Pilbara Minerals shares have been one of the most prominent lithium stocks on the ASX for years now. The company first started attracting major attention in 2015, when it rose by about 900% at one point.
In subsequent years, the gains continued, including an incredible run between October 2020 and October 2022 that saw investors enjoy a return of 1,700%.
Of course, it hasn't been all sunshine and roses. Given the seemingly perpetually volatile lithium market (and sentiment that surrounds it), Pilbara shares were always a wild ride. Between August 2023 and June 2025, Pilbara shares lost 75% of their value. But for those holding on, the company has once again rallied over the past six months, bouncing back with a ~205% gain as of current pricing.
That leaves the company with a year-to-date gain of 82.35% in 2025 alone.
But those looking at Pilbara shares over the past few days might be a little confused. That's because the ASX no longer houses any company by the name of Pilbara Minerals Ltd.
If one searches for the 'PLS' ticker code, they will come across a company called PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS).
So what's going on here?
Image source: Getty Images
Pilbara Minerals shares undergo a PLS facelift
Well, back at its annual general meeting in June, what was then Pilbara Minerals revealed that it intended to change its name to PLS Group. Shareholders duly ratified the change with a vote at the AGM, and the name change became official on 3 December last week.
Here's how the company explained the name change:
[Our flagship lithium Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia] is complemented by the Colina lithium development project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, secured through the acquisition of Latin Resources in February 2025. This milestone was the catalyst for our rebrand from Pilbara Minerals to PLS, signalling a new era as we boldly position for future growth.
Given Pilbara Minerals' ticker has always been 'PLS', this name change to PLS Group is arguably nothing too substantial. Aside from emphasising its now-global network. It is still the same company, with the same management team, running the same portfolio of lithium mines and processing plants. But it is a big change nonetheless for a company that has long captured the attention of ASX investors. Let's see what the future holds.
The PLS Group share price is currently trading at $4.12 a share, up 2.2% so far this Tuesday. That leaves this ASX 200 lithium stock with a market capitalisation of $13.26 billion.
