'Chewy Stock Slides as ‘Roaring Kitty’ meme trader Discloses 6.6% Ownership'
Money | July 1, 2024, 2:53 p.m.
In a surprising move, meme stock trader Keith Gill, also known as "Roaring Kitty," revealed a substantial stake in online pet products retailer Chewy, causing the company's shares to go on a rollercoaster ride on Monday. Gill disclosed purchasing approximately 9 million shares of Chewy, amounting to a 6.6% ownership stake, ultimately leading to a 6.6% decrease in the stock price after an initial 10% surge. This development comes after Gill, known for his role in the GameStop trading frenzy, hinted at his interest in Chewy by posting a cartoon dog with similar branding colors on social media. The influence of traders like Gill has been known to significantly impact meme stocks, which often see drastic fluctuations based on social media sentiment rather than financial fundamentals. Gill's recent activity marks a continuation of his involvement in meme stock trading after a hiatus, with his connection to GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen adding another layer of intrigue to the situation.