Key Points MP Materials owns and operates the Mountain Pass mine in California -- one of the only scaled rare earth mines in the U.S. The company's five-year stock performance shows how much enthusiasm has been recently baked into the share price. 10 stocks we like better than MP Materials › MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is a California-based rare earth miner whose stock has exploded this year. At one point, enthusiasm for MP's magnet business was so high the stock had grown over 500% on the year. These d ...

Company Overview - MP Materials is the owner and operator of the Mountain Pass rare earth mining and processing facility, which is the only integrated site of its kind in the Western Hemisphere [2] - The company is undergoing a 3-stage transformation to refine rare earth materials mined at Mountain Pass and become a supplier of permanent magnets for various industries, including automotive and those critical for national security [2] Financial Metrics - MP Materials has an equity market capitalization of approximately $16 billion and a total enterprise value of around $14 to $15 billion [3] Strategic Importance - The company has gained attention due to its investment and backing from the Department of Defense, highlighting its strategic importance in the rare earth materials sector [3]

Core Viewpoint - Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF) shares surged over 20% following the company's indication of a potential expansion into rare earth mining, which is timely given the current trade tensions with China and its dominance in the rare earth market [1][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - CLF stock has increased more than 170% from its year-to-date low, reflecting strong market interest and investor confidence [2]. - The recent rally in CLF shares is attributed to the company's strategic move towards rare earth mining, which aligns with national security interests [4]. Group 2: Rare Earth Mining Potential - The company is exploring existing mines in Michigan and Minnesota for rare-earth deposits, which could enhance its market position amid rising supply chain concerns due to China's export restrictions [1][3]. - Federal support for domestic rare earth mining is evident, with previous deals such as an $8.5 billion partnership with Australia, indicating a favorable environment for CLF's expansion plans [4]. Group 3: Financial Performance - In its fiscal third quarter, CLF reported revenue of $4.73 billion, which was lower than expected, alongside an adjusted per-share loss of $0.45 [5]. - Despite the disappointing earnings, steel shipments increased to 4.03 million net tons, driven by improved demand from the global automotive sector, showcasing the core business's resilience [5]. Group 4: Cost Management and Strategic Partnerships - The company has shown fiscal responsibility by reducing its full-year capital spending forecast from $600 million to $525 million and lowering administrative costs guidance, which supports a bullish outlook for CLF shares [5][6]. - A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a major global steel producer is expected to be highly beneficial for shareholders, further enhancing the company's growth prospects [6].