GameStop CEO Is 'Not Scared Of The Short Sellers,' Calls It Un-American To Bet Against Business 'But It's A Free Market'

Core Insights - GameStop Corporation has seen significant involvement from CEO Ryan Cohen, who has increased his stake in the company to 13% and became chairman in June 2021 and CEO in September 2023 [1][3] - Cohen expressed a lack of respect for short sellers, viewing their actions as un-American, but remains focused on running the business rather than on short selling activities [3][4] - The company has shifted its focus from hardware to collectibles, which has contributed to profitability, with GameStop generating profits every quarter [5] Stake and Leadership - Ryan Cohen disclosed a 9% stake in GameStop in August 2020, later increasing it to 13% [1] - Cohen became chairman in June 2021 and was appointed CEO in September 2023 [1] Short Selling Dynamics - Approximately 18.9% of GameStop's float is currently shorted, although the number of short sellers has declined [3] - Cohen believes that short sellers may ultimately need to cover their positions, which could be beneficial for the company [3] Business Strategy and Profitability - GameStop has fewer stores now but is more profitable, with a focus on collectibles like trading cards [5] - Cohen indicated that the retail business is now profitable, leading to a strategic shift away from hardware [5] Financial Considerations - Cohen mentioned that there are tax implications regarding dividends, suggesting it may be better to reinvest in the company for future opportunities [6] - GameStop's stock was up 0.6% to $23.36, with a year-to-date decline of 23.8% in 2025, but has increased over 2,250% in the last five years [6]