Why has the Core Lithium share price tumbled 15% in under 2 weeks?

It's been a rough few sessions for the ASX 200 lithium stock.

| More on:
A man sits uncomfortably at his laptop computer in an outdoor location at a table with trees in the background as he clutches the back of his neck with a wincing look on his face.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • The Core Lithium share price has fallen from its recent peak of $1.23 to trade at $1.045 today – a 15% fall
  • It came amid a top broker's response to the company's quarterly report
  • Goldman Sachs reiterated its sell rating on Core Lithium shares, tipping them to fall another 10% to 95 cents each

The share price of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium favourite Core Lithium Ltd (AX: CXO) has struggled in recent weeks.

It has fallen 15% since late last month when it hit its highest point of the year so far. The stock peaked at $1.23 on 30 January. Today, it's trading for just $1.045.

For comparison, the ASX 200 has gained 0.3% in that time.

So, what appears to have weighed on the Core Lithium share price lately? Let's take a look.

What's gone wrong for the Core Lithium share price?

Interestingly, the only price-sensitive news from Core Lithium in recent weeks drove its stock to its aforementioned peak.

The company dropped its results for the three months ended 31 December in late January, sending its shares to close 8.85% higher.

It revealed a $125 million cash balance and noted it's on track to produce its first spodumene concentrate this quarter.

However, it was not all positive. The company said a particularly wet December left "a significant volume of water" in the base of Grants pit.

That was also mentioned by broker Goldman Sachs as it doubled down on its sell rating, tipping the Core Lithium share price to fall to 95 cents.

The stock tumbled 5.69% in the session following the release of the broker's most recent note. Though, that fall might also have represented profit-taking following the prior session's surge.

More recently, the company announced the appointment of chief financial officer (CFO) Doug Warden. Warden has previously held CFO positions at Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) and Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU).  

He will take up the position in April, filling the shoes of interim CFO Andrew Forman, who took up the post following the resignation of Simon Iacopetta.

Fortunately, the Core Lithium share price is still in the long-term green despite its recent slump.

The stock has gained 4% so far this year and 28% over the last 12 months. For comparison, the ASX 200 has risen 8% year to date and 3% since this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Materials Shares

Miner on his tablet next to a mine site.
Materials Shares

The Core Lithium share price is up 37% in a month. Should you sell now?

Should ASX investors sell the rebound in Core Lithium shares?

Read more »

Three miners looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

Buying BHP shares? Here's your quarterly preview

What is the market expecting from the Big Australian next week?

Read more »

A white EV car and an electric vehicle pump with green highlighted swirls representing ASX lithium shares
Materials Shares

Novonix shares charge higher on 'fantastic' UK deal

Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) shares are catching the eye on Wednesday morning. In morning trade, the battery materials and technology…

Read more »

a woman smiles as she checks her phone in one hand with a takeaway coffee in the other as she charges her electric vehicle at a charging station.
Materials Shares

Why has this ASX lithium stock rocketed 75% in a month?

It has been a good few weeks for this lithium stock's shareholders.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Materials Shares

Should you buy Pilbara Minerals shares?

Is now the time to buy? Let's see what one leading broker thinks.

Read more »

A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face. as he raises his hands up to his face in response to the high fluctuations in the Galileo share price today
Mergers & Acquisitions

Arcadium Lithium shares rocket 46% on Rio Tinto takeover approach

The mining giant could soon become the third largest lithium supplier.

Read more »

Engineer looking at mining trucks at a mine site.
Materials Shares

Core Lithium shares rocketed 44% in September! What can ASX investors expect now?

Core Lithium shares smashed the benchmark in September. But how?

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Materials Shares

Why today is a good day to own BHP shares

The Big Australian's shareholders will be smiling on Thursday.

Read more »