In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 Best Rare Earth Stocks to Buy in 2026. If you wish to see the full list, visit 8 Best Rare Earth Stocks to Buy in 2026.
5. TMC the metals company Inc. (NASDAQ:TMC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24
TMC the metals company Inc. (NASDAQ:TMC) is among the best rare earth stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on June 4 that Maxim initiated coverage of The TMC with a Buy rating and assigned the company a $10 price target.
In other news, a month earlier, on May 28, TMC the metals company Inc. (NASDAQ:TMC) announced that its U.S. subsidiary, The Metals Company USA LLC, received formal certification from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for its USA B exploration license application. The application covers approximately 122,000 square kilometers of seafloor containing an estimated 1.02 billion tonnes of polymetallic nodules, according to the company’s technical assessment. The certification represents an important regulatory step toward advancing the exploration process, including future environmental review activities.
TMC the metals company Inc. (NASDAQ:TMC) stated that NOAA’s process will include preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, public review, and a final decision regarding the license. The company highlighted that it has spent more than a decade conducting scientific research, environmental data collection, and offshore engineering studies related to polymetallic nodules and their surrounding ecosystems. TMC noted that its research has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed studies and will continue supporting future environmental assessments. The company expects the USA B exploration activities to generate additional scientific data as it progresses through the regulatory pathway.
TMC the metals company Inc. (NASDAQ:TMC) is a deep-sea mining company developing battery metals from ocean-floor nodules to support EV and clean energy markets.
4. Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:UUUU)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26
Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:UUUU) is among the best rare earth stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on June 25 that Roth Capital reduced its price target for UUUU to $16 from $17 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm stated that the company’s planned acquisition of Vacuumschmelze GmbH is strategically aligned with its business, although it chose not to assess the transaction’s valuation because the target is privately held. Roth Capital also noted that its revised price target reflects ongoing weakness across the sector and the anticipated impact of Energy Fuels’ pending acquisitions on the company’s valuation.
This price target revision is prominent, followed by Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:UUUU)’s June 23 announcement of a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Vacuumschmelze GmbH (VAC) and its affiliated subsidiaries for approximately $1.9 billion in cash and stock. It was reported that upon completion, VAC will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary while retaining its existing brand and headquarters in Germany. The transaction is intended to establish an integrated rare earth supply chain spanning mining, processing, and advanced magnet manufacturing. Energy Fuels also secured financing commitments and government support to advance key expansion projects. The acquisition is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:UUUU) is a leading U.S. producer of uranium and critical minerals for nuclear energy, clean energy, and advanced technologies.
3. NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NASDAQ:NB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 29
NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NASDAQ:NB) is among the best rare earth stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on June 9 that B. Riley Securities initiated coverage of NB with a Buy rating and a $12 price target. The firm highlighted the company’s progress in advancing the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in southeastern Nebraska, describing it as one of the more advanced and lower-risk critical minerals development projects in the United States.
In other news, on June 1, NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NASDAQ:NB) announced that its Chairman and CEO, Mark A. Smith, authored an opinion piece published on FoxNews.com addressing China’s restrictions on heavy rare earth exports. In the article, Smith argued that the export controls reflect a long-term strategic policy rather than a temporary negotiating measure, warning that the United States could face prolonged shortages of critical rare earth materials until domestic production capacity is established. He emphasized the importance of heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium for permanent magnets used in defense systems, aerospace applications, electric vehicles, and other advanced technologies. Smith also highlighted ongoing U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains, noting that expanding mine-to-manufacturer capabilities is essential to reducing reliance on foreign sources for strategically important materials.
NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NASDAQ:NB)is a mineral development company advancing the Elk Creek Project to supply critical minerals for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
2. USA Rare Earth, Inc. (NASDAQ:USAR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
USA Rare Earth, Inc. (NASDAQ:USAR) is among the best rare earth stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on June 4 that Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Derek Soderberg increased the price target for USAR to $40 from $35 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the shares. The revised target followed the company’s agreements with the U.S. Department of Commerce, which provide access to potential funding of up to $1.6 billion through the Department’s CHIPS Program.
More recently, on June 15, USA Rare Earth, Inc. (NASDAQ:USAR) announced the commissioning of its hydrometallurgical demonstration facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The company expects initial separated oxide production to begin in the third quarter, positioning USA Rare Earth among the limited number of Western companies capable of producing commercial-quality heavy rare earth oxides. The facility is conducting parallel processing campaigns using Round Top ore, third-party mixed rare earth carbonate materials, and recycled rare earth magnet waste. Results from these efforts are expected to support the Round Top Definitive Feasibility Study and help guide the engineering plans for future processing facilities. The company aims to build a fully integrated rare earth supply chain connecting oxide production, metal and alloy manufacturing, and permanent magnet operations.
USA Rare Earth, Inc. (NASDAQ:USAR) is a critical minerals company building a U.S.-based mine-to-magnet supply chain for defense, aerospace, EV, and renewable energy industries.
1. MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52
MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) is among the best rare earth stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on June 1 that Needham initiated coverage of MP with a Buy rating and assigned an $81 price target. The firm highlighted MP Materials’ position as one of the few Western companies developing a fully integrated rare earth supply chain. Needham noted that the company’s Mountain Pass operations and early progress in downstream manufacturing provide a competitive advantage compared with newer industry entrants.
Separately, in its first quarter 2026 financial results, which were posted on May 7, MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) reported revenue of $90.6 million, representing a 49% year-over-year increase driven by stronger sales of NdPr oxide, metal products, and magnetic precursor materials. The company attributed the growth to increased production of separated products and improved market pricing. Adjusted EBITDA rose by $39.3 million year over year to $36.6 million, supported by higher revenue and price protection agreement income. Adjusted net income improved to $6.7 million, while net loss narrowed to $8.0 million compared with the prior-year period. MP Materials also reported improvements in diluted loss per share and adjusted diluted EPS, reflecting continued operational progress.
MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) is a U.S.-based rare earth producer with a fully integrated supply chain focused on securing critical materials for EVs, defense, and advanced technologies.
While we acknowledge the potential of MP to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MP and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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