Since the now iconic Gamestop short-squeeze of 2021 changed the face of investing, retail traders have been consistently asking one question: what's the next meme stock?
Over the years, once-popular companies such as AMC Entertainment and Bed Bath & Beyond have surged on meme stock momentum, only to fall again just as quickly. This typically happens when retail traders pile into a company that short-sellers are betting against, triggering a short squeeze.
The type of companies targeted by short sellers can vary and is often dependent on different factors, but data from short analysis platform Fintel shows that short interest in a few specific companies spanning multiple sectors is extremely high. This suggests that these names could be next to reach meme stock status.
These companies are ranked in order of the short squeeze score, which Fintel calculates by using a model that incorporates short interest as a percentage of float (aka shares available for investors to trade), short borrowing fee rates, and others metrics.
- Cel-Sci Corporation: Short squeeze score 97.47.
- Stem Inc: Short squeeze score 96.76.
- System1 Group: Short squeeze score 94.75.
- INmune Bio: Short squeeze score: 94.71.
Wheels Up Experience: 94.59.
Despite its high short squeeze score, biotech firm Cel-Sci doesn't have the highest percentage of shares being sold short of the group.
Luxury travel provider Wheels Up is No. 1 by that metric, with short interest accounting for more than 37% of its float. Second on the list is digital advertising company System1, with a short interest percentage of 35%.
Additionally, Wheels Up is the only name in Fintel's top five ranking that retail investors seem to be focused on lately. Data from sentiment tracker ApeWisdom shows that it recently surged in popularity on investing forum r/WallStreetBets, with upvotes surging 116% in the past 24 hours.
However, Cel-Sci does boast high short interest, with 23% of shares being sold short. At 18.48%, Stem's is lower but still high. System1 has an extremely high percentage of 35.44%.
All five likely short-squeeze stocks have underperformed in 2025, with substantial year-to-date declines. INmune Bio is down more than 45%, despite a recent rally after the company reported a positive cancer trial update.When Business Insider asked ChatGPT for advice on how to identify the next meme stock, the chatbot provided a multi-step criteria of things to look for, including high short interest and social media mentions, as well as stocks with high nostalgia value among investors.
