Stock Price History Doesn't Match Company Visibility
Next Up After RIVN: 4 Stocks Poised for a Potential Breakout in 2026
Hunting for bargains where the price has tanked despite better fundamentals, high short interest, and catalysts on the horizon. (February 2026 update)
Important Disclaimers – Read This First
This is NOT financial advice. I'm sharing my observations and research as of mid-February 2026, based on public data, analyst notes, and market chatter. Stock markets are unpredictable, especially with high-short-interest names that can swing wildly on news, earnings, or sentiment shifts.
- These ideas involve significant risk: volatility, potential dilution, execution failures, or prolonged "irrational" pricing.
- High short interest can fuel squeezes... or lead to brutal squeezes in the wrong direction if catalysts disappoint.
- Do your own due diligence. Past performance (like RIVN's recent run) doesn't guarantee future results.
- I may hold or trade positions in these or related stocks—always assume bias.
- Consult a licensed financial advisor. This post is for educational/entertainment purposes only.
Markets can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent. Position size accordingly—never risk more than you can afford to lose.
The Setup We're Looking For
Remember RIVN? Shares plummeted on EV headwinds, yet deliveries improved, margins turned, and catalysts (R2 platform, partnerships) built quietly. High shorts + pessimism = explosive reversal when reality hit.
Here are four similar setups today: beaten-down prices, resilient/improving fundamentals, elevated short interest (20%+ where noted), and near-term triggers. Focus on EV/tech/AI-adjacent themes where sentiment is overly negative.
1. Lucid Group (LCID) – The EV "Twin" with Massive Short Pressure
LCID has cratered \~70%+ from 2024 peaks, hovering near multi-year lows (\~$9-10 range recently). But Q4 2025 deliveries beat estimates, Gravity SUV ramps in 2026, Saudi backing remains solid, and gross margins finally flipped positive.
Short interest sits \~33-37% of float (one of Nasdaq's highest), with days-to-cover in the 4-7 range. If EV sentiment rebounds or earnings surprise again (next report soon), this could ignite hard—analyst targets imply big upside if execution holds.
Risk: Ongoing cash burn and dilution fears. Watch borrow rates and short updates closely.
2. Roku (ROKU) – Streaming Bargain in Ad Recovery Mode
Down 50%+ in 2025 on ad slowdown fears, but active accounts +14% YoY, platform revenue accelerating, and first positive free cash flow in years. 2026 guidance shows strong EPS growth and AI ad tech tailwinds.
Short interest \~5-6% now (lower than peak), but valuation screams cheap (\~2x sales vs. peers). Like RIVN, overlooked efficiency gains could spark a re-rating—analysts see 50-80%+ upside if streaming stabilizes.
Risk: Competition from big tech and macro ad spend sensitivity.
3. Applied Digital (APLD) – AI Data Center Play with Sold-Out Capacity
Dropped sharply on buildout noise, but capacity is sold out through 2027 with Nvidia ties and hyperscaler demand. Revenue beats continue, and 2026 forecasts call for 50%+ growth as facilities online.
Short interest remains elevated (\~33-36% of float), creating squeeze fuel in the red-hot AI infrastructure narrative. Recent dips on news (e.g., stake adjustments) feel overdone—potential to double if backlog de-risks further.
Risk: Execution on power/supply chain; high volatility typical here.
4. The Trade Desk (TTD) – Ad Tech Underdog Over-Punished on AI Fears
Down \~70-80% from highs on cookie/AI disruption worries, yet Q3 revenue +25%, UID2 adoption rising, and 2026 guidance for 20%+ growth. Independent platform edges out walled gardens.
Short interest \~20% range historically; valuation compressed to bargain levels. If Q1 beats the low bar, this could break out sharply—some models see 100%+ upside.
Risk: Broader ad tech headwinds and personnel/news noise.
Final Thoughts & How to Play It
These aren't "sure things"—they're asymmetric setups where downside feels priced in, but upside could be explosive if catalysts hit (earnings, partnerships, sector rotation). Monitor short interest/borrow rates via Fintel/Ortex, upcoming reports, and volume spikes for early signals.
RIVN taught us: patience + conviction on fundamentals can pay off big when the crowd flips. But always use stops, size small, and stay nimble.
What do you think—is LCID the clearest next RIVN, or do you see others? Drop thoughts below!
Posted February 2026 | Not investment advice | DYOR
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