20 Most Shorted Stocks — Short Interest Report August 28, 2026

Overview As of August 28, 2026, short interest data reveals critical insights into market sentiment surrounding some of the most heavily shorted stocks. The following analysis delves into the metrics, potential squeeze catalysts, and underlying reasons for bearish sentiments across 20 stocks.

1. World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 228.19% - **Days to Cover**: 10 - **Bearish Thesis**: Continuous regulatory scrutiny and rising default rates in consumer loans have raised concerns about WRLD's financial health. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming earnings report could provide clarity on default rates. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage; primarily discussed in niche financial forums. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 8

2. Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 61.71% - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: High debt levels and potential economic downturn fears have led to bearish sentiment. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Recent partnerships may enhance revenue streams; earnings report due on October 5, 2026. - **Media Activity**: Positive buzz following recent fleet expansion news. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on October 5, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

3. Groupon Inc (GRPN) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 50.71% - **Days to Cover**: 8 - **Bearish Thesis**: Struggles to maintain user engagement and increasing competition have led to pessimism. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Analysts expect a turnaround strategy announcement in Q4. - **Media Activity**: Increased attention as influencers share discounts on social platforms. - **Important Dates**: Strategic review completion expected in November 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

4. Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 45.72% - **Days to Cover**: 7 - **Bearish Thesis**: Clinical trial failures have raised doubts about its pipeline. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming FDA decision on its lead candidate in December 2026. - **Media Activity**: Limited; mostly covered in biotech news. - **Important Dates**: FDA decision on December 12, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

5. The Children's Place, Inc. (PLCE) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 41.87% - **Days to Cover**: 6 - **Bearish Thesis**: Challenges from e-commerce competition have pressured margins. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming back-to-school sales performance report. - **Media Activity**: Mixed reviews on seasonal product lines. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 20, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

6. Ondas Inc. (ONDS) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 41.65% - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns about technological obsolescence and competition in communication tech. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: New partnership announcements expected by Q4. - **Media Activity**: Limited; mostly discussed in tech blogs. - **Important Dates**: Potential partnership news in late September 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

7. Xponential Fitness, Inc. (XPOF) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 41.19% - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Sluggish recovery in the fitness sector post-pandemic has raised concerns. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: New franchise openings scheduled before year-end. - **Media Activity**: Positive influencer campaigns promoting fitness regimens. - **Important Dates**: Franchise expansion news expected in November 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

8. SoundHound AI Inc (SOUN) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 39.86% - **Days to Cover**: 6 - **Bearish Thesis**: Doubts about monetization of AI technology have emerged. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Potential acquisition rumors could stir interest. - **Media Activity**: Increased coverage following AI conferences. - **Important Dates**: Upcoming AI product launch on October 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

9. GeneDx Holdings Corp. (WGS) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 38.37% - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Market skepticism towards genetic testing revenue growth. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: FDA approval for new tests could boost stock. - **Media Activity**: Coverage in health tech journals. - **Important Dates**: FDA submission expected in December 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

10. C3.ai Inc (AI) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 37.67% - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: High valuation vs. revenue growth raises concerns. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Earnings report due in November 2026. - **Media Activity**: Mixed analyst ratings; some bullish on AI's future. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on November 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

11. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 37.01% - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Seasonal sales fluctuations create uncertainty. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming holiday season could boost sales. - **Media Activity**: Heavily promoted in seasonal marketing campaigns. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on December 5, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

12. Newegg Commerce, Inc. (NEGG) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 35.51% - **Days to Cover**: 3 - **Bearish Thesis**: Increasing e-commerce competition and low margins. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: New product launches expected in Q4. - **Media Activity**: Influencer promotions on tech platforms. - **Important Dates**: Product launch in late November 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

13. WhiteFiber, Inc. (WYFI) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 35.40% - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns about scalability in tech implementation. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Partnership news could change market perception. - **Media Activity**: Limited; mostly niche tech discussions. - **Important Dates**: Q4 partnership announcements expected. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

14. Purecycle Technologies Inc (PCT) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 35.14% - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: High operational costs and execution risks in environmental projects. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Government contracts could be a game changer. - **Media Activity**: Positive articles on sustainability efforts. - **Important Dates**: Contract announcements expected in Q1 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

15. Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RXRX) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 34.79% - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Uncertainty in drug development timelines. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Positive trial results could spark interest. - **Media Activity**: Coverage in biotech newsletters. - **Important Dates**: Trial results expected in January 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

16. Ramaco Resources, Inc. (METC) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 34.68% - **Days to Cover**: 3 - **Bearish Thesis**: Volatility in commodity prices affects profitability. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Price rally in coal markets could trigger buying. - **Media Activity**: Discussed in mining investment circles. - **Important Dates**: Q4 earnings report on February 10, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

17. Serve Robotics Inc. (SERV) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 34.68% - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Heavy competition in the robotics sector and high R&D costs. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: New product unveilings and partnerships. - **Media Activity**: Coverage in robotics trade publications. - **Important Dates**: Product launch expected in December 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

18. Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 34.09% - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Challenges in scaling production and delivery timelines. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming electric vehicle model announcements. - **Media Activity**: Strong social media presence with mixed sentiment. - **Important Dates**: New model reveal on November 30, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

19. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 34.00% - **Days to Cover**: 3 - **Bearish Thesis**: Lack of clear revenue streams and slow adoption rates. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Industry partnerships could enhance credibility. - **Media Activity**: Niche tech articles discussing quantum advancements. - **Important Dates**: Partnership announcements expected by Q1 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

Top 3 Most Dangerous Shorts 1. **World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD)** - High short interest and potential regulatory changes could trigger a squeeze. 2. **Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ)** - Recent partnerships may change market perceptions rapidly. 3. **Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI)** - FDA decision could lead to significant price fluctuations.

Short of the Week **World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD)** - With a staggering short interest, any positive news could lead to a substantial short squeeze.

Pattern Analysis While some stocks are experiencing sector-wide bearish sentiment, such as those in consumer services and biotechnology, others like Hertz and Lucid illustrate stock-specific challenges. The overall short interest reflects a cautious market, with many investors betting against recovery in these companies.

Educational content only. Not financial advice. DYOR.