3 Electric Vehicle Stocks with High Short Interest

The electric vehicle (EV) industry continues to be negatively affected by the global semiconductor chip shortage. However, many semiconductor companies are ramping up their production to meet the rising demand for chips, supported by government and private investments.

EVs are expected to dominate the automotive market of the future as governments worldwide implement policy measures to support the industry’s growth. According to a SpendEdge report, the EV market is expected to grow at a 20.4% CAGR  between 2021 - 2025.

But the  industry is overcrowded with new entrants vying for market share. And the shares of many of these companies have soared in price based solely on investor optimism over the industry’s growth prospects. But EV stocks Canoo Inc. (GOEV), Lordstown Motors Corp. (RIDE), and Arcimoto, Inc. (FUV) currently possess high short interest. While this indicates that institutional investors are bearish, retail traders might target them and trigger a short squeeze. So, it could be wise to now add these stocks to one’s  watchlist.

Click here to checkout our Electric Vehicle Industry Report for 2021

Canoo Inc. (GOEV)

GOEV is a mobility technology company that designs, engineers, develops, and manufactures EVs for commercial and consumer markets in the United States. In addition, the Torrance, Calif.-based company offers B2B delivery vehicles, multi-purpose delivery vehicles, and lifestyle vehicles using skateboard architecture technology. Of the company’s floating shares, 32.2% have been sold short.

Several law firms filed a class-action lawsuit against GOEV and certain of its officers on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired its securities between August 18, 2020, and March 29, 2021. They allege that the company issued a series of false and misleading statements to investors and failed to disclose several facts concerning its merger with Hennessy Capital.

GOEV’s loss from operations increased 426.8% year-over-year to $104.35 million for its fiscal second quarter, ended June 30, 2021. Its total assets decreased 5.6% sequentially to $711.52 million, while its net loss increased 384.3% year-over-year to $112.55 million. Also, its loss per share came in at $0.50, up 78.6% year-over-year.

The company’s revenue is expected to increase 1,860.8% year-over-year to $50 million in its fiscal year 2021. However, analysts expect GOEV’s EPS to decrease 77.8% in the current year. The stock has lost 44.4% in price over the past six months to close yesterday’s trading session at $7.72.

Lordstown Motors Corp. (RIDE)

Lordstown, Ohio-based RIDE develops, manufactures, and sells Endurance, an electric full-size pickup truck for fleet customers. The percentage of the company’s floating shares that have been sold short totals 31.5%.

Several law firms launched an investigation into RIDE due to concerns about whether the company and certain of its officers and executives have violated U.S. securities law and made any misleading statements.

RIDE’s loss from operations increased 1,009.9% year-over-year to $110.34 million for its fiscal second quarter, ended June 30, 2021. Its total assets decreased 10.4% sequentially to $687.25 million, while its net loss increased 1,259.6% year-over-year to $108.20 million. Also, its loss per share came in at $0.61, up 454.5% year-over-year.

For its fiscal year 2022, analysts expect RIDE’s annual revenue to increase 1,760.1% year-over-year to $1.29 billion. However, its EPS is expected to remain negative in fiscal 2022. The stock has lost 68.2% in price over the past six months but gained 2.7% over the past month to close yesterday’s trading session at $6.54.

Arcimoto, Inc. (FUV)

FUV in Eugene, Ore., designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and rents three-wheeled EVs. The company’s flagship product—Fun Utility—is purpose-built for everyday driving, transforming ordinary trips into pure-electric joyrides. Its products also include Rapid Responder and Deliverator. Of the company’s floating shares, 31.4% have been sold short.

Several law firms have filed a class-action lawsuit against FUV alleging that the company made materially false and misleading statements regarding its business, operations, and compliance policies. Also, Bonitas Research published a short-seller report on FUV in March 2021, alleging that it fabricated pre-orders to generate fake demand.

FUV’s revenue increased 167% year-over-year to $717,000 for its  second quarter, ended June 30, 2021. However, its net income decreased 121.6% year-over-year to $8.20 million. Also, its loss per share came in at $0.23, up 53.3% year-over-year.

FUV’s revenue is expected to increase 259.4% year-over-year to $7.82 million in its fiscal year 2021. However, analysts expect the company’s EPS to decrease by 22.2% in price in the current year. The stock has gained 15.4% over the past three months but lost 25.4% over the past month to close yesterday’s trading session at $12.53.

Click here to checkout our Electric Vehicle Industry Report for 2021

GOEV shares were trading at $7.71 per share on Friday afternoon, down $0.01 (-0.13%). Year-to-date, GOEV has declined -44.13%, versus a 21.83% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

Nimesh Jaiswal's fervent interest in analyzing and interpreting financial data led him to a career as a financial analyst and journalist. The importance of financial statements in driving a stock’s price is the key approach that he follows while advising investors in his articles.

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