Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) Downgraded by Morgan Stanley to “Equal Weight”

Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) was downgraded by Morgan Stanley from an “overweight” rating to an “equal weight” rating in a report issued on Wednesday, MarketBeat.com reports.

A number of other research firms have also weighed in on RIO. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Rio Tinto from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Argus raised their target price on shares of Rio Tinto from $70.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Hsbc Global Res downgraded shares of Rio Tinto from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reissued a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Citigroup restated a “hold” rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $85.00.

Rio Tinto Stock Up 2.7%

Rio Tinto stock opened at $92.90 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $79.27 and a two-hundred day moving average of $69.94. Rio Tinto has a twelve month low of $51.67 and a twelve month high of $92.94. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Rio Tinto

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. PFS Partners LLC acquired a new position in Rio Tinto during the fourth quarter worth $28,000. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH acquired a new stake in Rio Tinto in the fourth quarter valued at $34,000. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Rio Tinto in the fourth quarter valued at $37,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC raised its stake in shares of Rio Tinto by 62.2% during the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 472 shares of the mining company’s stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 181 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Baillie Gifford & Co. raised its stake in shares of Rio Tinto by 51.0% during the 4th quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 524 shares of the mining company’s stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 177 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 19.33% of the company’s stock.

Rio Tinto News Roundup

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

• Positive Sentiment: Big?deal speculation: Coverage on a possible Rio Tinto–Glencore tie-up is driving takeover/strategic?combination chatter — a potential deal could create the world’s largest miner and significantly expand copper exposure, which can act as a near?term share?price catalyst. Read More.
• Positive Sentiment: Energy/ESG initiatives: Rio Tinto expanded solar capacity at its Kennecott copper operations and is using zero?waste thinking to build solar arrays — lowers operating costs and supports ESG credentials that appeal to long?term investors. Read More. · Read More.
• Positive Sentiment: Positive investor commentary: Long?term bullish pieces highlighting Rio’s recovery from 2025 lows and structural demand for copper/critical minerals are supporting investor sentiment and momentum. Read More.
• Neutral Sentiment: Large?holder disclosure: Dimensional Fund Advisors filed Form 8.3 public position disclosures for RIO/Rio Tinto Limited (?1%): signals institutional ownership disclosures but not an outright change in control or an announced trade. Read More.
• Neutral Sentiment: Macro/sector theme: Coverage highlighting China’s role in critical minerals frames Rio as a strategic player in supply chains — positive structurally but not an immediate price driver. Read More.
• Negative Sentiment: Competitive pressure in iron ore: Vale reported higher 2025 iron?ore output, surpassing Rio’s Pilbara for the first time in seven years — could weigh on iron?ore pricing and market share narratives for Rio. Read More.
• Negative Sentiment: Analyst downgrade: HSBC cut Rio from “strong?buy” to “hold,” which may reduce near?term buy pressure from some institutional investors and contributes to mixed sentiment. Read More.

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.