20 Most Shorted Stocks — Short Interest Report October 5, 2026

20 Most Shorted Stocks

As of October 5, 2026, the following stocks exhibit the highest short interest, indicating a bearish outlook from investors. Each entry includes critical metrics and insights into the potential for short squeezes.

1. Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 64.26% - **Days to Cover:** 8.5 - **Bearish Thesis:** Concerns over the sustainability of recovery in the travel sector post-pandemic. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Upcoming earnings report on November 15, 2026. - **Media Activity:** Recent coverage by major financial outlets discussing the impact of rising fuel costs. - **Important Dates:** Earnings on November 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 9

2. Groupon Inc (GRPN) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 51.26% - **Days to Cover:** 7.2 - **Bearish Thesis:** Struggles with profitability and declining user engagement. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Potential partnerships with major retailers expected next quarter. - **Media Activity:** Influencer discussions around e-commerce trends could sway public perception. - **Important Dates:** Next earnings report on November 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 8

3. Xponential Fitness, Inc. (XPOF) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 42.40% - **Days to Cover:** 6.0 - **Bearish Thesis:** Market saturation in the fitness industry and rising operational costs. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** New franchise openings and fitness tech partnerships. - **Media Activity:** Positive reviews from fitness influencers could boost visibility. - **Important Dates:** Franchise expansion announcement on December 1, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 7

4. Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 41.49% - **Days to Cover:** 5.5 - **Bearish Thesis:** Uncertainty surrounding FDA approvals for key therapies. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Upcoming FDA decision on pivotal drug submission in Q1 2027. - **Media Activity:** Analyst reports highlighting potential regulatory hurdles. - **Important Dates:** FDA decision date on January 15, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 8

5. The Children's Place, Inc. (PLCE) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 40.81% - **Days to Cover:** 4.0 - **Bearish Thesis:** Decreased demand for children's apparel amid economic uncertainty. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Holiday season sales reports expected to outperform. - **Media Activity:** Coverage by parenting blogs discussing quality and pricing. - **Important Dates:** Holiday season sales report on January 5, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6

6. Ondas Inc. (ONDS) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 40.69% - **Days to Cover:** 3.8 - **Bearish Thesis:** High competition in the communications equipment market. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** New product launch expected in Q1 2027. - **Media Activity:** Tech analysts speculating about growth potential in the sector. - **Important Dates:** Product launch on March 1, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5

7. GeneDx Holdings Corp. (WGS) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 40.52% - **Days to Cover:** 4.5 - **Bearish Thesis:** Slow adoption of genetic testing services among consumers. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Strategic partnerships with hospitals could enhance visibility. - **Media Activity:** Medical publications highlighting advancements in genetic testing. - **Important Dates:** Partnership announcement on February 15, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6

8. SoundHound AI Inc (SOUN) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 40.45% - **Days to Cover:** 5.2 - **Bearish Thesis:** Increasing competition in AI-driven voice solutions. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Collaboration with major tech firms could drive growth. - **Media Activity:** Tech influencers discussing AI trends. - **Important Dates:** Collaboration announcement on January 20, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 7

9. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 36.96% - **Days to Cover:** 4.3 - **Bearish Thesis:** Seasonal demand fluctuations impacting revenue. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Valentine’s Day campaign launching on January 10, 2027. - **Media Activity:** Potential viral marketing strategies discussed online. - **Important Dates:** Valentine’s Day campaign kickoff on January 10, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5

10. Serve Robotics Inc. (SERV) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 36.87% - **Days to Cover:** 6.7 - **Bearish Thesis:** High capital costs for scaling operations. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Potential funding round expected to close soon. - **Media Activity:** Robotics-focused publications emphasizing innovation. - **Important Dates:** Funding announcement on December 5, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6

11. Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 35.81% - **Days to Cover:** 5.0 - **Bearish Thesis:** Production delays and financial instability. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** New model launch scheduled for Q1 2027. - **Media Activity:** Electric vehicle analysts discussing market position. - **Important Dates:** New model reveal on February 15, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 7

12. Ramaco Resources, Inc. (METC) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 35.31% - **Days to Cover:** 4.8 - **Bearish Thesis:** Coal market volatility affecting stock performance. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Upcoming earnings report could surprise positively. - **Media Activity:** Coverage highlighting coal demand forecasts. - **Important Dates:** Earnings on November 20, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5

13. Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RXRX) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 35.03% - **Days to Cover:** 6.0 - **Bearish Thesis:** Uncertainty regarding pipeline progression. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Potential breakthrough in drug trials could shift sentiment. - **Media Activity:** Biotech analysts discussing the company’s innovations. - **Important Dates:** Trial results announcement on December 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6

14. Newegg Commerce, Inc. (NEGG) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 34.90% - **Days to Cover:** 7.4 - **Bearish Thesis:** Competitive pressures in the e-commerce segment. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Holiday sales report could provide positive surprises. - **Media Activity:** Influencer reviews highlighting product range. - **Important Dates:** Holiday sales report on January 15, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5

15. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 34.31% - **Days to Cover:** 5.7 - **Bearish Thesis:** Slow commercial adoption of quantum technologies. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Strategic partnerships could enhance credibility. - **Media Activity:** Industry reports discussing future market potential. - **Important Dates:** Partnership announcement expected in Q1 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6

16. Purecycle Technologies Inc (PCT) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 34.06% - **Days to Cover:** 3.9 - **Bearish Thesis:** Regulatory challenges in environmental services. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Potential government contracts could drive growth. - **Media Activity:** Environmental advocates discussing company impact. - **Important Dates:** Contract announcement on February 25, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5

17. WhiteFiber, Inc. (WYFI) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 33.74% - **Days to Cover:** 4.1 - **Bearish Thesis:** Market skepticism about product viability. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** New product line launch anticipated. - **Media Activity:** Trade publications covering innovations in fiber technology. - **Important Dates:** Product launch on March 10, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 4

18. Fluence Energy, Inc. (FLNC) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 33.61% - **Days to Cover:** 3.8 - **Bearish Thesis:** Concerns over profitability in the renewable sector. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Strategic partnerships announced could boost revenue. - **Media Activity:** Energy sector analysts projecting potential growth. - **Important Dates:** Partnership announcement on January 5, 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5

19. Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 33.49% - **Days to Cover:** 6.2 - **Bearish Thesis:** Declining demand for traditional printing services. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** New product innovations could drive interest. - **Media Activity:** Analysts discussing the transition to digital solutions. - **Important Dates:** Product announcement on December 20, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5

20. C3.ai Inc (AI) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 33.49% - **Days to Cover:** 5.0 - **Bearish Thesis:** Uncertainties around AI adoption rates in enterprise. - **Squeeze Catalysts:** Earnings report scheduled for November 28, 2026. - **Media Activity:** AI influencers analyzing company’s positioning in the market. - **Important Dates:** Earnings on November 28, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6

Top 3 Most Dangerous Shorts 1. **Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ)** - High short interest with a potential earnings surprise could trigger a massive squeeze. 2. **Groupon Inc (GRPN)** - Restructuring efforts and potential partnerships may shift investor sentiment. 3. **Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID)** - New model launch could lead to significant upward pressure on stock price.

Short of the Week **Groupon Inc (GRPN)** - Positioned for potential catalysts that could reverse the bearish sentiment, making it the most vulnerable to a short squeeze.

Pattern Analysis The current short interest trends reflect a mix of sector-wide pressures, particularly in travel, retail, and technology, with stock-specific issues exacerbating the bearish sentiment. Investors should remain vigilant as market dynamics evolve.

Educational content only. Not financial advice. DYOR.