In this article, we will discuss: 7 Best Lithium and Battery Stocks to Buy Right Now.According to a December 12, 2025, Bloomberg report, energy storage technologies could drive up demand for lithium as the global market seeks stability following years of excess supply. Analysts at Citigroup, UBS, and Bernstein anticipate that storage demand will surpass that of electric vehicles in 2026 as utility-scale batteries become a rapidly expanding lithium consumer. Lithium prices have recovered 50% from June lows, ...

Investment Thesis - The mineral industry, particularly rare earth minerals and lithium, is highlighted as a capital-intensive market with varying winners [1] - Lithium is identified as a crucial driver for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with a significant demand forecasted [1] - Standard Lithium (SLI) is recommended as a Strong Buy due to its trading at a discount to future cash flows and potential for growth by 2026 [1] Stock Performance - SLI's stock price has shown a strong uptrend, breaking the $5 level and establishing it as a support level [2] - In comparison to competitors like Lithium Americas (LAC) and Piedmont Lithium (PLLTL), SLI has outperformed, with LAC and PLLTL experiencing declines of 46.2% and 99.84% over five years, respectively [2] - The performance of SLI is attributed to its asset base and the potential of the Smackover Formation [2]

Core Viewpoint - Technip Energies is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity in the oilfield services sector due to its broad revenue base and lack of geographical concentration [1]. Company Overview - Technip Energies operates in the oilfield services industry, providing a diverse range of services that are not limited to specific regions, making it a potentially stable investment choice [1]. Analyst Background - The analysis is conducted by an experienced analyst with over 14 years in stock analysis, focusing on the energy sector for the past 7 years, particularly in oilfield equipment services [1].

Core Viewpoint - Fitch predicts that despite lithium prices rebounding to over $11,500 per ton in late November (a 38% increase for the second half of 2025), a weak price trend will persist until 2026 due to multiple complex factors affecting production in a fragmented and maturing market [1] Supply and Demand Dynamics - Fitch expects the lithium market to remain oversupplied in 2026 unless there are significant and sustained capacity reductions. Wood Mackenzie forecasts that the surplus of battery-grade lithium chemicals will expand to 153,000 tons (in lithium carbonate equivalent) by 2026 and further to 207,000 tons in 2027 [2] - The short-term supply-demand balance is contingent on supply reductions, influenced by lagging electric vehicle demand and ongoing policy uncertainties [2] Stock Performance - Year-to-date, lithium-related stocks have shown mixed performance. Canadian lithium developer Standard Lithium (SLI.US) has seen its stock price increase by nearly 250%, while larger producers like Lithium Americas (LAC.US) and Sociedad Química y Minera (SQM.US) have also achieved significant gains. In contrast, industry giants like Albemarle (ALB.US) have underperformed amid weak lithium prices and increased sector volatility [2] - The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF has risen 56% year-to-date, partly driven by tariff and trade war-related news [2] Supply Chain Dynamics - The rapidly changing battery technology market, including alternative materials to lithium, may erode expected stable demand. China remains the largest end market (accounting for 64% of total demand) and a dominant processing center, with new market entrants forming strategic partnerships with governments to secure key mineral resources [4] Capital Allocation Discipline - Lithium producers tracked by Fitch are prioritizing balance sheet resilience and rating buffer space before 2026. Albemarle (rated BBB- with a stable outlook) has issued convertible bonds to repay through stock issuance during market upcycles. Sociedad Química y Minera (rated AA(cl)) is responding to pressures by slowing growth capital expenditures and limiting free cash flow consumption [4] - Mineral Resources (MALRF.US) (rated BB- with a stable outlook) has sold a 15% stake in its lithium assets to raise cash for early debt repayment while cutting capital expenditures [4] M&A Opportunities - The challenging industry environment continues to create opportunities for capital-strong large mining companies seeking to diversify their businesses or secure key mineral resources. For instance, Rio Tinto (RIO.US) has been active in lithium project opportunities and is nearing entry into the top five global lithium producers, narrowing the gap with Albemarle and Sociedad Química y Minera [5]

Core Viewpoint - Standard Lithium's shares increased over 6% in early trading due to developments in China regarding lithium mining permits [1]. Group 1: Market Reaction - The Bureau of Natural Resources in Yichun, Jiangxi Province, plans to cancel 27 lithium mining permits, leading to a sharp increase in lithium prices in China by approximately 7.6% [3]. - The cancellation of these permits has spurred significant price spikes among global lithium miners, although analysts believe the impact on supply will be minimal since the revoked permits were for non-operational mines [3][6]. Group 2: Company Performance - Standard Lithium currently does not produce lithium and has no revenue or profit expected before 2028, with annual losses around $187 million [5]. - Despite the positive market reaction, the theoretical importance of the permit cancellations to Standard Lithium is limited until the company begins actual production [5]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - Analysts from The Motley Fool Stock Advisor have identified 10 stocks they believe are better investment opportunities than Standard Lithium, indicating caution for potential investors [5].

Core Viewpoint - Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, is actively pursuing project financing for the South West Arkansas Project, with expressions of interest exceeding $1 billion from major Export Credit Agencies [1][5] Project Financing Overview - The total estimated capital expenditures for the SWA Project are $1.45 billion, with a financing package of up to $1.1 billion being sought [4][7] - The financing will consist of an ECA Financing package and an uncovered tranche of senior secured project debt from commercial banks [2][3] - A $225 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy has been awarded to support the project [7] Market Interest and Engagement - Smackover Lithium has received multiple expressions of interest from global commercial banks, validating the project's financial assumptions and terms [3] - The interest from export credit agencies and commercial lenders indicates a strong market demand for financing in lithium production [5] Strategic Importance - The project is positioned as a low-cost and sustainable source of lithium production in the United States, highlighting its strategic importance in the energy sector [5] - The company aims to reach a Final Investment Decision as soon as practical to move the project into construction [5]

Company Overview - Lithium Royalty Corp. focuses on investing in the battery materials sector, particularly lithium companies, and currently holds 37 royalties in its portfolio [2] - The company had its IPO in March 2023 and now has 4 cash-flowing royalties [2] - Standard Lithium is a near-commercial lithium company dedicated to the sustainable development of high-grade lithium-ion properties in the U.S. [3] Leadership and Expertise - Ernie Ortiz, CEO of Lithium Royalty Corp., has a background as an investment analyst at a hedge fund and was a Senior Associate at Credit Suisse, where he led the bank's primer on lithium in 2014 [2] - David Park, CEO of Standard Lithium, has extensive experience in the energy and industrial sectors, having previously served as President of KSP and played a key role in securing a partnership with Equinor [3]

Summary of Standard Lithium and Lithium Royalty Corp Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Companies Involved**: Standard Lithium (NYSEAM:SLI) and Lithium Royalty Corp - **Industry Focus**: Lithium and battery materials, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS) Key Points from the Conference Call Standard Lithium Overview - Standard Lithium is a near-commercial lithium company focused on sustainable development of high-grade lithium-ion properties in the U.S. [2] - The company is advancing its Southwest Arkansas project, a $1.5 billion initiative aiming for 22,500 tons of lithium carbonate production, with a target completion date of 2028 [6][7]. Lithium Royalty Corp Overview - Lithium Royalty Corp was established in 2018 and has a portfolio of 37 royalties globally, with a focus on lithium projects [3][4]. - The company raised $150 million during its IPO in March 2023, marking it as the only IPO on the TSX that year [3]. Demand and Market Trends - Lithium demand is projected to grow by 25% in 2026, with potential for 30% growth driven by EVs and ESS [9][11]. - Key indicators for demand health include rising electrolyte prices and seasonal trends in EV sales [9][10]. - Energy storage is expected to account for approximately 27% of the lithium market by the end of the year, with growth rates of 50%-70% anticipated [10]. U.S. Market Dynamics - The U.S. government acknowledges its lag behind China in the battery supply chain and is working to address this issue [15][16]. - Permitting processes are a significant challenge for hard rock mining, but Standard Lithium's projects are on private lands, easing regulatory hurdles [17][18]. Industry Consolidation and Investment - Major energy companies like Equinor are actively involved in lithium projects, indicating a trend of consolidation in the industry [24][26]. - There is a recognition that large public companies are managing cyclical commodity businesses, leading to cost-cutting measures during downturns [28]. Project Milestones and Future Plans - Standard Lithium is finalizing its definitive feasibility study and is in discussions for debt financing and offtake agreements [30][31]. - The company aims to expand production to approximately 150,000 tons per year by 2035, with projects in both Arkansas and East Texas [32][33]. Pricing Trends and Long-term Outlook - Pricing for lithium is expected to be robust in 2026, with potential peak prices ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 per ton [42]. - Long-term pricing needs to be above $18,000 to $20,000 per ton to support new lithium projects [45]. - Standard Lithium maintains a competitive cost structure, with production costs under $6,000 per ton, allowing for resilience in volatile markets [47]. Conclusion - The conference highlighted the growing demand for lithium driven by EVs and energy storage, the strategic partnerships being formed in the industry, and the proactive steps being taken by companies like Standard Lithium to secure their position in the market. The focus on sustainable practices and government support for domestic supply chains is expected to play a crucial role in the future of the lithium industry.

Core Viewpoint - Standard Lithium Ltd is recognized as a promising investment opportunity despite reporting a wider net loss in Q3, with analysts maintaining a positive outlook based on operational advancements and project developments [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $6.1 million in Q3, compared to a loss of $4.8 million in the same quarter last year [1]. - Standard Lithium closed the quarter with cash and working capital of $32.1 million and $29.1 million, respectively [3]. Project Developments - A Definitive Feasibility Study for the South West Arkansas (SWA) Project was completed, confirming its cost-effectiveness and potential for commercial-scale development [2]. - Record lithium-in-brine grades were announced for the Franklin Project in East Texas, enhancing its growth prospects [2]. Capital Raising and Future Plans - The company successfully closed a $130 million underwritten public follow-on equity offering to fund capital expenditures for its projects [3]. - The CEO indicated plans to reach Final Investment Decision (FID) at SWA and progress other projects in East Texas, with construction expected to begin in 2026 [4].

Core Insights - Standard Lithium Ltd. is actively participating in multiple investor conferences, showcasing its leadership in the lithium industry [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Participation in Conferences - The company will participate in the virtual Deutsche Bank Lithium and Battery Supply Chain Conference on November 20, 2025, and the virtual Bank of America Critical Materials Conference on November 24, 2025 [1] - David Park, CEO of Standard Lithium, will speak at Citi's Basic Materials Conference in New York City on December 3, 2025, at 10:50 a.m. ET [2] - The company will host one-on-one meetings during these conferences for interested investors [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Standard Lithium is focused on the sustainable development of high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States, particularly in Arkansas and Texas [4] - The company aims to achieve commercial-scale lithium production through a scalable Direct Lithium Extraction and purification process [4] - The flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a significant lithium brine asset [4]