Workflow
Among the Market's Most Shorted: 2 Firms With +40% Short Interest
WOLFWolfspeed(WOLF) MarketBeat· MarketBeat·2025-06-03 21:34

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses two heavily shorted stocks, Wolfspeed and Kohl's, highlighting the intense pessimism surrounding their financial health and the potential for short squeezes if either company shows signs of recovery [1][2]. Group 1: Wolfspeed - Wolfspeed is a chip company with over 45% of its floated shares sold short, marking the highest level in its history as of May 15 [2][3]. - The company is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy and has rejected proposals from creditors to restructure its 6.5billionindebt,leadingtoa596.5 billion in debt, leading to a 59% drop in its stock price on May 21 [3][4]. - The company's future hinges on receiving 750 million in CHIPS Act funding, which is currently uncertain due to potential changes under the Trump administration [4][5]. - Analysts believe Wolfspeed could still receive tax credits despite the uncertainty around the CHIPS Act, and the company plans to apply for 600millionintaxcreditrefundsafterJune30[7].ThehighshortinterestmakesWolfspeedacandidateforashortsqueeze,butanalystshavesuspendedcoverageduetothelikelihoodoffinancialrestructuring[8].Group2:KohlsKohlshasashortinterestofjustunder54600 million in tax credit refunds after June 30 [7]. - The high short interest makes Wolfspeed a candidate for a short squeeze, but analysts have suspended coverage due to the likelihood of financial restructuring [8]. Group 2: Kohl's - Kohl's has a short interest of just under 54% of its floated shares as of May 15, the highest level ever, reflecting concerns over its financial performance [9][10]. - The company has not posted positive year-over-year sales growth since Q4 2021, and its recent CEO was ousted due to misconduct, indicating significant internal issues [11]. - Despite the challenges, some analysts have raised their price targets for Kohl's, with Baird and Telsey Advisory Group setting targets of 9, suggesting a potential 10% increase from recent prices [12]. - However, bearish analysts at Barclays and Goldman Sachs have set lower price targets, indicating a divided outlook on the stock's future [13].