20 Most Shorted Stocks — Short Interest Report August 30, 2026

Overview of Short Interest

As of August 30, 2026, the short interest report highlights stocks with substantial short positions, indicating bearish sentiment among traders. The following analysis covers the top 20 most shorted stocks, detailing their short interest percentage, days to cover, fundamental concerns, potential squeeze catalysts, and media activity.

1. World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD) - **Short Interest %**: 228.19% - **Days to Cover**: 8.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: The company's reliance on high-interest loans raises concerns about regulatory risks and consumer defaults. - **Catalysts**: Upcoming earnings report on September 15 could provide insights into the company's financial health. - **Media Activity**: Negative press regarding lending practices may influence sentiment. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 15. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 9/10

2. Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ) - **Short Interest %**: 61.71% - **Days to Cover**: 5.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: High debt levels and competition in the car rental market contribute to bearish sentiment. - **Catalysts**: Potential merger news could alter the competitive landscape. - **Media Activity**: Analysts express caution due to fluctuating demand. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 10. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7/10

3. Groupon Inc (GRPN) - **Short Interest %**: 50.71% - **Days to Cover**: 6.1 - **Bearish Thesis**: Declining user engagement and profitability concerns have led to skepticism. - **Catalysts**: Possible restructuring plans could unlock value. - **Media Activity**: Social media discussions highlight dissatisfaction with the business model. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 5. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6/10

4. Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI) - **Short Interest %**: 45.72% - **Days to Cover**: 4.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Ongoing clinical trial risks and delayed FDA approvals raise concerns. - **Catalysts**: Anticipated FDA decision on lead drug could trigger volatility. - **Media Activity**: Analysts remain cautious amid trial outcomes. - **Important Dates**: FDA decision expected in Q4 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 8/10

5. The Children's Place, Inc. (PLCE) - **Short Interest %**: 41.87% - **Days to Cover**: 3.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Retail sector headwinds and declining foot traffic contribute to negative sentiment. - **Catalysts**: Upcoming holiday season performance could impact stock. - **Media Activity**: Mixed reviews on online sales strategies. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 20. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6/10

6. Ondas Inc. (ONDS) - **Short Interest %**: 41.65% - **Days to Cover**: 3.1 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns over technology adoption and market competition. - **Catalysts**: New partnership announcements could improve outlook. - **Media Activity**: Industry analysts express skepticism about scalability. - **Important Dates**: Quarterly update on September 25. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5/10

7. Xponential Fitness, Inc. (XPOF) - **Short Interest %**: 41.19% - **Days to Cover**: 3.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: High operational costs and market saturation in the fitness sector. - **Catalysts**: Launch of new fitness programs could drive growth. - **Media Activity**: Influencers in fitness trends highlight competition. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 15. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6/10

8. SoundHound AI Inc (SOUN) - **Short Interest %**: 39.86% - **Days to Cover**: 4.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Uncertainty around AI adoption rates and competition. - **Catalysts**: Upcoming product launches could attract new customers. - **Media Activity**: Tech influencers discuss the impact of competitors. - **Important Dates**: Product announcement on September 30. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7/10

9. GeneDx Holdings Corp. (WGS) - **Short Interest %**: 38.37% - **Days to Cover**: 2.8 - **Bearish Thesis**: Market skepticism about growth potential and profitability. - **Catalysts**: New genetic test releases may enhance revenue. - **Media Activity**: Coverage on advancements in genomics could shift sentiment. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 5. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5/10

10. C3.ai Inc (AI) - **Short Interest %**: 37.67% - **Days to Cover**: 3.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: High valuation concerns within the tech sector. - **Catalysts**: Strategic partnerships could enhance credibility. - **Media Activity**: Analysts debate the sustainability of AI growth. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 10. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6/10

11. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS) - **Short Interest %**: 37.01% - **Days to Cover**: 3.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Seasonal demand fluctuations and supply chain issues. - **Catalysts**: Holiday season performance could boost stock. - **Media Activity**: Discussions on floral delivery trends. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 12. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5/10

12. Newegg Commerce, Inc. (NEGG) - **Short Interest %**: 35.51% - **Days to Cover**: 2.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Competitive pressures in the e-commerce space. - **Catalysts**: New product launches could attract buyers. - **Media Activity**: Influencers discuss tech retail trends. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 28. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4/10

13. WhiteFiber, Inc. (WYFI) - **Short Interest %**: 35.40% - **Days to Cover**: 3.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Market skepticism around technology adoption. - **Catalysts**: Expected partnerships to broaden customer base. - **Media Activity**: Industry discussions highlight potential. - **Important Dates**: Quarterly update on October 1. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5/10

14. Purecycle Technologies Inc (PCT) - **Short Interest %**: 35.14% - **Days to Cover**: 4.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns over scalability and market viability. - **Catalysts**: New contract announcements could change sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Environmental discussions may impact stock outlook. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 2. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6/10

15. Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RXRX) - **Short Interest %**: 34.79% - **Days to Cover**: 4.6 - **Bearish Thesis**: High research and development costs with uncertain outcomes. - **Catalysts**: Positive trial results could spark a rally. - **Media Activity**: Coverage on pharmaceutical research advancements. - **Important Dates**: Key trial results expected in Q4 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7/10

16. Ramaco Resources, Inc. (METC) - **Short Interest %**: 34.68% - **Days to Cover**: 2.9 - **Bearish Thesis**: Volatility in commodity prices affects outlook. - **Catalysts**: Potential mergers or acquisitions could impact stock. - **Media Activity**: Analysts discuss coal market dynamics. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on October 18. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5/10

17. Serve Robotics Inc. (SERV) - **Short Interest %**: 34.68% - **Days to Cover**: 3.4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns over technology adoption in delivery services. - **Catalysts**: New partnerships for delivery services could enhance growth. - **Media Activity**: Industry discussions about robotics in logistics. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on September 22. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6/10

18. Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) - **Short Interest %**: 34.09% - **Days to Cover**: 4.1 - **Bearish Thesis**: Production delays and competition from established automakers. - **Catalysts**: Upcoming vehicle deliveries could boost investor confidence. - **Media Activity**: Coverage of EV market trends influences sentiment. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 5. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 8/10

19. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) - **Short Interest %**: 34.00% - **Days to Cover**: 3.9 - **Bearish Thesis**: Uncertainty in the commercialization of quantum technology. - **Catalysts**: New partnerships could enhance market position. - **Media Activity**: Tech analysts discuss the future of quantum computing. - **Important Dates**: Quarterly update on October 15. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6/10

Top 3 Most Dangerous Shorts 1. **World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD)**: With a staggering short interest, any positive earnings surprise could trigger a massive short squeeze. 2. **Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI)**: A successful FDA approval could lead to a spike in the stock price, putting shorts at risk. 3. **C3.ai Inc (AI)**: If AI adoption accelerates, shorts may find themselves in a precarious position.

Short of the Week **World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD)** stands out as the short position most at risk of a squeeze due to its high short interest and upcoming earnings report.

Pattern Analysis The data shows a mix of sector-wide trends, particularly in the retail and technology sectors, reflecting broader market concerns. Stocks like Groupon and The Children's Place demonstrate common themes of declining consumer engagement, while biotech firms like Karyopharm face specific regulatory risks.

Educational content only. Not financial advice. DYOR.