• H.C. Wainwright upgrades NASDAQ:NB to a "Buy" rating with a new price target of $11.25.
• Freedom Capital Markets initiates coverage with a "Buy" recommendation and a price target of $8.70.
• NioCorp's stock outperforms the S&P 500, indicating strong investor confidence and interest in rare-earth elements.

NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NASDAQ:NB) is a company focused on the extraction and processing of rare-earth elements, which are crucial for various industrial applications. The company operates in a niche market, with competitors like Lynas Rare Earths and MP Materials. On January 12, 2026, H.C. Wainwright upgraded NB's stock to a "Buy" rating, setting a new price target of $11.25, up from $9.50. At the time, the stock was priced at $6.90.

The upgrade from H.C. Wainwright comes amid a positive trend for NB, as highlighted by Freedom Capital Markets' analyst Vitaly Kononov. He initiated coverage with a "Buy" recommendation and a price target of $8.70, which is 31% above the recent closing price. This optimism is driven by strong U.S. government support for rare-earth mining, a priority under the Trump administration.

NioCorp's stock has shown resilience, closing over 2% higher, even as the S&P 500 index declined by 0.3%. This positive movement reflects investor confidence, bolstered by Kononov's note. The demand for rare-earth elements from U.S. industrial companies further supports this outlook, as these materials are essential for manufacturing and technology sectors.

The stock's recent performance is notable, with a 9.61% increase, translating to a $0.60 rise. It has fluctuated between $6.30 and $6.97 today, indicating active trading. Over the past year, NB has seen a high of $12.58 and a low of $1.49, showcasing its volatility. The company's market capitalization is approximately $535.9 million, with a trading volume of 4.39 million shares, reflecting strong investor interest.