Short Selling Surge: US 'Eco-Friendly Market' Sees $700 Million Market Cap Increase in a Day

Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM) surged 5.63% on the Nasdaq on the 19th, closing at $93.37 (approximately ₩120,000), which lifted its market capitalization from about $5.2 billion to $5.7 billion—a one-day increase of roughly $520 million (around ₩700 billion).

Analysts say the stock’s intraday jump of nearly 6% reflected a blend of strong first-quarter results, a reevaluation of its 2026 guidance, and short-covering demand as investors repurchased heavily shorted shares.

In its recent first-quarter report, Sprouts posted revenue of about $2.3 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.71. It also issued fiscal-2026 guidance calling for EPS of $5.32 to $5.48 and revenue of $9.2 billion to $9.4 billion. While this fell slightly below consensus estimates, investors have refocused on the company’s prospects for sustaining profitability and its ongoing share-buyback program.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Sprouts Farmers Market is a mid-sized grocery chain specializing in eco-friendly and organic products, operating roughly 480 stores across the United States as of 2026. Its relatively high-margin business model, fresh-and-health-focused format, and growth driven by new store openings and digital investments have been cited as competitive strengths—and these factors are receiving renewed attention in light of the latest results.