Smart Money Is Buying Darling Ingredients Inc. (DAR)
Monday, May 4, 2026 · Johnny Hopkins
According to the most recent reported 13F filings, institutional investors showed selective but constructive buying interest in Darling Ingredients Inc. (DAR), with activity led by event-driven funds, deep-value managers, and quantitative investors. This accumulation suggests growing confidence in Darling’s diversified ingredients platform, exposure to renewable fuels and sustainable feedstocks, and its ability to generate long-term value through cyclical recovery and strategic asset positioning. Below are the most notable buyers from the latest reported quarter:
POINT72 ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. (Steve Cohen)
Shares: 1,836,979 Change: +1,412,983 Value: $0.07B
Steve Cohen’s firm led activity with the largest increase this quarter, representing a major build in exposure. The move suggests Point72 sees an attractive setup in Darling, potentially driven by improving commodity dynamics, renewable diesel demand, or a valuation disconnect after recent share weakness.
AQR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC (Cliff Asness)
Shares: 768,017 Change: +445,900 Value: $0.03B
AQR added aggressively, likely supported by quantitative factors such as depressed valuation multiples, improving earnings expectations, and mean-reversion potential. Darling’s cyclical profile and strategic sustainability assets may screen attractively in AQR’s models.
DAVIS SELECTED ADVISERS (Chris Davis)
Shares: 2,842,306 Change: +388,366 Value: $0.10B
Chris Davis increased an already meaningful position, signaling conviction in Darling as a long-term value opportunity. The purchase likely reflects confidence in management execution, normalized earnings power, and the strategic importance of its global ingredient network.
GRANTHAM, MAYO, VAN OTTERLOO & CO. LLC (Jeremy Grantham)
Shares: 3,717,394 Change: +84,275 Value: $0.13B
GMO added to its large stake, reinforcing Darling as a high-quality real asset exposure trading at a compelling valuation. Grantham’s firm often favors companies with tangible assets and long-duration demand drivers, both of which Darling offers.
GOTHAM ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC (Joel Greenblatt)
Shares: 184,088 Change: +52,136 Value: $0.01B
Joel Greenblatt’s firm increased exposure significantly, consistent with a disciplined value strategy focused on strong earnings yields and return potential. Darling’s normalized cash generation may look attractive under Gotham’s framework.
FISHER ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC (Ken Fisher)
Shares: 82,144 Change: +6,702 Value: $0.00B
Ken Fisher added modestly to the position, indicating continued interest from a large global manager. While smaller in size, the increase suggests Darling remains relevant within broader cyclical and industrial allocations.
BRIDGEWATER ASSOCIATES, LP (Ray Dalio)
Shares: 39,204 Change: NEW POSITION Value: $0.00B
Ray Dalio’s firm initiated a new position this quarter. Though modest, fresh buying from Bridgewater suggests Darling may offer an appealing macro or thematic opportunity tied to commodities, sustainability, or industrial recovery.
Overall Takeaway
Collectively, these filings highlight positive institutional sentiment toward Darling Ingredients shares, led by a major addition from Point72 and substantial buying from AQR, Davis Selected Advisers, and GMO.
The concentration of buyers among respected hedge funds, quantitative investors, and value-oriented managers suggests broad confidence that DAR may be undervalued relative to its long-term earnings power and strategic positioning. With exposure to renewable fuels, essential ingredient markets, and global sustainability trends, Darling appears well-positioned to continue attracting capital from investors seeking cyclical upside with structural growth potential.