or Sell?! New NetApp Analysis from December 23 delivers the answer:
The latest NetApp figures speak for themselves: Urgent action needed for NetApp investors. Is it worth buying or should you sell? Find out what to do now in the current free analysis from December 23.
NetApp: Buy or sell? Read more here...
