MP taps rare earths

Article Excerpt

MP MATERIALS CORP., $33.37, is a buy. The company (New York symbol MP; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (www.mpmaterials.com; Shares outstanding: 177.5 million; Market cap: $6.3 billion; No dividends paid) is the owner and operator of the Mountain Pass mine, the only significant rare-earth commercial mining and processing site in North America. Rare-earth elements are used in a variety of modern devices and applications: magnets in small and large motors; glass additives and glass polishing compounds; rechargeable batteries; television and computer screens; lighting; X-ray machines; and lasers. In the quarter ended September 30, 2022, MP Materials’ revenue shot up 24.8%, to $124.4 million from $99.8 million a year earlier. Revenue increased mostly due to higher sale prices spurred by strong global demand—sale prices rose by 51.3%, to $11,636 per metric tonne from $7,693. Excluding one-time items, it earned $0.36 a share, up 38.5% from $0.26. MP Materials is a buy. buy…