The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is on watch this morning.
Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium stock closed up 5.1% yesterday trading for $4.48 apiece.
The price action will be one to keep an eye on this morning, after the company reported its half-year results for the six months ending 31 December (1H FY23).
Pilbara Minerals share price on watch following inaugural dividend
- Sales revenue of $2.18 billion, up 305% from the $292 million reported in 1H FY22
- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $1.81 billion, up 1,091% year on year
- Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $1.24 billion, up 989%
- Inaugural fully franked dividend of 11 cents per share
What else happened during the half year?
The Pilbara Minerals share price could also see some sizeable moves today on some other strong metrics.
That included an 83% year on year increase in production, with the ASX 200 lithium miner producing 309,255 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of spodumene concentrate over the six months. 286,876 dmt were shipped during the period, an increase of 68%.
The miner said it enhanced its output after adopting a production and marketing strategy focused on maximising sales volumes by "deliberately targeting a lower product grade to optimise product yield and maximise concentrate production".
This all came on the back of a 305% lift in the average realised sales price Pilbara Minerals received, which came in at US$4,993/dmt ~ SC5.4 basis (CIF China).
As you'd expect, the surge in revenue saw a huge improvement in the company's cash balance, which increased by $1.63 billion between 30 June and 31 December. At 31 December, the company had a net cash position of $2.08 billion.
What did management say?
Commenting on the results that have put the Pilbara Minerals share price on watch this morning, CEO Dale Henderson said:
This is an exceptional financial result… The strong cash generation from the Pilgangoora Project has further strengthened the company's balance sheet, putting us in an enviable position with $2.23 billion in the bank as at 31 December 2022 – a $1.63 billion increase on the prior corresponding period…
This strong financial performance provides the Company a great platform, supporting our growth and diversification strategy to become a leading, sustainable battery materials supplier.
What's next?
Looking at what might impact the Pilbara Minerals share price in the months ahead, Henderson said, "The company and its stakeholders are poised to continue to thrive. The combination of a world-class asset, operating expertise and team spirit is coming together and delivering into a growing market."
Henderson ended on this optimistic note, "The stage is set for Pilbara Minerals to take massive growth steps in the months and years ahead. This is just the beginning."
Pilbara Minerals share price snapshot
As you can see on the chart below, the Pilbara Minerals share price has been a strong performer, up 71% over the past 12 months.
We'll wait and see how the market reacts to today's results.
