The Lynas share price rocketed 17% in May. What's next?

Could the rare earths stock rise another 18%?

| More on:
A mining worker wearing a hard hat, orange high vis vest and blue long-sleeved shirt raises his fists in celebration with an excited expression on his face

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • The Lynas Rare Earths share price gained 17% last month to close May at $7.51
  • It came as the company revealed a major win for its Malaysian facility
  • Meanwhile, brokers are mixed on the stock's future, with one tipping an 18% upside and another forecasting an 8% downside

Last month was a good one for the Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price. The stock leapt 17% to finish the period at $7.51.

So, what might the future hold for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rare earths producer? Let's take a look.

What went right for the Lynas share price in May?

There was one big announcement from Lynas last month that drove the majority of its share price's gains. That was regarding its Malaysian facility.

Lynas was granted permission to continue importing and processing lanthanide concentrate into the nation until the start of 2024. Previously, new conditions on its Malaysian operating licence would have forced it to cease imports next month.

That means the company can continue operating its Malaysian facility while it works to secure new feedstock from its Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility.

That's a sure win for the ASX 200 giant. However, it's continuing its battle to overturn the soon-to-be-enacted conditions on its licence.

What's next?  

All that means the coming months will likely be exciting for Lynas and, potentially, its share price.

It's expecting feed-on at its Kalgoorlie facility to occur this quarter. Meanwhile, it flagged that the Chinese supply of rare earth products has dinted demand.

Turning to expert forecasts, multiple brokers are bullish on the stock.

Macquarie is said to have upped its rating on Lynas shares to outperform last month, while Bell Potter bumped its price target 11% to $8.90, my Fool colleague Bronwyn reported at the time. That marks a potential 18% upside.

But some brokers are more bearish. Goldman Sachs, for instance, is neutral on the stock, tipping it to fall 8% to $6.90.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Materials Shares

two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen that one of the men in holding at a mine site.
Resources Shares

'I hate what I have done': Mineral Resources share price down as Ellison laments actions

Managing Director Chris Ellison says he deeply regrets the impact of his 'error of judgement'.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Materials Shares

Why is this ASX lithium stock jumping to a 52-week high today?

This lithium stock is smashing the market this year despite all the doom and gloom in the industry.

Read more »

Projection of two hands being shaken on a deal.
Materials Shares

Sayona Mining shares sink 13% on Piedmont Lithium merger news and capital raise

This merger will create the largest lithium producer in North America.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

Down 28% in 2024, why this ASX 200 lithium stock could now be 'deeply undervalued'

The ASX 200 lithium stock has drawn plenty of investor attention over the past month.

Read more »

Image from either construction, mining or the oil industry of a friendly worker.
Materials Shares

Buy BHP shares for a 20%+ return

Goldman Sachs expects big total returns from this mining giant.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

Here's why ASX uranium shares are ripping higher today

Uranium shares are smashing the markets today.

Read more »

A female broker in a red jacket whispers in the ear of a man who has a surprised look on his face as she explains which two ASX 200 shares should do well in today's volatile climate
Materials Shares

2 ASX 200 lithium stocks to buy for big returns

Which stocks are analysts tipping as buys right now? Let's find out.

Read more »

Young businesswoman sitting in kitchen and working on laptop.
Materials Shares

Is Mineral Resources stock a good buy right now?

This mining share is trading close to multi-year lows. Is this a buying opportunity? Let's find out.

Read more »