MP Materials Corp. stock plummeted 5.12% during intraday trading on Thursday, extending a recent period of weakness for the rare earth materials company.

The sharp decline followed explicit warnings from the company's CEO regarding significant potential declines in heavy rare earth material prices. This caution was issued during the firm's earnings call, citing a market shift as magnet manufacturers alter their formulas to favor greater use of light rare earth elements. The company also provided guidance for Q2 NdPr oxide prices to remain in the low-to-mid $90/kg range, reinforcing investor concerns about a loosening supply-demand balance in the sector.

Analysts note that the sell-off was exacerbated by profit-taking activity, as the stock had rallied over 18% in the five trading sessions preceding this decline. The broader Diversified Metals & Mining sector also traded weak during the session, contributing to the downward pressure on MP Materials.