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Pilbara Minerals Limited (AU:PLS)
ASX:PLS
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Pilbara Minerals (PLS) AI Stock Analysis

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AU:PLS

Pilbara Minerals

(Sydney:PLS)

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Neutral 59 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:59Neutral
Price Target:
AU$4.00
▲(5.26% Upside)
Pilbara Minerals' overall stock score is driven by strong technical indicators and positive earnings call highlights, which are offset by poor financial performance and valuation concerns. The company's operational achievements and strategic positioning are promising, but financial challenges and market volatility pose significant risks.
Positive Factors
Operational Excellence
Pilbara Minerals' ability to exceed operational guidance demonstrates strong management execution and operational efficiency, which are critical for sustaining long-term growth and competitiveness in the mining sector.
Strong Financial Position
A robust financial position with significant cash reserves and credit facilities provides Pilbara Minerals with the flexibility to invest in growth opportunities and weather market volatility, supporting long-term stability.
Cost Leadership
Achieving cost leadership through reduced unit costs enhances Pilbara Minerals' competitive advantage, allowing it to maintain profitability even in a low-priced environment, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Negative Factors
Decline in Revenue Growth
A decline in revenue growth indicates challenges in expanding market share or product demand, which could hinder Pilbara Minerals' ability to capitalize on the growing demand for lithium in the long term.
Cash Flow Challenges
Deteriorating cash flow metrics suggest difficulties in converting income into cash, which may limit Pilbara Minerals' ability to fund operations and growth initiatives, impacting its long-term financial health.
Pricing Volatility
Continued pricing volatility in the spodumene market poses risks to revenue stability and investment planning, potentially affecting Pilbara Minerals' ability to sustain long-term growth and profitability.

Pilbara Minerals (PLS) vs. iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA)

Pilbara Minerals Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPilbara Minerals Limited explores for, develops, and operates mineral resources in Australia. The company primarily holds a 100% interest in the Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is based in West Perth, Australia.
How the Company Makes MoneyPilbara Minerals generates revenue primarily through the sale of lithium spodumene concentrate and tantalum products. The company's revenue model is based on contracts with various customers, including global battery manufacturers and technology companies, which require high-quality lithium for their production needs. Key revenue streams include direct sales of lithium concentrate to customers in China and other international markets, as well as potential revenue from tantalum sales. Significant partnerships and off-take agreements with companies in the battery supply chain, coupled with the increasing global demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions, contribute to Pilbara's earnings. Additionally, fluctuating lithium prices in the commodities market impact revenue, making it essential for the company to maintain operational efficiency and strong relationships with clients.

Pilbara Minerals Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 24, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
Next Earnings Date:Feb 19, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a strong operational performance with record production and cost improvements. However, challenges such as declining prices and cash flow concerns were noted. The company's strong financial position and strategic investments position it well for future growth, but market volatility remains a concern.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Production Volume
Achieved record production of 221,000 tonnes, up 77% compared to the previous quarter, demonstrating operational leverage of the optimized Pilgan Plant.
Strong Financial Position
Maintained a strong balance sheet with approximately $1 billion in cash and $655 million in undrawn credit facilities, providing financial strength and flexibility.
Cost Leadership Achieved
Unit costs reduced by 10% to $619 per tonne, demonstrating tangible cost leadership despite a low-priced environment.
Operational Excellence
Exceeded all FY '25 guidance metrics, affirming execution discipline and team capability.
Successful Completion of Expansion Projects
Completion of P680 and P1000 projects added 420,000 tonnes of production capacity and improved operational flexibility.
Safety Performance Improvement
The 12-month rolling TRIFR improved to 2.79, reflecting ongoing safety culture improvements.
Negative Updates
Decline in Average Realized Prices
Despite the increase in production, the average realized price dropped by 20% to USD 599 per tonne for SC5.1 product grade.
Cash Flow Reduction
Cash balance declined by $88 million during the June quarter, primarily due to capital expenditure and equity contribution to the P-PLS joint venture.
POSCO JV Financial Loss
Recorded a net loss of approximately $20 million from the POSCO JV, with expectations for a similar loss in the second half.
Pricing Volatility and Long-Term Concerns
Despite recent price rallies, spodumene pricing remains below levels required for new investment, indicating ongoing market instability.
Company Guidance
In the call, PLS provided significant guidance for FY '26, emphasizing operational excellence, disciplined cost control, and capital efficiency. The company reported record production of 221,000 tonnes for the June quarter, a 77% increase, with unit costs reduced by 10% to $619 per tonne. For FY '25, PLS exceeded all guidance metrics with production volumes reaching 755,000 tonnes and unit operating costs at $627 per tonne. The company's balance sheet remains robust, closing the quarter with $1 billion in cash. FY '26 guidance includes production of 820,000 to 870,000 tonnes and unit costs FOB of AUD 560 to AUD 600 per tonne. Additionally, PLS plans a capital expenditure of AUD 300 million to AUD 330 million. The company highlighted ongoing projects like the POSCO JV in Korea and emphasized its strong market position amidst recent pricing volatility, supported by a comprehensive strategic growth plan.

Pilbara Minerals Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Pilbara Minerals is facing financial challenges with declining revenue, profitability, and cash flow. Despite a strong balance sheet with low leverage, the company needs to address operational and cash flow issues to improve its financial health.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Pilbara Minerals has experienced a significant decline in revenue and profitability in the most recent year, with a negative net profit margin of -21.99% and a negative EBIT margin of -16.40%. The revenue growth rate has also decreased by 3.51% compared to the previous year. These factors indicate challenges in maintaining profitability and growth.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is relatively low at 0.19, indicating a conservative use of leverage. However, the return on equity has turned negative, reflecting recent losses. The equity ratio remains strong, suggesting a solid capital structure despite recent financial setbacks.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Pilbara Minerals has faced a significant decline in free cash flow, with a negative growth rate of -44.56%. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is low at 0.51, indicating challenges in converting income into cash. The negative free cash flow to net income ratio highlights cash flow difficulties.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue922.57M890.21M1.25B4.06B1.19B175.82M
Gross Profit147.42M331.56M477.81M3.27B794.07M12.58M
EBITDA133.21M75.31M593.86M3.51B783.52M21.28M
Net Income-32.64M-195.77M256.88M2.39B561.83M-51.45M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.18B4.67B4.31B5.20B1.98B949.72M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.17B974.54M1.63B3.34B591.74M99.71M
Total Debt634.42M682.21M555.74M471.95M291.96M166.97M
Total Liabilities1.01B1.14B1.07B1.81B686.36M375.48M
Stockholders Equity3.18B3.53B3.24B3.39B1.29B574.25M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-916.52M-508.13M-1.25B3.04B506.40M-20.36M
Operating Cash Flow-80.98M146.22M-440.22M3.43B634.72M130.00K
Investing Cash Flow-774.22M-698.11M-827.51M-407.96M-204.53M-230.79M
Financing Cash Flow-119.70M-98.06M-392.74M-284.19M58.42M251.33M

Pilbara Minerals Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price3.80
Price Trends
50DMA
3.22
Positive
100DMA
2.67
Positive
200DMA
2.10
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.19
Positive
RSI
55.28
Neutral
STOCH
30.38
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AU:PLS, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 3.8 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 3.83, above the 50-day MA of 3.22, and above the 200-day MA of 2.10, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.19 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 55.28 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 30.38 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for AU:PLS.

Pilbara Minerals Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
AU$2.08B13.35151.89%5.33%6.54%0.48%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
59
Neutral
$12.23B-5.63%-38.69%-174.12%
58
Neutral
$9.84B-26.55%-15.27%-817.26%
56
Neutral
$5.25B-35.65%-37.23%-32433.33%
52
Neutral
AU$3.26B-13.11-7.26%5.33%-2.30%-234.27%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AU:PLS
Pilbara Minerals
3.80
1.65
76.74%
AU:IGO
IGO
6.93
1.97
39.72%
AU:MIN
Mineral Resources Limited
50.15
15.96
46.68%
AU:NIC
Nickel Mines Ltd.
0.75
-0.11
-12.79%
AU:DRR
Deterra Royalties Ltd
4.13
0.48
13.15%

Pilbara Minerals Corporate Events

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Ceases to be a Substantial Holder in Pilbara Minerals
Dec 4, 2025

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates have ceased to be substantial holders in Pilbara Minerals Ltd as of December 2, 2025. This change in holdings may impact Pilbara Minerals’ stock market dynamics and investor relations, as substantial holders often influence company decisions and market perceptions.

PLS Group Announces Board Changes with New Appointment and Retirement
Dec 1, 2025

PLS Group Limited has announced the appointment of Robert Nicholson as a Non-Executive Director, effective January 1, 2026. Nicholson brings extensive experience in energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors, enhancing the board’s capabilities as PLS continues its strategy as the world’s largest independent hard rock lithium producer. Concurrently, Steve Scudamore will retire from the board on December 31, 2025, after contributing significantly to PLS’s financial stability and strategic growth. The board committee memberships will be updated to reflect these changes, aiming to maintain operational excellence and sustainable shareholder returns.

PLS Group Appoints New CFO to Drive Global Lithium Expansion
Dec 1, 2025

PLS Group Limited has appointed Ms. Alex Willcocks as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective May 2026. Ms. Willcocks brings over 20 years of experience in finance, including senior roles within Wesfarmers Group, and has significant expertise in capital allocation, portfolio optimization, and financial management. Her appointment comes as PLS continues its evolution into a global, multi-asset lithium business with operations and partnerships across Australia, Brazil, and South Korea. This strategic hire is expected to support PLS’s growth and transformation agenda, enhancing its position in the lithium sector.

PLS Group Limited Rebrands to Reflect Strategic Focus
Nov 28, 2025

PLS Group Limited has officially changed its name from Pilbara Minerals Limited following shareholder approval at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. This change, effective from 27 November 2025, is being implemented by the ASX and is expected to take effect from 3 December 2025. The rebranding reflects the company’s strategic focus and commitment to advancing its position in the global energy transition, enhancing its market presence and stakeholder engagement.

Pilbara Minerals Expands ASX Quotation with New Securities
Nov 26, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited has announced the issuance of 55,819 fully paid ordinary securities, which are set to be quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). This move is part of the company’s strategy to enhance its financial flexibility and support its ongoing growth initiatives in the lithium mining sector, potentially impacting its market position and offering new opportunities for stakeholders.

Pilbara Minerals Passes All Resolutions at 2025 AGM
Nov 25, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited announced that all resolutions proposed at its 2025 Annual General Meeting were passed without amendment. The resolutions, which included various corporate governance and operational matters, were supported by a significant majority of shareholders, reflecting strong confidence in the company’s strategic direction. This outcome reinforces Pilbara Minerals’ robust position in the lithium market and its commitment to advancing the global energy transition, potentially benefiting stakeholders and enhancing its industry standing.

Pilbara Minerals’ 2025 AGM Highlights Indigenous Acknowledgement
Nov 25, 2025

Pilbara Minerals held its 2025 Annual General Meeting, acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands associated with its operations, including the Whadjuk Noongar, Nyamal, and Kariyarra people. The meeting emphasized the company’s commitment to respecting Indigenous communities and highlighted the importance of these relationships in its operational regions.

Pilbara Minerals Highlights Strategic Growth and Sustainability at 2025 AGM
Nov 25, 2025

Pilbara Minerals’ 2025 AGM highlighted its strategic advancements, including major expansion projects at Pilgangoora and international growth through acquisitions in Brazil. The company emphasized its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and maintaining a strong financial position to navigate market volatility and capitalize on future growth opportunities.

Pilbara Minerals Announces Director’s Change in Shareholding
Nov 24, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited has announced a change in the director’s interest notice, specifically involving Stephen John Scudamore. On November 17, 2025, Scudamore disposed of 101,647 ordinary shares of the company through an on-market trade, valued at $379,143.31. This transaction reflects a strategic decision by the director, potentially impacting the company’s stock dynamics and signaling a shift in personal investment strategy.

Pilbara Minerals Expands Market Presence with New Securities Quotation
Oct 30, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited has announced the quotation of 161,970 fully paid ordinary securities on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), effective from October 24, 2025. This move is part of the company’s strategy to enhance its market presence and provide additional value to its stakeholders, reflecting its ongoing commitment to growth and expansion in the lithium mining sector.

Pilbara Minerals Announces 2025 AGM Details
Oct 24, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited has announced the details for its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for November 25, 2025, at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, with an option for virtual attendance. This meeting provides an opportunity for shareholders to engage with the company’s leadership and discuss future strategies, reflecting Pilbara Minerals’ commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement in its operations.

Pilbara Minerals Outlines Strategic Vision for FY26
Oct 23, 2025

Pilbara Minerals has outlined its strategic vision for the September Quarter FY26, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the global energy transition. The company aims to enhance its operational performance, fully realize the potential of its global assets, and diversify its revenue streams. This strategic focus is expected to strengthen its position in the battery materials supply chain and contribute to a sustainable energy future.

Pilbara Minerals Reports Strong September Quarter with Increased Revenue and Cost Efficiencies
Oct 23, 2025

Pilbara Minerals reported strong operational and financial performance for the September 2025 quarter, with a 30% increase in revenue to A$251 million, driven by higher realized pricing and stable production volumes. The company achieved significant cost reductions, with unit operating costs decreasing by 13% due to operational efficiencies and optimization initiatives, positioning it well despite expected seasonal challenges.

Pilbara Minerals Announces Quotation of New Securities
Oct 14, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited has announced the quotation of 131,313 fully paid ordinary securities on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), effective from October 7, 2025. This move reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capital structure and potentially strengthen its market position within the lithium industry, offering stakeholders an opportunity to engage with its growth trajectory.

Pilbara Minerals Announces Quotation of New Securities
Oct 8, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited has announced the quotation of 96,588 fully paid ordinary securities on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). This move is part of the company’s strategy to enhance its financial flexibility and support its growth initiatives in the lithium market, potentially impacting its market positioning and offering new opportunities for stakeholders.

Pilbara Minerals Announces Cessation of Performance Rights
Oct 2, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited announced the cessation of certain performance rights due to unmet conditions, impacting a total of 49,300 securities. This cessation reflects on the company’s operational adjustments and may influence its capital management strategy, potentially affecting investor perceptions and market positioning.

Pilbara Minerals Issues New Securities to Boost Employee Incentives
Oct 2, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited announced the issuance of new unquoted securities, including performance rights, as part of an employee incentive scheme. This strategic move is aimed at aligning employee interests with company growth, potentially enhancing operational performance and reinforcing its market position in the lithium mining sector.

Pilbara Minerals to Release September 2025 Quarterly Report
Sep 23, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited (PLS) is set to release its September 2025 Quarterly Activities Report on 24 October, with an investor webcast and call scheduled for the same day. The event will provide insights into the company’s recent performance and strategic direction, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder interests.

Pilbara Minerals Expands Financial Flexibility with New Securities Issuance
Sep 22, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited has announced the issuance of 74,155 fully paid ordinary securities, which will be quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its financial flexibility and support its strategic initiatives in the rapidly evolving lithium market.

Pilbara Minerals Announces Cessation of Performance Rights
Sep 16, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited announced the cessation of several performance rights due to unmet conditions, impacting a total of 285,581 securities. This development may affect the company’s operational strategies and stakeholder interests, as it reflects challenges in meeting performance targets or changing market conditions.

Pilbara Minerals Expands Capital with New ASX Securities Quotation
Sep 16, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited has announced the quotation of new securities on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), with a total of 65,120 ordinary fully paid shares being issued on two separate dates in September 2025. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capital structure, potentially strengthening its financial position and market presence in the lithium mining sector.

Pilbara Minerals Announces 2025 AGM Date
Sep 15, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited has announced that its Annual General Meeting will be held on November 25, 2025, with the deadline for director nominations set for September 22, 2025. This meeting is a significant event for stakeholders as it may influence the company’s strategic direction and leadership, impacting its operations and market positioning in the lithium industry.

Pilbara Minerals Expands Capital with New Securities Quotation
Sep 9, 2025

Pilbara Minerals Limited announced the quotation of new securities on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), with a total of 580,275 ordinary fully paid securities issued on September 3 and 4, 2025. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capital structure, potentially strengthening its market position and providing additional resources for future growth initiatives.

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: Nov 14, 2025