Rio Tinto PLC Plans Dividend of $2.54 (NYSE:RIO)

Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:RIO) declared a dividend on Thursday, February 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be given a dividend of 2.54 per share by the mining company on Thursday, April 16th. This represents a yield of 527.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th.

Rio Tinto has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years. Rio Tinto has a payout ratio of 47.7% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Rio Tinto to earn $6.73 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.95 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 43.8%.

Rio Tinto Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of NYSE:RIO traded up $0.31 during trading on Friday, reaching $96.65. 1,921,441 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,403,313. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.03. Rio Tinto has a fifty-two week low of $51.67 and a fifty-two week high of $100.33. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $87.21 and a 200-day simple moving average of $73.89.

Key Rio Tinto News

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

• Positive Sentiment: Q4 results showed revenue and EPS growth and strong cash flow (revenue $15.4bn, EPS up, operating cash generation solid), which supports dividends and buybacks. Rio Tinto Plc (RIO) Releases Q4 2025 Earnings: Revenue and EPS Rise but Net Income Falls
• Positive Sentiment: The company declared a cash dividend (2.54 per share, record date March 6), reinforcing shareholder returns and supporting income-focused demand for the stock.
• Positive Sentiment: Rio Tinto assumed majority control and management of Nemaska Lithium, advancing its critical-minerals strategy and exposure to lithium for EVs — a strategic growth move. Rio Tinto assumes majority interest and management responsibilities at Nemaska Lithium
• Neutral Sentiment: Rio Tinto is frequently cited in dividend-focused stock lists and analyst coverage, which can support longer-term investor interest but doesn’t immediately move the stock. Buy 5 Top-Ranked Solid Dividend-Paying Stocks to Remain Safe in 2026
• Negative Sentiment: Rio defended its growth outlook after talks with Glencore to combine businesses failed — investors may be worried about lost merger upside and near-term growth clarity. Rio Tinto defends growth prospects after failed Glencore talks
• Negative Sentiment: Underlying earnings were flat for 2025 and the company reported a fall in net profit year-over-year; that, plus a broader mining-sector sell-off, pressured the shares. Rio Tinto falls after reporting flat earnings amid mining sell-off
• Negative Sentiment: Some analysts remain cautious — Deutsche Bank kept a ‘hold’ and a GBP price target below the current share price, suggesting upside may be limited near-term. Rio Tinto’s solid numbers mask a bigger question about what comes next

Rio Tinto Company Profile

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.