20 Most Shorted Stocks — Short Interest Report October 12, 2026

Overview of Short Interest As of October 12, 2026, several stocks exhibit high short interest, indicating substantial bearish sentiment among investors. This report details the most shorted stocks, their potential catalysts for a short squeeze, and the underlying reasons for the short positions.

Top 20 Most Shorted Stocks

1. Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 68.07% - **Days to Cover**: 9.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Continued pressure from electric vehicle competition and high operational costs have led to bearish sentiments. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming quarterly earnings on November 2, 2026, could act as a catalyst if results exceed expectations. - **Media Activity**: Influencer commentary on EV transition has heightened scrutiny on Hertz. - **Important Dates**: Earnings report on November 2, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 8

2. Groupon Inc (GRPN) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 56.50% - **Days to Cover**: 7.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Declining user engagement and competition from larger e-commerce platforms are causing concern. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Any positive news about user growth or partnerships could trigger a squeeze. - **Media Activity**: Recent articles highlighting Groupon's turnaround strategies have generated mixed reactions. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 14, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

3. Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 55.36% - **Days to Cover**: 11.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Production challenges and a saturated EV market have led to skepticism. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Announcements regarding new models or production milestones could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Influencer discussions on the EV market’s future have impacted sentiment. - **Important Dates**: Production updates expected in December 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

4. Xponential Fitness, Inc. (XPOF) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 45.48% - **Days to Cover**: 8.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns over post-pandemic recovery in the fitness sector. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: New franchise openings or partnerships could trigger a rally. - **Media Activity**: Coverage on fitness trends has been mixed, affecting investor sentiment. - **Important Dates**: Franchise earnings report due November 30, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

5. Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 44.85% - **Days to Cover**: 6.1 - **Bearish Thesis**: Delays in clinical trials for key drugs have raised concerns. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Upcoming FDA announcements could shift momentum. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage, focusing on trial results. - **Important Dates**: FDA decision expected in January 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 7

6. The Children's Place, Inc. (PLCE) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 43.86% - **Days to Cover**: 5.4 - **Bearish Thesis**: Struggles with inventory management and competition from online retailers. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Holiday sales data could improve sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Analysts are cautiously optimistic about holiday sales. - **Important Dates**: Q3 earnings on November 1, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

7. Better Home & Finance Holding (BETR) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 42.03% - **Days to Cover**: 4.9 - **Bearish Thesis**: Rising interest rates affecting mortgage availability. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Policy changes regarding interest rates could impact sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Coverage on housing market trends has been negative. - **Important Dates**: Q3 earnings release on November 8, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

8. Ondas Inc. (ONDS) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 41.96% - **Days to Cover**: 5.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Limited market adoption of their technology is concerning. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: New contracts or partnerships could provide a boost. - **Media Activity**: Limited, with recent news focusing on technological advancements. - **Important Dates**: Q3 results on November 21, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

9. Serve Robotics Inc. (SERV) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 41.59% - **Days to Cover**: 4.8 - **Bearish Thesis**: High competition in the robotics delivery sector. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Partnerships with major delivery services could drive growth. - **Media Activity**: Positive articles highlighting future technology applications. - **Important Dates**: Q3 earnings due November 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

10. SoundHound AI Inc (SOUN) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 41.47% - **Days to Cover**: 5.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Competition from larger tech firms in AI voice recognition. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Major contract announcements could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Coverage has been favorable; showcasing innovative uses. - **Important Dates**: Q3 earnings on November 9, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

11. GeneDx Holdings Corp. (WGS) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 38.77% - **Days to Cover**: 6.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns about the competitive landscape in genomic testing. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: New product launches could revitalize investor interest. - **Media Activity**: Limited coverage; focus on broader biotech trends. - **Important Dates**: Earnings due on November 22, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

12. C3.ai Inc (AI) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 37.58% - **Days to Cover**: 6.3 - **Bearish Thesis**: Skepticism regarding AI valuations and sustainability. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Positive earnings surprises or new AI partnerships. - **Media Activity**: Increasing coverage on AI's role in sectors. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 6

13. T1 Energy Inc. (TE) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 36.64% - **Days to Cover**: 5.5 - **Bearish Thesis**: Fluctuating energy prices impacting profitability. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Positive energy price movements or strategic partnerships. - **Media Activity**: Mixed coverage on energy outlook. - **Important Dates**: Q3 earnings on November 16, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

14. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 36.59% - **Days to Cover**: 4.7 - **Bearish Thesis**: Market saturation in e-commerce gifting. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Holiday sales performance could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Increasing focus on holiday trends. - **Important Dates**: Q3 results on November 7, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

15. Fluence Energy, Inc. (FLNC) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 36.54% - **Days to Cover**: 4.6 - **Bearish Thesis**: Slower adoption of renewable energy technologies. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Government incentives or contracts could boost shares. - **Media Activity**: Articles discussing renewable energy trends are prevalent. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 14, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

16. Critical Metals Corp. (CRML) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 35.44% - **Days to Cover**: 5.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: Concerns over commodity price volatility. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Positive commodity price movements could support shares. - **Media Activity**: Limited, focusing mainly on broader mining trends. - **Important Dates**: Q3 earnings on November 29, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

17. Purecycle Technologies Inc (PCT) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 34.55% - **Days to Cover**: 3.9 - **Bearish Thesis**: Slow market adoption of recycling technologies. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Strategic partnerships could enhance growth potential. - **Media Activity**: Coverage on sustainability trends has been increasing. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 20, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

18. Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RXRX) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 34.55% - **Days to Cover**: 4.2 - **Bearish Thesis**: Doubts about the scalability of their platform. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Positive clinical trial results could drive shares higher. - **Media Activity**: Coverage of AI in pharmaceuticals is growing. - **Important Dates**: Clinical trial updates expected in December 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

19. Ramaco Resources, Inc. (METC) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 34.48% - **Days to Cover**: 3.8 - **Bearish Thesis**: Market fluctuations in coal prices are a concern. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Changes in energy policy could revitalize shares. - **Media Activity**: Minimal, focusing on coal industry's future. - **Important Dates**: Q3 earnings on November 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 4

20. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) - **Short Interest % of Float**: 34.31% - **Days to Cover**: 4.0 - **Bearish Thesis**: High competition in the quantum computing space raises concerns. - **Potential Squeeze Catalysts**: Major breakthroughs could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity**: Increasing interest in quantum computing technology. - **Important Dates**: Earnings on November 22, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score**: 5

Top 3 Most Dangerous Shorts 1. **Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ)**: High short interest with upcoming earnings could lead to a significant squeeze. 2. **Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID)**: Production updates may catalyze a reversal in sentiment. 3. **Groupon Inc (GRPN)**: Any positive news on user engagement might trigger a short squeeze.

Short of the Week **Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ)** is the most at risk of a squeeze due to its high short interest and upcoming earnings announcement.

Pattern Analysis This short interest trend is predominantly stock-specific rather than a sector-wide phenomenon. While certain sectors like automotive and retail show higher short interest, individual company fundamentals drive the bearish sentiment. Investors should monitor upcoming earnings and other catalysts closely for potential reversals.

Educational content only. Not financial advice. DYOR.