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

A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.
Materials Shares

Mineral Resources shares drop on compliance update

The Australian stock exchange operator has been busy quizzing the miner.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Materials Shares

Are Pilbara Minerals shares a buy, sell, or hold for 2025?

Let's see if analysts think this lithium giant should be in your portfolio now.

Read more »

Image from either construction, mining or the oil industry of a friendly worker.
Materials Shares

4 popular ASX lithium shares going gangbusters on Tuesday

Pilbara Minerals and three other lithium stocks are having a particularly strong session.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

South32 shares sink amid $33 million copper investment

Copper continues to be in hot demand.

Read more »

Three miners looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

Should you buy BHP shares amid 2024's weakness?

Is now the time to pounce on the mining giant's shares? Here's what analysts are saying.

Read more »

Lion holding and screaming into a yellow loudspeaker on a blue background, symbolising an announcement from Liontown.
Materials Shares

Here's why the Liontown share price could rise almost 70%!

Bell Potter thinks this lithium miner could be a high risk/high reward option for investors.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Materials Shares

Why is the Novonix share price rocketing 16% on Monday?

Big news is giving this stock a huge lift on Monday morning.

Read more »

A man wearing a shirt, tie and hard hat sits in an office and marks dates in his diary.
Materials Shares

Liontown shares fall on major guidance and cost update

Big changes are being made at this lithium miner due to weak prices.

Read more »