MP Vs IDR: Which Rare Earth Stock Deserves a Spot in Your Portfolio?

Core Viewpoint - MP Materials and Idaho Strategic Resources are pivotal in enhancing U.S. critical mineral independence and national security through domestic resource development [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Overview - MP Materials is the only fully integrated rare earth producer in the U.S., with a market capitalization of $3.22 billion [1] - Idaho Strategic Resources is a gold producer with a market capitalization of around $190 million and holds the largest rare earth elements land package in the U.S. [2] Group 2: Market Context - Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for clean-tech applications, including electric vehicles and defense, with the market currently dominated by China [3] - There is a growing emphasis on developing domestic REE capabilities in the U.S. to reduce reliance on foreign sources [3] Group 3: MP Materials Performance - MP Materials reported a 25% year-over-year revenue increase to $60.8 million in Q1 2025, with NdPr production soaring 330% to 563 metric tons [6] - The company experienced a 33% decline in sales volumes of rare earth concentrate, leading to a $10 million revenue drop in that segment [7] - MP Materials halted rare earth concentrate shipments to China due to tariffs, which previously accounted for approximately 50% of its revenues in Q1 2025 [9] Group 4: Idaho Strategic Resources Performance - Idaho Strategic Resources achieved a 23% year-over-year revenue increase to $7.3 million in Q1 2025, driven by a 44.7% rise in average realized gold prices [16] - The company reported earnings of 12 cents per share, a 29% decline year-over-year, attributed to increased exploration costs [16][17] - IDR plans to execute its largest exploration program at the Golden Chest Mine and other properties in 2025 [19] Group 5: Future Outlook - MP Materials expects to ramp up production of separated rare earth products, which will lead to higher costs in 2025 [10] - Idaho Strategic Resources is focusing on thorium mining and has signed a MoU with Clean Core Thorium Energy to advance a domestic supply chain [18] Group 6: Valuation and Investment Considerations - MP Materials has a forward price-to-sales ratio of 9.85X, while Idaho Strategic Resources has a lower ratio of 6.55X [25] - Despite near-term earnings pressure, MP Materials is viewed as a strong investment due to its integrated supply chain capabilities [27]