20 Most Shorted Stocks — Short Interest Report October 6, 2026

Overview of Short Interest As of October 6, 2026, the short interest landscape is dominated by companies facing bearish sentiment from investors. This report highlights the top 20 most shorted stocks, examining key metrics, potential catalysts for a short squeeze, and relevant market sentiment.

1. Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 64.26% - **Days to Cover:** 4.2 - **Bearish Thesis:** Hertz has struggled with profitability post-pandemic, leading to skepticism about its recovery trajectory. - **Catalysts:** Upcoming earnings report on November 10, 2026, may provide insights into operational improvements. - **Media Activity:** Increased media scrutiny on rental prices and demand recovery. - **Important Dates:** Earnings on November 10, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 8/10

2. Groupon Inc (GRPN) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 51.26% - **Days to Cover:** 3.6 - **Bearish Thesis:** Declining user engagement and competition in the discount retail space have raised concerns. - **Catalysts:** Potential partnerships with local businesses could drive new growth. - **Media Activity:** Recent influencer discussions on its business model's viability. - **Important Dates:** Earnings on November 8, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 7/10

3. Xponential Fitness, Inc. (XPOF) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 42.40% - **Days to Cover:** 5.0 - **Bearish Thesis:** Market saturation in the fitness industry and rising operational costs. - **Catalysts:** New product launches scheduled for Q4 2026 may attract investor interest. - **Media Activity:** Coverage on fitness trends indicating a shift towards digital solutions. - **Important Dates:** Upcoming product reveal on October 20, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6/10

4. Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 41.49% - **Days to Cover:** 6.1 - **Bearish Thesis:** Delays in clinical trials have led to skepticism about drug pipeline viability. - **Catalysts:** FDA decision on key drug in December could trigger volatility. - **Media Activity:** Analysts express caution post-trial results. - **Important Dates:** FDA decision expected December 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 7/10

5. The Children's Place, Inc. (PLCE) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 40.81% - **Days to Cover:** 4.5 - **Bearish Thesis:** Falling sales due to changing consumer preferences in children's apparel. - **Catalysts:** Holiday sales performance will be critical, with earnings on November 23, 2026. - **Media Activity:** Mixed reviews on product quality and pricing strategy. - **Important Dates:** Earnings on November 23, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6/10

6. Ondas Inc. (ONDS) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 40.69% - **Days to Cover:** 5.3 - **Bearish Thesis:** Concerns about scalability in a competitive communications market. - **Catalysts:** Secured government contracts expected to be announced in Q4. - **Media Activity:** Positive media coverage on contract wins could shift sentiment. - **Important Dates:** Contract announcements anticipated in late October 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6/10

7. GeneDx Holdings Corp. (WGS) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 40.52% - **Days to Cover:** 3.8 - **Bearish Thesis:** Losses driven by high R&D costs without significant revenue streams. - **Catalysts:** Upcoming clinical data releases could attract attention. - **Media Activity:** Increased chatter on social media regarding its genetic testing services. - **Important Dates:** Clinical results expected in January 2027. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5/10

8. SoundHound AI Inc (SOUN) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 40.45% - **Days to Cover:** 7.0 - **Bearish Thesis:** Struggling to monetize AI technology amidst fierce competition. - **Catalysts:** Potential partnerships with major tech firms could turn sentiment. - **Media Activity:** Analysts discussing AI market trends in recent reports. - **Important Dates:** Earnings on November 15, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 6/10

9. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 36.96% - **Days to Cover:** 4.0 - **Bearish Thesis:** Seasonal fluctuations in demand leading to inconsistent revenue streams. - **Catalysts:** Upcoming holiday season could boost earnings. - **Media Activity:** Positive media coverage around holiday promotions. - **Important Dates:** Earnings on December 1, 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5/10

10. Serve Robotics Inc. (SERV) - **Short Interest % of Float:** 36.87% - **Days to Cover:** 6.4 - **Bearish Thesis:** High operational costs and regulatory hurdles in robotics delivery. - **Catalysts:** New funding round could bolster investor confidence. - **Media Activity:** Discussions around automation efficiencies in logistics. - **Important Dates:** Funding announcement expected in early November 2026. - **Squeeze Risk Score:** 5/10

Summary Analysis #### Top 3 Most Dangerous Shorts 1. **Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ)** - High short interest coupled with potential recovery indicators makes it a prime candidate for a short squeeze. 2. **Groupon Inc (GRPN)** - Despite fundamental issues, any positive news can quickly shift sentiment. 3. **Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI)** - Dependent on FDA decisions, creating high volatility potential.

#### Short of the Week Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ) is most at risk of a squeeze due to its high short interest and upcoming earnings that could surprise investors positively.

#### Pattern Analysis The short interest trend suggests a sector-wide theme in passenger transportation and retail, with specific companies facing unique operational challenges. This indicates that while some stocks are individually targeted, broader market conditions are also driving bearish sentiment.

Conclusion The current short interest report highlights significant risks and opportunities in various sectors. Investors should monitor these stocks closely for potential squeeze actions and shifts in market sentiment.

Educational content only. Not financial advice. DYOR.