Zacks Downgrades Rio Tinto Group (RIO) to 'Sell'

Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is included in our list of the 7 Best Potash Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.

On July 28, 2025, Zacks downgraded Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) to ‘Sell’. This comes amid a 1.5% month-over-month decline in consensus EPS estimates, bringing it to $6.01 per share. This is attributed to the expectations of weak short-term earnings for the company. Nevertheless, the average brokerage recommendation remains at a bullish 1.80. Out of all the analysts covering RIO, 60% have issued a ‘Strong Buy’ rating.

This analyst update follows a binding agreement between Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) and Chile’s ENABI for the Salares Altoandinos lithium project, finalized on July 24, 2025. With this agreement, RIO acquired a 51% stake in the project, committing up to $425 million and leveraging its proprietary DLE technology. Furthermore, the update follows RIO’s strong July 16 report, wherein it revealed a 13% YoY increase in copper-equivalent output, record bauxite production, and strong momentum from Oyu Tolgoi and Simandou.

Thus, the company’s continued growth in the lithium and copper businesses positions Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) well for long-term growth.

Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO), a global mining and metals company, primarily operates in iron ore, aluminum, copper and lithium markets, while also engaging in potash operations in Canada. It is included in our list of the best potash stocks.

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