PureCycle and MP Materials top materials stocks in short interest; Greif and ICL show minimal exposure

2026-01-16 10:27:26 ET

PureCycle Technologies ( PCT ) and MP Materials ( MP ) recorded the highest short interest among materials stocks as of Dec 31, 2025....

The materials sector comprises companies involved in chemicals, fertilizers, mining, and paper products. PureCycle Technologies ( PCT ) led the materials sector, with short interest at 23.80% of its shares outstanding, followed by MP Materials ( MP ) at 13.62%, reflecting elevated bearish positioning in both names.

PCT is rated Hold by the Seeking Alpha Quant model due to excessive valuation and poor profitability, coupled with weak momentum. MP Materials ( MP ), also rated Hold, has seen its shares advance 222.8% over the past year. Seeking Alpha Quant suggests MP's valuation is significantly stretched with its Price/Sales ratio at 44, far exceeding the sector median of 2.

At the other end of the spectrum, Greif’s Class B shares ( GEF.B ) and ICL Group ( ICL ) were among the least shorted materials stocks, with short interest of just 0.32% and 0.15%, respectively, pointing to relatively stronger investor confidence.

Here are the top 5 most shorted materials stocks, all with a market capitalization above $2 billion (as a % of shares outstanding)

• PureCycle Technologies, Inc. ( PCT ): 23.80% short interest
• MP Materials Corp. ( MP ): 13.62%
• Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. ( AMR ): 11.59%
• Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. ( CLF ): 11.43%
• Quaker Chemical Corporation ( KWR ): 11.27%

And here are the least shorted materials stocks, with a market capitalization above $2 billion:

• Ardagh Metal Packaging ( AMBP ): 0.71% short interest
• Aura Minerals Inc. ( AUGO ): 0.51%
• Ternium S.A. ( TX ): 0.38%
• Greif ( GEF.B ): 0.32%
• ICL Group ( ICL ): 0.15%

More on materials stocks, etc.