Gunnar Gudlaugsson, EVP of Global Operations at Century Aluminum, sold 43,000 shares worth $2.3 million on February 25, 2026, reducing his direct holdings by 24%. Despite the insider sale, the company remains well-positioned with a landmark partnership with Emirates Global Aluminum to build the first U.S. aluminum smelting plant in 47 years, expected to create 1,000 jobs. Century Aluminum's stock has surged 166% over the past year and is up 31% in 2026.

The article identifies five under-followed stocks positioned to benefit from current market conditions: QXO (building products distributor), SM Energy (oil and gas producer), Mach Natural Resources (energy company), Century Aluminum (aluminum producer), and Rush Street Interactive (online gaming platform). These stocks combine sector tailwinds, growth potential, and attractive valuations with analyst upside targets ranging from 14.6% to 32.4%.

The Pentagon allocated $4.5 billion to critical minerals in late 2025, with government backing for strategic mineral projects expected to reach record levels in 2026. This trend is driving investment in companies developing domestic sources of critical minerals including copper, graphite, uranium, antimony, and aluminum to reduce U.S. dependence on imports and strengthen national security.

AI's massive power consumption is disrupting the aluminum industry by outbidding smelters for electricity, potentially constraining global aluminum supply and hindering clean technology development.

Century Aluminum's Grundartangi smelter in Iceland experienced an electrical equipment failure, forcing a temporary shutdown of one potline and reducing production by approximately two-thirds. No injuries occurred, and the company expects insurance coverage for potential losses.

Law firm Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC has initiated an investigation into Century Aluminum Company, examining potential breaches of fiduciary duties or violations of state/federal laws by its officers and directors.

U.S. tariffs on aluminum are disrupting global supply chains, causing price volatility, and threatening European recycling industries, with significant implications for manufacturing and clean energy sectors.

Century Aluminum has priced a private offering of $400 million senior secured notes due in August 2032, with a 6.875% interest rate. The proceeds will be used to refinance existing notes, repay credit facilities, and cover transaction expenses.

The article discusses how the U.S. government and western institutions are supporting domestic development of critical minerals to break China's stranglehold. Companies like Ares Strategic Mining, Century Aluminum, United States Antimony, NioCorp Developments, and Taseko Mines are ramping up production to address the growing demand for these minerals.

Trump's new tariff plan has caused markets to trade lower, with the S&P 500 dropping over 2%. While domestic steel and aluminum producers may benefit, the overall impact remains uncertain as further negotiations are expected.

Century Aluminum's stock price surged after an analyst upgrade to Outperform, citing the company's attractive valuation and potential benefits from restarting a smelter and increased aluminum tariffs.

Century Aluminum Company, the largest domestic producer of primary aluminum in the United States, strongly supports President Trump's executive order to impose a 25% tariff on all primary aluminum imports into the U.S. The company believes this action will protect national security and help level the playing field for American aluminum workers.