A securities class action has been filed over trading in Avis Budget Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAR), and Rosen Law Firm said purchasers of Avis securities, including investors who bought Avis common stock to cover a short position, between Feb. 20, 2025 and Apr. 21, 2026 have until Sept. 29, 2026 to ask the court to appoint them lead plaintiff. The lawsuit alleges Pentwater Capital Management LP and Matthew Halbower, identified as Pentwater's CEO, CIO and Founder, used Pentwater's position as one of Avis's largest shareholders and an approximately 51% total economic interest in the company as of March 2026 through stock and cash-settled swaps to manipulate the market for Avis securities. The complaint says aggressive purchases of Avis stock during the class period triggered unusual volatility and a short squeeze, forcing short sellers to buy shares to limit losses and further driving up the stock price, which increased the value of Pentwater's Avis holdings. Rosen said investors may seek compensation through a contingency-fee arrangement, while noting that no class has yet been certified.