Citi keeps PT, rating unchanged for Rio Tinto; warns of H2 iron ore market headwinds

** Analysts at Citi keep price target unchanged and maintains 'neutral' rating on Australia's Rio Tinto RIO after the mining giant reported strong second-quarter iron ore production on Wednesday

** Citi, however, sees headwinds in iron ore market in H2 2025

** Simon Trott, who was named CEO on Tuesday, pitched for accelerated operational performance and organizational simplification - initiatives that are expected to take time to deliver - brokerage

** Brokerage sees underlying profits in CY25 to be up 1.5% while in CY26 to be down 1%

** Eight of 15 analysts rate the stock "buy" or higher, and seven "hold"; their median price target is A$118, as per data compiled by LSEG

** Stock is down nearly 6% YTD, as of last close