Vulcan Energy share price is one of the worst ASX lithium performers so far this year. Why?

Vulcan Energy is down 20% this year while most of its lithium peers are up.

Female worker sitting desk with head in hand and looking fed up

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 Energy is down 20% this year while most of its lithium peers are up
  • The Europe-based lithium player has been less supported by news and positive developments this year
  • However, one broker gave Vulcan Energy a price target that holds a 131.74% potential upside, so a recovery may be on the cards

The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price is down 20.53% this year to date, making it one of the worst performers in its ASX lithium peer group.

In comparison, Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) is up a massive 155.56% over the same period. Other lithium shares are up even more, including Latin Resources Ltd (ASX: LRS), up 300%, and Anson Resources Ltd (ASX: ASN), up 178% in 2022.

On a broader level, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is down 7.20% year to date.

So why is Vulcan Energy struggling while others are surging upwards? Let's investigate.

Why is Vulcan Energy struggling?

One explanation for why Vulcan Energy is being left behind could be down to a lack of positive news and developments from the company. This is despite its zero-carbon lithium potentially trading at a 'green premium' in the future.

Other ASX lithium shares reported high-grade findings of lithium at their extraction sites, which led their share prices to soar.

For example, on Wednesday, Latin Resources announced it had discovered lithium at its Colina prospect in Brazil. Previous drilling attempts also found a lithium corridor of a total distance of 4km.

And as for Anson Resources, the company reported "outstanding economics" from its Paradox Lithium project on Thursday. When the Fool reported the news, shares were up 35%.

But although Vulcan Energy's share price has been less buoyant than others from a lack of announcements from the company, this doesn't mean its prospects are bleak.

In fact, Alster Research gave Vulcan shares a price target of $20 apiece in early August, thus giving it a 131.74% potential upside at the time of writing.

The leading broker in Europe expects Vulcan Energy to reach this target within the next 12 months, so it may catch up to its peers sooner than we expect.

Vulcan Energy share price snapshot

The Vulcan Energy share price was up 3.97%, trading at $8.65 at the market close on Friday.

The company's market capitalisation is $1.24 billion based on this figure.

Should you invest $1,000 in Anson Resources Limited right now?

Before you buy Anson Resources Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Anson Resources Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Matthew Farley 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

A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.
Materials Shares

Why are Fortescue shares charging higher today?

What is getting investors excited today? Let's find out.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Materials Shares

What does Macquarie think Liontown Resources shares are worth?

Let's see if analysts think that this lithium miner is in the buy zone or best avoided.

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Materials Shares

Lynas shares charge higher on big news

What is getting investors excited today? Let's find out.

Read more »

Lion holding and screaming into a yellow loudspeaker on a blue background, symbolising an announcement from Liontown.
Materials Shares

Liontown Resources shares roar higher on big news

This lithium miner is catching the eye with some big news. Here's what is happening.

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

What does Macquarie think BHP shares are worth?

Is now a good time to buy the miner's shares? Let's find out.

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Materials Shares

What does Macquarie think Pilbara Minerals shares are worth?

Is this lithium miner dirt cheap? Let's find out.

Read more »

Two miners standing together.
Materials Shares

Is it time to buy this beaten down lithium share?

This diversified miner’s share price has been hit on multiple fronts. What does it mean for investors?

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

Pilbara Minerals share price falls on 30% quarterly revenue slump

ASX investors are bidding down Pilbara Minerals shares on Thursday. Here’s why.

Read more »