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%