The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price was a relatively positive performer in April.
Despite the release of a quarterly update that fell short of expectations, investors bid the lithium miner's shares 4.1% higher for the month.
Though, it is worth noting that its shares are still down almost 20% over the last six months.
Why did the Pilbara Minerals share price have a strong month?
There were a couple of reasons why investors were bidding Pilbara Minerals shares higher last month.
One was the Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) takeover approach from Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB) at the end of the previous month which gave the whole industry a major lift.
Especially given that Morgans has tipped Pilbara Minerals as a lithium miner that could also receive a takeover approach. It commented:
PLS remains one of the few independent lithium producers with a globally significant resource. With assets in operation it would offer an acquirer immediate exposure to spodumene and hydroxide.
What else?
Another thing that also appears to have given the Pilbara Minerals share price a boost involves Albemarle again.
Last month, the government of Chile announced plans to nationalise its lithium industry. This shock move will see the government eventually take control of the lithium operations of miners such as Albemarle and SQM.
This appears to have led to some investors selling down their holdings in Albemarle and SQM and loading up on miners in safe jurisdictions like Australia.
Where next for its shares?
The good news is that despite its aforementioned quarterly update falling short of expectations, a number of brokers remain very positive and see a lot of value in the Pilbara Minerals share price.
Macquarie, for example, currently has an outperform rating and $7.70 price target on its shares. This suggests potential upside of almost 90% for investors over the next 12 months.
