Core Viewpoint - American Battery Technology (ABAT) is experiencing significant volatility following the cancellation of a $57.7 million Department of Energy (DOE) grant, despite previously publishing a positive Pre-Feasibility Study on its lithium project [1][3]. Company Performance - ABAT shares increased by 100% over the month before plummeting by 57% in a few days after the grant cancellation [1]. - As of October 21, ABAT stock rebounded, gaining 38.56% on that day and an additional 2.86% in pre-market trading, reaching $6.90 [2]. Strategic Importance - Analysts believe ABAT is crucial for the domestic critical mineral supply chain, suggesting that its success should not depend solely on a single grant [3]. - The company plans to appeal the DOE's decision and remains optimistic about its future prospects [4][6]. Project Continuation - Regardless of the appeal outcome, ABAT intends to proceed with its lithium hydroxide production project without altering its timeline or scope [6]. - The project has received support from the Trump Administration's National Energy Dominance Council, which has expedited its permitting process [6]. Market Context - ABAT's strategy focuses on reducing U.S. reliance on foreign lithium, particularly from China, and aims to localize the entire battery supply chain [7]. - The growing AI sector and electric vehicle industry, both reliant on rare earths and lithium, could benefit ABAT's business model [8]. Investment Considerations - ABAT's stock currently trades at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 8.1x, significantly higher than the metals and mining industry's average of 2.4x, indicating high investor expectations for growth [9]. - The company's potential to benefit from increasing domestic lithium production demand may attract risk-prone investors willing to navigate price volatility [11].
American Battery stock is up 40%, but should you really invest ABAT?