20 Most Shorted Stocks — Short Interest Report August 23, 2026

20 Most Shorted Stocks

As of August 23, 2026, the following stocks stand out with the highest short interest, indicating bearish sentiment among investors. Below is a detailed analysis of each stock, including short interest percentage, days to cover, and potential squeeze catalysts.

1. Inno Holdings Inc. (INHD) - **Short Interest %**: 60.21% - **Days to Cover**: 7.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Weak financial fundamentals amid declining metal prices. - **Catalysts**: Upcoming earnings report; any positive news regarding metal demand could trigger a squeeze. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage; however, some analysts are skeptical due to market conditions. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 8

2. Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (HTZ) - **Short Interest %**: 56.75% - **Days to Cover**: 6 - **Bearish Thesis**: Ongoing concerns over high debt levels and competition in the rental space. - **Catalysts**: Potential merger rumors or positive quarterly results could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Increased attention from financial influencers discussing debt management strategies. - **Important Dates**: Earnings announcement on August 30, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

3. Groupon Inc. (GRPN) - **Short Interest %**: 55.15% - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Struggles with user growth and profitability. - **Catalysts**: Any new product launches or strategic partnerships may boost stock performance. - **Media Activity**: Analysts expressing concerns about the company's business model. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

4. Battalion Oil Corp. (BATL) - **Short Interest %**: 51.51% - **Days to Cover**: 4.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Volatility in oil prices affecting revenue streams. - **Catalysts**: Possible acquisition talks or oil price stabilization could trigger a rally. - **Media Activity**: Some coverage on oil market forecasts, but limited focus on BATL. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 5, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

5. WhiteFiber, Inc. (WYFI) - **Short Interest %**: 50.22% - **Days to Cover**: 3.8 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns about profitability in a competitive IT services market. - **Catalysts**: Upcoming product release could enhance growth prospects. - **Media Activity**: Tech influencers discussing market trends affecting WYFI. - **Important Dates**: Product launch on September 1, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

6. Kustom Entertainment, Inc. (KUST) - **Short Interest %**: 46.99% - **Days to Cover**: 2.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Limited market reach and weak financial results. - **Catalysts**: New partnerships or contracts could provide upside. - **Media Activity**: Few mentions; primarily negative sentiment. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 12, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

7. Newegg Commerce, Inc. (NEGG) - **Short Interest %**: 46.84% - **Days to Cover**: 5.9 - **Bearish Thesis**: Competitive pressure in the e-commerce sector. - **Catalysts**: Seasonal sales events or potential acquisitions could shift momentum. - **Media Activity**: Analysts discussing the e-commerce landscape. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 20, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

8. Ondas Inc. (ONDS) - **Short Interest %**: 42.49% - **Days to Cover**: 4.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Slower adoption of communication technology. - **Catalysts**: New contracts or partnerships could drive interest. - **Media Activity**: Occasional tech-focused articles. - **Important Dates**: Contract announcement expected in late September 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

9. SoundHound AI Inc. (SOUN) - **Short Interest %**: 41.74% - **Days to Cover**: 3.7 - **Bearish Thesis**: Uncertainty in AI market competition. - **Catalysts**: Upcoming product upgrades could enhance sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Tech analysts highlighting AI trends. - **Important Dates**: Product showcase on September 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

10. The Children's Place, Inc. (PLCE) - **Short Interest %**: 38.61% - **Days to Cover**: 4.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Declining sales in retail impacting growth. - **Catalysts**: Seasonal sales performance could be a game-changer. - **Media Activity**: Retail analysts expressing cautious optimism. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 8, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

11. GeneDx Holdings Corp. (WGS) - **Short Interest %**: 38.54% - **Days to Cover**: 3.9 - **Bearish Thesis**: Competition in healthcare services. - **Catalysts**: FDA approvals or partnerships could boost stock. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage; mostly negative. - **Important Dates**: FDA decision expected in October 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

12. C3.ai Inc (AI) - **Short Interest %**: 38.38% - **Days to Cover**: 4.4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Valuation concerns in AI sector. - **Catalysts**: New contracts or partnerships could shift perceptions. - **Media Activity**: High-profile mentions in AI discussions. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 22, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

13. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS) - **Short Interest %**: 37.63% - **Days to Cover**: 3.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Seasonal dependency affecting revenue. - **Catalysts**: Holiday sales could provide an upside. - **Media Activity**: Retail analysts discussing seasonal trends. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 25, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

14. Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) - **Short Interest %**: 37.61% - **Days to Cover**: 5.1 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns over production targets and competition. - **Catalysts**: New model announcements could reignite interest. - **Media Activity**: EV market discussions frequently mention LCID. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 1, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

15. Purecycle Technologies Inc (PCT) - **Short Interest %**: 36.08% - **Days to Cover**: 4.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Market skepticism about technology viability. - **Catalysts**: Partnerships or new contracts could enhance growth outlook. - **Media Activity**: Limited; mostly negative sentiment. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 28, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

16. Fluence Energy, Inc. (FLNC) - **Short Interest %**: 35.29% - **Days to Cover**: 3.6 - **Bearish Thesis**: Market fluctuations affecting profitability. - **Catalysts**: New energy projects could boost interest. - **Media Activity**: Mixed coverage in energy discussions. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 5, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

17. ImmunityBio, Inc. (IBRX) - **Short Interest %**: 34.18% - **Days to Cover**: 2.9 - **Bearish Thesis**: Uncertainty in drug development timelines. - **Catalysts**: Upcoming trial results could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Some attention in biotech circles. - **Important Dates**: Trial results expected in late September 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

18. Xponential Fitness, Inc. (XPOF) - **Short Interest %**: 33.93% - **Days to Cover**: 2.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Market saturation concerns in the fitness industry. - **Catalysts**: New studio openings could drive interest. - **Media Activity**: Fitness industry influencers discussing trends. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 3, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

19. indie Semiconductor, Inc. (INDI) - **Short Interest %**: 33.35% - **Days to Cover**: 3.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Supply chain issues impacting production. - **Catalysts**: New partnerships could enhance growth prospects. - **Media Activity**: Chip shortage discussions often mention INDI. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

Top 3 Most Dangerous Shorts 1. **Inno Holdings Inc. (INHD)**: High short interest amidst bearish sentiment, but upcoming earnings could change narrative. 2. **Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (HTZ)**: Significant debt concerns, yet potential merger could provide upside. 3. **C3.ai Inc (AI)**: Strong short interest but growing interest in AI could lead to unexpected moves.

Short of the Week **Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (HTZ)** stands out as the most vulnerable position, with significant short interest and immediate catalysts on the horizon.

Pattern Analysis The data reveals a sector-wide short theme primarily affecting technology and retail stocks, with underlying market conditions contributing to bearish sentiment. Potential squeezes could emerge if any of these companies report stronger-than-expected earnings or news that alters investor outlooks.

Educational content only. Not financial advice. DYOR.