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Retail investors have resurrected the meme stock frenzy with a new twist and a new acronym. This week, a quartet of unloved stocks skyrocketed in value as online traders coordinated buying sprees. The group includes Krispy Kreme (DNUT), Opendoor (OPEN), Rocket Mortgage (RKT), and Kohl’s (KSS), now dubbed the DORK meme stocks.
Introducing the DORK Stock Memes
Born out of online trading forums like Reddit’s r/wallstreetbets, a decentralized group of retail traders rose to prominence by targeting heavily shorted stocks and turning them into viral market phenomena. United more by internet humor and trading apps than traditional strategy, this community embraced volatility as a badge of honor, often rallying around slogans, memes, and screenshots of outrageous gains or losses. This collective force disrupted hedge funds, shook institutional confidence, and redefined what it meant to move markets from the bottom up. In 2025, with markets still flush with optimism, the same crowd has returned to spotlight a new acronym of underdog stocks by pushing Krispy Kreme, Opendoor, Rocket Mortgage, and Kohl’s into meme-fueled stardom as the DORK meme stocks. A late addition to this group is GoPro, a languishing video camera company that is sliding into irrelevance thanks to newer, cheaper, and better technology.
Krispy Kreme (DNUT)
Krispy Kreme stock has gained more than 90% in recent trading, propelled by a mix of nostalgia, branding, and internet humor. Its DNUT ticker and widely shared product images made it a natural fit for meme culture. Still, the company’s fundamentals remain shaky. Operating margins are slim, and it faces stiff competition in the retail food space.
As of Thursday, DNUT closed at $4.32, up 4.6% from the previous session. The stock had surged as high as $5.21 intraday on Tuesday before slipping, and trading volumes remain elevated as short interest attracts meme-fueled buyers.
Opendoor (OPEN)
Among the DORK meme stocks, Opendoor stands out. It’s the only one with a recent surge in institutional support. Eric Jackson, a Canadian hedge fund manager, praised the company’s technology-driven real estate model and dismissed comparisons to other meme names.
The stock peaked near $4.97 midweek before pulling back to $2.29 at Thursday’s close, down more than 20% from earlier highs. Despite the drop, it remains up over 300% for the month, with retail trading volume up 140% compared to last month.
Rocket Mortgage (RKT)
Rocket Mortgage’s inclusion in the DORK meme stocks may have more to do with its ticker than its performance. RKT surged alongside its peers but lacked any notable news or shift in market conditions. Mortgage originations remain under pressure due to elevated interest rates, and refinancing activity has not rebounded.
RKT finished Thursday at $16.21, a slight gain from the prior session. The stock spiked as much as 20% intraday on Tuesday and continues to trade on retail momentum rather than company fundamentals.
Kohl’s (KSS)
Kohl’s saw sharp gains early in the week before giving up much of the move. The retailer has struggled with declining foot traffic and uneven quarterly results. Its strategy to revamp stores and expand digital operations has yet to deliver meaningful returns.
After hitting an intraday high near $14.90 on Tuesday, KSS closed Thursday at $12.30, down approximately 14% from its weekly peak. Short interest remains high, keeping the stock in meme stock territory despite weak fundamentals.
Late Addition: GoPro (GPRO)
GoPro’s surprise rally this week has placed it squarely among the most active meme stocks, despite not being part of the original DORK acronym. The camera company has struggled for years with declining relevance and weak margins, but retail traders embraced it for its high short interest and low share price. Online forums lit up with posts celebrating GoPro’s return to volatility, reviving interest in a name that had largely faded from institutional view.
The stock jumped nearly 70% in premarket trading on Wednesday before paring back gains. By Thursday’s close, GPRO was priced at $2.37, up over 12% for the day. While trading volumes remain high, analysts caution that GoPro’s fundamentals have not improved materially, and the company remains vulnerable to sudden reversals if momentum fades.
DORK Meme Stocks: Speculation or Strategy?
The renewed meme stock rally comes as markets hit record highs. Retail investors, encouraged by a strong recovery from April’s tariff-induced drop, have returned to speculative trading. Platforms like Robinhood and Reddit’s “wallstreetbets” are once again flooded with posts promoting high‑risk plays. Whether DORK meme stocks offer opportunity or distraction depends on the investor’s risk tolerance. Short squeezes can deliver fast returns, but the reversals are often just as quick. The fundamental picture for all four companies remains mixed at best.
Professional analysts caution that this cycle, like the last, will likely end with losses for late entrants. Serious investors may want to watch from the sidelines or tread carefully, focusing on liquidity and exit strategy before joining the trend.
Which of the DORK meme stocks do you believe offers the most compelling case for investors right now? Tell us what you think.
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