Why did the Liontown share price slump 9% today?

It's been a tough day on the ASX for the lithium developer. Here's what happened.

| More on:
a man with a moustache sits at his computer with his hands over his eyes making a gap between his fingers so he can peek through to his computer screen.

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

  • Liontown shares tumbled more than 9% to 88 cents despite no company announcements
  • The fall comes after Macquarie revised its price target on the company's shares
  • Furthermore, negative sentiment across the lithium sector is also likely weighing down Liontown shares

The Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) share price closed deep in the red on Thursday.

At the final bell, the lithium developer's shares were down 9.28% to 88 cents apiece. That's a big drop from when its shares were trading as high as $1.37 at the beginning of the month.

Let's take a look at what might have impacted Liontown shares today.

Liontown loses ground amid broker price cut

While the company hasn't made any announcements since earlier this month, one broker weighed in on the Liontown share price.

As reported by ANZ Share Investing, Macquarie slashed its price target on the company's shares by 24% to $1.90.

The significant cut follows the bearish analysis of the battery metals market by peer investment firm, Goldman Sachs.

Nonetheless, based on the current share price, the re-adjusted broker rating implies an upside of roughly 115%.

In addition, the S&P/ASX 300 Metals and Mining (ASX: XMM) industry also finished in negative territory today, by 1.94%.

Other popular lithium companies such as Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) and Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) also saw their share prices fall today, by 16.67%, and 3.60%, respectively.

Currently, lithium carbonate per tonne is trading at US$71,400 per tonne. This reflects an increase of just 4.37% for the month compared to 430% year-on-year.

Liontown share price snapshot

Since reaching an all-time high of $2.19 in April, the Liontown share price has fallen almost 60%. Weakened sentiment across the industry is likely playing a significant hand in the drop.

When looking at year-to-date, Liontown shares are down almost 47%.

Based on today's price, Liontown commands a market capitalisation of approximately $2.25 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Resources Shares

Woman attached to rocket flies into the air
52-Week Highs

Scores of ASX mining shares hit 52-week highs

BHP, Rio Tinto, South32, and Mineral Resources shares are among those that hit 52-week highs today.

Read more »

Coal miners look resigned to the end of mining this resource
Resources Shares

Coronado shares surge 12% after Monday's sell-off

Coronado shares rebounded sharply on Tuesday after heavy selling, as investors reassessed the impact of last week’s incident.

Read more »

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

Almost a four bagger, this tungsten company says production is strong as its shares hit a record

This company's shares are flying, but they have bigger plans in store.

Read more »

Pile of copper pipes.
Resources Shares

With the copper price hitting a new record, how can you get exposure?

With copper prices set to remain high, here are some shares which might be worth a look.

Read more »

Iron ore price Vale dam collapse ASX shares iron ore, iron ore australia, iron ore price, commodity price,
Resources Shares

This ASX 200 company is celebrating its second major contract win in as many months

Shares in this engineering company are trading higher after a major contract win.

Read more »

A little boy holds up a barbell with big silver weights at each end.
Resources Shares

Silver rebounds putting ASX silver stocks back in focus

Silver’s sharp rebound has reignited investor interest, with ASX silver stocks benefiting from strong demand and tight supply.

Read more »

A man in a hard hat gives a thumbs up as he holds a clipboard in one hand against a blue sky background.
Record Highs

Own Rio Tinto shares? They just hit a new record high

Rio has gotten off to a good start in 2026.

Read more »

A woman looking through a window with an iPhone in her hand.
Resources Shares

Could BHP shares outperform the ASX 200 in 2026?

Could this miner be an outperformer this year? I'm going to tell you why I think it could be.

Read more »