• Revenue: $45.6 million for Q4, up from $27.7 million in the previous quarter.
• Realized Price per Metric Ton: $818 for the quarter; $909 on an SC6 equivalent basis.
• Net Loss: GAAP net loss of $11.1 million; adjusted net loss of $3.6 million.
• Cash Position: Ended the year with $87.8 million in cash, up from $64.4 million at the end of September 2024.
• Operating Cash Flows: $6 million for Q4; negative $43 million for the full year.
• Production: 51,000 tons produced in Q4; over 190,000 tons for the full year 2024.
• Shipments: 55,700 dry metric tons for Q4; 117,000 dry metric tons for 2024.
• Cost Savings: Achieved $14 million in annual run rate cost savings for 2024.
• Capital Expenditures: $11 million in 2024, down from $57 million in 2023.
• Joint Venture Investments: $26 million in 2024, down from $43 million in 2023.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with PLL.

Release Date: February 20, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Piedmont Lithium Inc (NASDAQ:PLL) reported strong operational performance at North American Lithium, achieving record deliveries in Q4 2024.
• The company successfully reduced corporate expenses as part of its 2024 cost savings plan, achieving $14 million in total annual cost savings.
• Piedmont Lithium Inc (NASDAQ:PLL) announced a merger with its joint venture partner, Siona Mining, which is expected to create a larger, stronger company with significant synergies.
• The company achieved industry-leading price realizations for lithium, with a realized price of $909 per metric ton on an SC6 equivalent basis.
• Piedmont Lithium Inc (NASDAQ:PLL) ended the year with a strong cash position of $87.8 million, up from $64.4 million at the end of September 2024.

Negative Points

• Piedmont Lithium Inc (NASDAQ:PLL) reported a GAAP net loss of $11.1 million for Q4 2024, with an adjusted net loss of $3.6 million.
• The company faces potential challenges from tariffs on critical minerals, which could impact its shipment profile and customer decisions.
• The lithium market remains volatile, with uncertain short-term and medium-term outlooks, impacting investment decisions for new projects.
• Piedmont Lithium Inc (NASDAQ:PLL) is cautious about advancing its projects in the current market environment, potentially delaying development timelines.
• The merger with Siona Mining is subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder votes, which could impact the timeline and completion of the transaction.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you discuss the potential impacts of tariffs on your planned shipment profile, particularly regarding US domestic refiners versus other regions? A: The tariffs announced, which were deferred by 30 days, would impose a 10% tariff on critical minerals, paid by the American customer. We have one American customer who would be liable for these tariffs. However, given current price levels, a 10% tariff may not significantly impact their decision-making. For broader joint venture shipments and international customers, the tariffs would not apply as they do not involve the US.

Q: What are your expectations around supply and demand for lithium in the near and long term, and how do you view policy support in the US? A: The lithium industry is still young and volatile. While the near-term outlook for 2025 is uncertain, we are medium and long-term bullish. The industry has experienced cycles of bull and bear markets, and another bull market is expected eventually. Energy storage demand is a potential growth driver. Regarding policy, the 30% tax credits may disappear, but the US market's growth is driven by new vehicle introductions. Global demand, particularly from China, remains strong.

Q: Can you provide an update on the timing and hurdles for the merger with Siona Mining? A: We expect the merger to complete by mid-2025, subject to SEC review. We aim to file initial SEC documents soon, and the process could be faster or slower. Other hurdles include Investment Canada and CIFIUS reviews, which we are optimistic about. Shareholder votes are also required, and we believe the merger is beneficial for both companies' shareholders.

Q: Could you comment on the permitting and advancement of your partner in Ghana? A: The federal election in Ghana resulted in a leadership perceived as more friendly toward critical minerals mining. While current market conditions make it challenging to justify new investments, we are comfortable with the timeline in Ghana. We continue to advance permitting and other long-lead items, but investment decisions will depend on market improvements.

Q: How do you view the potential for regional partnerships around processing in Quebec, and could they be a material part of the business model? A: Transportation costs are significant, especially for remote projects. NAL is well-located, and we see potential in brownfield expansions. Local conversion facilities could reduce transport costs and improve margins. We are open to partnerships with larger entities for downstream processing in Quebec, which would benefit the industry and our operations.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.