Electromobility needs graphite just as much as AI needs energy – a closer look at BYD, Graphano Energy, and Intel

BYD – Year in review shows mixed picture

The year 2025 ended on an ambivalent note for electric vehicle pioneer BYD. Although December sales of new energy vehicles were below the previous year's level, the Company was able to further expand its volume over the year as a whole. Particularly noteworthy is the shift within the product range. While sales of plug-in hybrids declined, purely battery-electric models (BEVs) grew strongly. This shift toward more BEVs underscores the Company's adaptability and reflects a broader market trend.

On the global stage, BYD reached a milestone last year. It delivered the most fully electric vehicles worldwide, overtaking the previous leader. This success was driven largely by explosive export growth. However, the Company is under considerable pressure in its home market of China. An intense price war and government measures against excessive discounting are weighing on the environment. In addition, industry forecasts point to a general slowdown in growth in the world's largest vehicle market.

Despite the challenges, BYD continues to work strategically on its internationalization and technological base. Discussions about battery deliveries to global automotive groups and the examination of assembly options in key markets such as India demonstrate the Company's expansionary course. Cooperation agreements, for example, in the field of hybrid technology, are intended to secure the breadth of the business model. For investors, BYD thus remains an exciting, albeit complex, market leader in transition, demonstrating both strength and vulnerability. The share is currently trading at EUR 10.91.

Graphano Energy – New data underpins exploration success

The latest announcement from Graphano Energy brings a breath of fresh air to the exploration company's valuation. On January 16, management presented the results of an extensive airborne geophysical survey of its Black Pearl project in Québec. The evaluation of 473 km of measurement data confirms a continuous conductive trend over a length of more than 1.2 km. Even more exciting is the identification of numerous new priority targets that significantly expand the area available for exploration. This provides the project with a robust technical foundation for future resource generation.

This airborne data provides technical confirmation of previous ground surveys and drilling. Back in the fall of 2025, an initial drilling program at Black Pearl had encountered promising graphite zones close to surface. The results, including 8.61 m with 11.33% graphitic carbon, had sparked interest at the time. The new geophysical anomalies now suggest that this mineralization may be just the beginning of a larger structure. The key question for the coming months will be whether the high grades from the discovery drilling can be replicated in these new target zones.

The campaign provides clarity on the way forward. A detailed technical report, expected in about five weeks, will guide the next steps. The data will serve as a precise roadmap for further field work and targeted drilling programs. For investors, this systematic, data-driven approach underscores how the Company is purposefully advancing its most important exploration project and methodically minimizing risk. This discipline in the use of funds, supported by recent financing, could provide a decisive edge in the competitive exploration for critical minerals. The stock is currently trading at CAD 0.18.

Intel –Must deliver now

Intel continues to present a mixed picture. The data center and AI segment (DCAI) stands out positively, recording solid revenue growth and a significant increase in operating profit. This points to improved sales prices and strong demand in this core area. The balance sheet was also strengthened by significant external investments, which benefits financial flexibility. The introduction of the new 18A process technology and the upcoming launch of Panther Lake CPUs hold long-term technological potential.

However, there are significant operational hurdles. Acute supply bottlenecks are expected to dampen growth in the first half of 2026 and lead to a weak start to the quarter. The customer segment (CCG) is already experiencing declining revenue. Particularly problematic is the ongoing pressure on gross margins, which are burdened by high fixed costs and the ramp-up of production of new chips. Management acknowledges that the current level is unacceptable.

The stock's valuation shows that the market is viewing the turnaround story with caution. Although the stock is trading at a discount to many semiconductor peers, this discount is historically smaller than in the recent past. This leaves little room for further disappointments. The foundry division remains a major cost factor without significant external customers and does not contribute to profitability. Intel now needs to deliver convincing price momentum: supply chains must be stabilized and the promised margin improvements must be reflected in the figures. Until then, patience is required. The share price is currently trading at USD 48.78.

The structural demand for high-performance batteries and semiconductors makes graphite and energy efficiency key value drivers. BYD is consolidating its position as a global e-mobility leader, but is struggling with a cooling economy in its home market of China. Graphano Energy is systematizing its Québec project with new exploration data, thereby strengthening its role as a potential raw material supplier. Intel, on the other hand, is showing strength in the AI business, but its operational recovery remains hampered by supply bottlenecks and margin pressure.