BUZZ — Australia's Champion Iron hits 6 — year low; Bell Potter maintains 'hold'

* Shares of Champion Iron fall as much as 4.5% to A$2.32, their lowest level since May 18, 2020 * Bell Potter maintains its "hold" recommendation on valuation for Champion Iron and sees free cash flow improving from FY27 on capex roll off * CIA expects to ramp up production of high-grade concentrate, while brokerage sees iron-content price premiums for this product, it thinks the full value-in-use premiums are unlikely to be realised until longer-term offtake is secured * Adds that net realised prices were weaker than expected, which it calls "particularly concerning" because an improvement in product grades was expected * Eight of 11 analysts rate the stock "buy" or higher and three "hold" with a median price target of A$4.55, as per data compiled by LSEG * Stock down 61%, YTD, including the session's moves (Reporting by Anjali Singh in Bengaluru) ((anjali.singh2@thomsonreuters.com;)