High Short Float Stocks Drawing Bear Bets

 WallSt.Watchdog
 
  WallSt.Watchdog
 
Follow  Message
 
 
 
More than just a barking dog. We dig deep, sniff out scams, and expose market manipulations. Join us to become a savvier investor, armed with truth and insight. Remember, Wall Street might sleep, but the Watchdog never does.
 

•  30 May 2025
 

Short sellers have sharpened their focus on a fresh crop of tickers. Here are the latest list of heavily shorted stocks and analyze where the risk and opportunity.

$SF – Stifel Financial is sitting in a sideways trend with a recent drop in short interest (-4.24%), which suggests short sellers are backing off. Trading at $94.22 with a healthy P/E of 17.99 and EPS of 5.24, this financial name seems relatively stable. Yet with below-average volume and waning bearish pressure, the setup may lack the volatility needed for a squeeze.

$PLNT – Planet Fitness is on the radar with a sharp 20.69% rise in short interest. While the stock holds above $100, it's caught in a sideways trend and relatively overvalued at a 48.76 P/E. This could either invite further selling pressure or set the stage for a mean reversion play if momentum shifts.

$VICI – VICI Properties shows a 12.37% spike in short float, but the chart says “uptrend” and the RSI is a healthy 50.11. Its low beta (0.74) keeps moves modest, but that also means any unusual volume surge could catch bears off guard. With a solid dividend and stable real estate footprint, this name could be misjudged by short sellers.

$AFG – American Financial Group is up slightly and riding a 12.17% increase in short interest. The stock still trends sideways, but its below-market beta and strong fundamentals (EPS 9.51) may make it a tough nut for bears to crack. However, thin volume could limit momentum for now.

$MIDD – Middleby Corp saw its short interest rise by 8.39%. With price action locked in a sideways channel, a breakout could surprise. Currently trading around $146.13 and just below its 20-day average, a catalyst could tip this name quickly, especially given its relatively high beta (1.65).

$HWM – Howmet Aerospace is quietly trending higher, despite a 9.76% short float increase. At $169.89, it's near its 52-week high, which makes any squeeze attempt riskier for shorts. RSI at 76.79 points to an overbought condition, but this type of pressure could just be the beginning of a squeeze.

$LMT – Lockheed Martin has experienced a massive 22.22% spike in short interest, even as it gains +1.83% today. The stock remains in an uptrend with strong fundamentals, but the low beta (0.30) could make a violent squeeze less likely unless news flow picks up.

$MAR – Marriott International continues climbing with a 5.88% short interest jump. At $263.83 and an RSI of 57.07, this travel powerhouse still has room to run. With its uptrend intact, short bets might prove ill-timed.

$S – SentinelOne has seen a 6.29% rise in short float, despite rallying 1.27% today. With no earnings and a -1.32 EPS, the bears are betting on poor fundamentals. But its sideways price movement and high volume make it a volatile candidate for a squeeze if sentiment shifts.

$NU – Nu Holdings bucks the trend with a drop in short interest (-15.38%) even as price nudges higher. That combination signals bears may be covering — possibly foreshadowing more upside. A solid long watch if accumulation continues.

$EQH – Equitable Holdings also saw short interest fall (-11.59%), but the stock dropped -1.20% today. While technically sideways, the weakening bearish position hints at stabilization and a potential turn higher if macro tailwinds assist.

$CWAN – Clearwater Analytics surged +3.91% today with a 5.32% bump in short float. Trading near its moving averages and with a reasonable P/E of 17.87, this name could be poised for a technical breakout that traps shorts, especially with volume heating up.

$ZM – Zoom Video saw a 3.45% rise in short interest, even as it rallied +1.64%. Now in an uptrend with a 57.26 RSI, Zoom may finally be finding its footing post-pandemic. If buyers regain confidence, bears may be caught leaning the wrong way.

$LRCX – Lam Research is a surprise entry with a 17.39% jump in short interest and a strong uptrend. Today’s -4.00% pullback might just be profit-taking — or bait for a bounce. With fundamentals still solid and volatility in play, this could become a prime squeeze candidate.

$TWLO – Twilio lights up the board with a massive 34.13% increase in short interest. At $117.70 and in a clear uptrend, the setup is ripe for a violent move higher. The crowd is betting against it, but if momentum continues, those shorts may rush for the exits.

$AMR – Alpha Metallurgical has a 14.17% increase in short float, but today’s -3.11% drop puts pressure on bulls. With a -8.67 EPS and a sideways chart, this name is high risk. A surprise upside move is possible, but conviction is lower here compared to others.

$MRK – Merck & Co. gets a modest 10.91% bump in short interest, but this defensive giant typically doesn't swing wildly. Unless something major shakes the fundamentals, this may not be the best pick for near-term fireworks.

Bottom Line:
While several of these names show potential TWLO stands out with its explosive short interest surge (+34.13%), strong uptrend, and decent technical positioning. The mix of heavy bearish sentiment and upward price momentum could trigger a classic short squeeze. Close runners-up include HWM and LRCX, both in uptrends with growing short positions and technical strength.