MP Materials Stock (MP): Bullish Upside on Rare Earth Catalysts

By Patricia Miller

Jun 18, 2025

3 min read

Analysts are optimistic about MP Materials' potential growth in rare-earth mining as U.S. policies shift towards reducing dependence on China.

#MP Materials Latest

Mp Materials Corp (NYSE:MP) has gained positive analyst attention as a main player in the U.S. rare-earth sector. On June 17, 2025, Baird analyst Ben Kallo raised the company's price target from $30 to $38, keeping an Outperform rating. This upgrade reflects the potential for substantial upside based on optimistic market scenarios.

With the U.S. government looking to reduce dependence on Chinese rare-earth imports, MP Materials is uniquely positioned, given it operates the Mountain Pass mine in California, the only large-scale rare-earth mine in the country.

#What Investors Need to Know About MP Materials

  • MP Materials is positioned as a primary U.S. alternative for rare-earth mining and magnet production.

  • The company's revenue is linked to fluctuating rare-earth prices, which faced a decline of about 16% year-over-year in Q1.

  • MP is in active discussions with U.S. government and commercial partners and recently announced a supply-chain agreement with Saudi Arabia to strengthen its market position.

  • Potential U.S. subsidies, including funding through the Defense Production Act, could accelerate MP’s expansion and improve project economics.

  • Analyst sentiment remains strong, reflecting confidence in MP's growth trajectory and market strategies.

#MP Materials At A Glance

MP Materials is a leader in the rare-earth industry, involved in mining and processing rare-earth elements at its Mountain Pass mine and Texas plant. With ongoing production scale-up and strategic partnerships, it aims to solidify its standing in the marketplace.

#Competitive Landscape

MP stands out among North American players pushing into rare-earths:

  • Lynas Rare Earths (Australia/Texas): processing heavy rare-earths.

  • NioCorp (Nebraska): aiming for U.S. production of Neodymium and Praseodymium.

  • Emerging miners in Canada, Brazil, and Africa focusing on upstream supply.

  • China remains the dominant processor, with ~95–96% market share.

#Near-Term Catalysts and Risks

MP Materials benefits from increasing U.S. government support. Discussions are underway with commercial and defense stakeholders, and with potential use of the Defense Production Act under Trump’s stated plan to boost rare-earth production and processing in the U.S.

That said, current rare-earth prices are too low to justify new projects without tariffs, subsidies, or tighter markets. China continues to leverage its export licensing, only issuing six-month permits, delaying resolution and creating supply chain pressure.

#Trading MP Materials Stock

For investors considering MP Materials, keeping an eye on government moves regarding subsidies is critical. The bullish outlook from analysts could indicate a good entry point. If you believe in the strategic importance of domestic rare-earth production, MP's current price levels may present an attractive point for investment as the company ramps up its operations. Consider a scale-in approach to manage risk.

#FAQ

Why should I invest in a rare-earth stock?

Investing in rare-earth stocks like MP Materials provides exposure to a critical sector that is increasingly relevant for technology and defense industries. As global demand rises and supply chains shift, these companies are well-positioned to benefit.

Is MP a good investment during U.S.‑China tensions?

It aligns well with the domestic supply-chain reshoring theme and benefits from policy tailwinds. Still, success hinges on rare-earth prices and government support.

How volatile is MP stock?

It’s sensitive to policy news and price action. Momentum trades can yield strong gains but expect outsized swings.

What could derail the thesis?

China increasing licenses, rare-earth prices falling further, or delays in U.S. funding could slow momentum.

How can market conditions affect rare-earth prices?

Market conditions, including supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical factors, significantly influence rare-earth prices. Trends in technology advancement and U.S.-China relations also play a role.

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Important Notice And Disclaimer

This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. Investments may fall in value and an investor may lose some or all of their investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.