MP Materials, the only US-based company that mines, refines, and processes rare earths, has seen its stock surge over 400% this year. The company's dominance in the industry is largely due to its timing, having acquired the Mountain Pass mine in 2017 after it was closed by globalization.
However, some experts are questioning whether MP's valuation is entering bubble territory. While China imposed new restrictions on rare earth exports to the US in April, which sparked investor interest, others see these developments as a major win for the company. But others are skeptical that MP can fully deliver on its promise to anchor the US tech supply chain.
MP Materials operates in California's San Bernardino Valley and has two main facilities: Mountain Pass mine in California and Independence facility in Texas. The company processes neodymium-praseodymium oxide into neodymium magnets, which are essential components in electronics, EVs, robotics, aerospace and defense systems due to their high magnetic strength and energy density.
Despite concerns, most analysts agree that MP is unlikely to enter bubble territory in the short term. China's export restrictions, combined with deregulation under the Trump administration and strong government partnerships, have positioned MP as a key player in America's effort to decouple its tech supply chain from China.
However, the company's long-term value hinges on its ability to scale production. MP recently opened a magnet facility in Fort Worth, Texas, which began commercial production in January 2025. The company aims to produce 1,000 metric tons of magnets annually, supplying three of the five major automakers. To justify its valuation, MP must prove it can expand output efficiently.
Analysts caution against putting all hopes on one company, as overreliance on MP could sideline smaller players in the US tech supply chain and new rare earth producers that could emerge under the Trump administration. Shifting geopolitics could also cool MP's stock if China lifts its export restrictions, which could lead to a more "friendly way" of exchanging goods between the two countries.
Speculation driven by policy headlines can backfire, according to analysts. If earnings growth or production volumes don't keep pace with expectations, the stock could be vulnerable to sharp corrections.
However, some experts are questioning whether MP's valuation is entering bubble territory. While China imposed new restrictions on rare earth exports to the US in April, which sparked investor interest, others see these developments as a major win for the company. But others are skeptical that MP can fully deliver on its promise to anchor the US tech supply chain.
MP Materials operates in California's San Bernardino Valley and has two main facilities: Mountain Pass mine in California and Independence facility in Texas. The company processes neodymium-praseodymium oxide into neodymium magnets, which are essential components in electronics, EVs, robotics, aerospace and defense systems due to their high magnetic strength and energy density.
Despite concerns, most analysts agree that MP is unlikely to enter bubble territory in the short term. China's export restrictions, combined with deregulation under the Trump administration and strong government partnerships, have positioned MP as a key player in America's effort to decouple its tech supply chain from China.
However, the company's long-term value hinges on its ability to scale production. MP recently opened a magnet facility in Fort Worth, Texas, which began commercial production in January 2025. The company aims to produce 1,000 metric tons of magnets annually, supplying three of the five major automakers. To justify its valuation, MP must prove it can expand output efficiently.
Analysts caution against putting all hopes on one company, as overreliance on MP could sideline smaller players in the US tech supply chain and new rare earth producers that could emerge under the Trump administration. Shifting geopolitics could also cool MP's stock if China lifts its export restrictions, which could lead to a more "friendly way" of exchanging goods between the two countries.
Speculation driven by policy headlines can backfire, according to analysts. If earnings growth or production volumes don't keep pace with expectations, the stock could be vulnerable to sharp corrections.