Lithium Americas Corp.

The Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF is seeing unusually high volume in afternoon trading Friday, with over 355,000 shares traded versus three month average volume of about 95,000. Shares of DRIV were up about 0.4% on the day.
Components of that ETF with the highest volume on Friday were Intel, trading down about 3.6% with over 124.3 million shares changing hands so far this session, and Nvidia, up about 0.8% on volume of over 96.4 million shares. American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings is the component faring the best Friday, higher by about 13.4% on the day, while Lithium Americas is lagging other components of the Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF, trading lower by about 3.7%.
VIDEO: Friday's ETF with Unusual Volume: DRIV
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Friday's ETF with Unusual Volume: DRIV

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – January 21, 2025 – Zacks Equity Research shares Constellation Energy CEG, as the Bull of the Day and J.B. Hunt Transport Services JBHT, as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on General Motors GM, Lithium Americas LAC and Tesla’s TSLA.
Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:
Bull of the Day:
Constellation Energy is a Zack Rank #1 (Strong Buy) that is a leading energy provider in the United States, specializing in electricity generation. The company delivers electric power, natural gas, and energy management services to over 2 million customers nationwide.
With the stock up over 41% already this year, CEG is looking to be a big winner in 2025. It is the largest gainer in the S&P 500 so far in January, but investors are looking for more as nuclear energy becomes a focus to fuel artificial intelligence demand.
About the Company
Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Constellation operates through five segments—Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New York, ERCOT, and Other Power Regions. Constellation boasts approximately 33,094 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity. This capacity spans a mix of nuclear, wind, solar, natural gas, and hydroelectric assets. Its customer base includes distribution utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental entities.
As the lowest carbon emitter among major U.S. investor-owned generators, Constellation Energy is committed to eliminating 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions. It leverages cutting-edge technology and a diverse energy portfolio, including the nation’s largest carbon-free nuclear fleet, to generate 60% of America's clean, zero-carbon energy.
The stock has a Zacks Style Score of “A” in Momentum, but “D” in Growth and “F” in Value.
Nuclear Gains Steam
Constellation Energy operates the largest fleet of nuclear plants in the United States, consisting of 21 reactors across 12 sites in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions. These reactors collectively produce clean, zero-carbon, and reliable energy, significantly contributing to the nation's electricity supply.
In 2021, Constellation achieved a nuclear capacity factor of 94.5%, the highest in the industry. During the summer months of 2024, the reactors operated at a 98.1% capacity factor, showcasing exceptional reliability during periods of high electricity demand.
In early January Constellation secured contracts worth $1 billion to supply nuclear power to the U.S. government over the next decade. This agreement represents a significant milestone for the company and nuclear energy as it marked the largest federal procurement of nuclear energy to date.
With the rise of energy demands driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence, nuclear energy stands out as a key solution to meet the nation's needs. Technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors such as Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) and Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) offer scalable, reliable, and carbon-free power, making nuclear an essential component in supporting the growing energy landscape.
Calpine Deal
On January 10th, Constellation Energy announced the acquisition of Calpine Corporation in a deal valued at approximately $26.6 billion, including $4.5 billion in cash, 50 million shares of Constellation stock, and the assumption of $12.7 billion in Calpine's debt.
The acquisition will combine Constellation's nuclear expertise with Calpine's low-emission natural gas and geothermal plants, creating the nation's largest clean energy provider with over 27,000 megawatts of generation capacity.
Constellation anticipates generating over $2 billion in annual free cash flow from the deal. Following the announcement, Constellation's shares rose by 15%, with analysts raising price targets, citing strong growth prospects from the acquisition.
Q3 Earnings Beat
Constellation delivered strong Q3 earnings, reporting an EPS of $2.74, which surpassed analyst estimates of $2.64 and represented a 28.64% increase from the previous year's $2.13 EPS. Quarterly sales reached $6.550 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $5.714 billion, marking a 7.18% year-over-year increase. The company's generation fleet performed notably well, and Constellation raised its FY24 adjusted operating EPS guidance to $8.00 – $8.40, although slightly below the analyst estimate of $8.43.
Constellation Energy Corporation price-eps-surprise | Constellation Energy Corporation Quote
Constellation's shares traded lower due to a combination of the market wanting more and concerns over regulatory challenges. However, the stock did rally before the Calpine deal, which eventually took shares to new heights.
Estimates Headed Higher
During the Q3earnings call Constellation highlighted significant milestones, including a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft to restart the Crane Clean Energy Center and Three Mile Island Unit 1, emphasizing its commitment to clean, reliable energy.
Analysts see a bright future ahead, with many taking their earnings estimates significantly above the pre-earnings levels.
For the current quarter, estimates have gone from $1.31 to $2.20 over the last 90 days. This is a jump of 67%.
For the current year, estimates have gone from $8.01 to $8.43, or 5.2% over the same time frame.
And for next year, the trend continues. Over the last 90 days, estimates have gone from $8.99 to $9.37 or 4.2%.
The Technical Take
The stock is trading at all-time highs after the Calpine deal. With earnings in late February, investors likely continue the momentum higher. There are Fibonacci extension targets at $330 and $395, but let us look at some levels to buy on any pullback.
21-day Moving Average: $255
50-day MA: $248
200-day: $222
While most investors do not want to chase, this stock might not give an opportunity to buy. This stock has tremendous momentum and could continue higher into EPS.
In Summary
Constellation Energy stands poised for a remarkable 2025, buoyed by its stellar Q3 performance and strategic initiatives.
The acquisition of Calpine Corporation further solidifies Constellation’s position as a clean energy powerhouse, combining nuclear expertise with low-emission natural gas and geothermal assets. This strategic move is expected to generate significant free cash flow, enhancing shareholder value, and driving the company’s growth trajectory.
Investors looking for a strong, sustainable growth story should find Constellation Energy an attractive proposition. Its blend of operational excellence, strategic acquisitions, and a clear commitment to environmental stewardship sets the stage for continued success.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services holds a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) and is a transportation and logistics company offering a diverse array of services designed to assist businesses with their shipping and supply chain requirements.
The company reported another earnings miss, maintaining a trend that has kept the stock under pressure in recent years.
With earnings estimates head lower, is it time for investors to look for a different player in the sector?
About the Company
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. provides a range of surface transportation, delivery, and logistics services across the U.S. through five segments: Intermodal, Dedicated Contract Services, Integrated Capacity Solutions, Final Mile Services, and Truckload.
The company offers freight solutions using a fleet of owned and managed equipment, including tractors, trailers, and independent contractor trucks. It serves a wide array of industries with transportation options such as dry-van, refrigerated, expedited, and flatbed freight, and operates a multimodal logistics marketplace.
Founded in 1961, J.B. Hunt is headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas. JBHT is valued at $17 billion and has a Forward PE of 25. The stock holds Zacks Style Scores of “D” in Value, But “A” in Growth.
Q3 Earnings
J.B. Hunt reported disappointing Q4 earnings, missing EPS by a 5.5%. While earnings were up 4.0% over last year's EPS of $1.47, it reflects a troubling trend of underperformance when compared to analyst projections. The revenue of $3.15 billion, though in line with estimates, represents a 4.77% decrease year-over-year, signaling potential challenges in maintaining top-line growth amid a shifting logistics landscape.
J.B. Hunt has missed earnings expectations eight out of the last nine quarters, raising concerns about the company's ability to navigate the current macroeconomic environment. Investors reacted negatively, with shares dipping over 10% following the report.
Looking at the broader picture, J.B. Hunt’s $157.65 million revenue decline highlights the pressure it’s facing, with weaker earnings suggesting that tightening economic conditions could continue to impact profitability and growth.
Earnings Estimates
Estimates have seen significant cuts across all time frames since the earnings report last week
For the current quarter, forecasts have dropped 7% over the past 7 days, from $1.46 to $1.36.
Looking to next quarter, estimates have declined 5% in that same period, down from $1.70 to $1.61.
For the full year, projections have been adjusted downward by 3%, now at $7.01 from $7.25.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. price-consensus-chart | J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Quote
Next year’s outlook follows a trend of revision downward over the last 90 days. Estimates have fallen 3% over that time frame, down to $8.52 from $8.76.
While many analysts are maintaining their bullish ratings, they have lowered their price targets:
Benchmark: Reiterates Buy, maintains price target of $195.
JP Morgan: Maintains Overweight, lowers price target to $200 (from $205).
Wells Fargo: Maintains Overweight, lowers price target to $190 (from $200).
BofA Securities: Maintains Buy, lowers price target to $189.
Technical Take
The recent down move is threatening to break some technical support, with the 200-day holding barely holding after earnings. If that $172 level were to break, the 2024 lows at $155 could be in play.
If the bulls can fill the earnings gap, it would be a positive signal, but until then the bears have control. Look for a move down to $160 if the 200-day MA is broken.
In Summary
J.B. Hunt continues to face significant headwinds, with persistent earnings misses, declining revenue, and downward earnings estimate revisions indicating a tough road ahead.
Despite analysts maintaining bullish ratings, their lowered price targets reflect growing caution, and the stock’s technical support is under increasing pressure.
Until the company shows signs of turning things around, the bearish sentiment is likely to persist.
Additional content:
GM's EV Supply Chain Strengthens: Is the Stock a Value Play Now?
U.S. legacy automaker General Motors has been making significant strides in strengthening its supply chain to support electric vehicle (EV) production. A couple of days back, it inked a deal with a Norway-based synthetic graphite manufacturer, Vianode, to boost its battery supply chain.
General Motors’ efforts to secure raw materials, form strategic alliances and bolster manufacturing capabilities are part of a broader strategy to lead the transition to sustainable transportation. But does this make GM’s stock a compelling buy right now? Let’s dive in.
GM’s Strategic Alliances to Rev Up EV Game
In an era where supply chain disruptions can derail production plans, the U.S. auto giant is doubling down on building resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught the importance of strong and diverse supplier relationships, and GM seems to have embraced these lessons. By prioritizing long-term partnerships, nearshoring efforts and direct collaborations with suppliers, the automaker has positioned itself to navigate market complexities with greater ease.
A recent example is GM’s multi-billion-dollar deal with Vianode, which ensures a steady supply of anode materials for GM’s battery cells, produced in collaboration with LG Energy Solution. Slated to begin in 2027, the deal emphasizes GM’s commitment to a localized and sustainable battery supply chain in North America, aligning with its long-term electrification goals.
GM’s joint venture with Lithium Americas to develop the Thacker Pass lithium project underscores the automaker’s focus on securing critical raw materials. With one of the largest lithium reserves in the United States, this venture (closed last month) represents a strategic investment to meet growing EV demand. With GM’s $625 million investment, it has gained a 38% stake in the project.
Multi-year agreements with LG Chemical, POSCO Chemical and Livent ensure a steady supply of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and cathode active materials — all crucial for battery production. The automaker’s long-standing collaboration with LG Energy Solution has evolved to include prismatic cell technology, enhancing battery performance and diversity. Their JV has established significant battery manufacturing capacity in Ohio and Tennessee.
GM has also expanded charging access for its customers by integrating Tesla’s Supercharger network to deploy fast-charging stations across metropolitan areas. These initiatives enhance the EV ownership experience and support the company’s vision of an all-electric future.
GM’s Dominance in the U.S. Market
It is the top-selling automaker in the United States, with a compelling portfolio and a strong demand for its quality pickups and SUVs. GM sold 2.7 million vehicles in 2024, a 4.3% increase year over year, with all four key brands — Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac — posting solid gains.
With regard to EV sales, GM secured the second spot in U.S. BEV sales in 2024, just behind Tesla, which continues to dominate with a 50% market share. General Motors’ EV sales totaled 114,000 in 2024, representing a 50% increase from 2023. The company’s diverse lineup, including the Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV, positioned it as the second-largest EV seller in the country.
Beyond EVs: GM’s Cost Discipline and Financial Strength
General Motors’ focus on cost management and financial resilience also augurs well. The company’s $2 billion cost-reduction program is expected to have been completed by 2024 end.
GM’s balance sheet further underscores its strength. With $40.2 billion in total automotive liquidity as of Sept. 30, 2024—including $23.7 billion in cash—the company is well-equipped to weather macroeconomic challenges.
Investor-friendly initiatives add another layer of appeal. GM’s share buyback program, which included $1 billion in repurchases last quarter, reflects management’s confidence. Its plans to retire an additional 25 million shares by year-end further demonstrate its commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
Stock Performance & Valuation
GM’s stock has surged 50% over the past year, outperforming its peer group and the broader market.
The stock is trading above its 200-day moving average, indicating bullishness.
From a valuation standpoint, GM fares well. Trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of just 4.82, well below its peer group, GM offers significant upside potential for value investors.The stock has a Value Score of A.
GM: A Strong Buy
General Motors’ robust U.S. market presence, cost management and a clear commitment to electrification position it for sustained success. The company’s efforts to fortify its supply chain and expand its EV portfolio bode well. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GM’s 2025 EPS implies year-over-year growth of 4%. The estimate has been revised upward by 14 cents in the past 60 days, signaling optimism.
All in all, GM stock offers a blend of value, growth potential and resilience. As the automaker continues to rev up its EV game, now might be an opportune time to take the wheel and consider adding GM to your portfolio.
GM stock sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
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Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) : Free Stock Analysis Report
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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Constellation Energy and J.B. Hunt Transport in the Box have been highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day

U.S. legacy automaker General Motors GM has been making significant strides in strengthening its supply chain to support electric vehicle (EV) production. A couple of days back, it inked a deal with a Norway-based synthetic graphite manufacturer, Vianode, to boost its battery supply chain.
General Motors’ efforts to secure raw materials, form strategic alliances and bolster manufacturing capabilities are part of a broader strategy to lead the transition to sustainable transportation. But does this make GM’s stock a compelling buy right now? Let’s dive in.
GM’s Strategic Alliances to Rev Up EV Game
In an era where supply chain disruptions can derail production plans, the U.S. auto giant is doubling down on building resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught the importance of strong and diverse supplier relationships, and GM seems to have embraced these lessons. By prioritizing long-term partnerships, nearshoring efforts and direct collaborations with suppliers, the automaker has positioned itself to navigate market complexities with greater ease.
A recent example is GM’s multi-billion-dollar deal with Vianode, which ensures a steady supply of anode materials for GM’s battery cells, produced in collaboration with LG Energy Solution. Slated to begin in 2027, the deal emphasizes GM’s commitment to a localized and sustainable battery supply chain in North America, aligning with its long-term electrification goals.
GM’s joint venture with Lithium Americas LAC to develop the Thacker Pass lithium project underscores the automaker’s focus on securing critical raw materials. With one of the largest lithium reserves in the United States, this venture (closed last month) represents a strategic investment to meet growing EV demand. With GM’s $625 million investment, it has gained a 38% stake in the project.
Multi-year agreements with LG Chemical, POSCO Chemical and Livent ensure a steady supply of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and cathode active materials — all crucial for battery production. The automaker’s long-standing collaboration with LG Energy Solution has evolved to include prismatic cell technology, enhancing battery performance and diversity. Their JV has established significant battery manufacturing capacity in Ohio and Tennessee.
GM has also expanded charging access for its customers by integrating Tesla’s TSLA Supercharger network and collaborating with EVgo EVGO to deploy fast-charging stations across metropolitan areas. These initiatives enhance the EV ownership experience and support the company’s vision of an all-electric future.
GM’s Dominance in the U.S. Market
It is the top-selling automaker in the United States, with a compelling portfolio and a strong demand for its quality pickups and SUVs. GM sold 2.7 million vehicles in 2024, a 4.3% increase year over year, with all four key brands — Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac — posting solid gains.
With regard to EV sales, GM secured the second spot in U.S. BEV sales in 2024, just behind Tesla, which continues to dominate with a 50% market share. General Motors’ EV sales totaled 114,000 in 2024, representing a 50% increase from 2023. The company’s diverse lineup, including the Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV, positioned it as the second-largest EV seller in the country.
Beyond EVs: GM’s Cost Discipline and Financial Strength
General Motors’ focus on cost management and financial resilience also augurs well. The company’s $2 billion cost-reduction program is expected to have been completed by 2024 end.
GM’s balance sheet further underscores its strength. With $40.2 billion in total automotive liquidity as of Sept. 30, 2024—including $23.7 billion in cash—the company is well-equipped to weather macroeconomic challenges.
Investor-friendly initiatives add another layer of appeal. GM’s share buyback program, which included $1 billion in repurchases last quarter, reflects management’s confidence. Its plans to retire an additional 25 million shares by year-end further demonstrate its commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
Stock Performance & Valuation
GM’s stock has surged 50% over the past year, outperforming its peer group and the broader market.
1 Year Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The stock is trading above its 200-day moving average, indicating bullishness.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, GM fares well. Trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of just 4.82, well below its peer group, GM offers significant upside potential for value investors.The stock has a Value Score of A.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
GM: A Strong Buy
General Motors’ robust U.S. market presence, cost management and a clear commitment to electrification position it for sustained success. The company’s efforts to fortify its supply chain and expand its EV portfolio bode well. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GM’s 2025 EPS implies year-over-year growth of 4%. The estimate has been revised upward by 14 cents in the past 60 days, signaling optimism.
All in all, GM stock offers a blend of value, growth potential and resilience. As the automaker continues to rev up its EV game, now might be an opportune time to take the wheel and consider adding GM to your portfolio.
GM stock sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
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General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
EVgo Inc. (EVGO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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GM's EV Supply Chain Strengthens: Is the Stock a Value Play Now?

In trading on Thursday, the iShares Micro-Cap ETF is outperforming other ETFs, up about 1.6% on the day. Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Ses AI, up about 118.2% and shares of Palladyne AI, up about 63.8% on the day.
And underperforming other ETFs today is the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF, down about 0.7% in Thursday afternoon trading. Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Thursday were shares of Tesla, lower by about 1.7%, and shares of Lithium Americas, relatively unchanged on the day.
VIDEO: Thursday's ETF Movers: IWC, LIT
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Thursday's ETF Movers: IWC, LIT

The manufacturing sector stands at the cusp of its fourth major transformation. Known as Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this shift combines artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and connected devices to create smart factories and automated production systems.
Steam power launched the first industrial revolution, electricity drove the second, and computers sparked the third. Now, the fourth revolution merges digital technology with physical production in ways that blur the line between human and machine operations.
This digital transformation demands massive amounts of reliable, sustainable energy. As factories become more automated and data-driven, their power needs grow exponentially. Traditional energy sources struggle to meet these demands while satisfying environmental requirements. Two companies stand ready to power this technological revolution while advancing sustainability goals.
These two companies have emerged with bold plans to power Industry 4.0 -- one through next-generation nuclear reactors, the other by unlocking America's largest lithium deposit. Both carry significant risks, but their potential impact on U.S. energy independence makes them worth watching. Read on to find out more about these two cutting-edge energy stocks.
Small reactors, big ambitions
Remember when nuclear power meant massive cooling towers and billion-dollar mega plants? Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) wants to change that perception entirely. The company's Aurora powerhouse represents a new approach to nuclear power, designed for rapid deployment and scalability, compared to traditional plants that take a decade or more to build.
Global demand for small modular reactors (SMRs) continues to surge. The market grew to $6.66 billion in 2022 and shows no signs of slowing, with projections pointing to $13 billion by 2035. Developers worldwide have launched more than 70 commercial SMR designs, creating an increasingly competitive race for market leadership.
Oklo has moved quickly to strengthen its position, landing a preferred supplier agreement with Siemens Energy for steam turbine generators and securing Wyoming Hyperscale as a customer for its data center operations. The company aims to bring its first Idaho reactor online by 2027.
Yet Oklo faces significant challenges ahead. The company continues to burn cash and will likely do so for years, with profitability remaining a distant milestone. While innovative, its reactor design must still prove itself commercially. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's review process for new reactor designs can stretch for years, and any setbacks in safety validation or performance testing could push commercialization further into the future.
For investors willing to embrace high risk for potentially transformative rewards, Oklo offers a pure play on next-generation nuclear power. Success could position the company as the Tesla of nuclear energy, transforming how we think about atomic power generation. But like any moonshot technology, investors should size their positions appropriately and prepare for a volatile journey.
American lithium breaks new ground
The global race for lithium has found an unexpected frontline -- northern Nevada. Here, Lithium Americas (NYSE: LAC) has begun transforming its Thacker Pass site into what could become a cornerstone of North American battery production. The Department of Energy clearly sees the potential, backing the project with a $2.26 billion loan to build processing facilities capable of producing 40,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually.
General Motors recently committed $625 million for a 38% stake in the project. This partnership arrives as global lithium demand accelerates. Industry projections show the market soaring from $22.48 billion in 2024 to $155.7 billion by 2035.
Despite construction starting in 2023, significant work remains. Engineering designs sit at 40% completion, and production won't begin until 2027. The company holds $341 million in cash, but developing North America's largest lithium resource demands substantial capital and careful execution.
Yet for investors seeking exposure to domestic critical minerals, Lithium Americas offers something unique -- a pure-play bet on American lithium production backed by both federal funding and a major automaker. The company's success or failure at Thacker Pass could reshape battery supply chains across North America.
The fourth revolution demands reliable power
The Fourth Industrial Revolution's appetite for clean, reliable energy creates opportunities for bold investors. While both Oklo and Lithium Americas carry significant risks typical of early-stage companies, they offer pure-play exposure to critical segments of tomorrow's energy landscape.
Oklo's nuclear innovation and Lithium Americas' domestic mineral production could prove transformative for U.S. energy independence. For investors willing to embrace volatility in pursuit of potentially outsized returns, these speculative energy plays warrant consideration as small positions in a diversified portfolio.
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George Budwell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors and recommends the following options: long January 2025 $25 calls on General Motors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
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2 Incredible Growth Stocks That Could Power the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator is up 178.49 to 20,352.54. The total Pre-Market volume is currently 101,030,679 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the pre-market session:
Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) is -0.6 at $2.68, with 22,319,471 shares traded. As reported in the last short interest update the days to cover for LCID is 8.157662; this calculation is based on the average trading volume of the stock.
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is +4.03 at $139.75, with 9,893,352 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NVDA is in the "buy range".
ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) is -0.17 at $7.10, with 5,641,875 shares traded. This represents a 2.45% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSM) is +17.12 at $204.60, with 3,677,934 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for TSM is in the "buy range".
Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL) is +0.0311 at $9.72, with 3,588,278 shares traded. This represents a 96.78% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (DJT) is +0.44 at $31.70, with 2,812,469 shares traded.
ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) is +1.87 at $74.99, with 2,610,375 shares traded. This represents a 146.11% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Snap Inc. (SNAP) is -0.11 at $10.65, with 2,560,979 shares traded. SNAP's current last sale is 81.92% of the target price of $13.
NIO Inc. (NIO) is -0.17 at $5.34, with 2,280,523 shares traded. NIO's current last sale is 89% of the target price of $6.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) is -2.1399 at $79.76, with 1,325,548 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for UBER is in the "buy range".
Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) is +0.31 at $3.60, with 1,085,032 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for LAC is in the "buy range".
Oklo Inc. (OKLO) is -0.4 at $16.14, with 999,699 shares traded. OKLO's current last sale is 161.4% of the target price of $10.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Pre-Market Most Active for Oct 17, 2024 : LCID, NVDA, SQQQ, TSM, TSLL, DJT, TQQQ, SNAP, NIO, UBER, LAC, OKLO

(RTTNews) - Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC.TO, LAC) Wednesday announced that it has inked a new investment deal with General Motors Holdings LLC to establish a joint venture for the purpose of funding, developing, constructing and operating Thacker Pass in Humboldt County, Nevada.
The JV transaction will deliver $625 million of cash and letters of credit from GM to Thacker Pass alongside the conditional commitment for a $2.3 billion U.S. Department of Energy loan announced earlier this year.
Under the terms of the Investment Agreement, GM will acquire a 38% asset-level ownership stake in Thacker Pass for $625 million in total cash and letters of credit, including $430 million of direct cash funding to the JV to support the construction of Phase 11 and a $195 million letter of credit facility that can be used as collateral to support reserve account requirements2 under the DOE Loan.
The JV transaction replaces the $330 million Tranche 2 common equity investment commitment from GM under its original investment agreement with the company announced in January 2023.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Lithium Americas, General Motors Holdings To Establish New JV

The NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator is up 28.69 to 20,188.52. The total Pre-Market volume is currently 86,559,007 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the pre-market session:
Santech Holdings Limited (STEC) is +2.6052 at $2.99, with 31,516,510 shares traded.
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is +1.05 at $132.65, with 4,133,434 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NVDA is in the "buy range".
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (DJT) is +1.3903 at $28.45, with 3,209,288 shares traded.
Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) is +0.48 at $3.15, with 2,876,413 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for LAC is in the "buy range".
Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) is -2.05 at $10.55, with 2,380,336 shares traded. NVAX's current last sale is 58.61% of the target price of $18.
Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL) is +0.1288 at $9.68, with 2,157,892 shares traded. This represents a 95.93% increase from its 52 Week Low.
iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF (SHV) is +0.01 at $110.36, with 2,154,182 shares traded. This represents a .46% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Arcadium Lithium plc (ALTM) is +0.01 at $5.54, with 1,648,006 shares traded. ALTM's current last sale is 110.8% of the target price of $5.
NIO Inc. (NIO) is +0.07 at $5.69, with 1,318,105 shares traded. NIO's current last sale is 103.45% of the target price of $5.5.
AngloGold Ashanti PLC (AU) is +0.46 at $28.01, with 703,270 shares traded. AU's current last sale is 87.53% of the target price of $32.
Barrick Gold Corporation (GOLD) is -0.0101 at $20.20, with 476,690 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for GOLD is in the "buy range".
Wolfspeed, Inc. (WOLF) is -0.14 at $13.66, with 473,416 shares traded. WOLF's current last sale is 85.38% of the target price of $16.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Pre-Market Most Active for Oct 16, 2024 : STEC, NVDA, DJT, LAC, NVAX, TSLL, SHV, ALTM, NIO, AU, GOLD, WOLF

Lithium Americas Corp.'s LAC shares have lost 62.8% in the past six months, significantly underperforming the Zacks Mining – Miscellaneous industry’s decline of 2.9%. The bearishness reflects the plunge in LAC’s shares following its public offering of 55 million common shares at a deep discount and soft lithium market fundamentals underpinned by a slowdown in demand and a significant decline in lithium prices.
LAC stock is trading at a roughly 80% discount to its 52-week high of $12.38.
Technical indicators show that LAC has been trading below the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) since Aug. 28, 2024, indicating a bearish trend.
LAC’s Shares Trade Below 50-Day SMA
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Given the significant pullback in Lithium Americas’ shares, investors might be tempted to snap up the stock. But is this the right time to buy LAC? Let’s find out.
LAC Well-placed on Long-term Lithium Demand Growth
Lithium Americas, a lithium exploration and development company, is well-placed to gain from significant long-term growth in the lithium market. While lithium demand has slowed down and prices have been going downhill amid rising supply since 2023, long-term fundamentals remain solid for lithium, a critical mineral in the global transition to clean energy. The global demand for lithium is expected to experience exponential growth due to the accelerating adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage solutions. Lithium is expected to become increasingly valuable as the global push for clean energy and EVs accelerates.
As governments push for carbon neutrality, EV adoption has surged, driven by both policy initiatives and consumer demand. Demand for Lithium, a core component of EV batteries, is expected to accelerate on the back of significant global EV adoption driven by government mandates and consumer preference for greener alternatives. The increasing adoption of lithium-ion batteries in energy storage systems also contributes to this demand surge. Lithium Americas is well-positioned as a significant player in the lithium space to benefit from this trend.
Thacker Pass: The Fulcrum of LAC Stock’s Prospects
Lithium Americas remains committed to developing the fully owned Thacker Pass project located in Humboldt County in Nevada, which hosts the largest known measured and indicated lithium resource in North America. LAC is focused on advancing Thacker Pass, its only material mining project and most significant growth opportunity, toward production. Initial construction of the project commenced in March 2023. LAC targets a nameplate production capacity of 40,000 tons per annum (tpa) of battery-grade lithium carbonate during Phase 1. In the second phase of production (Phase 2), it targets an additional 40,000 tpa, for a total production capacity of 80,000 tpa.
Thacker Pass is one of the largest known lithium deposits in the United States and is crucial for reducing the reliance on foreign lithium suppliers. The U.S. government has shown strong support for domestic lithium production, which is crucial for national security and the development of EV infrastructure. With the increasing focus on developing domestic lithium supply chains in the United States, Thacker Pass could play a vital role in securing the U.S. lithium supply.
LAC is expected to benefit from government backing in the form of favorable regulatory frameworks and support for domestic lithium production, given the growing recognition of lithium’s strategic importance. Thacker Pass is expected to support lithium needs for up to 800,000 EVs annually.
Strong Financial Backing for Lithium Americas
Lithium Americas is committed to engaging with several stakeholders to responsibly develop Thacker Pass. The company has received a conditional commitment for a $2.26 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program for financing the construction of the processing facilities at Thacker Pass. LAC expects to close the DOE Loan in the second half of 2024.
In January 2023, General Motors Company GM announced a $650 million equity investment in Lithium Americas to assist the latter in constructing and developing Thacker Pass. The first part of this two-tranche investment was completed in February 2023. General Motors has exclusive rights to all Phase 1 production for 10 years, with an option to extend for an additional five years.
The DOE loan and GM’s investment are expected to provide the bulk of the required capital to fund Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction. Major construction is anticipated to start in second-half 2024, following the expected closing of the DOE Loan and issuance of full notice to proceed. Mechanical completion of Thacker Pass Phase 1 is targeted for 2027, with full-capacity production expected in 2028. In late April 2024, LAC completed a $275 million equity offering, which it expects to use in advancing the Thacker Pass construction.
Uncertainty Over Financing May Impact LAC’s Prospects
Lithium Americas is yet to generate revenues from operations and relies on equity and other financings to fund operations. LAC is heavily dependent on the successful development of Thacker Pass and bringing it into production. Production from Thacker Pass is also not expected to ramp up until 2028. LAC and General Motors recently agreed to postpone the $330 million second tranche investment until the end of 2024.
The companies agreed to explore alternative structures for the second part of the investment during this time and extended the deal closure date to Dec. 20, 2024. If the deal is not closed by then, LAC will need to grant additional rights related to Thacker Pass Phase 2 to General Motors. The conditions for the second tranche include the successful execution of the loan agreement with the DOE. The delay has raised risks regarding the closing of financings.
Lithium Americas’ Earnings Estimates Going Down
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 for LAC has been revised downward over the past 30 days. The consensus estimate for 2025 has also been revised lower over the same time frame.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LAC Stock Underperforms Industry and S&P 500
LAC’s shares have lost 61.6% year to date, underperforming the industry’s 14.9% decline and the S&P 500’s rise of 19.9%. A couple of key players in the lithium mining space, Albemarle Corporation ALB and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. SQM have lost 37.4% and 34.9%, respectively, this year, reflecting the significant decline in lithium prices due to slowing demand growth for EVs, inventory glut and increased supply. Lithium prices nosedived more than 80% year over year in 2023 after peaking in 2022, and the weakness continues.
LAC’s YTD Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How Should Investors Play the LAC Stock?
Lithium Americas presents an attractive investment opportunity driven by exposure to the growing demand for lithium across various industries. As the world transitions from fossil fuels to electrification, LAC is well-placed to capitalize on this transformation as a supplier of this critical material, making it worth considering for long-term growth.
Investors seeking to capitalize on the booming demand for lithium can gain early exposure to a company that is set to play a crucial role in meeting the world’s future energy needs. However, there remain risks around the closing of the second tranche of GM financing and the DOE loan. Therefore, it is not advisable to buy the dip in this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. Holding onto LAC stock will be prudent for investors who already own it.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Lithium Americas Stock Loses 63% in 6 Months: Should You Buy the Dip?

In this video, Motley Fool contributors Jason Hall and Tyler Crowe break down the big news that a Chinese battery maker is cutting lithium production, and why that could be a big positive for lithium miners including Albemarle (NYSE: ALB), Lithium Americas Corp (NYSE: LAC), and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE: SQM).
*Stock prices used were from the morning of Sept. 11, 2024. The video was published on Sept. 11, 2024.
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Jason Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Tyler Crowe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Jason Hall is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through their link they will earn some extra money that supports their channel. Their opinions remain their own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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