GameStop shares experienced a significant surge on Thursday, with the stock gaining over 40% in value. The rally was sparked by news that meme stock influencer Keith Gill, also known as 'Roaring Kitty,' would be hosting a livestream event on his YouTube channel for Friday. Gill had previously gained notoriety for his role in the 2021 meme stock mania and was known to hold a substantial stake in GameStop.
According to various sources, as of Thursday night, Gill held five million shares of GameStop common stock and 120,000 call options. If exercised, these call options could bring his total stake in the company to 17 million shares. The potential increase in Gill's holdings has fueled excitement among investors and contributed to the recent surge in GameStop's stock price.
The news of Gill's livestream event came after a period of concern for the investor, as he had paused posting updates on his social media accounts due to worries about market manipulation from his broker, E-Trade. However, with the announcement of the livestream and the subsequent surge in GameStop's stock price, it appears that Gill is once again active in promoting his investment thesis.
GameStop's shares have seen significant volatility over the past few months. In May 2024, the company announced plans to sell as many as 45 million shares of common stock and provided an update on its business, which led to a decline in the stock price. However, with Gill's return and renewed interest in GameStop among investors, the stock has once again gained momentum.
It is important to note that while Gill's influence has contributed to the recent surge in GameStop's stock price, it is essential for investors to approach this situation with caution. Market manipulation concerns and potential volatility should be taken into consideration before making any investment decisions.