Investor Michael Burry has unveiled a previously confidential email from Keith Gill, known as “Roaring Kitty,” dating back to 2019. This communication provides a unique insight into Gill's early and strong belief in GameStop Corp. before its remarkable stock market ascent during the 2021 “meme” stock phenomenon. Burry's actions, including a forceful letter to GameStop's board, and Gill's supportive response underscore a shared conviction in the company's untapped value despite widespread market skepticism at the time. This revelation offers a glimpse into the foundational analysis that predated one of the most talked-about retail investment events in recent history.
The current market landscape sees GameStop's shares trading significantly below their peak from January 2021, reflecting a substantial decline since the short squeeze. However, recent trading activity indicates a slight rebound, with the stock showing an increase in after-hours trading. This ongoing volatility highlights the continued interest and speculative nature surrounding GameStop, maintaining its status as a closely watched entity in the financial markets, particularly among those interested in growth potential and market dynamics.
The Pre-Squeeze Conviction: Burry's Advocacy and Gill's Support
Michael Burry, a figure renowned for foreseeing market dislocations, recently brought to light a 2019 email from Keith Gill, famously known as 'Roaring Kitty,' that offers a rare peek into the nascent stages of their conviction regarding GameStop's future. This email exchange predates the dramatic 'meme' stock rally of 2021, providing valuable context to the fundamental analysis that underpinned Gill's later public advocacy. The core of this early belief stemmed from Burry's detailed financial assessment, which he communicated directly to GameStop's board of directors in August 2019. His message was unequivocal: the company should immediately execute its outstanding share repurchase authorization of $237.6 million.
Burry's rationale was compelling, arguing that such a substantial buyback would retire over 80% of GameStop's existing shares, thereby significantly boosting its earnings per share. He highlighted the "striking" financial health of GameStop, noting its impressive cash reserves exceeding $480 million, which he contended was more than sufficient to cover the buyback, invest in ongoing business operations, and reduce debt—all while the company's market capitalization stood at a mere $290 million. This stark disparity between the company's assets and its market valuation formed the bedrock of Burry's conviction that the stock was profoundly undervalued. Keith Gill, in his email response, expressed his complete alignment with Burry's deep value investment philosophy, lamenting the board's apparent inaction despite the "absurdly low share price." Gill, identifying himself as a CFA charterholder, candidly described GameStop's stock chart as one of the most unattractive he had ever encountered, yet he affirmed that he had "not seen anything like this before," indicating a unique and compelling investment opportunity. This exchange reveals a shared strategic foresight between two pivotal figures in the GameStop saga, laying the groundwork for the unprecedented market events that would unfold nearly two years later.
GameStop's Journey: From Undervaluation to Market Phenomenon
The journey of GameStop, as illuminated by the recently disclosed 2019 emails between Michael Burry and Keith Gill, traces a remarkable path from a seemingly undervalued entity to a symbol of retail investor power. At a time when market sentiment was overwhelmingly pessimistic towards the video game retailer, both Burry and Gill identified a profound discrepancy between GameStop's intrinsic value and its stock price. Burry's detailed analysis, which included advocating for a substantial share repurchase program, pointed to the company's robust cash position and its severely depressed market capitalization. This period of deep undervaluation was characterized by a widespread belief that GameStop's business model was in terminal decline, largely due to the shift towards digital game distribution and fierce competition.
However, the insights shared between Burry and Gill painted a different picture, recognizing the potential for a significant revaluation if the company capitalized on its financial strength. This foundational belief in GameStop's hidden value served as a crucial precursor to the explosive short squeeze that rocked the financial markets in early 2021. During this unprecedented event, GameStop's shares skyrocketed by an astonishing 1,294% in less than a month, largely fueled by a coordinated effort from retail investors, with 'Roaring Kitty' at the forefront. This dramatic surge not only defied conventional market logic but also inflicted substantial losses on institutional investors who had bet against the stock. Following its all-time high of $483 per share on January 28, 2021, the stock has experienced a significant correction, falling approximately 2,133%. Despite this considerable decline from its peak, GameStop continues to attract attention, with recent trading showing modest gains. The company's stock currently ranks highly for growth in certain market assessments, yet its price trend remains unfavorable across short, medium, and long-term horizons, underscoring its ongoing volatility and the speculative interest it commands in the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets.
