20 Most Shorted Stocks — Short Interest Report August 29, 2026

20 Most Shorted Stocks

1. World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD) - **Short Interest**: 228.19% of float - **Days to Cover**: 10 - **Bearish Thesis**: High levels of consumer debt and regulatory scrutiny in the consumer finance sector raise concerns over WRLD's future profitability. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming earnings announcement may reveal a turnaround or further losses. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage; mostly negative sentiment from financial analysts. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on September 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 9

2. Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ) - **Short Interest**: 61.71% of float - **Days to Cover**: 6 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns over rising competition in the rental car market and high operational costs. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Potential partnerships with electric vehicle manufacturers could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Recent positive articles on EV integration have been noted. - **Important Dates**: Next earnings report on October 20, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

3. Groupon Inc (GRPN) - **Short Interest**: 50.71% of float - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Declining user engagement and competition from direct-service providers. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New app features targeting younger demographics could attract attention. - **Media Activity**: Social media influencers discussing Groupon's latest offerings. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 30, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

4. Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI) - **Short Interest**: 45.72% of float - **Days to Cover**: 8 - **Bearish Thesis**: Drug pipeline failures and high R&D costs are concerning investors. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming FDA decision on lead drug candidate in Q4 2026. - **Media Activity**: Analysts remain cautious, with limited bullish coverage. - **Important Dates**: FDA decision expected on December 5, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 8

5. The Children's Place, Inc. (PLCE) - **Short Interest**: 41.87% of float - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Challenges in the retail sector with declining foot traffic and e-commerce competition. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Holiday season sales performance may change outlook. - **Media Activity**: Mixed reviews; some analysts suggest strong potential for Q4. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 17, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

6. Ondas Inc. (ONDS) - **Short Interest**: 41.65% of float - **Days to Cover**: 7 - **Bearish Thesis**: Uncertain revenue streams and reliance on government contracts. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Potential contract wins in the communications sector. - **Media Activity**: Some positive reports on technological advancements. - **Important Dates**: Next earnings on October 25, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

7. Xponential Fitness, Inc. (XPOF) - **Short Interest**: 41.19% of float - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Overvaluation concerns in a competitive fitness market. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Expansion into new markets could provide upside. - **Media Activity**: Recent influencer endorsements may boost visibility. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 1, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

8. SoundHound AI Inc (SOUN) - **Short Interest**: 39.86% of float - **Days to Cover**: 6 - **Bearish Thesis**: Heavy competition in AI-driven voice recognition markets. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New product launches in Q4 could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Positive tech reviews, boosting visibility. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

9. GeneDx Holdings Corp. (WGS) - **Short Interest**: 38.37% of float - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Uncertainty in the healthcare market and regulatory changes. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Potential partnerships with hospitals could provide growth. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage, primarily negative. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

10. C3.ai Inc (AI) - **Short Interest**: 37.67% of float - **Days to Cover**: 6 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns over profitability amidst high R&D expenses. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New AI contracts expected in Q4. - **Media Activity**: Increasing coverage from tech analysts, some bullish. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 8, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

11. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS) - **Short Interest**: 37.01% of float - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Seasonality and competition in the e-commerce space. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Holiday sales could improve sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Strong social media presence during holidays. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on December 1, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

12. Newegg Commerce, Inc. (NEGG) - **Short Interest**: 35.51% of float - **Days to Cover**: 3 - **Bearish Thesis**: Declining margins and increasing competition in e-commerce. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New product launches could drive interest. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage; mostly negative sentiment. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

13. WhiteFiber, Inc. (WYFI) - **Short Interest**: 35.40% of float - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: High operational costs and market volatility. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Potential acquisition rumors may alter sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Few analysts providing coverage; mostly neutral. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 5, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

14. Purecycle Technologies Inc (PCT) - **Short Interest**: 35.14% of float - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Regulatory hurdles in environmental technology. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: New contracts could improve outlook. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage; primarily negative. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 12, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

15. Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RXRX) - **Short Interest**: 34.79% of float - **Days to Cover**: 6 - **Bearish Thesis**: High cash burn rate and uncertain drug pipeline. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Updates on clinical trials may shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Analysts remain cautious; limited bullish coverage. - **Important Dates**: FDA updates expected in Q1 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

16. Ramaco Resources, Inc. (METC) - **Short Interest**: 34.68% of float - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Volatility in commodity prices affecting profitability. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Potential demand increase from infrastructure spending. - **Media Activity**: Mixed analyst opinions; some bullish on coal pricing. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 20, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

17. Serve Robotics Inc. (SERV) - **Short Interest**: 34.68% of float - **Days to Cover**: 5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Heavy reliance on unproven robotics technology. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Partnerships with major retailers could alter outlook. - **Media Activity**: Increasing positive coverage from tech publications. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 30, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

18. Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) - **Short Interest**: 34.09% of float - **Days to Cover**: 4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Production delays and competition from established automakers. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming launch events could improve sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Significant media coverage around new models. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on December 8, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

19. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) - **Short Interest**: 34.00% of float - **Days to Cover**: 3 - **Bearish Thesis**: Uncertain path to profitability in a nascent industry. - **Squeeze Catalysts**: Potential government contracts for quantum research. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage; some positive sentiment from tech circles. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 22, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

Top 3 Most Dangerous Shorts 1. **World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD)**: With an extraordinarily high short interest and potential catalysts, this stock poses the highest risk of a short squeeze. 2. **Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI)**: An upcoming FDA decision could shift market sentiment drastically. 3. **Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ)**: Potential partnerships may lead to a significant turnaround.

Short of the Week **World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD)** stands out as the most precarious short position, given its extreme short interest and imminent earnings report.

Pattern Analysis The current short interest landscape indicates a mix of both sector-wide themes, particularly in consumer discretionary and technology, alongside specific stock issues. Companies like Groupon and The Children’s Place reflect broader retail challenges, while biotech firms like Karyopharm highlight the volatility inherent in drug development.

Educational content only. Not financial advice. DYOR.