Core Lithium share price falls after being hit with sell rating from Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs believes this lithium share is overvalued…

| More on:
Keyboard button with the word sell on it.

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

The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price is under pressure again on Thursday.

In morning trade, the lithium developer's shares are down 2% to $1.28.

Why is the Core Lithium share price falling?

Investors have been hitting the sell button today after the lithium developer was the subject of a bearish broker note out of Goldman Sachs.

According to the note, the broker has initiated coverage on the company's shares with a sell rating and $1.00 price target.

Based on where Core Lithium's shares are trading this morning, this implies potential downside of 22%.

What did the broker say?

The broker believes that investors have overvalued Core Lithium's Finniss project. Particularly given the prospect of lithium prices falling materially in the coming years. It commented:

Core Lithium's Finniss project will be Australia's next lithium producer, with spodumene production scheduled for 1H CY23, where we factor in an average ~175ktpa production over a ~12-year M&I resource life. However, while resource upside looks likely, the required magnitude to support the capacity expansion/life extension/future downstream that is currently priced into the stock looks significant, in our view, particularly given the upside case is unlikely to be achieved before lithium prices decline (GSe from 2H CY23).

Goldman also highlights that the Core Lithium share price is trading at a premium to peers and on low free cash flow multiples. It adds:

With production/cost risks as the project moves between mining configurations, and the stock trading well above peers at 1.5x NAV (~US$2,400/t LT spodumene) on the lowest average operating FCF/t LCE, we initiate on CXO with a relative Sell rating and a 12-month PT of A$1.00/sh, implying 23% downside.

All in all, the broker believes there is a better option for investors looking for lithium exposure right now.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 mining employee in a white hard hat cheers with fists pumped as the Hot Chili share price rises higher today
Materials Shares

ASX mining in April 2024: The best stock to buy right now

Analysts at Bell Potter think this mining stock could offer big returns.

Read more »

a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Materials Shares

The Core Lithium share is down 27% in March: What's next?

Times have been hard for this lithium miner's shareholders. Will things improve?

Read more »

A female worker in a hard hat smiles in an oil field.
Materials Shares

Why it's a great day to own BHP shares

The Big Australian's shareholders have reason to smile on Thursday.

Read more »

a business man in a suit holds his hand over his eyes as he bows his head in a defeated post suggesting regret and remorse.
Materials Shares

Why did this ASX All Ords stock just crash 36%?

Investors have been hitting the sell button on Tuesday.

Read more »

A miner in a hardhat makes a sale on his tablet in the field.
Materials Shares

Lake Resources share price surges on sustainable lithium news

Lake Resources shares are enjoying a welcome lift today.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Materials Shares

Mineral Resources shares fall despite 'exceptional results'

This mining and mining services company has provided an update on its energy business.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Materials Shares

Are Pilbara Minerals shares in the buy zone or overvalued?

Here's what Bell Potter is saying about the lithium giant.

Read more »

Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.
Materials Shares

3 reasons to sell Core Lithium shares

This lithium miner's decline may not be over according to Goldman Sachs.

Read more »