MP Materials Corp.

Средний индекс, значительно упал. Оптимистичный взгляд на свои позиции резко сменился на неуверенность.

Medium index, significantly down. An optimistic view of his position suddenly changed to uncertainty.

Сильный индекс, без изменений. Рынок не поддерживает быков.

Strong index, flat. The market does not support the bulls.

Сильный индекс, без изменений. Рынок на стороне медведей.

Strong index, flat. The market is on the bears' side.

Средний индекс, незначительно вырос. Отток средств из лонгов на высоком уровне.

Medium index, slightly up. Outflow of funds from longs at a high level.

Средний индекс, незначительно упал. Приток средств в шорты на высоком уровне.

Medium index, slightly down. Inflow of funds into shorts at a high level.

Key Points
China dominates rare-earth extraction and processing, creating a major supply-chain vulnerability for the U.S.
The U.S. is investing heavily in domestic rare-earth mining, processing, and "mine-to-magnet" production.
MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, and TMC are three rare-earth stocks that have caught investors' attention.
Rare-earth elements are crucial for modern technologies, including electric vehicles, data centers, and advanced defense systems. Yet the supply chain is heavily concentrated in China, which controls 70% of global rare-earth extraction and 90% of rare-earth processing, according to research by The Motley Fool.
This reliance on a single country makes the U.S. vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, and policymakers are taking steps to boost domestic production of these critical minerals. Over the past year, several publicly traded companies have emerged to address this gap, including MP Materials (NYSE: MP), USA Rare Earth (NASDAQ: USAR), and TMC The Metals Company (NASDAQ: TMC).
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These companies are leading the charge as the U.S. builds a vertically integrated "mine-to-magnet" supply chain, but each has a very different risk profile. If you're considering investing in rare-earth stocks, two of these are a buy, while one faces far more uncertainty. Here's what you need to know.
The rare-earth supply push
Rare-earth elements are crucial for emerging technologies, and magnet metals such as neodymium, praseodymium (NdPr), dysprosium, and terbium are key minerals used to manufacture high-powered permanent magnets. These magnets are used in electric vehicle motors, semiconductors, data center cooling systems, and military applications like fighter jets and missile guidance systems.
China has a stronghold on rare-earth elements and has used its position to tighten export controls as leverage in trade negotiations with the U.S. For this reason, the U.S. is taking drastic steps to boost its rare-earth industry, including launching a Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve, providing funding to help companies build out their mining and processing capabilities, and entering into historic partnerships that include investments in these rare-earth stocks.
These two rare-earth stocks are better buys right now
When it comes to rare-earth stocks, MP Materials and USA Rare Earth look like more appealing investment options, while The Metals Company faces more regulatory risk with its deep-sea mining pursuits.
MP Materials has the most developed mining business, operating the only commercial-scale, active rare-earth mine in North America at Mountain Pass, California. The company has a first-mover advantage and was a clear choice when the U.S. government began investing in building out its domestic mine-to-magnet supply chain.
Last year, MP entered into a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense that included several unprecedented guarantees. The government established a 10-year price protection agreement (PPA) that guarantees a minimum price of $110 per kilogram for MP's neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) product. This comes as the U.S. aims to protect MP from China's aggressive state-subsidized programs.
As part of this, the DOD purchased $400 million in convertible preferred stock and warrants, which could represent up to 15% ownership in the rare-earth stock. In addition, the government has committed to purchasing 100% of the magnet production from MP's planned 10X facility, locking in an annual minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $140 million.
USA Rare Earth is another company emerging as an attractive rare-earth stock thanks to government funding and huge acquisitions of established assets that diversify it away from Chinese supply chains. The company secured $1.6 billion in federal financing under the CHIPS and Science Act to boost its mine-to-magnet business, which will help pay for its $1.2 billion permanent magnet facility in South Carolina.
Last year, USA Rare Earth acquired Less Common Metals (LCM), providing it with immediate metal-making capabilities and securing feedstock for its Oklahoma production plant. It also acquired the Serra Verde Group for $2.8 billion, giving it control of Brazil's Pela Ema mine, the only scaled producer outside Asia with all four critical magnetic rare-earth elements. This deal is expected to close in the third quarter.
TMC faces unique legal and regulatory risks
TMC relies on developing commercial-scale deep-sea mining capabilities. But while the sea floor is rich in polymetallic nodules, mining the deep ocean floor has not been tested on a large scale. Not only that, but the company also faces scrutiny from environmentalists who are concerned that it could release toxins or stored carbon through sediment plumes, causing permanent damage to ocean biodiversity.
The company benefits from a Trump administration executive order designed to expedite permitting for deep-sea mining, but faces legal risk along the way. That's because the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has not yet finalized exploitation regulations, and there is heavy debate over whether the U.S. even has the authority to issue mining permits in these waters.
On July 20, 2026, the Seabed Disputes Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) issued unanimous provisional orders ordering the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to respect due process regarding TMC's subsidiaries. While this removes some regulatory uncertainty, TMC is still a highly risky stock until the ISA finishes the formal Exploitation Code and approves TMC's commercial extraction applications.
The bottom line on rare-earth stocks
Rare-earth elements have come into focus in recent years, and for good reason. As the U.S. builds up its mining and processing capabilities and boosts mine-to-magnet production, MP Materials and USA Rare Earth stand ready to benefit. While TMC could benefit from this push as well, the company faces significantly more regulatory risks than the others do.
Investors should keep in mind that investing in any of these stocks carries risk, and sudden policy pivots or operational delays could trigger significant volatility. With that said, aggressive investors bullish on the rare-earth theme are better off buying MP Materials and USA Rare Earth, while avoiding (or selling) TMC until its regulatory and legal pathways become clearer.
Should you buy stock in MP Materials right now?
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Courtney Carlsen has positions in MP Materials, TMC The Metals Company, and USA Rare Earth. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends MP Materials. 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.

2 Rare-Earth Stocks to Buy Right Now, and 1 to Sell

Key Points
The Trump Administration has already taken stakes in key U.S. companies.
Investors should be prepared for more direct government involvement.
The Trump Administration has not been shy about taking ownership stakes in what it views as critical suppliers of goods and services key to U.S. interests.
In recent years, the U.S. government has taken interests in semiconductor giant Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC), rare-earth miner MP Materials (NYSE: MP), and lithium producer Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC).
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"The U.S. government has negotiated stakes in dozens of companies," reports CNBC. "Some U.S. ownership stakes have been opportunistic, while others have been a part of a broader economic strategy."
Now, there's a rising belief that the U.S. government will take ownership stakes in key artificial intelligence companies. Last month, Senator Bernie Sanders wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times suggesting that citizens consider nationalizing certain powerful companies that control critical AI technologies.
"Artificial intelligence will almost certainly be the most transformational technology in the history of the world," Sanders wrote. "The question, then, is not whether A.I. will change the world. It will. The question is: Who will own and control that future? Who will benefit from it, and who will be hurt by it?"
Sanders's solution is to establish a sovereign wealth fund that can facilitate such direct stakes. AI investors should take note.
"I will soon be introducing the American A.I. Sovereign Wealth Fund Act," Sanders revealed. "This legislation would give the public a direct ownership stake in the largest A.I. companies in our country. How? It would create a sovereign wealth fund through a one-time 50 percent tax -- not on the profits of OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI and other companies, but paid with something far more valuable than that: the stock."
Sanders specifically lists xAI -- the AI division of Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX) -- as a potential target of partial nationalization. How seriously should investors be taking this? Betting markets offer some insight into what might happen next.
Nationalize SpaceX? Here's what betting markets are predicting
Previous to SpaceX's historic IPO, betting markets were surprisingly bullish on the U.S. government nationalizing the company. In August of 2025, for example, certain betting markets had odds of the space company being nationalized by January of 2027 at around 11%, though limited trading volumes make this somewhat suspect.
As the year has rolled on, however, the odds of SpaceX being nationalized by the start of next year have consistently fallen. Current odds hover at roughly 4%. Considering the track record for things like this in prediction markets, it's fair to say that these are just guesses.
Of course, the government could always begin nationalization -- or at least the process of taking a direct stake -- after January of 2027. We just don't have betting markets for predicting such a situation. But if recent history is any indication, investors should not be surprised to see governments more directly involved in the AI sector's evolution.
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Ryan Vanzo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intel and MP Materials. 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.

Will Trump Nationalize SpaceX? Here's What Betting Markets Are Predicting Post-IPO.

MP Materials Corp. MP sits near the center of a U.S. push to localize rare earth processing and magnet manufacturing. The investor question is no longer limited to mine output.
The bigger issue is whether MP can turn strategic relevance into repeatable earnings power while it builds a domestic supply chain.
Why MP Materials Fits the Reshoring Trend
MP’s model fits reshoring because it spans more than mining. The company owns Mountain Pass in California, the only rare earth mine and processing site of scale in North America, and operates the Independence facility in Fort Worth, TX.
Mountain Pass supports mining, concentration and separation. Independence produces rare earth metal, alloy and magnetic precursor products, while the planned 10X campus in Northlake, TX, would add more domestic magnet capacity.
Albemarle Corporation ALB, a lithium and specialty chemicals producer, gives investors another way to view processing depth in strategic materials. Cameco Corporation CCJ, a uranium and nuclear fuel company, reflects interest in secure energy supply chains.
How MP is Moving Beyond Commodity Exposure
MP is moving away from a simpler concentrate sales model. It stopped rare earth concentrate sales to Chinese customers in July 2025 and now focuses Materials segment revenues mainly on neodymium-praseodymium oxide and metal.
That shift matters because value creation increasingly depends on processing depth. In the first quarter of 2026, Materials revenues rose to $72.2 million, while neodymium-praseodymium oxide and metal revenues reached $71.1 million.
The downstream transition is also taking shape. Independence began generating revenues from magnetic precursor sales to General Motors in the first quarter of 2025 and started neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnet manufacturing in December 2025.
What Policy Support Means for MP Growth
Policy support has become central to MP’s growth setup. The company entered definitive agreements with the United States Department of War in July 2025 to support a domestic rare earth magnet supply chain.
Those agreements call for expansion of Independence, construction of the 10X facility and extension of heavy rare earth refining capability at Mountain Pass. The Department of War agreed to purchase magnets from 10X, or approve commercial syndication, and guaranteed a minimum EBITDA level for that plant.
MP also implemented a price protection agreement in the fourth quarter of 2025 with a $110-per-kilogram floor for eligible neodymium-praseodymium products through 2035. The Northlake project is supported by roughly $200 million in state and local incentives and a 10-year Pentagon offtake commitment.
This support can improve demand visibility and reduce downside. It also adds contractual obligations, approval requirements and dependence on government program execution.
Why MP Materials Faces a Tougher Margin Equation
The domestic buildout brings costs that investors cannot ignore. MP has reported operating losses for 11 consecutive quarters as it shifts toward higher-value separated products.
Cost of sales climbed 52% in the first quarter of 2026 because of higher volumes of neodymium-praseodymium oxide, metal and magnetic precursor products. These products carry higher per-unit costs than rare earth concentrates because they require chemical reagents, labor, maintenance and other consumables.
Operating expenses are also rising. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 39.2% in the first quarter, mainly because of higher personnel costs. Start-up costs surged 503% as magnet production and chlor-alkali facilities ramped.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MP Materials’ 2026 earnings is pegged at 22 cents per share, indicating an improvement from the loss of 24 cents in 2025. The estimate for 2027 is $1.04 per share, indicating a 372% year-over-year improvement.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
However, both the estimates have been revised downward, as shown in the chart below.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Working capital remains part of the equation. Higher trade receivables, inventory needs and deferred revenues show that cash conversion depends on timely shipment, qualification and customer acceptance across newer product lines.
Shares of MP have declined 18.9% in the past three months against the industry’s 9.6% fall.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How MP Scores Reflect a Trend-Driven Trade
MP’s reshoring appeal is real, but the stock setup remains mixed. The company has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which fits a business with policy support, improving operating traction and meaningful execution risk. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Style Scores show the same split. MP has a Momentum Score of A, suggesting stronger market interest around the theme and recent estimate activity. Its Value Score of F and Growth Score of D point to caution on valuation and fundamental consistency.
The VGM Score of D reinforces that this is not a clean across-the-board setup. MP looks more like a trend-driven stock that still needs proof of durable margins, smooth qualification and reliable downstream scale than a high-conviction buy at any price.
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MP Materials and the U.S. Rare Earth Push are Starting to Align

MP Materials Corp. MP has become more than a rare earth mining story. Its shift into separated products, metal, alloy and magnet manufacturing gives investors a clearer view of a domestic supply chain buildout.
The harder question is price. MP’s operating progress is improving, but the stock still carries a premium valuation while the company ramps several capital-intensive projects at once.
Why MP Stock Has Started Looking More Credible
MP’s first-quarter 2026 results made the business model look more tangible. Revenues rose 49% year over year to $90.6 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $75 million. Adjusted earnings were three cents per share, above the consensus mark of a loss of one cent.
Adjusted EBITDA was $36.6 million against a loss of $2.7 million a year earlier. Operating cash use narrowed to $1.9 million from $63.2 million, helped by higher product sales, prior-quarter price protection collections and a $19 million 45X credit receipt.
MP produced a record 917 metric tons of NdPr up 63% year over year, while NdPr sales volumes rose 117% to 1,006 metric tons. That supports the case that separated rare earth output is moving into measurable volume growth.
Why MP Materials Still Looks Expensive
Valuation is the biggest obstacle to a clean buy case. MP trades at 13.78X forward 12-month sales, well above 1.59X for the Zacks sub-industry, 2.6X for the Zacks Basic Materials sector and 5.06X for the S&P 500.
The premium also sits above MP’s own five-year median of 11.32X, although the multiple has ranged from 5.59X to 38.89X over that span. Investors are already paying for a sizable portion of the future buildout.
The near-term upside case looks tempered. The $52 price target is only modestly above the $49.46 stock price as of July 15, 2026. Execution gains still need to keep arriving.
Shares of MP have declined 18.9% in the past three months against the industry’s 9.6% fall.
What Keeps MP From a Cleaner Bull Case
MP still has a profitability problem. The company has reported operating losses for 11 consecutive quarters as it shifts from concentrate sales toward higher-value separated rare earth products.
The cost base is rising with the strategy. Cost of sales climbed 52% in the first quarter of 2026 due to higher sales volumes of NdPr oxide, metal and magnetic precursor products. Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 39.2%, while start-up costs surged 503%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MP Materials’ 2026 earnings is pegged at 22 cents per share, indicating an improvement from the loss of 24 cents in 2025. The estimate for 2027 is $1.04 per share, indicating a 372% year-over-year improvement.
However, both the estimates have been revised downward, as shown in the chart below.
The downstream transition remains unfinished. Independence is ramping magnet manufacturing and qualification, Mountain Pass is moving toward heavy rare earth production, and the 10X facility requires construction and commissioning. Any delay in customer acceptance, yield improvement or qualification could push revenue and cash flow further out.
How Liquidity Strengthens the MP Materials Case
MP’s balance sheet is a key reason the story remains investable despite those risks. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $1.74 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared with $1.83 billion at the end of 2025.
The company also had no borrowings under its $275 million revolving credit facility and $203 million of remaining borrowing capacity. That liquidity gives MP room to fund Mountain Pass investments, heavy rare earth refining, Independence scale-up and 10X construction.
Albemarle Corporation ALB gives investors exposure to another minerals supply chain tied to electrification. Energy Fuels Inc. UUUU, a producer of uranium, rare earth elements and other critical minerals, reflects domestic resource security interest.
What MP Ratings Say About Investor Timing
MP’s setup looks more balanced than one-sided. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which fits a company showing operational improvement but still facing valuation, cost and execution hurdles. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Style Scores send a similar message. MP has a Momentum Score of A, pointing to stronger market interest and estimate-revision support. However, its Value Score of F, Growth Score of D and VGM Score of D argue against treating the stock as a high-conviction buy at the current entry point.
For now, MP offers a credible domestic rare earth growth platform with enough liquidity to keep building. The stock’s premium valuation and unfinished operating ramp make patience more appropriate than aggressive buying.
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From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
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Is MP Stock a Buy Now or Too Pricey for Its Execution Risks?

MP Materials Corp. MP is no longer just a Mountain Pass mining story. The company is building a broader rare earth platform that links upstream production with downstream magnets.
That shift gives investors more to consider. Demand visibility is improving, but the same strategy also raises the burden on execution, working capital and margins.
How MP Materials Is Rebuilding the Supply Chain
MP controls rare earth production from mining and separation to metal, alloy and magnet manufacturing. Mountain Pass in California anchors the Materials segment, while the Fort Worth, TX, Independence facility supports downstream metal, alloy and magnetic precursor production.
The two assets matter more together as MP moves away from lower-value concentrate sales. The company ceased concentrate sales to Chinese customers in July 2025 and began neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnet manufacturing at Independence in December 2025.
Why MP Stock Has Better Demand Visibility
MP’s story is now shaped by commercial and policy support, not only rare earth pricing. Agreements with the Department of War support the expansion of Independence, the construction of the 10X facility in Northlake, TX, and heavy rare earth refining capability at Mountain Pass.
The framework also includes a $110-per-kilogram price floor for eligible neodymium-praseodymium products through 2035. That protection, combined with long-term magnet purchase commitments tied to 10X, gives MP more visible offtake and partial earnings support.
USA Rare Earth USAR is another name tied to U.S. rare earth processing and magnet ambitions. Its presence keeps investor attention on the broader domestic supply chain buildout rather than on MP alone.
Where MP Materials is Showing Real Operating Progress
The first quarter of 2026 showed progress in the transition. Revenues rose 49% year over year to $90.6 million, helped by stronger Materials and Magnetics contributions.
Materials revenues rose 30% to $72.2 million as MP produced a record 917 metric tons of neodymium-praseodymium and sold 1,006 metric tons. Magnetics revenues reached $21 million as higher magnetic precursor output supported the segment.
General Motors GM remained central to that downstream ramp. MP had sold $87.9 million of magnetic precursor products to General Motors as of March 31, 2026 and expects to complete the remaining $62.1 million commitment within the next year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MP Materials’ 2026 earnings is pegged at 22 cents per share, indicating an improvement from the loss of 24 cents in 2025. The estimate for 2027 is $1.04 per share, indicating a 372% year-over-year improvement.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
What Could Still Disrupt MP Materials Growth
MP’s transition is technically demanding. Mountain Pass is moving toward heavy rare earth production, Independence is ramping magnet manufacturing and qualification, and 10X still requires construction and commissioning.
Customer concentration also remains a risk. In the first quarter of 2026, two Materials customers accounted for 40% and 24% of total revenues, while General Motors represented 23% through Magnetics.
Costs add another constraint. Cost of sales climbed 52% in the quarter due to higher volumes of neodymium-praseodymium oxide, metal and magnetic precursor products, while start-up costs rose sharply as magnet and chlor-alkali activities ramped.
Shares of MP have declined 18.9% in the past three months compared with the industry’s 9.6% fall.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Albemarle Corporation ALB, though focused on lithium rather than rare earth magnets, offers a useful comparison for investors watching critical minerals. Commodity exposure, processing costs and capital discipline often shape how markets value producers tied to electrification supply chains.
How MP Signals a Balanced Stock Setup
The bottom line is that MP has a clearer domestic rare earth growth path, but not a simple one. Scale, policy support and downstream integration improve the setup, while qualification risk, customer concentration and elevated investment needs keep the outlook balanced.
MP currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). That rank fits a company with visible catalysts but a near-term profile that still depends on execution across several capital-intensive projects. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Style Scores show the same split. MP has a Value Score of F, Growth Score of D, Momentum Score of A and VGM Score of D. The strong Momentum Score points to better sentiment and timing characteristics, but the weak Value, Growth and VGM readings suggest investors should weigh the stock’s improving narrative against an uneven operating and valuation profile.
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From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
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USA Rare Earth Inc. (USAR) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

MP Materials Stock Outlook Hinges on Rare Earth Scale-Up Plans

MP Materials MP is steadily building an integrated domestic rare earth supply chain spanning mining, refining, metal production and magnet manufacturing. This strategy aligns closely with U.S. national priorities to localize production of critical materials used in electric vehicles, defense systems, robotics and advanced manufacturing.
A major step in this strategy came in July 2025, when MP Materials entered into definitive agreements with the United States Department of War (DoW) to accelerate the build-out of an end-to-end U.S. rare earth magnet supply chain. Under the agreement, the company will expand its Independence Facility, construct its second magnet manufacturing facility in Northlake, TX (known as the 10X Facility) and boost its heavy rare earth elements (HREE) refining capability at Mountain Pass.
Per the DoW Offtake Agreement, the department has guaranteed that the 10X Facility will generate at least $140 million of EBITDA and has committed to purchase all magnets produced at the facility, unless those volumes are commercially syndicated with DoD approval. MP Materials also entered into a price floor protection agreement with the DoW for the neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) products produced at Mountain Pass that are sold or produced and stockpiled starting in the fourth quarter of 2025.
MP Materials estimates more than $1.25 billion for the 10X projects, supported by approximately $200 million of state and local incentive packages, as well as a 10-year magnet offtake agreement with the DoW. The 10X Facility is expected to begin commissioning in 2028. On completion, it will produce an estimated 7,000 metric tons (MTs) of magnets per year. Combined with Independence Facility’s 3,000 MTs per year of magnets, the company’s overall U.S. rare earth magnet annual production capacity will expand to an estimated 10,000 MTs.
The company is also securing long-term commercial customers alongside government support. MP Materials entered into a definitive, long-term supply agreement with Apple AAPL in July 2025 for the development, manufacture and supply of magnets from its Independence Facility, as well as the development and installation of scaled recycling capabilities at Mountain Pass to produce the contained rare earths from post-industrial and post-consumer recycled rare earth feedstocks. In connection with the agreement and subject to achieving specified milestones, Apple agreed to make prepayments in the aggregate amount of $200 million for the purchase of magnets from the company.
In April 2022, MP Materials entered into a long-term agreement with General Motors GM to supply magnets and precursor products manufactured at the Independence Facility. The Magnetics segment began generating revenues from the sales of magnetic precursor products to General Motors in the first quarter of 2025. As of March 31, 2026, the company had sold $87.9 million of magnetic precursor products to General Motors and expects to complete the remaining $62.1 million commitment within the next year. Following the fulfillment of this agreement, the company anticipates transitioning to sales of finished magnets to General Motors, which are expected to begin in 2026.
Energy Fuels UUUU is pursuing a similar strategy to capitalize on the growing emphasis on domestic critical mineral supply chains. In addition to its uranium business, Energy Fuels has been expanding its rare earth operations. Energy Fuels recently secured a conditional commitment for up to $725 million in financing from the U.S. Office of Strategic Capital. The financing is intended to support the expansion of critical mineral processing capabilities at the company's White Mesa Mill in Utah and the development of a rare earth metals and alloys manufacturing facility in the United States. Energy Fuels has also announced the acquisition of VAC Group, which would significantly strengthen its downstream magnet manufacturing capabilities.
MP’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
MP Materials’ shares have declined 24.6% over the past six months compared with the industry’s 0.5% dip.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MP is trading at a forward 12-month price/sales multiple of 14.61X, a significant premium to the industry’s 1.59X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MP Materials’ 2026 earnings is pegged at 22 cents per share, indicating an improvement from the loss of 24 cents in 2025. The estimate for 2027 is $1.04 per share, indicating a 372% year-over-year improvement.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The revision activity for 2026 and 2027 estimates is shown in the chart below.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
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This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
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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.

Can Government Backing Drive MP Materials' Next Phase of Growth?

Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in e.l.f. Beauty Inc (Symbol: ELF), where a total of 21,636 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 2.2 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 54% of ELF's average daily trading volume over the past month of 4.0 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $85 strike call option expiring August 21, 2026, with 7,587 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 758,700 underlying shares of ELF. Below is a chart showing ELF's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $85 strike highlighted in orange:
Montauk Renewables Inc (Symbol: MNTK) saw options trading volume of 1,080 contracts, representing approximately 108,000 underlying shares or approximately 52.5% of MNTK's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 205,780 shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $2.50 strike call option expiring August 21, 2026, with 1,080 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 108,000 underlying shares of MNTK. Below is a chart showing MNTK's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $2.50 strike highlighted in orange:
And MP Materials Corp (Symbol: MP) saw options trading volume of 26,018 contracts, representing approximately 2.6 million underlying shares or approximately 49.7% of MP's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 5.2 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $70 strike call option expiring September 18, 2026, with 3,228 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 322,800 underlying shares of MP. Below is a chart showing MP's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $70 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for ELF options, MNTK options, or MP options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Further ELF Research:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable Tuesday Option Activity: ELF, MNTK, MP

Key Points
A potential Apple-Intel chip agreement could boost Intel's foundry business.
Central processing unit (CPU) chip demand will rise as AI inference grows, and that's good news for Intel.
Shares in Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) soared by 21.8% in June, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. There are probably two reasons for the increase, and both speak to the business's longer-term growth potential.
Intel and Apple make an agreement?
While its important to note that neither company has confirmed reaching an agreement, in mid-June President Trump announced that Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) amd Intel had reached an agreement that they would design and manufacture chips in the U.S. The deal, if confirmed, would be good news for Intel's foundry business as it tries to build scale and better compete with market leader Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM).
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
A deal would also be in line with the Trump administration's determination to encourage domestic manufacturing, and particularly with key technology providers like Apple. For example, the administration invested and entered into a public-private partnership with rare-earth company MP Materials in July of last year, which was closely followed by a $500 million long-term supply agreement for rare earth magnets between MP Materials and Apple. Given that the Trump administration also invested in Intel in 2025 (acquiring 10% of the company), it's reasonable to expect more pressure for an Apple/Intel deal.
Intel's core business has growth prospects
Intel's core business of making central processing units (CPUs) is often seen as secondary to the AI data center build-out, as graphics processing units (GPUs) from Nvidia and others have grabbed attention. GPUs are specialized for building and training large language models (LLMs) and are therefore essential to the buildout of AI infrastructure. Meanwhile, CPUs are used relatively more for inference, such as the AI applications that agents actually run.
Indeed, Intel CFO David Zinsner noted on the Aprilearnings callthat the GPU-to-CPU ratio in training solutions was up to 8:1, but could drop to 3:1 in inference. He expounded on those remarks in June at a Bank of America technology conference, stating, "the ratio of CPUs to GPUs is growing meaningfully as we get from training to inference, inference to agentic and multiagent and reinforced learning. So it's just going to drive a lot of CPU requirements."
As the market's recognition of the longer-term growth potential in inference AI spending crystallizes, Intel's role in CPU manufacturing will likely be better recognized.
Where next for Intel
An Apple deal would be good news, and its confirmation would probably be good news for the stock. Meanwhile, the ongoing recognition of the growing importance of inference spending should also create upside potential for the stock.
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Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Intel, MP Materials, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. 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.

Here's Why Intel Stock Soared Last Month

Key Points
MP Materials has a producing rare-earth metals mine and processing assets located in the United States.
USA Rare Earth has rare-earth metals processing assets, has just acquired a mine in South America, and is building another mine in Texas.
TMC The Metals Company doesn't have a mine or processing assets, but it does have a unique business plan.
Every investment you make requires you to balance risk against reward. That can be a difficult process, and it is highly individual. Still, there are usually different ways to play the same investment idea. Rare-earth metals provide an interesting example.
Here's why rare-earth metals are such an interesting investment opportunity. And why some investors will prefer MP Materials (NYSE: MP) over USA Rare Earth (NASDAQ: USAR). And only a select few will favor TMC The Metals Company (NASDAQ: TMC).
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
An untenable situation exists in rare-earth metals
Most rare-earth metals come from China. China has proven it is willing to use access to rare-earth metals as a geopolitical bargaining chip. On the surface, that is a problem, but this situation gets even more difficult to defend when you understand the importance of rare-earth metals.
Rare-earth metals are used in everything from cellphones to automobiles. The last time China got stingy with rare-earth metals, a range of car companies warned that production could be compromised. Electric vehicles would likely be the hardest-hit segment of the auto market if rare-earth metal supplies were limited, given their electric motors, but the materials are used throughout the car-making process.
However, there's another wrinkle here: rare-earth metals are also widely used in the defense industry. That includes everything from electrical devices to vehicles to missile defense systems. A sovereign nation simply can't allow another country to control its access to rare-earth metals. This is why the United States and many other countries are looking for alternative sources of rare-earth metals. MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, and The Metals Company are all positioning themselves to help solve this problem.
Different stages of development
MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, and The Metals Company are all start-up businesses. So they aren't likely to be good options for risk-averse investors. That said, they are all at different stages of their development. Thus, they are likely to interest different types of investors.
MP Materials is probably the furthest along as a business. It operates a rare-earth metals mine in California. And it has the processing facilities to turn those metals into usable products. Moreover, it posted an adjusted profit in the first quarter of 2026. The company appears to be on the verge of becoming sustainably profitable.
USA Rare Earth is still building a mine in Texas. That's going to cost a lot of money, and it won't be completed for a couple of years. The company isn't currently profitable and likely won't be for a bit longer. That said, USA Rare Earth has made aggressive use of acquisitions to get its business up and running. It has material processing exposure in the U.S. and Europe, and recently acquired an operating rare-earth metals mine in South America. The company appears to be making good progress in its business, but its acquisition focus and lack of profits will likely turn off more conservative investors.
The riskiest choice, and perhaps the one with the most growth potential, is The Metals Company. The game plan is for the company to build an undersea mine. It is still seeking the regulatory approvals needed to get started. And even after it does get the green light, building a mine under the ocean is going to be even more difficult and expensive than building one on land. This is a very high-risk investment, and it will likely continue to bleed red ink for a long time to come. Only the most aggressive investors should consider The Metals Company.
You need to take a long-term investment approach
MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, and The Metals Company are best looked at as long-term investments. Although MP Materials is probably the furthest along, they are all at the very start of building their businesses. That is why there could be a huge opportunity for each company to serve the rare-earth metals needs of companies building production facilities in the U.S. market. And why the risk of investing in these three rare-earth metals stocks is high. If you decide to buy any of them, or all of them, go in with a long-term view.
Should you buy stock in USA Rare Earth right now?
Before you buy stock in USA Rare Earth, consider this:
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*Stock Advisor returns as of July 4, 2026.
Reuben Gregg Brewer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends MP Materials. 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.

What Rare Earths Stock Can Best Deliver Gains From America's Reshoring Boom?

Key Points
China's export blacklist poses significant indirect risks to MP Materials' operations.
China presents a mix of upside and downside risk for the company.
The decline in MP Materials (NYSE: MP) stock in June comes down to China, but perhaps not in the way you might think. The stock fell 13.4% in June, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, with much of the decline occurring after China added MP Materials to its list of companies subject to export controls. Here's the lowdown.
MP Materials and China
The company's exposure to political risk around China is multifaceted. On the one hand, it has substantive upside potential from ongoing geopolitical tension with the country. After all, it's the need to diversify the U.S. away from reliance on rare earth materials and magnets from China that's largely behind the U.S. government's support for the company.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
And that support is a key part of the stock's investment case. As part of the partnership agreed last summer, the Department of Defense invested $400 million in the company, provided a $150 million loan, and assisted banks in arranging $1 billion in financing. On top of all of this, the DoD entered a 10-year pricing floor agreement for MP Materials products and "agreed to ensure that 100% of the magnets produced at the 10X Facility will be purchased by defense and commercial customers with shared upside."
These actions secured the company's future and financial position, allowing investment to proceed in its 10X facility being built in Northlake, Texas.
That strengthening of its financial position and ability to service customers encouraged Apple to sign a $500 million long-term supply agreement, therefore ensuring a key American business has access to domestically sourced and produced rare earth magnets.
The downside risk from China
While MP Materials doesn't directly buy or sell to China, the country's export products blacklist does impact it significantly. The export ban doesn't only apply to direct exports from China to MP Materials, it also applies to companies who then sell Chinese products to MP Materials.
In addition, if, say, a rare earth processing equipment company uses Chinese-made components and then sells the finished product to MP Materials, it may be banned from doing so by the Chinese government. Given China's dominance in rare earth materials and magnet production and its pre-eminence in global manufacturing, it's highly likely that the ban will impact MP Materials.
As such, being on the export blacklist has significant secondary ramifications for MP Materials, which is why investor enthusiasm for the stock cooled in June.
Should you buy stock in MP Materials right now?
Before you buy stock in MP Materials, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and MP Materials wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $418,761!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,195,804!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 918% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 208% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 3, 2026.
Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends MP Materials. 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.