15 Stocks With the Most Short Squeeze Potential

• The analysis estimates short seller returns by tracking when shorts were added over the past year and comparing entry prices to current levels to identify positions at significant losses
• Notable stocks on the list include Applied Digital (APLD), AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), and petroleum refiner PBF Energy (PBF)
• The contrarian opportunity assumes oil prices will stabilize, potentially triggering an unwind of heavily-shorted positions in these growth stocks

Market Summary: Short Squeeze Opportunities Amid Oil Price Volatility

Publication Date: March 12, 2026

Key Points

Schaeffers Research has identified 15 stocks with significant short squeeze potential as heavily-shorted positions face mounting losses. The analysis comes as Wall Street grapples with surging oil prices, creating contrarian opportunities for investors.

Methodology

The screening process analyzed short interest reports over the past year to estimate when bearish positions were established, using average prices from the prior two-week periods. The analysis identifies stocks where significant short positions have been added and are now potentially "at a big loss," increasing the likelihood of short covering.

Data Period: Most recent reporting period as of March 1, 2026

Featured Companies

Key stocks highlighted include:

• Applied Digital (APLD) - growth stock
• AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) - growth stock
• PBF Energy (PBF) - petroleum refiner

Market Implications

The analysis suggests that if oil prices stabilize, these heavily-shorted stocks could trigger unwinding positions as bearish traders cover losses. This presents potential "buy the dip" opportunities for contrarian investors willing to bet against current short positions.

The timing is notable given current market focus on oil price volatility, which may have obscured short squeeze opportunities in growth sectors. The petroleum refining sector's inclusion (PBF Energy) suggests energy-related shorts may be particularly vulnerable if oil prices normalize.

Investment Context

While the broader market remains preoccupied with oil price concerns, the research indicates significant short position vulnerability across multiple sectors, creating potential catalysts for sharp upward price movements if covering accelerates.

Note: The analysis involves multiple assumptions and should be considered rough estimates requiring additional due diligence.