Sigma Lithium (SGML) shares closed 32% greater on Nov. 17 after Li Liangbin, the chairman of Ganfeng Lithium Group, forecast a 30%-40% improve in world lithium (LMZ25) demand for 2026.
Liangbin’s projection suggests lithium carbonate costs may climb to as a lot as 200,000 yuan a ton subsequent yr, greater than double its worth on the time of writing.
Regardless of immediately’s rally, SGML inventory stays down roughly 40% versus its year-to-date excessive.
Ganfeng isn’t the one vertically built-in lithium firm that’s forecasting an enormous improve within the steel’s demand.
Albemarle’s (ALB) chief govt has additionally just lately projected a more-than-2.5-times improve in lithium’s demand for stationary utility by the top of this decade.
That’s as a result of lithium demand is now not restricted to electrical car (EV) purposes solely. Synthetic intelligence (AI) and knowledge facilities have created substantial new necessities for lithium-based vitality storage techniques.
The demand for stationary storage in North America is up almost 150% this yr, primarily pushed by AI-powered knowledge heart growth requiring enhanced grid stability options.
This evolving market dynamic may assist Sigma Lithium inventory reclaim a few of its misplaced floor in 2026.
Sigma Lithium shares are significantly well-positioned to capitalize on renewed sector optimism as the corporate’s latest earnings report suggests its stability sheet is stronger than traders had feared.
SGML has resumed manufacturing at its flagship “Grota do Cirilo” challenge in Brazil, with the mine anticipated to ramp as much as regular ranges within the coming weeks.
Moreover, the mining agency is on the cusp of profitability, with full-year earnings anticipated as early as 2026, in accordance with BMO analysts. The profitability milestone may drive SMGL shares greater as properly.
Briefly, the rising demand may show transformative for Sigma since greater lithium costs would offer significant operational leverage given the corporate’s comparatively fastened value construction.
Wall Avenue analysts additionally suggest sticking with Sigma Lithium inventory heading into 2026.
