** Shares of iron ore explorer Champion Iron CIA.AX fall 5.4% to A$4.305, their lowest since early-December 2021
** Stock down 17.4% this week, set for sharpest weekly loss since mid-June 2022
** Bell Potter cuts price target to A$6.2 from A$7.1, says it expects the relatively tight trading range in iron ore prices to continue in the near term
** Adds that a shift into higher grade production in 2026 by co will support price realisation and its earnings amid an expected weakening iron ore price environment
** Brokerage expects earnings to continue to support dividends; maintains 'buy' rating
** Stock rated "buy" on avg; median PT is A$7.02, per data compiled by LSEG
** Stock price has dropped by 25.2% YTD, including current session's moves
(Reporting by Jasmeen Ara Shaikh in Bengaluru)
((JasmeenAraIslam.Shaikh@thomsonreuters.com;))