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Cleveland-Cliffs Explores Rare Earths as Stock Whipsaws on Wells Fargo Downgrade

A Wells Fargo downgrade underscored that the rare‑earth push remains speculative during early geological reviews.

Overview

  • Cleveland-Cliffs says geological work at two U.S. sites in Michigan and Minnesota shows evidence of rare‑earth mineralization, with assessments ongoing and no production timeline disclosed.
  • Shares jumped more than 20% after the company paired the exploration update with a new memorandum of understanding that the CEO described as highly accretive to shareholders.
  • The rally reversed after Wells Fargo issued a sell rating with an $11 price target, and the stock fell sharply, highlighting heightened volatility.
  • Quarterly results showed revenue of about $4.7 billion, missing estimates by roughly $200 million, with an adjusted loss of $0.45 per share and a lowered full‑year capex outlook to approximately $525 million.
  • Management framed the initiative within U.S. efforts to secure critical minerals as China controls most supply and has tightened export restrictions, yet specific elements and commercialization details remain undisclosed.