Two stocks could rally as demand for lithium in China improves, according to Keybanc. Analyst Aleksey Yefremov upgraded chemical manufacturers Livent and Albemarle to overweight from sector weight. Both upgrades were connected to improving demand for lithium in China after a downturn that started in November.
Outside of electric vehicles, demand remains strong for lithium, with Yefremov pointing to the nearly 200% stationary shortage grow in the first quarter. He said the supply and demand outlook should be "balanced" over the next year, which can help keep prices at current levels. Livent remains on track for expanding its lithium offerings, which Yefremov said can help volume in future years.