Down 42% From Its Recent High, Is The Metals Company Stock a Buy?

Core Insights - The Metals Company (TMC) has experienced significant stock volatility, with a peak increase of 913% this year, reaching over $11 per share before a recent decline of 42% [3][4] - The company is focused on deep-sea mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, which is rich in polymetallic nodules containing critical minerals [4][6] - U.S. government initiatives under President Trump aim to enhance domestic supply chains for critical minerals, which could benefit The Metals Company [7][8] Company Performance - The Metals Company has a current market capitalization of $3 billion and a stock price of $7.80, with a 52-week range of $0.72 to $11.35 [4] - The company reported an operating loss of $95.3 million for the first nine months of the year, indicating ongoing financial challenges [15] - The company has $165 million in cash and available credit but may require additional financing to sustain operations [15] Regulatory Environment - The U.S. government is expediting the permitting process for deep-sea mining through an executive order, which is seen as a significant de-risking event for the industry [9][10] - The Metals Company has submitted applications for a commercial recovery permit and exploration licenses, with NOAA confirming compliance [10][11] - There are still legal and international challenges, particularly regarding the International Seabed Authority's regulations on mining in international waters [13] Industry Context - The deep-sea mining industry is positioned to create over 100,000 American jobs and generate over $300 billion in GDP, highlighting its potential economic impact [6] - The focus on critical minerals is driven by the need to reduce dependence on foreign sources, particularly from China, which currently dominates the rare-earth market [7][8] - Strategic partnerships, such as with Korea Zinc, are being formed to enhance operational capabilities in refining materials [14]