Loads of debt, problems getting into production, far-off delivery dates that make revenues a thing of the distant future—if at all—and failures-to-deliver all make this a minefield for investors.  

Vision Marine Technologies (VMAR)(NASDAQ:VMAR) has a first-mover advantage here, the best electric boat motor system on the market and a solid manufacturing and distribution strategy that recognizes the decentralized nature of this emerging market. 

Not only has Vision Marine partnered with the top boat manufacturers and distributors in the industry, but it has also just delivered their first proprietary E-Motion Electric powertrains to Groupe Beneteau Four Winns. 

While a litany of electric boat startups trying to storm this scene without any real production or distribution strategy, VMAR is many steps ahead as the world strives to bring the electric revolution to the waterways. 

… And it’s won the trust of a giant, iconic boat-builder. 

Finally, Concrete Action on the Electric Boat Motor Scene

 Vision Marine’s partnership with Groupe Beneteau is game-changing for a small company in this fast-emerging space. 

Groupe Beneteau has been building boats and transforming the boating experience since the late 1800s. It has built a billion-dollar global boat brand house. In 2022, the company reported revenues of 1.5 billion euros. 

Employing 8,000 people in France, the U.S., Poland, Italy, and Portugal, Groupe Beneteau is a global market leader with nine brands in its boat divisions and more than 150 recreational boat models, from sailboats and motorboats to monohulls and catamarans. It’s also a powerhouse in boat rentals. Since the 1800s, it’s even gone way beyond boats and much deeper into the leisure segment, serving as a major European player for leisure homes and lodges. 

Four Winns is one of Groupe Beneteau’s iconic boat brands, along with Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Delphia, Excess, Wellcraft, Scarab and Glastron. 

That’s a huge lineup and suggests an incredible amount of potential for Vision Marine’s partnership in the future. 

On October 4^th, Vision Marine announced that it had delivered, as promised, its first E-Motion™ Electric Powertrain Technology to Groupe Beneteau, Four Winns at their production facility in Michigan. VMAR’s (NASDAQ:VMAR) Power Trains will be the inaugural electrical motors integrated on the Four Winns H2e Bowrider. 

Thanks to Vision Marine, Four Winns’ H2e Bowrider is the world’s most powerful outboard electric powertrain, with a 180E electric outboard engine delivering high peak power      with rapid acceleration and top speed of approximately 35 knots (40mph). It’s also the first, all-electric, series production bowrider on the market. 

“Just imagine jumping aboard your H2e, fully-charged and ready to go, from your trailer or private dock. No noise, no exhaust, no refueling, no hassle … just a rewarding day on the water,” Nick Harvey, Four Winns Brand Director said in a statement posted on the company’s website. 

This delivery is a major milestone not only for Vision Marine, but for the entire global electric boat industry, and the delivery itself is being undertaken with a fair amount of pomp and circumstance. 

The H2e Bowriders, newly equipped with Vision Marine E-Motion motors, will embark on a voyage to Europe where they will first be showcased at the Dusseldorf boat show in late January, where their presentation is set to “underscore the dawn of a new era in eco-friendly marine transport”. 

Dusseldorf is a hotspot for unveiling breakthroughs in the boating world, and the showcasing of the H2e Bowrider is intended to advertise the new boat itself—a first in the electric world—and Vision’s Marine’s innovative technology. From there, the boats will make their way to their ultimate owners. 

These will be the first electric boats to come off Four Winn’s’ production line for consumer ownership. 

How VMAR’s E-Motion Is Defining This Space

The E-Motion™ powertrain technology is the fastest electric speedboat in its class on the market. Not only is it the first fully electric, production-ready recreational boat in its class on the market, but it’s also a high-performance machine with 180 horsepower. It’s turn-key, disruptive and powered by Vision Marine’s proprietary E Motion™ battery and software.

Capable of fully charging overnight on 120v-20A or 240v 50A shore power, no supercharger needed , the E-     Motion™ battery also has another clear advantage: It’s cheaper than its competitors.

Actually producing and getting products to market in the EV space has been the biggest problem facing startups both on the road and in the water. 

Vision Marine(NASDAQ:VMAR) has an entirely different strategy that focuses on one key fact: Boatbuilding is a decentralized affair. A builder typically buys the outboard motor from one supplier, the throttle from another, and the gauges and console systems from a third. 

VMAR isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. 

Having established back-to-back world speed records in electric boating, VMAR’s E-Motion™ Electric Powertrain should top the list for any builders looking for a best-in-class electric motor. 

This is what other startups in the space lack. They may be raising significant amounts of cash right now, but it’s based on hopes of future production. VMAR is already producing. It’s already delivering, and it’s secured a game-changing partnership with a major global boat-maker.

The Small-Cap Market Opportunity Amid Historical Disconnect

The electric boats and ship market size is expected to witness rapid growth over the next six years, with revenues set to hit nearly $11 billion, driven by environmental concerns and technological advancements, according to Fairfield Market Research. 

At the same time, the markets have been disproportionately unkind to micro- and small-caps this year relative to large-caps. In fact, there hasn’t been a greater disconnect between small and micro-cap and large-cap stocks in nearly in two decades: 

Because this disconnect is at a historic level, it creates a great opportunity for bargain hunting in the small-cap and micro-cap world.

In a weak venture capital market, and despite the disconnect between small- and large-cap stocks this year, electric boat start-ups have raised a lot of capital over the past six months, suggesting growing interest in the market: 

• Sweden’s Candela electric boat-maker raised some $20 million this spring
• Sweden’s X Shore raised around $28.5 million in the same period
• Florida-based Blue Innovations Group, an electric boat start-up founded by former Tesla manufacturing chief John Vo, started accepting reservations in March 
• Rhode Island-based Flux Marine electric outboard motor manufacturer raised $15.5 million in 2022
• Middle East-based Crow Electric Ships and Boats latest investment valued it at $55 million in July; and
• In September, LA-based EV boat start-up ARC raised $70 million Series B.

But finding the opportunity amid this disconnect is even better when it’s a small or micro-cap that is defining a specific industry niche, such as the electric boat startup segment. And in this particular segment, Vision Marine is a clear leader, with Fairfield Market Research highlighting VMAR as one of the key players in the $11-billion revenue push. 

This could be why Roth Capital recently initiated coverage of Vision Marine, with a C$6 share price. 

“We believe Vision is working with multiple other boat OEMs and expect additional purchase orders and supplier agreements to lift visibility,” Roth said in June. “Further news around this area should serve as a positive valuation catalyst.”

Roth expects Vision Marine’s E-Motion to “drive impressive growth supplementing momentum in existing operations”, including its electric boat rental segment, whose flagship Newport operation took in $4 million in revenue in 2022 at 35% margin, with more locations on the way, plus a major franchise scale-up. 

Roth also expects the news flow around the launch of the E-Motion and new customer visibility to serve as primary valuation catalysts. But that was back in June. That news flow push gained major momentum in early October with the production and delivery of VMAR’s first E-Motion units to the giant Groupe Beneteau. 

While investors may be experiencing fatigue from the EV industry’s cash burn and frequent failure to produce and deliver, Vision Marine is already producing, with a unique strategy that capitalizes on the decentralization of the boat-building industry. 

With just a $20M market cap in a sea of pre-revenue startups garnering 9-figure valuations, Vision Marine separates itself as the Company offering the fastest and most innovative electric motors to the world’s largest boat manufacturers. Securing Groupe Beneteau is just the beginning…

** IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! **

PAID ADVERTISEMENT. This article is a paid advertisement.  Global Investment Daily, FTB Capital Inc. and its owners, managers, employees, and assigns (collectively “the Publisher”) is often paid by profiled companies or a third party to disseminate these types of communications. In this case, the Publisher has been compensated by Vision Marine Technologies (NASDAQ:VMAR) to conduct investor awareness advertising and marketing. VMAR paid the Publisher to produce and disseminate this and future articles as well as related banner ads for thirty-five thousand dollars per month for six months. VMAR also paid the Publisher 75,000 shares of common stock, which are subject to a six-month lockup period.  This compensation should be viewed as a major conflict with our ability to be unbiased.  

Readers should beware that third parties, profiled companies, and/or their affiliates may liquidate shares of the profiled companies at any time, including at or near the time you receive this communication, which has the potential to hurt share prices. Frequently companies profiled in our articles experience a large increase in volume and share price during the course of investor awareness marketing, which often ends as soon as the investor awareness marketing ceases. The investor awareness marketing may be as brief as one day, after which a large decrease in volume and share price may likely occur.

This communication is not, and should not be construed to be, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Neither this communication nor the Publisher purport to provide a complete analysis of any company or its financial position. The Publisher is not, and does not purport to be, a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser. This communication is not, and should not be construed to be, personalized investment advice directed to or appropriate for any particular investor. Any investment should be made only after consulting a professional investment advisor and only after reviewing the financial statements and other pertinent corporate information about the company. Further, readers are advised to read and carefully consider the Risk Factors identified and discussed in the advertised company’s SEC, SEDAR and/or other government filings. Investing in securities, particularly microcap securities, is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This communication is based on information generally available to the public, and does not (to the Publisher’s knowledge, as confirmed by VMAR) contain any material, non-public information. The information on which it is based is believed to be reliable. Nevertheless, the Publisher cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information.

SHARE OWNERSHIP. The Publisher owns shares and / or options of the featured company and therefore has an additional incentive to see the featured company’s stock perform well. The Publisher does not undertake any obligation to notify the market when it decides to buy or sell shares of the issuer in the market. The Publisher will be buying and selling shares of the featured company for its own profit. This is why we stress that you conduct extensive due diligence as well as seek the advice of your financial advisor or a registered broker-dealer before investing in any securities.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. This publication contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected continual growth of the featured companies and/or industry. The Publisher notes that statements contained herein that look forward in time, which include everything other than historical information, involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the companies’ actual results of operations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the size and growth of the market for the companies’ products and services, the companies’ ability to fund its capital requirements in the near term and long term, pricing pressures, etc.  

INDEMNIFICATION/RELEASE OF LIABILITY. By reading this communication, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer, and further that to the greatest extent permitted under law, you release the Publisher, its affiliates, assigns and successors from any and all liability, damages, and injury from this communication. You further warrant that you are solely responsible for any financial outcome that may come from your investment decisions.

TERMS OF USE. By reading this communication you agree that you have reviewed and fully agree to the Terms of Use found here http://GlobalInvestmentDaily.com/Terms-of-Use. If you do not agree to the Terms of Use http://GlobalInvestmentDaily.com/Terms-of-Use, please contact GlobalInvestmentDaily.com to discontinue receiving future communications.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. GlobalInvestmentDaily.com is the Publisher’s trademark. All other trademarks used in this communication are the property of their respective trademark holders. The Publisher is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and is not sponsored, approved, or originated by, the trademark holders unless otherwise stated. No claim is made by the Publisher to any rights in any third-party trademarks.

The post The Most Important Electric Boat Deal Yet appeared first on Global Investment Daily.

Excitement and Praise:

Futuristic Appeal: Many people found the Cybertruck’s unique, polygonal design to be futuristic and unlike any other vehicle on the market. Its angular lines, stainless steel exoskeleton, and electric-powered features resonated with those who appreciated a bold departure from traditional automotive design.

Innovation: Some enthusiasts praised Tesla for pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering. They saw the Cybertruck as a symbol of innovation and a representation of Tesla’s commitment to disrupting the automotive industry.

Skepticism and Criticism:

Aesthetic Concerns: Critics and traditionalists were quick to point out what they considered unconventional and even unattractive design elements, such as the Cybertruck’s sharp edges and unconventional shape. They believed it deviated too far from the typical aesthetic expectations of a consumer vehicle.

Practicality: Concerns were raised about the practicality of the design for everyday use. Some questioned its ability to fit in garages or navigate tight parking spaces due to its larger dimensions.

Safety: The Cybertruck’s design also led to discussions about safety, with concerns about pedestrian safety and the potential for other vehicles to collide with its angular surfaces.

Memes and Pop Culture:

The Cybertruck’s design sparked a wave of internet memes, jokes, and parodies across social media platforms. Its distinct appearance became a pop culture phenomenon, generating both humor and commentary.

Pre-Order Interest: Despite the mixed reactions, the Cybertruck garnered a substantial number of pre-orders shortly after its unveiling. This demonstrated that, while some may have reservations about the design, there was significant interest in the vehicle’s features, including its electric drivetrain and potential performance capabilities.

Tesla’s approach to the Cybertruck’s design was undoubtedly polarizing, but it also generated significant attention and public discourse. Over time, Tesla has made some design updates based on feedback and has continued to refine the Cybertruck as it progresses toward production, which may influence how it is received by consumers and the automotive industry in the future.

Troubles Keep Plaguing the Launch of the CyberTruck

Apparently, there are so many problems with the design of the Cybertruck, that a complete re-design may be in order.

In a scathing August article from Fast Company, the Cybertruck has so many blatant design flaws, including misaligned doors and uneven surfaces, that nothing short of a complete re-design will fix the problem.

Wired magazine reported in June that a leaked internal  company report revealed that  the preproduction “alpha” version of the Cybertruck was still struggling with some basic problems with its suspension, body sealing, noise levels, handling. and braking.

Even Elon Musk admits there are many issues that need to be fixed. In an internal email to employees, Musk remarked “Due to the nature of Cybertruck, which is made of bright metal with mostly straight edges, any dimensional variation shows up like a sore thumb.”

Wired mentioned in their article that the vehicle was supposed to start rolling off production lines in 2021. But two years on, the trucks still haven’t been delivered, and for most customers, they won’t be until 2024 at the earliest.

Tesla stock has been taking a beating since their earnings disappointment in October. Although it’s slowly grinding its way back up, investor sentiment is still bearish on TSLA.

The ongoing delays in deliveries of the Tesla Cybertruck suggest that addressing and resolving design flaws is a critical aspect of bringing this groundbreaking vehicle to market. 

The Cybertruck’s distinctive design, while eliciting both excitement and skepticism, has presented engineering and manufacturing challenges that require careful consideration and modification. 

As Tesla continues to refine the design and production processes, it is likely that the company will prioritize ensuring that the vehicle meets safety and regulatory standards, addresses practical concerns, and aligns with consumer expectations. 

Until these design issues are thoroughly addressed and resolved, it is reasonable to expect that delivery timelines for the Cybertruck may experience continued delays as Tesla works towards producing a vehicle that can meet the demands and expectations of its customers.

The post Is the Tesla Cybertruck a Dud? appeared first on Global Investment Daily.

About BYD

BYD Co. Ltd. (Build Your Dreams) is a Chinese multinational company that primarily operates in the automotive and renewable energy industries. Founded in 1995, BYD is headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, and has become one of the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and battery producers. Here are some key aspects of BYD:

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs): BYD is renowned for its electric vehicles, including electric cars, buses, and trucks. The company produces a wide range of EVs, from small passenger cars to electric buses and commercial vehicles. They have made significant strides in the EV market and have expanded their global presence in this sector.
2. Batteries: BYD is a major player in the production of lithium-ion batteries. They manufacture batteries not only for their own vehicles but also for other automakers and various applications, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and mobile devices.
   
3. Warren Buffett Investment: In 2008, the American investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. invested $232 million in BYD, acquiring a significant stake in the company. This investment garnered international attention and boosted BYD’s profile in the global business community.
   
4. Renewable Energy: Beyond electric vehicles and batteries, BYD is involved in various renewable energy projects, including solar power generation and energy storage solutions. They provide solar panels and energy storage systems to help meet the growing demand for sustainable energy sources.
   
5. Global Presence: BYD has expanded its operations internationally and has established a presence in many countries and regions worldwide. They have manufacturing facilities and subsidiaries in countries such as the United States, Brazil, India, and Europe, enabling them to tap into global markets.
   
6. Innovation: The company places a strong emphasis on research and development, continuously working on innovations in electric vehicle technology, battery technology, and other areas related to sustainable transportation and energy solutions.
   
7. Sustainability: BYD is committed to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. They aim to promote green transportation and environmentally friendly technologies to combat air pollution and climate change.
   
8. Challenges: Like other automotive companies, BYD faces challenges related to competition, technological advancements, and regulatory changes in the electric vehicle industry. However, they have shown resilience and adaptability in response to these challenges.

BYD’s combination of electric vehicle manufacturing, battery production, and renewable energy solutions has positioned it as a significant player in the global push for cleaner and more sustainable transportation and energy systems.

What are the key differences between Tesla and BYD vehicles?

Tesla and BYD are both prominent manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs), but there are several key differences between their vehicles in terms of design, technology, markets, and overall brand identity. Here are some of the key differences between Tesla and BYD vehicles:

• Geographic Origin and Market Focus:
  
  • Tesla is an American company founded in California, with a strong presence in the United States and a focus on the global luxury and performance EV market.
  • BYD is a Chinese company with a significant presence in China and a broader focus on the global mass-market and commercial EV segments.
    
• Vehicle Models:
  
  • Tesla primarily produces premium electric cars, such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y, along with electric sports cars and upcoming products like the Tesla Cybertruck and Tesla Semi.
    
  • BYD manufactures a range of electric vehicles, including electric cars (e.g., the BYD e6, Qin, and Tang), electric buses, and commercial electric vehicles (e.g., electric trucks and vans).
    
• Price Range:
  
  • Tesla vehicles are generally positioned in the premium to luxury price range, making them relatively expensive compared to many other EVs.
  • BYD vehicles tend to cover a broader price spectrum, including more affordable options for mass-market consumers.
    
• Battery Technology:
  
  • Tesla is known for its advanced battery technology, which includes the use of cylindrical lithium-ion cells and its own custom-designed batteries produced at the Gigafactories.
  • BYD also produces lithium-ion batteries but focuses on different chemistries and cell formats for various applications, including iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries known for their safety and durability.
    
• Autonomous Driving and Software:
  
  • Tesla has developed a reputation for its advanced driver-assistance features and autonomous driving capabilities, with its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology being key selling points.
  • BYD also offers various levels of driver-assistance technology but may not be as advanced as Tesla in terms of autonomous driving capabilities.
    
• Charging Infrastructure:
  
  • Tesla has developed a proprietary Supercharger network, providing fast-charging stations primarily for Tesla vehicles. They have also opened up access to some third-party EVs in certain regions.
  • BYD relies on more standard charging infrastructure, often using industry-standard connectors and adapters.
    
• Global Reach:
  
  • Tesla has a substantial presence in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world, with a strong network of stores, service centers, and charging infrastructure.
  • BYD has a significant presence in China and has expanded into various international markets but may not have as extensive a global network as Tesla.
    
• Brand Image:
  
  • Tesla is often associated with cutting-edge technology, innovation, and a premium brand image.
  • BYD is recognized for its focus on practical and affordable electric transportation solutions, especially in the mass-market and commercial sectors.

These differences reflect the distinct strategies and target markets of Tesla and BYD. While Tesla emphasizes premium electric cars and advanced autonomous driving technology, BYD focuses on a wider range of electric vehicles, including more affordable options and commercial applications, and places a strong emphasis on battery technology and sustainable transportation.

BYD is China’s largest EV manufacturer, producing 1.5 million vehicles in 2022, and just reported a record quarterly profit in spite of Warren Buffet dumping $25.8 million dollars worth of BYD stock.

BYD Stock Surges Since 2020 (OTC Markets: BYDDY) 

Monthly Chart of BYDDY: TradingView

For roughly 10 years after going public in 2009, BYD traveled in a range between $3 and $20. In 2020, the stock took off, reaching a high of $80.75 in June 2022. BYD is currently trading at $60.92.

The post Tesla Faces Serious Competition from this EV Manufacturer appeared first on Global Investment Daily.

Two critical rare earth minerals are Germanium and Gallium, and China is the largest supplier of these minerals. We covered the industrial applications of these minerals in a recent Global Investment Daily article.

In a report from the BBC, China has now enacted export curbs on Germanium and Gallium in response to Washington and the Netherland’s policy of restricting Chinese access to advanced microprocessor technologies.

As expected, spot prices for Germanium and Gallium have risen sharply. According to Nikkei Asia, the price of gallium is up 18 percent since the end of June, reaching $332.50 per kilogram in US and European markets, while germanium has increased more modestly, up 4 percent this month to about $1,390 per kilogram. (Source: The Register)

Mining stocks have also risen sharply. Ivanhoe Mines (IVPAF), a major Germanium mining company,  has seen their stock rise from $7.31 to a high of $10.63 since June.

Ivanhoe Mines Daily Chart (TradingView)

The face-to-face chip showdown between Western nations in China appears obvious. China’s stance is essentially, ‘If you don’t give us the chips we want, we won’t supply the raw materials you need to make them.’

Stay tuned to Global Investment Daily for further developments in this sector.

The post <strong>China Curbs Exports on Germanium and Gallium. Now What?</strong> appeared first on Global Investment Daily.

Make no mistake about it, the EV revolution is in full swing, and it’s backed by tax credits of up to $7,500 which brings the cost of these vehicles in line with internal combustion vehicles. The Biden administration is investing heavily in a nationwide network of EV charging stations to help extend the range of EVs on the road. The Tesla charging connector is becoming the defacto standard in many states like Texas. In the years to come, we will see charging stations everywhere. Even major retailers like Walmart plan to install EV charging stations at thousands of their locations.

Electric Cars Ranked By Price

Although Tesla has dominant market share, InsideEVs.com ranks a wide variety of electric vehicles by price from cheapest to most expensive after tax credits.

The Chevrolet Bolt leads the cheapest cars on the list with adjusted prices in the range of $20,000 – $22,000. There’s a jump in price to the Nissan Leaf which carries a $29,000 price tag. Prices quickly ramp up to the $40,000-$60,000 range.

Source: InsideEVs.com

For the entire list of brands by price, click here.

Sales of EVs are showing a parabolic growth curve since 2016, according to Statista.com. Vehicle sales have ramped up from 150,000 units in 2016 to 1.08 million vehicles in 2023. By 2028, total vehicles sold is expected to be 2.46 million vehicles sold.

EV Sales by Manufacturer

In 2022, Tesla led all other EV makers by a large margin with 51.7% of all EVs sold. Ford was a distant 2nd place at 7%. All of the others represented less than 5% of sales.

Source: Statista.com

Charging stations are expected to rise from 130,200 in 2023 to 290,000 stations in 2027.

EV Stocks in 2023

Tesla (TSLA) ran from $101 to a high of $273 in 2023

Rivian (RIVN) has been range-bound mostly between $14 – $16 in 2023

Ford (F) has climbed from $12 to $14.50 per share in 2023

Daily Chart for Tesla (TSLA) in 2023

Stay tuned to Global Investment Daily as we monitor developments in the EV industry.

The post Top EV Makers Ranked By Sales and Price appeared first on Global Investment Daily.

Graphite plays a crucial role in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. It is used in the battery’s anode, which is the electrode through which the current flows into the battery during charging. Here’s how graphite is utilized in EV battery production: 

It’s the primary material used for the anode in lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in EVs. The anode is responsible for storing lithium ions during charging. Graphite has unique properties that make it suitable for this purpose. It has a layered structure that allows lithium ions to intercalate or insert between the layers, enabling the storage and release of energy.

Graphite’s properties, such as its high electrical conductivity and ability to intercalate lithium ions, make it an excellent choice for anodes. It allows for efficient charging and discharging of the battery, contributing to the overall performance and energy density of the EV battery.

Demand for Graphite

Source: Mining.com

According to Mining.com, graphite demand for lithium ion batteries is expected to double from 2 million tons today to 4 million tons by 2030. Currently, demand for graphite is outpacing supply.

Graphite Mining Company Spotlight

Syrah Resources, Ltd. (SYAAF)

This Australian company is positioned to be a dominant player in the industry. With a market cap of $411.35 million USD, the company has produced a record amount of 163,000 tons of graphite at its Balama plant in Mozambique. The company also has plans to expand operations in a U.S. plant in the near future.

At $.60 per share, SYAAF is trading near the bottom of its 52-week price range (0.5500 – 1.8200).

Stay tuned to Global Investment Daily as we monitor the Global EV Battery trend.

The post <strong>Spotlight on Graphite Mining for EV Battery Production</strong> appeared first on Global Investment Daily.

In 1997, The Phillips/Fujitsu Plasma flat screen TV hit the market with a retail price of  $22,924. The TV was accessible for the very few, but out of range for the average consumer at an average cost of $30.45 per square inch.

Twenty years later, in 2017, LG produced a 55” TV for $2,300 for an average cost of $1.78 per square inch. The TV provided better quality and resolution than the old plasma TVs at a cost that was far more accessible to the average consumer.  (Source: CNET)

Today, a quick online search shows 55” TVs retailing for under $400 at Bet Buy, Walmart and other retailers. Big screen TVs are now affordable for everyone.

The same trend is starting to appear in the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry.

Back in 2017 the Tesla Model X retailed near $100,000. The same Model X retails for $66,000 in 2023, according to Cargurus

Source: Cargurus.com

Driving around Austin where I live, you might have been able to spot a Tesla or two on the roads while running errands a few years back. Today, I see more Teslas on the road than Mercedes. It’s a game I like to play while driving.

Elon Musk is Driving Down the Cost of EVs, Competition Responds

In a recent article by Reuters, Tesla announced its sixth U.S. price cut, dropping the cost of the Model Y to a base price of $39,990, well into the neighborhood of comparable internal combustion vehicles. When you add EV tax credits of up to $7,500, the price drops even further.

The price reductions are believed to gain market share in the face of EV competition from multiple car makers. And it’s not just in the U.S. Tesla has announced price cuts in China, Japan, Australia, Singapore and Europe as well.

In response, price wars are breaking out in China for comparable EVs, according to an article in the New York Times.

The Biden administration is investing heavily in a national network of EV charging stations as part of his national infrastructure bill. Walmart and other retailers are looking into installing their own charging stations. As the network of charging stations expands across the country, EVs will become not only more affordable, but it will provide greater driving range.

Just like TVs becoming far more affordable over the past few decades, the same is happening with the EV industry.  Stay tuned as we follow this trend.

The post <strong>Are EVs Finally Becoming Affordable for the Masses?</strong> appeared first on Global Investment Daily.

Lithium is a critical component in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and therefore, it is essential for the growth of the EV industry. Lithium is used as a key material in the cathode of the battery, which is the part of the battery that stores and releases energy during the charging and discharging cycles. 

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of batteries used in electric vehicles, and they require a significant amount of lithium. In fact, an EV battery typically contains around 10-20 kilograms of lithium. Without lithium, it would not be possible to produce the high-performance, lightweight, and long-lasting batteries needed for EVs. 

Currently, lithium is the most widely used material in EV batteries, and its importance is only expected to grow as the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise. As a result, lithium production has become a critical issue for the EV industry, and there are ongoing efforts to increase the global supply of lithium to meet the growing demand.

General Motors Invests $50 Million in Innovative U.S. Lithium Company

EnergyX is a company that extracts Lithium, refines it and develops cutting-edge battery technologies. With headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico and laboratories in Austin, Texas, the company is on the cutting edge supplying next generation lithium battery storage devices to the market.

“Electric vehicles need a lot of Lithium. There’s about 10,000 iPhone batteries that go into one electric vehicle.” said EnergyX founder Teague Egan. “Therefore, the demand curve for Lithium is exorbitant, while the supply is lagging behind. The current methods of production are extremely inefficient, so we decided to re-invent how Lithium is produced.”

Providing a reliable source of Lithium in the Western Hemisphere is a priority for General Motors as it commits to full-scale production of EVs, and EnergyX can potentially become a major supplier. Read news story here(CNBC).

EnergyX is a privately-held company that is exploring a potential IPO in the near future.

The post <strong>General Motors Invests $50 Million in this Lithium Company</strong> appeared first on Global Investment Daily.

No earthly metal is more of a security concern right now than lithium. This ‘white gold’ underpins the entire clean energy transition, which has now become even more urgent as a Russian war on Ukraine exposes the severe vulnerability of fossil fuels to supply risks.

There is no energy transition without lithium, the battery metal that serves as the backbone of the trillion-dollar EV industry–an industry on track to top $1.3 trillion in just a few years.

As long as it has enough lithium …

Battery makers are sounding the alarm bells as they face shortages and call on governments worldwide to challenge China’s dominance of the raw material supply chain.

North America is playing catch-up here, but the urgency has now become palpable. Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to encourage mining for battery metals. Lithium is also on Canada’s critical minerals list.

That’s the perfect setup for new lithium explorers.

But exploration and development takes time, and investors will be looking for the earliest entrants who promise the fastest and biggest impact on new lithium supply.

Canadian EMP Metals Corp (CSE:EMPS) (OTC:EMPPF) is one early entrant that seems to be on track to become a leading lithium producer in Canada’s prolific Saskatchewan region. This is one of the clearest new beneficiaries of the aggressive push to get new lithium supplies to the market.

EMP is focused on large-scale, direct lithium extraction (DLE) assets, boasting over 200,000 acres in prime southeast Saskatchewan, the hotspot for lithium exploration in Canada, with  21 lithium-brine permits in four main distinct geological locations.

The company has already successfully completed one well re-entry, and lithium test results were excellent, confirming high flow rates and strong lithium brine concentrations .

What comes next?

This is the defining year for EMP, with 3-5 new wells or re-entries planned in an aggressive drill campaign that intends to harness North America’s massive push for new lithium resources.

Billions of dollars are being poured into new battery factories across North America, and even Elon Musk is ready to mine his own lithium to ensure supply security …

There has never been a more aggressive push for a critical metal than this, and the earlier entrants with the drill bit already in the ground will be at the forefront of the next wave of lithium millionaires and billionaires.

One of North America’s Most Important New Lithium Hubs

Canada’s Saskatchewan region has jumped on the lithium bandwagon with plans not just to mine new lithium supplies and help challenge China’s dominance, but to become one of the most important lithium hubs in North America, if not the world.

The provincial government is targeting the development of both lithium exploration and extraction technologies, and it is funding programs for miners to take advantage.

Lithium would add to the province’s already impressive lineup of critical minerals, including uranium, potash and helium.

It’s a region known to be rich in lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, aluminum and manganese.

That makes it the perfect hub for battery metals, at the perfect time.

For prospective lithium miners in Saskatchewan, the main geological layer of interest is the lithium-bearing Duperow formation.

The Duperow formation, which extends from Montana and North Dakota to Saskatchewan, has already seen wild success for petroleum explorers. This is exactly where EMP has acquired over 200,000 acres, with private land acquisitions still moving forward.

While the formation is laterally equivalent to the lithium-bearing Leduc formation of the Alberta basin, the Duperow has some distinct advantages, not the least of which is the fact that there are significantly higher grades of lithium being discovered in the Duperow.

The Duperow is a regionally extensive reservoir with aquifer support and the potential for less injection dilution, higher recoveries and longer project life. This formation also tends towards lower sour gas concentrations and shallower drilling depth than the Leduc.

That means potentially very attractive margins for EMP once it delineates a resource.

Impressive Results on Maiden Drill

EMP has already completed one re-entry well showing high-grade levels of lithium.

In one zone, initial showings were for 85mg/L, and in two additional zones indications were of up to 96.3mg/L.

Against the backdrop of a growing sense of urgency on a national security level, EMP plans to attack exploration over the coming months very aggressively, with plans to drill up to 5 new wells or re-entries in targeted areas this year.

And they’re doing it with a focus on DLE (direct lithium extraction), a lithium extraction process that reduces the environmental footprint by 90% compared to traditional methods. DLE is a process that employs a highly selective absorbent to extract lithium from brine water using geothermal or renewable energy sources.

Not only is most of North America’s lithium imported and sourced from South America and China …

But that lithium is processed from open-pit mines or saltwater flats from which it is pumped into huge basins to evaporate by the sun. Both open-pit mining and brine mining leave troubling environmental footprints, either by destroying the land, contaminating water or contributing to drought.

EMP is an ESG company, all the way.

It plans on using DLE methods that will provide for a more sustainable lithium supply. What makes it so much more sustainable is that it seeks to extract the lithium before the brine is pumped back underground.

With ESG a clear focus and up to 5 new wells or re-entries planned for this year, we expect the news flow to be fast-paced in line with today’s constant barrage of appeals from giant automakers and battery gigafactories.

Billions Being Poured into Batteries

North America is fast becoming a mega-center for EV and energy storage batteries–the lynchpin of our clean energy future.

In the United States, 13 gigafactories are in the works, almost all of them slated to be operational by 2025.

Source: Electrek.co

They will require an enormous amount of raw materials, and everything depends on new lithium discovery and development.

Canada, too, is seeing an aggressive push into this domain.

Just recently, LG Energy Solutions announced a $5-billion EV battery plant in Ontario in partnership with Stellantis, and giant GM agreed to build a $500-million factory in Quebec to manufacture integral components of EV batteries.

At its current pace, supply simply cannot meet soaring demand.

By 2025, that demand will be out of this world.

Everyone Wants Lithium and Relationships Are Key

Car-makers and battery makers around the world are scouring the planet for more lithium supply and scrambling to secure off-take deals.

EMP is a team of veterans who already have key relationships with developers up and down the EV and battery supply chain–all of them will require major lithium resources.

EMP’s President, CEO and Director, Rob Gamley, is a finance and capital markets veteran, supported by an exploration and development team that has experience with the biggest names in the business, including American Lithium Corp.

The operational team has been running large oilfield brine lifting operations in southeast Saskatchewan since 2001.  Cam Taylor, Bryden Wright and Jared Lukomski are all former senior management from Villanova 4 Oil Corp. and collectively have decades of experience in Saskatchewan’s Williston Basin building large scale brine lifting and disposal infrastructure as well as drilling wells to all depths within the basin.  

Peter Polland, Ph.D., is EMP’s chief geologist and director with over 30 years mineral exploration experience, while Advisor Mike Kobler is the former present and current general manager of U.S. operations for American Lithium Corp. He’s responsible for advancing the company’s TLC lithium project in Nevada–the only place in the United States where lithium is produced.

Advisor Brian Balazs also has more than three decades of experience in oil and gas exploration and development in western Canada and around the world, as does Director Greg Bronson.

This is a team that has the necessary experience and industry relationships to move fast on its Saskatchewan drilling and bring this to the finish line at the height of a lithium supply frenzy.

Everyone Wants Lithium

The land rush for North American lithium started a few years back when the first alarm bells started sounding with respect to a future supply shortage. For investors, that earlier rush was premature. The timing wasn’t quite right. It left new lithium entrants without enough funding to see their projects through because the “shortage” was still a few years off.

Several years have passed since that initial false start. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and now Russia’s war on Ukraine have sped up the clean energy transition exponentially, and market conditions are now fully on board with new lithium exploration and development.

While it’s still a crowded space, with all kinds of junior miners trying to get in on the coming largesse, investors are looking for earlier entrants with the right management teams–that’s what makes or breaks a new lithium project.

EMP ticks all of those boxes, with a lineup of world-class geologists with specific lithium experience in North America, and capital markets experts who have closed all the right deals.

This is all going down in Canada’s new “lithium hub” in Saskatchewan, where EMP has been busy scooping up acreage that is surrounded by infrastructure in a basin that is already showing high grades high-grade lithium.

The drill bit is already in the ground on this one and first results are already in. Up to five more wells or re-entires are planned this year, making this a fast-moving lithium play that is more likely to start pinging investor radar than some of its peers.

IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER!!

Neither GlobalInvestmentDaily.com nor its owners, managers, employees, and assigns (collectively “the Publisher”) owns shares of EMP Metals Corp (CSE:EMPS) (OTC:EMPPF).  The Publisher may, however, buy shares in the future, and does not undertake any obligation to notify the market when it decides to buy or sell shares of the issuer in the market. This share ownership should be viewed as a major conflict with our ability to be unbiased. This is why we stress that you conduct extensive due diligence as well as seek the advice of your financial advisor or a registered broker-dealer before investing in any securities.

Readers should beware that third parties, profiled companies, and/or their affiliates may liquidate shares of the profiled companies at any time, including at or near the time you receive this communication, which has the potential to hurt share prices. Frequently companies profiled in our articles experience a large increase in volume and share price during the course of investor awareness marketing, which often ends as soon as the investor awareness marketing ceases. The investor awareness marketing may be as brief as one day, after which a large decrease in volume and share price may likely occur.

This communication is not, and should not be construed to be, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Neither this communication nor the Publisher purport to provide a complete analysis of any company or its financial position. The Publisher is not, and does not purport to be, a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser. This communication is not, and should not be construed to be, personalized investment advice directed to or appropriate for any particular investor. Any investment should be made only after consulting a professional investment advisor and only after reviewing the financial statements and other pertinent corporate information about the company. Further, readers are advised to read and carefully consider the Risk Factors identified and discussed in the advertised company’s SEC, SEDAR and/or other government filings. Investing in securities, particularly microcap securities, is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

This communication is based on information generally available to the public and on interviews with management and does not contain any material, non-public information. The information on which it is based is believed to be reliable. Nevertheless, the Publisher cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. This publication contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected continual growth of the featured companies and/or industry. The Publisher notes that statements contained herein that look forward in time, which include everything other than historical information, involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the companies’ actual results of operations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the size and growth of the market for the companies’ products and services, the companies’ ability to fund its capital requirements in the near term and long term, pricing pressures, etc. 

INDEMNIFICATION/RELEASE OF LIABILITY. By reading this communication, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer, and further that to the greatest extent permitted under law, you release the Publisher, its affiliates, assigns and successors from any and all liability, damages, and injury from this communication. You further warrant that you are solely responsible for any financial outcome that may come from your investment decisions.

TERMS OF USE. By reading this communication you agree that you have reviewed and fully agree to the Terms of Use found here http://GlobalInvestmentDaily.com/Terms-of-Use. If you do not agree to the Terms of Use http://GlobalInvestmentDaily.com/Terms-of-Use, please contact GlobalInvestmentDaily.com to discontinue receiving future communications.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. GlobalInvestmentDaily.com is the Publisher’s trademark. All other trademarks used in this communication are the property of their respective trademark holders.  The Publisher is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and is not sponsored, approved, or originated by, the trademark holders unless otherwise stated. No claim is made by the Publisher to any rights in any third-party trademarks.

The post New Lithium for North America: Let’s See Who Gets There First appeared first on Global Investment Daily.

You really don’t have to look very far to find small caps (market capitalizations ranging from $300 million to $2 billion) that have turned into multibaggers over the years:

• EV maker Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TESLA) was valued at just over $1B shortly after its 2010 IPO. A  decade later and Tesla has grown into the world’s most valuable automaker with a market cap more than 200x bigger than its IPO valuation. That’s a 20,000% return for investors who bought and held through Tesla’s epic journey.
  

• Online retailing giant, Amazon Inc.(NASDAQ:AMZN) started its odyssey as an online bookseller with a share price of $1.50 in 1998. AMZN shares are now changing hands at $3,176-a-pop, or a stupendous return of 211,733% over 23 years.
  
• Video streaming juggernaut, Netflix Inc.(NASDAQ:NFLX), has been one of the best-performing household stocks over the last decade-and-a-half, with its market cap jumping from $600 million in 2005 to $206B in August 2020 thus returning a whopping 34,300%.
  
• Skyworks Solutions (NASDAQ:SWKS) was a little-known company before its prowess in making mobile chips helped its market cap soar from $800 million in 2006 to $25B currently.
  
• One of the world’s largest online travel agencies (OTA), Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG), has seen its market cap explode from $950 million 14 years ago to $74B currently.
  
• One of the most successful cloud-based software companies, Salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM), has seen its market cap soar from $1B in 2004 to $175B currently.

One common theme about these super-successful companies is that early-in investors who caught them when they were sitting on the cusp of megatrends such as clean energy, eCommerce, the mobile revolution and cloud computing realized truly outsized gains that beat average market returns many times over.

They say hindsight is 20/20 but early investors with an eagle eye can still spot emerging megatrends that will power the next wave of big winners, and small-caps are among the best bets.

Despite their higher potential for growth, small-cap stocks have lately been neglected simply because most investors are too focused on bigger and well-known cult stocks such as Amazon, Tesla, Netflix and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Indeed, the now well-worn playbook of investing in tech and popular FAANG stocks is a big reason why small-caps have lagged their bigger brethren over the past decade.

But here’s a big secret: Asset class performance has historically been mean-reverting, meaning that long periods of underperformance are frequently followed by equally long periods of outperformance.

This disinterest in small-caps has created rare opportunities to find strong companies that are worthy of your attention. Here are small-caps lying in the intersection of megatrends that could outperform in the 2020s.

#1 Megatrend: EVs

Lately, investors can’t seem to get enough of EV companies, thanks in large part to the ESG boom as well as the continuing shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources with lower emissions and carbon footprints.

The de facto leader of the space,TSLA, has been on a tear, surging nearly 600% in the year-to-date after scoring big success at its Gigafactory 3 in China where it’s expected to sell 150K vehicles in only its first year of operations there. This has helped alleviate fears that ultra-low oil prices would act as a disincentive for people looking to make the switch from gas-burning vehicles to EVs.

While Tesla remains a good pick, the smaller EV companies that are just getting started might offer the biggest returns down the road. These include companies such as:

• Electrameccanica Vehicles (NASDAQ:SOLO)–A Canadian designer and manufacturer of EVs, with its flagship, purpose built, single-seat electric vehicle dubbed SOLO. Electrameccanica currently sports a share price of $2.62 and market cap of $173M.
  
• Kandi Technologies Group (NASDAQ:KNDI)–A China-based EV company involved in the development, production and distribution of EV products, EV parts and off-road vehicle products. KNDI has a market cap of $473.4M with shares trading at $8.77.
  
• Workhorse Group (NYSE:WKHS)–an Ohio-based company that designs and builds high performance EVs and aircraft. WKHS sports a market cap of $1.62B and a share price of $15.12. The shares have enjoyed a huge runup after rallying 407% in the year-to-date.

#2 Megatrend: Renewable energy

Just like the EV sector, renewable energy stocks have lately turned red-hot: Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW), an ETF designed to track US-listed stocks in the Clean Energy sector, has returned 56.8% YTD and 80.1% over 52 weeks thanks again to the unstoppable ESG momentum.

Renewables such as wind and solar have continued to post solid growth even during the pandemic thus proving the resilience of the sector. The sector has also been booming as the costs of renewables continue to fall thus making them competitive with fossil fuels.

Some of the top small-cap picks in the renewables sector include:

• Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE)– a California-based manufacturer of solid oxide fuel cells used in the production of electricity on-site. BE sports a market cap of $1.75B and a share price of $14.48.
  
• Renewable Energy Group Inc.(NASDAQ:GS)– an Iowa, renewable energy company engaged in the production of biofuels and renewable chemicals. GS has a market cap of $1.57B with shares trading at $39.63.
  
• Daqo New Energy Corp.(NASDAQ:DQ)–a Chinese company that manufactures monocrystalline silicon and polysilicon. DQ, a top pick in the Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW), sports a market cap of $1.64B with shares changing hands at $116.68

#3 Megatrend: Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Like EV and renewable energy companies, stocks of hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers have been booming thanks to hydrogen power emerging as a good complement to renewable energy. Due to the intermittent nature of wind and solar in power generation, incorporating hydrogen helps to stabilize the power grid by providing a highly stable and predictable flow of electricity.

The EU has lately touted a hydrogen economy in its latest topline targets as an important aspect in fighting climate change and has set an ambitious goal to build 40GW of electrolyzers within its borders over the next decade.

Source: Energy.gov

Unfortunately, the hydrogen fuel cell market is littered with microcaps one the lower end of the spectrum and mid-caps on the higher end and no small caps in-between. Nevertheless, some of the better picks here include:

• Plug Power Inc.(NASDAQ:PLUG)–perhaps the best-known among fuel cell companies, PlugPower has built a successful niche developing technology for forklifts where fueling times can be critical. PLUG features a market cap of $3.8B and a share price of $11.36.
  
• Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ:BLDP)–manufactures fuel cells for forklifts, buses, and marine applications. BLDP has a market cap of $3.5B and  share price of $14.77.
  
• Bloom Energy–about a year ago, Bloom Energy announced that it had developed fuel cells that can run on hydrogen and generate zero-carbon electricity. The fuel cells can be deployed for backup power and microgrid applications.
  
• FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCEL)–based in Connecticut, FuelCell Energy designs, manufactures and operates fuel cell plants that run on biogas and natural gas with more than 50 plants across the globe. FCEL sports a market cap of $602.5M and a share price of $2.83.

Other top small-cap picks spanning various megatrends include:

#4 Megatrend: Big Data

• Cardlytics Inc. (NASDAQ:CDLX)–partners with banks to run their loyalty programs in exchange for access for the banks’ payment card data. Cardlytics then uses this information to match the right products and promotions with the right consumers. Cardlytics currently sports a market cap of $2B with shares trading at $80.16.

#5 Megatrend: 5G

• Inseego Corp. (NASDAQ:INSG)–an industry pioneer that enables high performance mobile applications for large service providers, enterprise verticals and small-medium businesses (has an ongoing partnership with Verizon). INSG has a market cap of $1.2B with shares changing hands at $12.27.

#6 Megatrend: Conversational Commerce

• LivePerson Inc. (NASDAQ:LPSN)–develops conversational commerce and AI software. LPSN has a market cap of $3.7B and a share price of $58.65.

#7 Megatrend: Space

• Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR)–a Colorado-based space technology company that specializes in manufacture of Earth observation/radar equipment and on-orbit servicing. MAXR sports a market cap of $1.58B with a share price of $27.65.

The post These Small-Cap Sectors Have The Biggest Upside Over the Next Decade appeared first on Global Investment Daily.