The Lynas (ASX:LYC) share price has leapt 15% in 2 weeks. Here's why

It has been a green streak for the miner, but what could be the reason?

| More on:

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

The Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price is enjoying a tremendous run over the past fortnight.

In late afternoon trade, shares in the rare earth elements miner have risen 1.65% reaching $7.40. This puts the company within an 8% striking distance of its 52-week high.

The perplexing aspect of the recent move is the lack of price-sensitive announcements. While the Lynas share price has been trending upwards, new information is sparse. Though, there might be crumbs right under our noses — let's have a look.

A female worker in a hard hat smiles in an oil field.

Image source: Getty Images

What's under the hood of the Lynas share price?

To the relief of shareholders, the recent run follows what was a disastrous period between 15 September and 6 October. During that 3-week span, nearly 20% of the company's market capitalisation was demolished. However, the tides have turned since then.

With such a sudden turnaround in share price direction, it begs the question: what is the cause? Although nailing down exactly what could be influencing the rare earth miner's movement, there are a few details that could make for contributing factors.

Firstly, Lynas' annual report for FY21 was released to the market on 12 October. As per usual, the annual report contains a far more granular breakdown of the year gone by. At 108 pages, there's plenty of details for any investor to sort through. Though, the letter from the chair, Kathleen Conlon, might have hit home the scale of Lynas' growth ambitions.

Commenting on the company's vision for growth, Conlon stated:

The Lynas 2025 growth vision represents Lynas' plan to grow with the market and meet this accelerating market demand for Rare Earths. As part of this plan, work on the new Rare Earths Processing Facility in Kalgoorlie progressed well throughout the year.

Following the successful completion of a $425 million capital raise, the company looks well-capitalised to deliver on the construction of its Kalgoorlie rare earths processing facility. At the same time, shareholders who participated in the raise are now up 222% with new Lynas shares issued at a price of $2.30.

Buy the rumour sell the news

Every now and then, when a company is expected to report soon, investors will bid up the share price in anticipation. While this might not be the case for the Lynas share price, the company is expected to announce its quarterly results on Friday 22 October 2021.

After having delivered a record profit for FY21, some investors might be speculating on the success of the first quarter for FY22. Importantly, the prices of some rare earths, such as neodymium, have recovered after a sharp fall. Considering Lynas' business is commodity-driven, the sale price of its ore will be critical to its result.

At present, the Lynas share price trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 38.6 times.

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of Lynas Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Materials Shares

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
Materials Shares

ASX lithium shares rally as oil shock highlights EV appeal

The lithium carbonate price rose 9% this week.

Read more »

A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.
Materials Shares

This ASX copper stock could be cheap compared to BHP and Rio Tinto shares

Bell Potter is tipping this copper miner as a buy after another impressive quarter.

Read more »

Building and construction shares represented by man on roof of construction site.
Materials Shares

Warning sign? James Hardie shares may be losing momentum

Risks are in play, but the underlying business still looks robust.

Read more »

A man wearing a suit holds his arms aloft, attached to a large lithium battery with green charging symbols on it.
Materials Shares

This ASX lithium rocket is closing in on a multi-year breakout again

Core Lithium shares near January highs as momentum builds.

Read more »

A happy youngster holds a giant bag of carrots at a supermarket fruit and vegie section, indicating savings made by buying in bulk.
Materials Shares

Why Nufarm shares just exploded higher on Wednesday

Lower debt and better margins spark a big rebound in Nufarm shares.

Read more »

Three business people running a race against each other
Materials Shares

Why is this temperamental ASX stock surging 11% today?

Is this a real recovery or just another short-lived bounce?

Read more »

Business people standing at a mine site smiling.
Materials Shares

This ASX materials stock could rise 20% according to this broker

Fresh tailwinds could push this mining equipment company higher.

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
Materials Shares

What's this broker's updated view on this ASX materials stock following a 25% fall?

This ASX materials stock was heavily sold off last week.

Read more »