Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

12 Best Lithium And Battery Stocks To Buy Now

In this article, we will look at the 12 best lithium and battery stocks to buy now. If you want to explore similar stocks, you can also take a look at 5 Best Lithium And Battery Stocks To Buy Now.

Global EV Sales Grew By 68% Year Over Year

The EV industry is growing at a remarkable pace. According to WSJ, 7.8 million units of all-electric vehicles were sold across the globe in 2022, up 68% year over year, and accounted for roughly 10% of global car sales. China, Europe, and the U.S. were the leading regions that experienced growth in EV sales. In 2022, all-electric vehicles made up for 19% of total car sales in China, followed by 11% in Europe, and 5.8% in the United States.

EV Price War

While electric vehicles have gained tremendous popularity in recent years due to their eco-friendly nature and governments’ efforts to combat climate change, a major headwind for electric vehicles is still costs. Batteries account for a major chunk of the price of an electric vehicle. On average, batteries account for about one-third of the total cost of an electric vehicle. However, advancements in battery technology and optimization of manufacturing processes is now allowing major automakers to cut costs of their EVs. In January 2023, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) initiated an EV price war after the auto giant announced that it is slashing prices of its electric vehicles by 20% across the globe. This move triggered Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) to rival the EV giant by announcing price cuts for its all-electric Mustang Mach E.

Why Care About Lithium and Battery Stocks?

As car manufacturers continue to pour hefty investments into battery technology to cut production costs and make their products more accessible to consumers, lithium and battery stocks are well-positioned to soar. The global lithium market is on track to reach a value of $22.6 billion by 2030, according to ReportLinker, and the global EV battery market is expected to be worth $84.5 billion by 2030.

With growing EV sales and increasing competition among manufacturers to cut EV prices, lithium and battery stocks are becoming attractive investment options. Some of the top lithium and battery stocks that are popular among elite money managers include Sociedad Quimica y Minera (NYSE:SQM), FREYR Battery (NYSE:FREY), Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB). Let’s now discuss these stocks, among others, in detail below.

Our Methodology

To determine the best lithium and battery stocks to buy now, we sifted through lithium and battery ETFs and compiled a list of pure-play EV battery and lithium stocks. We narrowed down our selection to stocks that were the most popular among hedge funds. We have ranked these stocks in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them.

Best Lithium And Battery Stocks To Buy Now

12. Piedmont Lithium Inc. (NASDAQ:PLL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11

Piedmont Lithium Inc. (NASDAQ:PLL) is involved in the exploration and development of lithium projects in the United States. The company is developing 4 lithium projects currently in North Carolina, Tennessee, Ghana, and Quebec, and is on track to become one of the largest lithium hydroxide producers in the United States.

This March, Macquarie analyst Hayden Bairstow started coverage of Piedmont Lithium Inc. (NASDAQ:PLL) with an Outperform rating and a $140 price target. As of March 9, the stock has gained 32.44% year to date and is one of the best lithium and battery stocks to buy now.

At the end of Q4 2022, 11 hedge funds held stakes in Piedmont Lithium Inc. (NASDAQ:PLL). The total value of these stakes amounted to $31.6 million.

Top stocks that will benefit from growing EV adoption include Piedmont Lithium Inc. (NASDAQ:PLL), Sociedad Quimica y Minera (NYSE:SQM), FREYR Battery (NYSE:FREY), and Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB).

11. Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11

Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) is another leading lithium mining company, based in Brazil. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2022, 11 hedge funds were long Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) and disclosed positions worth $54.9 million in the company. This is compared to 8 hedge funds in the preceding quarter with stakes worth $45.5 million. The hedge fund sentiment for the stock is positive.

This January, BMO Capital analyst Joel Jackson took coverage of Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) with an Outperform rating and a $40 price target.

As of March 9, Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) has gained 208.52% over the past 12 months. Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) is ranked among the best lithium and battery stocks to buy now.

As of December 31, Potrero Capital Research is the most prominent investor in Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) and has disclosed a position worth $14 million in the company.

10. Microvast Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVST)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12

Microvast Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVST) is an American battery manufacturing company. The company is involved the in the design and development of battery systems for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, as well as battery component including anodes, cathodes and electrolytes.

In December 2022, Microvast Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVST) secured a contract from a U.S. customer to provide a utility-scale battery energy storage system.

At the close of the fourth quarter of 2022, Microvast Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVST) was held by 12 hedge funds. These funds held collective positions worth $24.7 million in the company. This is compared to 11 hedge funds in the previous quarter with stakes worth $24.1 million. Microvast Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVST) is one of the best battery stocks to buy now according to hedge funds.

In addition to automakers Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), battery stocks such as Microvast Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVST) are also well-positioned to capitalize on the growth trends of the EV industry.

9. Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14

Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC) is a lithium mining company with operations in the United States and Argentina. On March 2, Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC) began construction at its Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada. As of March 9, the stock has gained 21.70% year to date.

On March 8, PI Financial analyst Justin Stevens took coverage of Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC) with a Buy rating and a C$40 price target. Stevens noted that the company is offering an attractive opportunity” to investors looking for investing in domestic production of battery-grade lithium.

At the end of Q4 2022, 14 hedge funds were bullish on Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC) and held collective stakes worth $120.8 million in the company. The stock is placed ninth among the best lithium and battery stocks to buy according to hedge funds.

As of December 31, Himension Capital is the leading investor in the company and disclosed a position worth $58 million.

Here is what Massif Capital had to say about Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC) in its Q4 2022 investor letter:

“Our final pre-production mining firm in the portfolio is Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC). We have been invested in Lithium America since January 2020, with an average price of roughly $2.8 per share. Interestingly enough, as a result of successfully trading options around our core position, we have generated options premium per share of $2.03, so our effective cost of ownership is $0.77. The shares are currently trading for $20.72, an unrealized return of 2,590%, although it is worth noting that the stock got as high as $38.94 per share, a 4,957% return.

In retrospect, we probably misplayed this. When the stock peaked at $38 per share in February/March 2022, we believed the firm, in the fullness of time, could be worth as much as $46 per share, an additional 21% return. At the same time, we felt that the stock had run well ahead of itself; after all, we believed it could be worth $46 per share with two mines operating, not when it was pre-production at two mines…” (Click here to read the full text)

8. EnerSys (NYSE:ENS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17

EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) is a leading American battery manufacturing and energy solutions company, headquartered in Pennsylvania. On February 8, the company posted earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. The company reported an EPS of $1.27 and outperformed EPS estimates by $0.04. The company’s revenue for the quarter amounted to $920.20 million. EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) is one of the best lithium and battery stocks to buy now and has gained 30.82% over the past 6 months.

Over the past 3 months, EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) has received 2 Buy ratings from Wall Street analysts. The stock has an average price target of $99.50, which represents an upside of roughly 14.5% from current levels.

EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) was a part of 17 investors’ portfolios at the end of Q4 2022. These funds held collective stakes worth $299.6 million in the company, up from $251.2 million in the preceding quarter with 18 positions. As of December 31, Scopia Capital is the leading investor in EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) and has a stake worth $77.2 million.

Here is what Vulcan Value Partners had to say about EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) in its Q4 2022 investor letter:

EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) is a global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications. It supplies motive power batteries for trucks and forklifts, specialty batteries for satellites and military equipment, battery chargers, power converters and distributors, and outdoor equipment enclosures, amongst many other products and systems. Over the past three years, the business faced COVID-19 lockdowns, inflationary cost increases, and restricted access to the critical product components needed for its more complex, higher return products. On its most recent quarterly earnings call, management was confident the business had finally worked past many of these issues and expressed optimism that costs were beginning to level off, supply chain issues were easing, and EnerSys could resume converting its backlog into revenue. The stock price responded favorably to the quarterly results and management’s comments, and we continue to see plenty of opportunity for sequential improvement ahead.”

EV stocks that are on both analysts’ and investors’ radars include EnerSys (NYSE:ENS), Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F).

7. Solid Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLDP)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18

Solid Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLDP) is involved in the development and manufacturing of solid state battery technologies for electric vehicles. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2022, Solid Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLDP) was spotted on 18 hedge funds’ portfolios that disclosed collective positions worth $11.5 million in the company. The stock is placed seventh on our list of the best lithium and battery stocks to buy now according to hedge funds.

On February 28, Solid Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLDP) reported strong earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022, in which it beat EPS estimates by $0.10. The company’s revenue for the quarter amounted to $4.20 million, up 302.49% year over year and ahead of expectations by $3.57 million.

On March 8, Needham analyst Chris Pierce started coverage of Solid Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLDP) with a Buy rating and a $5 price target.

As of December 31, Yaupon Capital is the top investor in the company and has disclosed a position worth $2.6 million.

6. QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21

QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS) is an emerging and innovative battery manufacturing company, based in California. The company is involved in the development and commercialization of solid state lithium metal batteries for electric vehicles. As of March 9, the stock has returned 35.56% to investors year to date. QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS) is one of the best lithium and battery stocks to buy according to hedge funds.

At the close of Q4 2022, 21 hedge funds held stakes in QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS). The total value of these stakes amounted to $39.5 million. As of December 31, Jonathan Soros’ JS Capital is the largest shareholder in QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS) and has disclosed a position worth $11.5 million in the company.

Some of the most widely-held lithium and battery stocks by elite money managers include QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS), Sociedad Quimica y Minera (NYSE:SQM), FREYR Battery (NYSE:FREY), and Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB).

Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Lithium And Battery Stocks To Buy Now.

Suggested articles:

Disclosure: None. 12 Best Lithium And Battery Stocks To Buy Now is originally published on Insider Monkey.

AI Fire Sale: Insider Monkey’s #1 AI Stock Pick Is On A Steep Discount

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

The whispers are turning into roars.

Artificial intelligence isn’t science fiction anymore.

It’s the revolution reshaping every industry on the planet.

From driverless cars to medical breakthroughs, AI is on the cusp of a global explosion, and savvy investors stand to reap the rewards.

Here’s why this is the prime moment to jump on the AI bandwagon:

Exponential Growth on the Horizon: Forget linear growth – AI is poised for a hockey stick trajectory.

Imagine every sector, from healthcare to finance, infused with superhuman intelligence.

We’re talking disease prediction, hyper-personalized marketing, and automated logistics that streamline everything.

This isn’t a maybe – it’s an inevitability.

Early investors will be the ones positioned to ride the wave of this technological tsunami.

Ground Floor Opportunity: Remember the early days of the internet?

Those who saw the potential of tech giants back then are sitting pretty today.

AI is at a similar inflection point.

We’re not talking about established players – we’re talking about nimble startups with groundbreaking ideas and the potential to become the next Google or Amazon.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 10,000% Return: This AI Stock is a Diamond in the Rough (But Our Help is Key!)

The AI revolution is upon us, and savvy investors stand to make a fortune.

But with so many choices, how do you find the hidden gem – the company poised for explosive growth?

That’s where our expertise comes in.

We’ve got the answer, but there’s a twist…

Imagine an AI company so groundbreaking, so far ahead of the curve, that even if its stock price quadrupled today, it would still be considered ridiculously cheap.

That’s the potential you’re looking at. This isn’t just about a decent return – we’re talking about a 10,000% gain over the next decade!

Our research team has identified a hidden gem – an AI company with cutting-edge technology, massive potential, and a current stock price that screams opportunity.

This company boasts the most advanced technology in the AI sector, putting them leagues ahead of competitors.

It’s like having a race car on a go-kart track.

They have a strong possibility of cornering entire markets, becoming the undisputed leader in their field.

Here’s the catch (it’s a good one): To uncover this sleeping giant, you’ll need our exclusive intel.

We want to make sure none of our valued readers miss out on this groundbreaking opportunity!

That’s why we’re slashing the price of our Premium Readership Newsletter by a whopping 70%.

For a ridiculously low price of just $29, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single restaurant meal!

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

• Access to our Detailed Report on this Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.

• 11 New Issues of Our Premium Readership Newsletter: You will also receive 11 new issues and at least one new stock pick per month from our monthly newsletter’s portfolio over the next 12 months. These stocks are handpicked by our research director, Dr. Inan Dogan.

• One free upcoming issue of our 70+ page Quarterly Newsletter: A value of $149

• Bonus Reports: Premium access to members-only fund manager video interviews

• Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.

• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee:  If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.

 

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $29.

2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!


No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a year later!

A New Dawn is Coming to U.S. Stocks

I work for one of the largest independent financial publishers in the world – representing over 1 million people in 148 countries.

We’re independently funding today’s broadcast to address something on the mind of every investor in America right now…

Should I put my money in Artificial Intelligence?

Here to answer that for us… and give away his No. 1 free AI recommendation… is 50-year Wall Street titan, Marc Chaikin.

Marc’s been a trader, stockbroker, and analyst. He was the head of the options department at a major brokerage firm and is a sought-after expert for CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and Yahoo! Finance…

But what Marc’s most known for is his award-winning stock-rating system. Which determines whether a stock could shoot sky-high in the next three to six months… or come crashing down.

That’s why Marc’s work appears in every Bloomberg and Reuters terminal on the planet…

And is still used by hundreds of banks, hedge funds, and brokerages to track the billions of dollars flowing in and out of stocks each day.

He’s used this system to survive nine bear markets… create three new indices for the Nasdaq… and even predict the brutal bear market of 2022, 90 days in advance.

Click to continue reading…