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Beyond Meat Soars Then Whipsaws as Meme ETF Entry Triggers Short Squeeze

Analysts caution the spike reflects meme trading mechanics rather than a business turnaround.

Overview

  • Shares ripped more than 700% in four sessions and briefly topped a roughly 1,300% intraday peak before reversing, with losses extending into Thursday premarket trading.
  • Inclusion in Roundhill’s new Meme Stock ETF and heavy retail chatter, including posts from influencer Dimitri Semenikhin, helped ignite the rapid move.
  • FactSet data showing short interest above 60% of the float fueled a squeeze, while S3 Partners estimated shorts’ paper losses at over $120 million and noted fresh bets against the stock.
  • Beyond Meat also announced expanded Walmart placement to more than 2,000 stores, adding a tangible headline to a largely momentum-driven rally.
  • Despite the surge, the company faces multi-year sales declines, no profitable years, a September debt-for-equity swap with layoffs and a new transformation chief, and a goal to reach run-rate EBITDA-positive by year-end 2026.