MP Materials(US:MP) Haitong Securities International·2026-01-07 15:39Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Outperform" rating to MP Materials, expecting a relative increase of over 10% compared to the benchmark index within the next 12-18 months [10]. Core Insights - The rare earth market fundamentals are improving, with potential for more favorable factors and strategic partnerships to emerge [1]. - Recent market pullbacks are viewed as a buying opportunity, as the market is tightening and the government is setting a price floor for rare earth prices [1]. - The company has established a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense and is forming a strategic joint venture with Saudi Arabia's Ma'aden to develop a rare earth refining facility [1]. - The demand for neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6-8% over the next decade, with supply growth slightly lagging behind this demand [2]. - NdPr prices have increased by nearly 40% year-to-date, driven by strong downstream demand, with further price increases anticipated [2]. Summary by Sections Market Overview - NdPr market fundamentals are robust, with both Chinese and international midstream producers actively expanding [2]. - The price of neodymium oxide is projected to reach $80 per kilogram in 2026, $85 in 2027, and $90 in 2028 [2]. Company Developments - The U.S. Department of Defense has set a price floor of $110 per kilogram for NdPr products, with a profit-sharing mechanism for any price increases above this level [3]. - The company is accelerating its magnet manufacturing capacity in the U.S. from 1,000 tons per year to 10,000 tons per year [3]. Production Guidance - The company expects NdPr concentrate production to remain flat year-over-year in Q4 2025, with a slight increase in NdPr oxide production [4]. - NdPr prices have reached $61 per kilogram in Q4 2025, with expectations for continued cost reductions [4]. - The company plans to start commissioning its new heavy rare earth separation facility in mid-2026, with an annual production capacity of 3,000 tons of dysprosium and terbium [4]. Supply Chain Dynamics - The geopolitical tensions surrounding the rare earth supply chain are viewed as a temporary relief, with China holding 90% of rare earth resources concentrated in two major deposits [4].