Rio Tinto FY2026 EPS Estimate Lowered by Erste Group Bank

Key Points

• Erste Group Bank trimmed its FY2026 EPS estimate for Rio Tinto to $8.45 from $8.61, slightly below the current consensus of $8.48 per share.
• The analyst also set a FY2027 EPS estimate of $8.37, signaling only modest earnings growth expectations ahead.
• Broker sentiment on Rio Tinto remains mixed, with an overall Hold rating and an average target price of $101.75 despite recent operational strength.

Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:RIO - Free Report) - Research analysts at Erste Group Bank cut their FY2026 earnings per share estimates for Rio Tinto in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, July 15th. Erste Group Bank analyst S. Lingnau now expects that the mining company will earn $8.45 per share for the year, down from their prior forecast of $8.61. The consensus estimate for Rio Tinto's current full-year earnings is $8.48 per share. Erste Group Bank also issued estimates for Rio Tinto's FY2027 earnings at $8.37 EPS.

RIO has been the topic of several other research reports. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Rio Tinto from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Tuesday, April 7th. Citigroup reiterated a "neutral" rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a report on Thursday, July 9th. DZ Bank raised shares of Rio Tinto from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Friday, May 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a "hold" rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a report on Friday, May 15th. Finally, Bank of America cut shares of Rio Tinto from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research report on Friday, May 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $101.75.

Rio Tinto Stock Performance

NYSE RIO opened at $90.17 on Monday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $100.20 and a 200 day simple moving average of $95.51. Rio Tinto has a 12-month low of $58.40 and a 12-month high of $112.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.44 and a quick ratio of 0.98.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rio Tinto

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its position in shares of Rio Tinto by 170.8% during the fourth quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 3,886,335 shares of the mining company's stock valued at $311,023,000 after purchasing an additional 2,451,140 shares in the last quarter. Milford Funds Ltd. bought a new stake in Rio Tinto in the 4th quarter worth about $93,143,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new stake in Rio Tinto in the 1st quarter valued at about $106,724,000. Deutsche Bank AG increased its stake in Rio Tinto by 102.6% in the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 2,216,935 shares of the mining company's stock valued at $177,421,000 after buying an additional 1,122,667 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Natixis Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Rio Tinto by 144.7% during the 4th quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 1,587,387 shares of the mining company's stock worth $127,039,000 after buying an additional 938,687 shares in the last quarter. 19.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

More Rio Tinto News

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

• Positive Sentiment: Rio Tinto reported record iron ore shipments, with Pilbara operations delivering an 18% sequential increase in Q2 shipments and first-half output reaching its highest level since 2018. That kind of production strength is usually supportive for earnings and sentiment. Rio Tinto LSE: RIO Delivers Record Iron Ore Shipments And Cuts 2026 Copper Costs
• Positive Sentiment: The company also lowered 2026 copper cost guidance after productivity improvements, which may boost margins if those efficiencies hold. Rio said strong performance at Oyu Tolgoi helped offset a temporary Kennecott shutdown. Rio Tinto LSE: RIO Delivers Record Iron Ore Shipments And Cuts 2026 Copper Costs
• Neutral Sentiment: Rio Tinto is being mentioned as a potential buyer of a stake in First Quantum’s Argentina Taca Taca project, but this is only a preliminary M&A possibility and not yet a confirmed transaction. First Quantum considers sale of stake in Argentina’s Taca Taca project
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst commentary remains mixed, with some coverage calling Rio Tinto’s second quarter solid but suggesting limited upside from here, which may temper enthusiasm despite the operational beat. Rio Tinto: Solid Q2, But Limited Upside Supports A Neutral View
• Negative Sentiment: Bradda Head Lithium raised capital to fund drilling tied to its Rio Tinto joint venture, which is a reminder that Rio-linked project activity continues but does not directly add near-term value to Rio Tinto shares. Bradda Head raises £2.12 million to fund Rio Tinto joint venture drilling

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a global mining and metals company that explores for, mines, processes and markets a wide range of commodities. Its principal products include iron ore, aluminum, copper, diamonds and various other minerals and industrial materials. The company's activities span the full value chain from exploration and project development to mining, processing, smelting and refining, supplying raw materials to industries such as steelmaking, automotive, packaging, electronics and construction.

The origins of Rio Tinto date back to mining operations in the Rio Tinto region of Spain in the 19th century, and the group has since grown into a multinational enterprise.

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