Long GameStop, Short AMC: A Meme Stock Pair Trade With Positive Carry

Summary

  • Investors piled into GameStop and AMC stock in an attempt to trigger a short squeeze. A long-short pair trade emerged based on the fundamentals and capital needs of the companies.
  • GameStop has a large net cash balance and a stable share count. AMC is loaded with high-interest debt, flirting with bankruptcy, and has bled shares.
  • AMC will likely make a move that will hurt its stock price, like dilution or restructuring, to address debt that matures in 2025 and yields over 20%.
  • GameStop and AMC stock have become highly correlated, often trading lockstep despite their distinct risk profiles, which presents a compelling opportunity to buy GME and sell AMC.

Gamestop store sign

Dennis Diatel Photography/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

Investment Thesis

Since January 2021, retail traders have taken an interest in GameStop (NYSE:GME) and AMC (NYSE:AMC). Their theory is something between justified rage and tinfoil hat conspiracy, depending on who

This article was written by

I collaborate with Nishant Surapanini MS, MD (2025). We study and select companies who are leaders in their industries, have best-in-class management teams, and opportunities for continued growth. But just as importantly, we identify and avoid poor-quality or poorly managed companies which have the potential to weigh down on a portfolio's returns.-I am always looking for publicly traded securities whose potential has been overlooked or overestimated by the market. -Risk management is key in my portfolio. I am a firm believer in conservative position sizing, diversifying into uncorrelated asset classes, and employing trend-following strategies.-I am always happy to discuss investment or trade ideas on the long or short side by message.-If you want to read one of my articles that is behind the paywall, send me a message and I can make it an "Author's Pick" which gives my followers access.-Posts from this account are for informational or entertainment purposes only. Investors should not interpret posts from this account as investment or tax advice. Please consult a paid professional for tax or investment advice. As an occasional trader, I may have positions in any stocks I discuss unless specifically disclosed. Investors are expected to do their due diligence before starting a position in any of the securities discussed on this profile.

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of GME either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Recommended For You

About AMC Stock

SymbolLast Price% Chg
Market Cap
PE
Yield
Rev Growth (YoY)
Short Interest
Prev. Close
Compare to Peers

More on AMC

Related Stocks

SymbolLast Price% Chg
GME
--
AMC
--