Recent analyst reports highlight a positive outlook for Century Aluminum Company (CENX), driven by strategic business decisions and favorable market conditions. Both B. Riley and Wells Fargo have expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, adjusting their price objectives upwards. This optimism stems from a mutually beneficial asset divestiture, strong performance in the copper and aluminum sectors, and a significant investment in expanding domestic aluminum production capabilities. These developments are expected to bolster CENX's market position and foster substantial economic growth through job creation.
Century Aluminum Company is actively positioning itself for future success through key strategic maneuvers and capitalizing on a robust market environment. The company's recent sale of its Hawesville facility to TeraWulf, deemed highly advantageous, played a crucial role in B. Riley's decision to significantly increase its price target for CENX, maintaining a 'Buy' rating. This transaction, coupled with Wells Fargo's similar upward revision of its price objective and an 'Overweight' rating, underscores a collective belief in the company's strong financial prospects. Wells Fargo's analysis pointed to healthy market conditions for both copper and aluminum in the coming year, attributing this to limited new supply and sustained U.S. tariffs on imported metals. Such positive assessments from leading financial institutions signal a promising period for Century Aluminum, as it navigates both strategic operational changes and a supportive external market.
Strategic Growth and Positive Analyst Revisions for Century Aluminum
Century Aluminum Company has recently garnered heightened attention from financial analysts, leading to optimistic revisions in its stock outlook. This positive sentiment is largely attributed to a series of strategic corporate actions and a favorable market climate for base metals. Analysts from B. Riley and Wells Fargo have independently evaluated CENX's potential, both concluding with raised price targets and positive ratings. This convergence of expert opinions underscores a strong belief in the company's future performance and its capacity for sustained growth within the competitive aluminum industry.
On February 3, 2026, B. Riley notably adjusted Century Aluminum's price objective from $37 to $64, reaffirming a 'Buy' rating. This substantial increase followed the successful sale of the Hawesville facility, a transaction B. Riley characterized as highly advantageous and mutually beneficial. The analyst firm estimated the minority holding's value could exceed $300 million, reinforcing its bullish stance. Shortly thereafter, on January 13, 2026, Wells Fargo also elevated its price target for CENX to $61 from $46, while retaining an 'Overweight' rating. Wells Fargo's forecast highlighted a robust outlook for both copper and aluminum markets in the upcoming year, citing anticipated limited new supply and the continued impact of a 50% U.S. tariff on imported steel and aluminum. These expert assessments collectively paint a picture of a company poised for significant gains, driven by astute business dealings and a buoyant market.
Expanding Production Capacity and Economic Impact
Century Aluminum Company is embarking on a significant expansion initiative, with plans to establish a major new aluminum production facility. This project is not only expected to boost the company's output but also to generate considerable economic benefits, particularly in job creation. The strategic investment reflects a broader commitment to enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and securing a stronger position in the global aluminum market, aligning with current trends towards increased local production.
In a major development announced on February 9, 2026, Century Aluminum Company partnered with Emirates Global Aluminium and engaged Bechtel for the preliminary engineering phase of a new primary aluminum facility in Inola, Oklahoma. This ambitious project aims to substantially increase the United States' primary aluminum production capacity. The timeline anticipates a final investment decision and the commencement of development activities by the close of 2026. The economic impact projections for this venture are significant, including the creation of approximately 1,000 permanent jobs and an additional 4,000 construction jobs, contributing substantially to local and national employment. Century Aluminum, known for producing a diverse range of aluminum products such as standard ingots, T-ingots, extrusion billets, and slabs, is strategically enhancing its operational footprint to meet growing demand and reinforce its market leadership.