The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price has struggled to keep up with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the last six months. It's fallen 3% in that time compared to the index's 8% gain.
Meanwhile, the company is in a particularly exciting phase of development right now, if I do say so myself.
It recently saw its first revenue event and is expected to announce its dense media separation plant's maiden production of spodumene this half.
Does all that mean now is the time to snap up shares in the ASX 200 lithium company? Let's take a look.
The Core Lithium share price is $1.135 right now.
What is the ASX 200 lithium stock up to this month?
This month is shaping up to be another big one for the ASX 200 lithium developer and its flagship Finniss Lithium Project.
It has recently commissioned its crushing and screening plant and is working on constructing its dense media separation plant. That's expected to be completed by the end of this quarter.
It was also recently impacted by Tropical Cyclone Ellie, which brought above-average rainfall during December. That saw the company implementing measures to address water in the project's Grants pit.
The company held $125 million of cash at the end of the December quarter. That's prior to recognising $20 million of proceeds from the sale of direct shipping ore (DSO).
What are brokers saying?
Brokers' opinions on Core Lithium shares are mixed, with two tipping it a strong buy and four a strong sell, according to CommSec.
Among the bears is Goldman Sachs. It believes the company is currently overvalued and tips its stock to fall around 16% to 95 cents.
Siding with the bulls, meanwhile, is Macquarie. It thinks the Core Lithium share price could jump around 15% to $1.30, my Fool colleague James recently reported.
Is Core Lithium an ASX 200 buy in February?
Ultimately, I believe whether Core Lithium shares are an ASX 200 winner or looser is largely out of the market's hands.
Rather, it's likely dependent on what lithium prices do in the future. Any shift in the price of lithium will impact the company's future earnings. And there are many factors that might influence the battery-making material's value.
For instance, rising demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage could bolster lithium prices. On the other hand, global economic instability could dint demand, in turn dinting the material's value.
I also think it's worth noting that Core Lithium is yet to post a profit. I'd therefore argue it houses greater risk than profitable ASX 200 lithium outfits like Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN).
Of course, that means individual investors will likely have their own opinion on whether the stock is worth buying this month.
