StocksAugust 26, 20269 min readAI-generated

20 Most Shorted Stocks — Short Interest Report August 26, 2026

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BookieTrading AI Research Team

AI-generated analysis · Educational purposes only

As of August 26, 2026, these 20 stocks are experiencing the highest short interest, indicating a potential for volatility and price squeezes. This report dives into the fundamentals, catalysts, and market sentiment around these heavily shorted equities.

1. Inno Holdings Inc. (INHD) - **Short Interest**: 60.21% - **Days to Cover**: 5.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Inno Holdings has struggled with declining demand in the metals and mining sector, exacerbated by rising production costs. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming earnings report on September 15, 2026, could provide insights into potential recovery plans. - **Media Activity**: Recent analyst downgrades have fueled negative sentiment. - **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**: 4.8 - **Bearish Thesis**: The car rental market faces oversupply and rising operational costs, limiting profitability. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Potential acquisition rumors could spark interest. - **Media Activity**: Mixed reviews from influencers regarding recovery prospects post-pandemic. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on August 30, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

3. Groupon Inc (GRPN) - **Short Interest**: 55.15% - **Days to Cover**: 6.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Declining user engagement and competition from e-commerce giants have raised concerns. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New promotional strategies or partnerships could reinvigorate growth. - **Media Activity**: Recent social media campaigns have increased brand visibility, albeit cautiously. - **Important Dates**: Next earnings expected on September 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

4. Battalion Oil Corp. (BATL) - **Short Interest**: 51.51% - **Days to Cover**: 3.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Volatility in oil prices and regulatory challenges are major concerns for investors. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: A favorable shift in oil prices or strategic mergers could be beneficial. - **Media Activity**: Industry analysts are closely watching the oil sector, leading to increased coverage. - **Important Dates**: Earnings release on September 5, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 8

5. WhiteFiber, Inc. (WYFI) - **Short Interest**: 50.22% - **Days to Cover**: 4.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Increased competition in IT services has led to margin compression. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: A new product launch could shift investor sentiment positively. - **Media Activity**: Positive reviews on new technology offerings could spark interest. - **Important Dates**: Upcoming product announcement on September 20, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

6. Kustom Entertainment, Inc. (KUST) - **Short Interest**: 46.99% - **Days to Cover**: 2.1 - **Bearish Thesis**: A lack of innovative content has led to declining viewership and revenues. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Rumors of upcoming partnerships with major studios could provide a boost. - **Media Activity**: Influencer critiques of its content strategy have been widespread. - **Important Dates**: No significant upcoming dates reported. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

7. Newegg Commerce, Inc. (NEGG) - **Short Interest**: 46.84% - **Days to Cover**: 3.9 - **Bearish Thesis**: Supply chain issues and rising prices for consumer electronics have hurt sales. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New product launches in Q4 could revive interest. - **Media Activity**: Mixed reviews on product availability have led to cautious investor sentiment. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 25, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

8. Ondas Inc. (ONDS) - **Short Interest**: 42.49% - **Days to Cover**: 4.3 - **Bearish Thesis**: Limited customer base and fierce competition in communications equipment are concerning. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Possible government contracts could provide a significant boost. - **Media Activity**: Increased analyst attention could shift sentiment. - **Important Dates**: No significant upcoming dates reported. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

9. SoundHound AI Inc (SOUN) - **Short Interest**: 41.74% - **Days to Cover**: 3.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Heavy competition in AI technology is causing pricing pressure. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Strategic partnerships with tech giants could turn the tide. - **Media Activity**: Strong social media presence but mixed analyst ratings. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 12, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

10. The Children's Place, Inc. (PLCE) - **Short Interest**: 38.61% - **Days to Cover**: 2.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Declining foot traffic and competition from online retailers are major concerns. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: A successful holiday season could improve outlook significantly. - **Media Activity**: Increased promotional activities noted in recent weeks. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 30, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

11. GeneDx Holdings Corp. (WGS) - **Short Interest**: 38.54% - **Days to Cover**: 3.7 - **Bearish Thesis**: Financial instability and cash burn rates are alarming investors. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New product approvals could enhance credibility. - **Media Activity**: High-profile endorsements have led to increased attention. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on October 5, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

12. C3.ai Inc (AI) - **Short Interest**: 38.38% - **Days to Cover**: 5.1 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns about sustainable growth in a crowded AI market are prevalent. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Strategic partnerships with larger firms could alleviate concerns. - **Media Activity**: Increased media scrutiny as AI becomes a hot topic. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 18, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

13. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS) - **Short Interest**: 37.63% - **Days to Cover**: 3.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Heavy competition in the e-commerce space raises questions. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: The upcoming holiday season could bring a surge in sales. - **Media Activity**: Increased marketing efforts noted. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on October 1, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

14. Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) - **Short Interest**: 37.61% - **Days to Cover**: 4.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Ongoing production delays and high competition in the EV market are concerns. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming production updates could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Increased coverage on social media platforms. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 22, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 8

15. Purecycle Technologies Inc (PCT) - **Short Interest**: 36.08% - **Days to Cover**: 4.4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns over technology viability and scalability are prevalent. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Potential partnerships could enhance credibility. - **Media Activity**: Mixed reviews on recent projects. - **Important Dates**: No significant upcoming dates reported. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

16. Fluence Energy, Inc. (FLNC) - **Short Interest**: 35.29% - **Days to Cover**: 3.3 - **Bearish Thesis**: Market saturation in the energy sector raises concerns. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Government incentives for renewable energy could boost sales. - **Media Activity**: Increased focus on sustainability initiatives. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on October 3, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

17. ImmunityBio, Inc. (IBRX) - **Short Interest**: 34.18% - **Days to Cover**: 2.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Uncertainty around clinical trial outcomes has raised red flags. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming FDA announcements could provide clarity. - **Media Activity**: Mixed analyst reviews on treatment efficacy. - **Important Dates**: Upcoming clinical trial results expected on September 28, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

18. Xponential Fitness, Inc. (XPOF) - **Short Interest**: 33.93% - **Days to Cover**: 3.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Rising costs and competition in the fitness industry are concerning. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New franchise openings could drive growth. - **Media Activity**: Influencer promotions have increased visibility. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

19. indie Semiconductor, Inc. (INDI) - **Short Interest**: 33.35% - **Days to Cover**: 4.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Slowing demand in semiconductor market raises concerns. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New technological advancements could boost investor interest. - **Media Activity**: Analyst upgrades have been noted. - **Important Dates**: Upcoming earnings report on October 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

Top 3 Most Dangerous Shorts 1. **Inno Holdings Inc. (INHD)**: High short interest with upcoming earnings could lead to a significant squeeze if results are better than expected. 2. **Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ)**: Rumors of acquisitions could trigger a short squeeze. 3. **Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID)**: Production updates could shift sentiment and spark a rally.

Short of the Week **Inno Holdings Inc. (INHD)** is most at risk of a squeeze due to significant short interest and an imminent earnings report.

Pattern Analysis This report indicates a mix of sector-wide short themes, particularly in IT services and retail, alongside stock-specific issues. The automotive and energy sectors also show heightened short activity, reflecting broader market concerns.

Educational content only. Not financial advice. DYOR.

⚠️ Educational Content Only. This article is AI-generated for informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or digital asset. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Category:Stocks