Rio Tinto PLC (RIO) – What Are Analysts Thinking About This Stock?

Posted by Brian Himes on Oct 30th, 2026

Shares of Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:RIO – Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of “Hold” from the nineteen research firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $101.62.

RIO has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup reaffirmed a “neutral” rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Tuesday, October 13th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a “neutral” rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Thursday, August 20th. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Rio Tinto in a report on Monday, August 24th. They set an “underweight” rating and a $90.00 price target on the stock. Argus upgraded shares of Rio Tinto to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, August 20th. Finally, DZ Bank restated a “buy” rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Tuesday, September 15th.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Rio Tinto

Institutional Trading of Rio Tinto

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. AdvisorNet Financial Inc grew its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto by 160.2% during the first quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 294 shares of the mining company’s stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 181 shares in the last quarter. Timbuktu Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Rio Tinto during the second quarter valued at $28,000. Center for Financial Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in Rio Tinto in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC purchased a new stake in Rio Tinto in the 1st quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, Lodestone Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Rio Tinto by 92.8% in the 3rd quarter. Lodestone Wealth Management LLC now owns 374 shares of the mining company’s stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 180 shares in the last quarter. 19.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Rio Tinto Trading Down 3.1%

Shares of RIO opened at $83.30 on Friday. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $95.79 and its 200 day moving average price is $96.25. Rio Tinto has a 1-year low of $67.74 and a 1-year high of $112.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 1.42 and a quick ratio of 0.93.

Rio Tinto News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Rio Tinto this week:

Positive Sentiment: Rio Tinto officially opened its Fénix 1B expansion and Sal de Vida lithium operation in Argentina after investing approximately $1.4 billion. Both projects began production ahead of schedule in the second quarter and are ramping up, expanding Rio Tinto’s exposure to the lithium market. Rio Tinto celebrates opening of $1.4 billion lithium projects in Argentina
Positive Sentiment: The company is also investing in its Weipa bauxite operations in Australia, supporting longer-term production capacity and the durability of its aluminum supply chain. Rio Tinto invests in bauxite production centre
Neutral Sentiment: Rio Tinto is assessing additional lithium processing in Argentina and potential copper opportunities, which could create future growth but remain subject to investment decisions, permitting and execution. Rio Tinto assesses new lithium plant in Argentina, copper opportunities
Negative Sentiment: Operations at the Oyu Tolgoi underground copper mine were paused after a seismic event. The duration of the stoppage and any damage or restart costs are unclear, creating near-term production and cash-flow risk. Rio Tinto confirms Oyu Tolgoi operations paused after seismic event
Negative Sentiment: Erste Group lowered its FY2026 and FY2027 EPS forecasts to $8.03 and $8.16, respectively, while maintaining a Hold rating, signaling weaker expected earnings momentum. Rio Tinto earnings estimate revisions
Negative Sentiment: A proposed 56% increase in CEO Simon Trott’s target compensation may weigh on sentiment amid shareholder concerns over executive pay. Rio Tinto and BHP also lost an initial legal challenge in a sexual-harassment class action, adding reputational and potential liability risks. Rio Tinto proposes 56% pay bump for CEO

About Rio Tinto

(Get Free Report)

Rio Tinto plc is a diversified mining and metals company with operations and projects spanning multiple continents. Its principal products include iron ore, aluminum, copper, lithium, borates and titanium dioxide, which are supplied to customers in the steel, construction, automotive, technology and manufacturing industries.

The company explores for, mines, processes and transports mineral resources, while also operating related infrastructure such as railways, ports, smelters and processing facilities.