Why Wolfspeed Rocketed 27% Higher (Again) on Monday

Group 1: Company Performance - Shares of Wolfspeed surged 26.9% on Monday, following a significant increase the previous Wednesday, amid cautious optimism regarding the recovery of its end markets [1] - Wolfspeed has experienced a substantial decline in stock value, dropping 47% in March due to concerns over not receiving expected CHIPS Act funding of $750 million [3] - The company has invested billions in silicon carbide manufacturing capacity, which is crucial for high-voltage applications like electric vehicles [2] Group 2: Market Context - The industrial and auto chip markets have been in a downturn since late 2022, with seven consecutive quarters of decline in the industrial chip market [3] - Texas Instruments reported a broad recovery across sectors, which positively influenced Wolfspeed's stock performance [4][5] - Despite the recent stock rally, Wolfspeed remains heavily indebted and faces uncertainty with a new CEO starting on May 1 [6] Group 3: Investment Considerations - The high short interest of 41% of shares outstanding indicates a potential short squeeze, as many short sellers may have been forced to close their positions [2] - There are alternative automotive and industrial chip companies with lower risk profiles that could benefit from a market recovery, making them more attractive investment options compared to Wolfspeed [7]