PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares hit an all-time high today, extending one of the ASX's strongest large-cap runs.
At the time of writing, the PLS share price is up 4.17% to $3.615, marking a new record and taking its 12-month gain to more than 300%.
The rally builds on what has already been a huge run, with stronger lithium sentiment and institutional buying continuing to support the shares.
The latest move suggests buyers are still comfortable backing the stock even at peak levels.
Here's what the company announced.
Image source: Getty Images
PLS upsizes its debt raise to US$600 million
According to the release, PLS has priced a US$600 million senior unsecured notes offering due 2031. The size is above the original US$500 million flagged earlier this week.
The notes will carry a 6.875% coupon and settle on 22 April, subject to customary conditions.
Management said that part of the proceeds will be used to refinance the company's existing $375 million revolving credit facility and its $1 billion revolving credit facility.
The balance will be used for general corporate purposes, giving the lithium producer added flexibility as it continues expanding its battery materials footprint across Australia, Brazil, and South Korea.
At the same time as the deal closes, PLS said it plans to reduce the size of its revolving credit facility from $1 billion to $500 million.
Why investors are backing the funding strategy
PLS is making this move while its share price is at record highs and while lithium market sentiment has continued improving through 2026.
That gives management a stronger position to lock in longer-dated capital without leaning on equity markets.
The announcement also follows Fitch assigning the company a BB issuer rating with a stable outlook earlier this week. The rating likely helped support institutional demand for the notes.
The update looks less about near-term balance sheet pressure and more about strengthening funding capacity ahead of future growth options.
That can include downstream lithium chemicals, Brazilian project development, and broader strategic partnerships.
Foolish Takeaway
I still think this looks like a smart funding move from PLS while sentiment and balance sheet strength are working in its favour.
The company is locking in longer-dated capital without touching equity, which should help preserve upside if lithium conditions keep improving.
After a 300%-plus run over 12 months, I would not expect the same pace of gains from here.
Still, stronger financial flexibility and improving lithium sentiment can keep supporting the valuation at these levels.
