BUZZ-MP Materials rises on smaller-than-expected Q4 loss

Rare earths producer MP Materials' MP.N shares rise 5% to $24.34 premarket

Company reported Q4 loss of 12 cents per share on Thursday vs est loss of 13 cents per share - data compiled by LSEG

MP produced 11,478 metric tons of rare earth oxides (REO) in concentrate, 24% up from a year earlier

Company produced 413 metric tons of neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, 175% up from last year

Jefferies raises price target to $30 from $26; a 29.4% upside to the stock's last close

"Positive momentum in REO concentrate and NdPr prices and solid execution in addressing bottlenecks suggest investors should focus on the shift towards integrated magnet production and potential policy support" - brokerage says

Up till last close, stock up 48.6% YTD