Beyond Meat: Why this strategist has 'no interest' in this meme stock

Core Viewpoint - Beyond Meat is experiencing a significant surge in stock price, gaining nearly 600% over the past three trading sessions, despite underlying business fundamentals showing declining sales and substantial operating losses [1][2][3]. Company Performance - Beyond Meat's sales are declining at double-digit rates, and the overall market for plant-based meat is not developing as previously anticipated [3][5]. - The stock has dropped from a peak of $175 to under $1 for most of the past year, indicating a volatile performance [4][10]. Market Dynamics - The recent stock price increase is attributed to a short squeeze, with short positions exceeding 60%, which has led to speculative trading behavior [6][10]. - Retail investor interest in Beyond Meat has surged, as evidenced by community tools tracking trading activity [2][8]. Historical Context - Beyond Meat's stock was initially valued above $200 at its IPO in 2019, highlighting a dramatic decline in value over the years [9][10]. - The current trading environment for Beyond Meat is characterized as speculative, likening it to a "casino stock" where trading is driven more by market sentiment than by fundamentals [10][11]. Broader Market Implications - The activity surrounding meme stocks like Beyond Meat may indicate a search for opportunities in a potentially waning bull market, with investors gravitating towards fundamentally weak stocks [11][12].