Vulcan share price rockets 25% on Stellantis deal

This lithium share is rocketing higher on Friday. Here's why…

| More on:
Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.

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

Key points

  • Vulcan shares are rocketing higher on Friday morning
  • This follows news that the lithium developer has received a major investment from a top tier automaker
  • Stellantis is investing $76 million into Vulcan at a material premium to its last close price

The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price has flown out of the gates on Friday morning.

At the time of writing, the lithium developer's shares are up 25% to $6.21.

Why the Vulcan share price rocketing higher?

Investors have been fighting to get hold of the company's shares this morning after it announced a major investment from a top tier automaker.

According to the release, Stellantis, the company behind car brands including Chrysler, Citroën, Fiat, Maserati, and Peugeot, has invested A$76 million into Vulcan.

While this news is positive enough, it gets better. Stellantis is paying over the odds to become Vulcan's second largest shareholder. The two parties agreed a price of $6.622 per share, which represents a 32% premium to the Vulcan share price at yesterday's close.

In addition, Stellantis has extended its binding lithium hydroxide offtake agreement by five years to 2035. Starting in 2026, the automaker will be purchasing a minimum of 81,000 tonnes and a maximum of 99,000 tonnes of battery grade lithium hydroxide over a duration of 10 years.

The release reveals that the proceeds from this investment will go towards Vulcan's planned production expansion drilling in its Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field (URVBF).

'A strong statement'

Vulcan's Managing Director, Dr Francis Wedin, believes this is a "strong statement" regarding the sourcing of sustainable battery materials. He commented:

Stellantis' significant investment in Vulcan and the Zero Carbon Lithium Project represents a strong statement by one of the world's largest automakers regarding sustainable and strategic sourcing of battery materials.

We are fully aligned with Stellantis' decarbonisation and electrification goals, which represent some of the most ambitious in the industry. It is encouraging to see a leading automaker investing in local, decarbonised lithium production for electric vehicles. As our largest offtaker, we look forward to deepening our relationship with Stellantis as a substantial shareholder in Vulcan and our Zero Carbon Lithium business.

Stellantis' CEO, Carlos Tavares, added:

Making this highly strategic investment in a leading lithium company will help us create a resilient and sustainable value chain for our European electric vehicle battery production. We continue our quest of forming strong relationships with partners who share our values as we collectively fight against global warming and provide clean, safe and affordable mobility to our customers.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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

Three miners looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

Up 19% in a month: Top broker gives its verdict on the Fortescue share price

Is it too late to buy this mining giant's shares?

Read more »

woman holding two phones connected by lead
Materials Shares

Up 46% in one month! Pilbara Minerals shares lead the charge as lithium stocks rally

Are lithium stocks back in vogue?

Read more »

smiling worker stands before power generator technology
Materials Shares

Fortescue shares jump 5% on record performance

This mining giant was in fine form during the quarter.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Materials Shares

Should you buy Pilbara Minerals shares today?

Let's see if analysts think investors should be buying the lithium giant's shares.

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

Expert says this ASX mining stock could rise almost 30%

Let's see which miner is being tipped as a buy for investors right now.

Read more »

a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Materials Shares

BHP shares charge higher on record copper and iron ore production

Let's see how the miner performed during the fourth quarter.

Read more »

A man stands with hands on hips surveying construction of three high-rise buildings.
Materials Shares

Building activity on the rise – will ASX materials shares benefit?

New data from the March quarter shows a sharp rise in building activity. 

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
Materials Shares

Macquarie predicts 11% upside for this ASX materials stock

Here's why the broker is positive on the stock.

Read more »