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Challenger Exploration Limited (AU:CEL)
ASX:CEL
Australian Market

Challenger Exploration Limited (CEL) AI Stock Analysis

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AU:CEL

Challenger Exploration Limited

(Sydney:CEL)

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Neutral 56 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:56Neutral
Price Target:
AU$0.21
▲(28.75% Upside)
The score is held back primarily by weak financial quality (no revenue, ongoing operating losses, and sustained cash burn despite positive net income). Supporting the rating are a comparatively strong, low-leverage balance sheet and favorable price trend/positive MACD, though near-term technicals look overextended (high RSI/Stochastic). Valuation is moderate on P/E but is less reliable given the operating profile.

Challenger Exploration Limited (CEL) vs. iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA)

Challenger Exploration Limited Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionChallenger Exploration Limited engages in the exploration of gold, silver, and copper deposits. Its flagship project is the Hualilan gold project that comprise 15 mining leases and an exploration license application covering an area of 26 square kilometers located in San Juan, Argentina. The company was formerly known as Challenger Energy Limited and changed its name to Challenger Exploration Limited in May 2019. Challenger Exploration Limited was incorporated in 2007 and is based in West Perth, Australia.
How the Company Makes Money

Challenger Exploration Limited Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mixed fundamentals: no revenue and persistent negative EBIT indicate weak core operating performance, and cash flow is a major concern with negative operating and free cash flow despite positive net income. Offsetting this, the balance sheet is relatively strong with low leverage and a sizeable equity base, providing financial flexibility.
Income Statement
46
Neutral
The company reports no revenue across the presented annual periods, and operating profitability remains weak with negative EBIT in every year shown (including 2024). That said, net income has been strongly positive in recent years (2022–2024) and growing versus earlier periods, suggesting gains or non-operating items are supporting reported earnings despite ongoing operating losses. Overall, earnings quality looks mixed because profitability is not being driven by core operations.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
Balance sheet positioning appears solid, supported by a sizeable equity base (2024 stockholders’ equity of ~203M vs. total debt of ~19M) and low leverage (debt-to-equity ~0.09 in 2024, improving from 2023). Total assets and equity have expanded materially versus prior years, indicating strengthened capitalization. The key risk is that returns on equity are elevated while operating losses persist, implying the return profile may be influenced by non-operating factors rather than sustainable operating performance.
Cash Flow
34
Negative
Cash generation is a primary weakness: operating cash flow is negative in 2022–2024 and free cash flow is consistently negative across all shown periods, indicating ongoing cash burn. While 2024 free cash flow improved versus 2023 (less negative), the business still appears reliant on external funding or balance sheet resources to sustain spending. The disconnect between positive net income and negative operating cash flow in recent years also raises questions about the cash quality of reported earnings.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue0.000.000.000.000.000.00
Gross Profit-278.01K-226.91K-175.00K-138.55K0.00-30.88K
EBITDA32.27M76.26M54.40M55.71M-5.46M2.65M
Net Income27.96M74.60M53.86M49.37M25.79M598.26K
Balance Sheet
Total Assets251.49M226.47M146.47M179.33M153.73M80.48M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments26.76M853.14K4.35M15.43M10.42M47.49M
Total Debt22.18M19.12M14.33M12.49M1.22M3.50M
Total Liabilities26.26M23.43M19.06M30.09M11.95M7.30M
Stockholders Equity225.23M203.04M127.41M149.24M141.78M73.17M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-6.88M-19.70M-25.39M-25.30M-54.41M-16.99M
Operating Cash Flow-6.78M-6.68M-5.26M-2.73M-2.70M4.61M
Investing Cash Flow-14.74M-11.75M-15.19M-15.79M-36.32M-21.60M
Financing Cash Flow42.33M14.45M9.30M23.02M1.16M60.77M

Challenger Exploration Limited Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
56
Neutral
AU$424.43M9.8913.77%
51
Neutral
AU$369.23M-23.99-25.38%
46
Neutral
AU$100.40M-46.36-16.47%-19.57%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AU:CEL
Challenger Exploration Limited
0.18
0.12
250.00%
BOCOF
Bougainville Copper
0.40
0.09
29.03%
IAUFF
AIC Mines Limited
0.45
0.25
123.50%
AU:PTR
Petratherm Ltd
0.26
-0.14
-34.62%
AU:TOK
Tolu Minerals Limited
1.43
0.59
69.64%

Challenger Exploration Limited Corporate Events

Challenger Gold Issues 500,000 New Shares on Option Exercise
Jan 21, 2026

Challenger Gold Limited has issued 500,000 ordinary shares following the exercise of options, with the new securities forming part of an existing class already quoted on the ASX. The company confirmed that this capital issuance was conducted without a disclosure document in reliance on relevant provisions of the Corporations Act, and that it remains compliant with its continuous disclosure and financial reporting obligations, signalling regulatory adherence and transparent governance for shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CEL) stock is a Hold with a A$0.18 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Challenger Exploration Limited stock, see the AU:CEL Stock Forecast page.

Challenger Gold Seeks Quotation for 500,000 New Shares on ASX
Jan 21, 2026

Challenger Gold Limited has applied to the ASX for quotation of 500,000 additional ordinary fully paid shares, expanding its listed securities on the market. The new shares, issued on 20 January 2026, modestly increase the company’s equity base and free float, which may enhance liquidity for existing shareholders and support the company’s ongoing corporate and exploration activities.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CEL) stock is a Hold with a A$0.18 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Challenger Exploration Limited stock, see the AU:CEL Stock Forecast page.

Challenger Gold Issues New Shares Under Section 708A Disclosure Exemption
Jan 13, 2026

Challenger Gold Limited has issued a total of 4,666,666 new ordinary shares, comprising 3,833,333 shares from the exercise of options and 833,333 shares as quarterly interest to financier Queens Road Capital, relying on a disclosure exemption under Section 708A(5)(e) of the Corporations Act. The company confirmed that it remains compliant with its continuous disclosure and financial reporting obligations under the Corporations Act, stated it is not aware of any excluded information, and noted that the relevant share issue appendices have already been lodged with the ASX, signaling routine capital management activity without undisclosed material developments for shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CEL) stock is a Buy with a A$0.18 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Challenger Exploration Limited stock, see the AU:CEL Stock Forecast page.

Challenger Gold Seeks ASX Quotation for 833,333 New Shares
Jan 13, 2026

Challenger Gold Limited has applied to the ASX for quotation of 833,333 new fully paid ordinary shares, issued on 12 January 2026, under its existing capital management arrangements. The additional quoted securities modestly expand the company’s listed share capital base, potentially enhancing liquidity for shareholders and supporting Challenger Gold’s ongoing funding and execution of its gold exploration and development activities.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CEL) stock is a Buy with a A$0.18 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Challenger Exploration Limited stock, see the AU:CEL Stock Forecast page.

Challenger Gold Issues 500,000 New Shares on Option Exercise
Dec 23, 2025

Challenger Gold Limited has issued 500,000 ordinary shares following the exercise of options, with the new securities forming part of its existing quoted class on the ASX. The company has confirmed compliance with its financial reporting and continuous disclosure obligations under the Corporations Act and stated it is not aware of any excluded information, signalling routine capital management with no undisclosed material developments for investors.

Challenger Gold Seeks ASX Quotation for 500,000 Newly Issued Shares
Dec 23, 2025

Challenger Gold Limited has applied to the ASX for quotation of 500,000 new fully paid ordinary shares, issued on 19 December 2025 following the exercise or conversion of existing options or other convertible securities. The additional shares modestly increase the company’s listed capital base and reflect the take-up of securities by holders, which may be interpreted as a sign of confidence in Challenger Gold’s prospects and provides incremental flexibility for funding ongoing exploration and development activities.

Challenger Exploration Issues 500,000 New Shares
Dec 11, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited has issued 500,000 ordinary shares following the exercise of options, without disclosure to investors, under the provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. This move complies with relevant sections of the Act, and the company has confirmed there is no excluded information that could impact investors. The announcement reflects the company’s ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements and its strategic efforts to enhance its market position.

Challenger Gold Limited Issues New Securities for ASX Quotation
Dec 11, 2025

Challenger Gold Limited has announced the issuance of 500,000 ordinary fully paid securities, which will be quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the code CEL. This move signifies the company’s efforts to enhance its capital structure and potentially expand its operations, which could have implications for its market positioning and stakeholder interests.

Challenger Exploration Advances Hualilán Gold Project with New Mining Contract
Nov 20, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited has executed a mining contract with MAPAL Constructions and Mining S.A. for the Toll Milling Phase of the Hualilán Gold Project in Argentina. This strategic partnership aims to de-risk the operational start-up and ensure reliable early production outcomes. The project is on track with production mining activities set to commence on December 1, 2025, following successful preparatory works and initial blasting. The engagement of MAPAL, a well-established local contractor, provides a capital-efficient path to execute the Toll Milling Phase, which is central to Challenger’s growth strategy by providing near-term cash flow and reducing capital intensity.

Challenger Exploration Director Increases Stake
Nov 5, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited has announced a change in the director’s interest notice, specifically regarding Sonia Delgado’s holdings. Delgado has increased her direct interest in the company by acquiring 7,500,000 ordinary shares, bringing her total to 31,000,000 shares. This change was due to the exercise of vest performance rights, with the newly acquired shares valued at $937,500. This development indicates a significant increase in Delgado’s stake in the company, potentially reflecting confidence in the company’s future prospects.

Challenger Exploration Expands Share Issuance and Advances Mining Contract
Nov 4, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited has issued a total of 11,865,844 ordinary shares without disclosure to investors under specific provisions of the Corporations Act. These shares include allocations to a director, as interest to Queens Road Capital, and to consultants and advisors. Additionally, the company is in advanced discussions for a mining services contract related to the Hualian Gold Project in Argentina, which could impact its operational capabilities and market positioning.

Challenger Exploration Issues New Unlisted Options
Nov 4, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited has announced the issuance of 4,000,000 unlisted options with an exercise price of 10 cents and an expiry date of June 30, 2027. This move is part of the company’s strategic efforts to enhance its financial flexibility and support its ongoing exploration activities, potentially impacting its market position and stakeholder interests.

Challenger Exploration Issues 7.5 Million New Shares
Nov 4, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited has announced the issuance of 7,500,000 fully paid ordinary shares, which will be quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange. This move is part of the company’s strategy to leverage convertible securities, potentially impacting its financial structure and market capitalization.

Challenger Gold Limited Issues New Securities to Boost Operations
Nov 4, 2025

Challenger Gold Limited has announced the issuance of 3,532,511 fully paid ordinary securities to key consultants and advisors as part of their toll milling progression. This move is aimed at strengthening the company’s operational capabilities and advancing its strategic objectives in the gold mining sector.

Challenger Gold Limited Issues 20 Million Unlisted Options
Nov 3, 2025

Challenger Gold Limited has announced the issuance of 20 million unlisted options, exercisable at 19.5 cents and expiring three years from the issue date. This strategic move, part of a previously announced transaction, is aimed at bolstering the company’s financial flexibility and supporting its ongoing exploration activities, potentially impacting its market position and stakeholder interests.

Challenger Exploration Expands Share Issuance and Advances Mining Contract
Nov 3, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited has issued 230,769,231 ordinary shares under a placement, as per the announcement on 27 October 2025, without disclosure to investors, relying on specific provisions of the Corporations Act. The company is also in advanced discussions for a mining services contract related to the Hualian Gold Project, which is expected to be finalized soon, potentially impacting its operational capabilities and market positioning.

Challenger Exploration Limited Announces Quotation of New Securities
Nov 3, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited announced the application for the quotation of 230,769,231 fully paid ordinary securities on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the code CEL. This move is part of previously announced transactions and is expected to enhance the company’s capital structure, potentially impacting its market position and providing new opportunities for stakeholders.

Challenger Exploration Advances Hualilan Gold Project and Strengthens Financial Position
Oct 31, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited has made significant progress in its Hualilan Gold Project in Argentina, with toll milling operations advancing and expected to commence in early 2026. The company has secured necessary permits and contracts, including a blasting contract with ORICA and drilling services with THOR S.A., positioning itself for operational success. Additionally, the completion of a takeover of Lumina Gold Corp by CMOC Group Limited suggests a favorable valuation for Challenger’s projects in Ecuador. Financially, the company has bolstered its cash reserves through a $30 million institutional placement, which will support the ramp-up of toll milling operations and further drilling campaigns.

Challenger Exploration Reports Quarterly Cash Flow and Capital Raising
Oct 31, 2025

Challenger Exploration Limited reported its quarterly cash flow results, highlighting a net cash outflow from operating activities of $1.225 million and a significant outflow from investing activities of $4.449 million. The company raised $7.508 million from equity securities, which contributed to a positive cash flow from financing activities, indicating a strategic focus on securing capital for ongoing exploration and development efforts.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 29, 2026