Z Squared (ZSQR)
Market Price (7/14/2026): $7.62 | Market Cap: $46.0 MilSector: Information Technology | Industry: Systems Software
Z Squared (ZSQR)
Market Price (7/14/2026): $7.62Market Cap: $46.0 MilSector: Information TechnologyIndustry: Systems Software
Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.
Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. Themes include Cloud Security, Network Security, Show more. | Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -87%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -123% | High stock price volatilityVol 12M is 140% Significant short interestShort Interest % of Basic SharesShort Interest % of Basic Shares = (Short Interest Quantity) / (Basic Shares Outstanding). A high fraction of short interest can indicate potential risk of a short squeeze. is 28% Key risksZSQR key risks include [1] failing to complete a business combination, Show more. |
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. Themes include Cloud Security, Network Security, Show more. |
| Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -87%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -123% |
| High stock price volatilityVol 12M is 140% |
| Significant short interestShort Interest % of Basic SharesShort Interest % of Basic Shares = (Short Interest Quantity) / (Basic Shares Outstanding). A high fraction of short interest can indicate potential risk of a short squeeze. is 28% |
| Key risksZSQR key risks include [1] failing to complete a business combination, Show more. |
Qualitative Assessment
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Z Squared (ZSQR) stock has lost about 55% since it went public on 4/27/2026 because of the following key factors:
1. Mounting Net Losses and Negative Profitability. Z Squared has consistently reported significant net losses, which have worsened post-IPO. On a trailing twelve-month basis, the company recorded a net income of approximately -$11.9 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of -$2.81, operating with a deeply negative net profit margin of -874.3%. For fiscal Q2 2026, which ended in June 2026 (the company's fiscal year ends December 31), the net income was -$3.92 million, representing a substantial increase in losses compared to -$1.58 million in the preceding fiscal Q1 2026. Furthermore, the company's Q1 2026 EPS of -$0.65 missed analyst estimates.
2. Executive Leadership Instability Post-IPO. Shortly after its Nasdaq listing on April 27, 2026, Z Squared experienced a significant leadership change that likely contributed to investor uncertainty. Michelle Burke, who was appointed Co-Chief Executive Officer on April 28, 2026, resigned from her role and as a director effective June 25, 2026, during fiscal Q2 2026. This left David Halabu as the sole CEO, and such swift changes in top leadership following an initial public offering can negatively impact investor confidence.
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Z Squared (ZSQR) stock has lost about 55% since it went public on 4/27/2026 because of the following key factors:
1. Mounting Net Losses and Negative Profitability. Z Squared has consistently reported significant net losses, which have worsened post-IPO. On a trailing twelve-month basis, the company recorded a net income of approximately -$11.9 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of -$2.81, operating with a deeply negative net profit margin of -874.3%. For fiscal Q2 2026, which ended in June 2026 (the company's fiscal year ends December 31), the net income was -$3.92 million, representing a substantial increase in losses compared to -$1.58 million in the preceding fiscal Q1 2026. Furthermore, the company's Q1 2026 EPS of -$0.65 missed analyst estimates.
2. Executive Leadership Instability Post-IPO. Shortly after its Nasdaq listing on April 27, 2026, Z Squared experienced a significant leadership change that likely contributed to investor uncertainty. Michelle Burke, who was appointed Co-Chief Executive Officer on April 28, 2026, resigned from her role and as a director effective June 25, 2026, during fiscal Q2 2026. This left David Halabu as the sole CEO, and such swift changes in top leadership following an initial public offering can negatively impact investor confidence.
3. Shareholder Dilution Through Equity Financing. To support its strategic initiatives, Z Squared has relied on equity financing, which can lead to dilution for existing shareholders. In June 2026, during fiscal Q2 2026, the company raised approximately $15.3 million in non-debt capital through equity sales under a standby equity purchase agreement. This method of financing, while preserving a virtually debt-free balance sheet, increases the number of outstanding shares and can exert downward pressure on the stock price.
4. Weak Analyst Sentiment and Unfavorable Financial Outlook. The company faces a challenging outlook from a financial forecasting perspective. At least one Wall Street analyst has issued a "Sell" rating for the stock. Additionally, Z Squared's forecast annual revenue growth rate of -100% for 2026 is significantly lower than the average forecast revenue growth rates for the US Software - Infrastructure industry (25.09%) and the broader US market (23.2%). While some news, such as inclusion in the Russell indexes, was positive, it has not been sufficient to offset the negative financial and leadership concerns.
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Stock Movement Drivers
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
3/31/2026 to 7/13/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| ZSQR | ||
| Market (SPY) | 15.2% | 21.2% |
| Sector (XLK) | 36.4% | 18.6% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
12/31/2025 to 7/13/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| ZSQR | ||
| Market (SPY) | 10.2% | 21.2% |
| Sector (XLK) | 26.1% | 18.6% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
6/30/2025 to 7/13/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| ZSQR | ||
| Market (SPY) | 22.3% | 21.2% |
| Sector (XLK) | 43.8% | 18.6% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
6/30/2023 to 7/13/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| ZSQR | ||
| Market (SPY) | 75.0% | 21.2% |
| Sector (XLK) | 112.5% | 18.6% |
Price Returns Compared
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| ZSQR Return | - | - | - | - | - | -44% | -44% |
| Peers Return | 2396% | -61% | 329% | 11% | 32% | 36% | 8213% |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 11% | 102% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| ZSQR Win Rate | - | - | - | - | - | 50% | |
| Peers Win Rate | 53% | 50% | 63% | 42% | 58% | 51% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 57% | |
Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||
| ZSQR Max Drawdown | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Peers Max Drawdown | -69% | -69% | -63% | -63% | -62% | -45% | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -5% | -25% | -10% | -8% | -19% | -9% | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: BTDR, APLD, RIOT, MARA, CLSK.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 7/13/2026 (YTD)
How Low Can It Go
ZSQR has limited trading history. Below is the Information Technology sector ETF (XLK) in its place.
| Event | XLK | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 US Tariff Shock | ||
| % Loss | -25.7% | -18.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 34.5% | 23.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | 65 days | 79 days |
| 2024 Yen Carry Trade Unwind | ||
| % Loss | -17.0% | -7.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 20.4% | 8.5% |
| Time to Breakeven | 92 days | 18 days |
| Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock | ||
| % Loss | -10.0% | -9.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 11.2% | 10.5% |
| Time to Breakeven | 15 days | 24 days |
| 2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening | ||
| % Loss | -33.1% | -24.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 49.5% | 32.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 246 days | 427 days |
| 2020 COVID-19 Crash | ||
| % Loss | -31.2% | -33.7% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 45.2% | 50.9% |
| Time to Breakeven | 78 days | 140 days |
| Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare | ||
| % Loss | -23.8% | -19.2% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 31.2% | 23.8% |
| Time to Breakeven | 100 days | 105 days |
In The Past
State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF's stock fell -25.7% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 34.5% gain to breakeven.
Preserve Wealth
Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.
Asset Allocation
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ZSQR has limited trading history. Below is the Information Technology sector ETF (XLK) in its place.
| Event | XLK | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 US Tariff Shock | ||
| % Loss | -25.7% | -18.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 34.5% | 23.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | 65 days | 79 days |
| 2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening | ||
| % Loss | -33.1% | -24.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 49.5% | 32.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 246 days | 427 days |
| 2020 COVID-19 Crash | ||
| % Loss | -31.2% | -33.7% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 45.2% | 50.9% |
| Time to Breakeven | 78 days | 140 days |
| Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare | ||
| % Loss | -23.8% | -19.2% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 31.2% | 23.8% |
| Time to Breakeven | 100 days | 105 days |
| 2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis | ||
| % Loss | -51.5% | -53.4% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 106.2% | 114.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 797 days | 1085 days |
In The Past
State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF's stock fell -25.7% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 34.5% gain to breakeven.
Preserve Wealth
Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.
Asset Allocation
Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.
About Z Squared (ZSQR)
Z Squared (ZSQR), officially known as Bull Horn Holdings Corp., functions as a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). Its primary business model involves raising capital through an initial public offering with the explicit intent of identifying and executing a business combination. This combination could take various forms, such as a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, or reorganization, with one or more private operating businesses.
As a SPAC, Z Squared does not offer traditional products or services; its core "service" is the successful acquisition itself, which provides a pathway for a private company to become publicly traded. The company specifically targets businesses within the sports, entertainment, and brands sectors. Its primary "customers" include the investors who fund the SPAC's search and the private companies in its target sectors looking for an alternative route to public market access.
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- Imagine a company like CAA or IMG, but instead of finding individual athletes or artists, Z Squared is searching for an entire private company in the sports, entertainment, or brands sector to acquire and take public.
- It’s like a targeted investment fund, akin to a small venture capital firm, whose sole purpose is to acquire a private company in sports, entertainment, or brands and bring it to the public stock market.
- Think of it as a ‘headhunter’ for private companies in the sports, entertainment, and brands industries, seeking out a suitable target to acquire and bring to the public stock market.
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- Business Combination Services: Z Squared's primary activity is to identify, acquire, and complete a merger, asset acquisition, or similar business combination with one or more target businesses in the sports, entertainment, and brands sectors.
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Based on the provided description, Z Squared (ZSQR), operating as Bull Horn Holdings Corp., is a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). Its stated purpose is to identify and effect a merger, acquisition, or similar business combination with one or more target businesses in the sports, entertainment, and brands sectors.
As a SPAC in this operational phase, Z Squared does not sell products or services to generate revenue from external customers in the traditional sense. Therefore, it does not have major customers to identify.
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David Halabu, Co-Chief Executive Officer
David Halabu focuses on capital markets, real estate, and asset acquisition for Z Squared. He began his career as a trader at Broadway Trading in New York City and later headed a trading desk for Assent LLC. In 2013, he co-founded Group 10, initially investing in non-performing real estate debt, which expanded into real estate, medical investments, lending, and non-correlated alternatives. He previously sold a backend software that he co-developed for over seven figures in 2001.
Michelle Burke, Co-Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Burke leads the operating execution for Z Squared, encompassing power procurement, site development, hardware deployment, infrastructure readiness, and high-density compute operations. She has served as the company's Chief Operating Officer since its inception and possesses hands-on experience in multi-site infrastructure operations.
Brian Cogley, Chief Financial Officer
Brian Cogley is the Chief Financial Officer for Z Squared Inc.
Ryan Schadel, Chief Marketing Officer
Ryan Schadel is responsible for Z Squared's brand, investor, and capital markets communications. He brings nearly two decades of experience in public markets and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Metavesco, Inc., a digital platform developer for OTC traded companies. He was also previously the President and CEO of Labor Smart, Inc. ($LTNC).
Daniel Yerace, Vice President of Operations
Daniel Yerace serves as the Vice President of Operations for Z Squared Inc.
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- Failure to complete a business combination: The most critical risk is the inability to identify and successfully complete a merger or acquisition with a target company within the specified deadline. If Z Squared fails to do so, it would be forced to liquidate, returning the funds held in trust to its public shareholders, typically at or near the initial public offering price, which would mean shareholders would not realize any potential upside from a successful business combination.
- Competition for acquisition targets and valuation pressure: The market for attractive acquisition targets within the sports, entertainment, and brands sectors is highly competitive. Z Squared competes with numerous other SPACs, private equity firms, and corporate buyers for suitable businesses. This intense competition can make it challenging to identify a desirable target or may lead to acquiring a company at an inflated valuation, which could negatively impact the combined entity's performance and shareholder value post-merger.
- Shareholder redemptions and capital shortfalls: Public shareholders of Z Squared have the right to redeem their shares for cash from the company's trust account, typically prior to the completion of a business combination. High redemption rates can significantly deplete the capital available for the merger, potentially jeopardizing the transaction, reducing the size or attractiveness of the deal, or forcing the company to seek additional, potentially dilutive, financing.
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For the public company Z Squared (symbol: ZSQR), the following are 3 expected drivers of future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years:
- Expansion of Computing Infrastructure and Miner Deployment: Z Squared is focused on deploying and optimizing its specialized computing hardware. The company plans to deploy a fleet of 9,800 specialized ASIC miners across its facilities, primarily targeting Dogecoin (DOGE) and Litecoin (LTC) networks. This expansion of its mining capacity will directly drive revenue through increased cryptocurrency mining output.
- Geographic Expansion and Diversification of Workloads: Z Squared operates a distributed, facility-agnostic computing infrastructure across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Iowa. This flexible infrastructure is designed for rapid scalability into new geographies and for adapting to emerging computing workloads. This strategy allows the company to broaden its operational footprint and potentially offer its computing services for a wider range of applications beyond current cryptocurrency mining activities, leading to new revenue streams.
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Cost Management: The company's revenue growth will also be driven by its focus on operational efficiencies. Z Squared utilizes dynamic power management strategies to respond flexibly to real-time grid conditions and electricity rates, aiming to lower its cost per kilowatt-hour while preserving uptime. Additionally, a comprehensive in-house repair and lifecycle management program is designed to maximize hardware efficiency and reduce capital waste. These efficiencies are expected to improve the profitability of its operations, enabling greater reinvestment into growth initiatives and optimizing revenue generation from its computing infrastructure.
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Research & Analysis
Invest in Strategies
Wealth Management
Peer Comparisons
| Peers to compare with: |
Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 12.27 |
| Mkt Cap | 4.6 |
| Rev LTM | 739 |
| Op Inc LTM | -268 |
| FCF LTM | -1,283 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | -915 |
| CFO LTM | -634 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | -340 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | 42.4% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | 87.9% |
| Rev Chg Q | 3.6% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | 0.9% |
| Op Inc Chg LTM | -62.0% |
| Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg | -89.1% |
| Op Mgn LTM | -36.2% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | -33.1% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | -6.5% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | -96.2% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | -62.2% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | -194.8% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | -233.4% |
Price Behavior
| 1M | 2M | 3M | 6M | 1Y | 3Y | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta | 2.01 | 0.95 | -2.13 | -0.67 | -2.29 | 1.48 |
| Up Beta | 2.77 | 2.46 | -1.93 | -5.87 | 2.83 | 3.08 |
| Down Beta | 2.79 | 2.63 | -1.22 | -2.86 | 1.87 | -3.27 |
| Up Capture | 258% | -135% | -62% | -38% | -17% | -2% |
| Bmk +ve Days | 11 | 24 | 40 | 67 | 140 | 429 |
| Stock +ve Days | 13 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Down Capture | 78% | 112% | 77% | 32% | 21% | 12% |
| Bmk -ve Days | 10 | 17 | 23 | 58 | 112 | 321 |
| Stock -ve Days | 8 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with ZSQR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZSQR | -52.8% | 140.2% | -1.90 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLK) | 41.9% | 24.4% | 1.38 | 18.6% |
| Equity (SPY) | 20.8% | 12.6% | 1.23 | 21.2% |
| Gold (GLD) | 20.0% | 27.9% | 0.64 | 21.6% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 27.6% | 18.9% | 1.16 | -25.4% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 13.3% | 13.9% | 0.66 | -4.6% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | -44.8% | 42.7% | -1.28 | 7.0% |
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Based On 5-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with ZSQR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZSQR | -13.9% | 140.2% | -1.90 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLK) | 20.2% | 25.5% | 0.71 | 18.6% |
| Equity (SPY) | 13.0% | 17.1% | 0.59 | 21.2% |
| Gold (GLD) | 17.0% | 18.3% | 0.75 | 21.6% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 7.8% | 19.5% | 0.29 | -25.4% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 2.9% | 18.9% | 0.06 | -4.6% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | 13.6% | 53.5% | 0.44 | 7.0% |
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with ZSQR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZSQR | -7.2% | 140.2% | -1.90 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLK) | 25.0% | 24.8% | 0.91 | 18.6% |
| Equity (SPY) | 15.4% | 17.9% | 0.73 | 21.2% |
| Gold (GLD) | 11.3% | 16.1% | 0.57 | 21.6% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 6.3% | 18.0% | 0.28 | -25.4% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 5.1% | 20.7% | 0.21 | -4.6% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | 57.7% | 66.2% | 0.98 | 7.0% |
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Earnings Returns History
Updated 6/2/2026| Forward Returns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Date | 1D Returns | 5D Returns | 21D Returns |
| SUMMARY STATS | |||
| # Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| # Negative | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Median Positive | |||
| Median Negative | |||
| Max Positive | |||
| Max Negative | |||
| Forward Returns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Date | 1D Returns | 5D Returns | 21D Returns |
| SUMMARY STATS | |||
| # Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| # Negative | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Median Positive | |||
| Median Negative | |||
| Max Positive | |||
| Max Negative | |||
Industry Resources
| Information Technology Resources |
| TechCrunch |
| Wired |
| CIO |
| MIT Technology Review |
| Gartner Insights |
| Ars Technica |
| Systems Software Resources |
| CNET |
| ZDNet |
| Gartner |
| Software Development Times |
External Quote Links
| Y Finance | Barrons |
| TradingView | Morningstar |
| SeekingAlpha | ValueLine |
| Motley Fool | Robinhood |
| CNBC | Etrade |
| MarketWatch | Unusual Whales |
| YCharts | Perplexity Finance |
| FinViz |
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