Freedom: Five consumer staples small caps most popular with hedge funds in 4Q25
Bloomin’ Brands is attempting a turnaround, starting with investments in steak quality at its Outback Steakhouse restaurants / Photo: Shutterstock.com
Freedom Broker, at Oninvest's request, has analyzed which consumer staples small caps were most popular among hedge funds in the fourth quarter. The list includes five names with a market capitalization below $6 billion during the period and share prices below $30.
Helen of Troy Limited
Number of hedge funds holding shares: 71
Helen of Troy manufactures both owned and licensed consumer brands, including Braun hair appliances, Revlon products, and OXO kitchen tools. In the third quarter of its fiscal 2026, consolidated net sales declined 3.4% year over year to $512.8 million. The net loss totaled $84.1 million, compared to net income of $49.6 million a year earlier. The loss was primarily driven by an after-tax asset impairment charge of $72.1 million, higher income tax expense related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets, lower operating income, and increased interest expense.
Year to date, the stock is down 20.6%. Three analysts rate the shares “hold,” and one “buy.” The average target price of $24.67 per share implies 46% upside from the Monday closing price.
Bloomin' Brands
Number of hedge funds holding shares: 70
Bloomin’ Brands operates several restaurant chains, including Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill, known for steaks and Italian cuisine.
The company’s revenue for 2025 was broadly unchanged from 2024 at $3.9 billion, up 0.8%. Net income came in at $13.2 million, compared to a loss of $122.6 million a year earlier. CEO Mike Spanos said the results reflect a focus on disciplined execution and food quality, which helped improve traffic. In November, Bloomin’ Brands launched a turnaround strategy, starting with investments in steak quality at Outback.
Year to date, the stock is down 5.5%. Eleven Wall Street analysts rate the shares “hold,” two “buy,” and one “sell.” The average target price of $7.35 per share implies 26% upside.
Mama’s Creations
Number of hedge funds holding shares: 61
Mama’s Creations produces prepared foods, having started with meatballs and now expanding its portfolio to include salads, sauces, snacks, ready-to-eat chicken meals, and side dishes. The company reported that revenue for the third quarter of its fiscal 2026 increased 50% year over year to $47.3 million. Mama’s Creations said the growth was driven by double-digit organic sales momentum and the integration of the Crown 1 assets acquired for $17.5 million. Net income increased 31.7% to $0.5 million.
Year to date, the stock has gained about 17.6%. Six analysts rate the shares “buy.” The average target price of $21.83 per share implies 37.5% upside.
Nu Skin
Number of hedge funds holding shares: 59
The company specializes in the production and direct sales of beauty, wellness, and dietary supplement products. For 2025, Nu Skin Enterprises reported revenue of $1.49 billion, up 14.3% compared to 2024. The company highlighted progress in rolling out its Prysm iO portable device and app, which scans a finger to measure antioxidant levels. CEO Ryan Napierski said in the press release: “as we gain greater adoption and more individuals are scanning and receiving their personalized product recommendations, we anticipate this will drive growth in subscriptions leading to greater customer lifetime value.” The company plans to enter the India market in the second half of the current year. Earnings per share were $3.18, compared to a loss of $2.95 in 2024.
Year to date, the stock is down 22%. The one analyst covering Nu Skin rates the shares “hold.” The average target price of $7.50 per share implies no upside from current levels.
SunOpta
Number of hedge funds holding shares: 57
SunOpta produces natural, organic, and plant-based food and beverage products and supplies ingredients and finished goods to major retailers and brands globally. In its fiscal-2025 third quarter results, revenue from continuing operations increased 16.8% year over year to $205.4 million. Earnings from continuing operations totaled $0.8 million, compared to a loss of $6.2 million in the same period a year earlier.
In 2026, the company announced an agreed transaction under which Refresco will acquire SunOpta for approximately $1.1 billion, with the deal expected to close in the second quarter of the current year.
