Why This EV Stock Is Up 158% in 2021

AutoCanada (TSX:ACQ) is up 158% this year, but analysts believe more growth from this EV stock is on the way thanks to increased sales and acquisitions.

| More on:
Car, EV, electric vehicle

Image source: Getty Images

When it comes to investing in electric vehicles (EV), there are a lot of EV stocks to consider. However, what if you could consider all of them at once? This is just one of the reasons analysts are getting on board with AutoCanada (TSX:ACQ).

AutoCanada is a franchised automobile dealership that operates across Canada and the United States. If it runs, it sells it. And that’s exactly what makes this a solid choice if you want to buy an EV stock. In fact, the company was recently included in the TSX30 list of best-performing stocks! So let’s look at why AutoCanada is up 158% today and why analysts believe there is further growth to come.

What happened

The most obvious reason behind AutoCanada’s recent growth comes from its earnings and acquisitions. This EV stock continues to report strong year-over-year improvements after all but shutting down during the pandemic. Most recently, it reported a 288% increase in net income, and adjusted EBITDA up 1,360% compared to the same time last year! It also reported record-setting revenue, up 76% year over year.

But for those of you thinking that this comes down to an increase from the pandemic, you’re only partly right. Management stated during the report there is a “…robust acquisition pipeline of dealerships and collision centres” coming, which would represent more than US$500 million in annual revenue. So not only should growth continue in 2021, but far beyond as well for this EV stock.

So what

While 158% growth is amazing, it’s bound to slow, right? Well, yes. But not entirely. AutoCanada will likely see sales up 39% in 2021, and that will continue to increase in the single digits for the next few years. On top of that, earnings per share are expected to explode this year to 495%! This growth has analysts projecting an upside of a further 45% for 2021 alone. So it’s absolutely not too late to get in on this EV stock.

And in fact, if you’re looking for a way to get in on the action surrounding an EV stock company, this is a great way to do it. As car manufacturers continue to transition to hybrid and electric vehicle models, over the next few years people will want to trade in their cars for an upgrade. That’s especially true as charging stations become more common and gas prices continue to rise.

So AutoCanada provides an opportunity to see sales soar with this move toward EVs. It’s an EV stock that puts you at the forefront of actual sales rather than innovations. Plus you get access to every car manufacturer rather than sticking with one or two. So again, as the EV stock continues to acquire businesses, collision centres, and offer more EVs, this is a great stock to consider for your portfolio.

Now what

Even with all this growth, AutoCanada is still a great EV stock to buy. It offers a P/E ratio of just 11.31 and EV/EBITDA of 13.71, which is well within value territory. Shares are up 1,314% in the last decade for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30%! And yet it’s still just now closing in on all-time highs seen in 2014.

So if you want an EV stock that will put you at the forefront of returns, consider adding AutoCanada to your watchlist.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Stocks: What’s Better? Growth or Consistency?

Are you trying to invest in dividend stocks? What’s better, growth or consistency? Here’s my take.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

After Hitting 52-Week Highs, TIH Stock Is Down: Here’s What Happened

TIH (TSX:TIH) stock has seen a huge rally in 2023, but dropped earlier in April as an analyst weighed in…

Read more »

stock market
Investing

2 Top TSX Bargain Stocks That Could Be Ready for a Bull Run

These 2 TSX stocks are already rallying on recent results that have been stronger than expected.

Read more »

Cogs turning against each other
Dividend Stocks

How to Build a Bulletproof Monthly Passive Income Portfolio With Just $5,000

Looking for solid stocks for a bulletproof income portfolio? Consider adding these two REITs.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Energy Stocks

Have $500? 2 Absurdly Cheap Stocks Long-Term Investors Should Buy Right Now

Torex Gold Resources (TSX:TXG) stock and one undervalued TSX energy stock could rise as identified scenarios play out.

Read more »

clock time
Dividend Stocks

Is Now the Right Time to Buy goeasy Stock? Here’s My Take

Shares of goeasy stock (TSX:GSY) slumped last year on a federal announcement, but that has all changed since then.

Read more »

Illustration of bull and bear
Investing

The Bulls Are Coming: 2 of the Best Growth Stocks to Buy Now to Get Ahead

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) and MTY Food Group (TSX:MTY) stocks look way too cheap to ignore at these levels.

Read more »

Bank sign on traditional europe building facade
Stocks for Beginners

1 Magnificent TSX Dividend Stock Down 22% to Buy and Hold Forever

This dividend stock may be down 22% from all-time highs, but is up 17% in the last year alone. And…

Read more »