2 sold-off ASX shares essential for electric cars

There are some stocks going for cheap now that represent producers of commodities that are essential for a zero-carbon future.

| More on:
a chalk drawing of a car is connected to a real green battery, signifying clean energy

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

ASX companies that supply commodities for the electric car industry have done pretty well the past couple of years, as the world moves to a low-carbon future.

But believe it or not, some stocks have dipped the past few weeks, giving hungry investors a potential entry point.

Here are 2 such examples that experts are rating as buy right now:

This is the new lithium

The Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) share price has dropped almost 16% since 28 April.

Marcus Today analyst Thomas Wegner told The Bull he sees no reason to shy away from it though.

"The graphite producer has been supported by increasing sales of electric vehicles."

Although it hasn't had the hype that lithium has enjoyed recently, graphite is another essential ingredient of high-end batteries.

Credit Suisse research analyst Phineas Glover said last month that the commodity will be in high demand in years to come.

"It looks a lot more like lithium three to five years ago," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"In five years' time, suddenly graphite pricing will have gone up in my view quite significantly, and it will bring a huge incentive to bring all these projects on board."

Although there are rival graphite producers on the ASX, Wegner is encouraged by Syrah's recent deals.

"It secured a loan from the US Department of Energy to support the growing electric vehicle industry in the US and to shore up supply chains of critical minerals," he said.

"Signing an offtake agreement with Tesla in December also adds to its appeal."

Who wants to be a millionaire?

Lithium producers are somewhat off the boil now too.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares have lost more than 29% since 4 April, which Ord Minnett senior investment adviser Tony Paterno blamed on "softer volumes in the March quarter".

But that just makes it a bargain stock now.

"Costs were lower than our forecasts and we expect them to fall into the June quarter," he told The Bull.

"Another positive pricing result at the latest Battery Metal Exchange auction provides confidence that [lithium] prices should remain high in the near term."

Looking at the long term is a wise attitude to take for shares like Pilbara.

The Motley Fool's Aaron Teboneras calculated last week how wealthy you would be after investing $10,000 in two-cent Pilbara shares a decade ago.

"Those 500,000 shares would be now worth a staggering $1.28 million," he said.

"When factoring in percentage terms, this implies an incredible gain of 12,600% or an average yearly return of 62.45%."

For Paterno, Pilbara is the pick of lithium producers at the moment.

"Pilbara shows deep valuation support and dominates the near term earnings metrics of our lithium coverage."

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Materials Shares

Factory worker wearing hardhat and uniform showing new metal products to the manager supervisor.
Materials Shares

Looking for 100% gains? These strategic minerals companies might be worth a look, Bell Potter says

Trade and geopolitical tensions spell good news for companies in the strategic minerals sector.

Read more »

Businessman looks with one eye through magnifying glass
Materials Shares

Why is everyone talking about Fortescue shares today?

This mining giant has announced some big news this morning. Here's what you need to know.

Read more »

Two miners standing together with a smile on their faces.
Resources Shares

ASX 200 mining shares lead the market for a second week

BHP, Fortescue, and Rio Tinto shares reset their 52-week highs while the ASX 200 rose 0.73%.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Materials Shares

Forget Fortescue shares, this ASX iron ore stock is better

Let's see why Bell Potter is bullish on this under the radar miner.

Read more »

a geologist or mine worker looks closely at a rock formation in a darkened cave with water on the ground, wearing a full protective suit and hard hat.
Materials Shares

Lynas shares crash 41% from their peak: Buy, hold or sell?

Demand for rare earths has soared this year.

Read more »

Image of young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

Bell Potter names the best ASX critical minerals stocks to buy

Let's see what the broker is saying about these in-demand commodities.

Read more »

Man in mining hat with fists raised and eyes closed looking happy and excited about the Newcrest share price
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX mining stock is rocketing 14% on production plans

This miner is making its shareholders smile on Thursday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Materials Shares

Gina Rinehart backed ASX rare earths stock jumps 17% on big news

This rare earths stock is getting investors excited on Thursday with some big news.

Read more »