false000172820500017282052024-05-092024-05-09

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________
FORM 8-K
___________________________________
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): May 9, 2024
___________________________________
Piedmont_Logo_RGB_300dpi.jpg
Piedmont Lithium Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
___________________________________

Delaware
001-38427
36-4996461
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Commission File Number)(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
42 E Catawba Street
Belmont, North Carolina 28012
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(704) 461-8000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock $0.0001 par value per sharePLLNasdaq
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Emerging growth company    ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.


Item 2.02 - Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On May 9, 2024, Piedmont Lithium Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this current report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.
The information in this current report on Form 8-K and the exhibits attached hereto shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

Item 9.01 - Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d): Exhibits.

Exhibit No.Description
99.1
99.2
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)



SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized on this 9th day of May, 2024.


Piedmont Lithium Inc.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ Michael White
Name:
Michael White
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


                    
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PRESS RELEASE | May 9, 2024 | NASDAQ: PLL    
PIEDMONT LITHIUM REPORTS Q1 2024 RESULTS
NAL Achieves Record Quarterly Production, Carolina Lithium Mining Permit Received
•Record quarterly production at NAL with recoveries exceeding target; full run-rate production on track for H2’24
•Piedmont plans full-year customer shipments of approximately 126,000 dry metric tons (“dmt”), weighted to H2’24
•Carolina Lithium mining permit issued in May 2024, accelerating funding discussions
•Revenue of $13.4 million on sales of approximately 15,500 dmt of spodumene concentrate
•$71.4 million in cash as of March 31, 2024; working capital nearly doubled from 2023 year end
•2024 outlook for shipments to more than double and investments to decrease more than 50% in H2’24 vs. H1’24
Belmont, North Carolina, May 9, 2024 – Piedmont Lithium Inc. (“Piedmont,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) (Nasdaq: PLL; ASX: PLL), a leading North American supplier of lithium products critical to the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain, today reported its first quarter 2024 financial results.
North American Lithium (“NAL”), the largest producing spodumene operation in North America, achieved record quarterly production of 40,439 dry metric tons (“dmt”) of spodumene concentrate in Q1’24. NAL lithium recoveries of 69% in March 2024 exceeded plan and set a new monthly record. Overall safety performance improved as NAL recorded its lowest quarterly incident rate since the restart of operations in March 2023. Construction of the crushed ore storage dome at NAL was materially completed during Q1’24 with commissioning advancing in Q2’24. This capital project, along with other improvements, is expected to result in increased NAL production and a reduction in NAL’s unit operating costs. NAL management estimates operations will achieve full run-rate production in H2’24. NAL is jointly owned by Piedmont (25%) and Sayona Mining Limited (“Sayona Mining”) (75%).
In North Carolina, Piedmont achieved a significant milestone in May 2024 with the receipt of the mining permit for Carolina Lithium, a strategic project situated in the U.S. Battery Belt. The mining permit is a catalyst for accelerating discussions with potential funding parties, including government loan agencies and strategic partners who could provide capital, offtake, and technical support. The Company expects, based on its published technical studies, Carolina Lithium to be a low-cost producer of spodumene concentrate and lithium hydroxide and a key contributor to U.S. energy security. The project should benefit from exceptional infrastructure, minimal transport distances, low energy costs, a deep local talent pool, and proximity to cathode and battery customers as well as by-product markets. The competitive corporate tax regime offered in the U.S., the absence of significant royalties, and the benefits inherent in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 should also provide advantages to the project.
“We are very pleased with developments during the first quarter, including the milestones attained in Quebec and North Carolina. NAL achieved records in both safety performance and production in Q1’24, and the outlook is promising with the commissioning of the crushed ore dome currently underway. 2024 will be a year of two halves, with Piedmont shipments expected to more than double from H1’24 to H2’24 as we begin to emphasize shipments to core customers under long-term agreements, and Piedmont capital expenditures and investment in affiliates to fall by over 50% in H2’24 vs H1’24,” said Keith Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer of Piedmont. “Carolina Lithium is one of only two significant spodumene projects in the United States, and receipt of our mining permit is a critical step in its development. We will now focus our efforts on aggressively pursuing strategic partnering and other funding conversations for our foundational asset. We also fortified our balance sheet by monetizing certain non-core investments during the quarter, and we are well-positioned to advance our projects with a continued focus on minimizing dilution to Piedmont shareholders.”



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First Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
All references to dry metric tons (“dmt”) in this release relate to spodumene concentrate.
UnitsQ1’24Q4’23Q1’23
Sales
Concentrate shippeddmt thousands15.5 14.2 — 
Revenue$ millions13.4 (7.3)— 
Realized price(1)
$/dmt865 (513)— 
Li2O content(2)
%5.5 5.7 — 
Realized cost of sales(3)
$/dmt799 756 — 
Profitability
Gross profit$ millions0.7 (18.1)— 
Gross profit margin%5.2 NM— 
Net loss$ millions(23.6)(25.4)(8.6)
Diluted EPS$(1.22)(1.32)(0.47)
Adjusted net loss(4)
$ millions(11.9)(23.7)(10.2)
Adjusted diluted EPS(4)
$(0.61)(1.23)(0.55)
Adjusted EBITDA(4)
$ millions(12.4)(24.4)(12.0)
Adjusted EBITDA margin(4)
%NMNMNM
Cash
Cash and cash equivalents(5)
$ millions71.4 71.7 129.2 
___________________________________________________________
(1) Realized price is the average estimated price, net of certain distribution and other fees, which includes reference pricing data up to the respective period end and is subject to final adjustment. The final adjusted price may be higher or lower than the estimated average realized price based on future price movements.
(2) Weighted average Li2O content for shipments made during the respective period.
(3) Realized cost of sales is the average cost of sales including Piedmont’s offtake pricing agreement with Sayona Quebec Inc. (“Sayona Quebec”) for the purchase of spodumene concentrate at a market price subject to a floor of $500 per dmt and a ceiling of $900 per dmt, adjustments for product grade, freight, and insurance.
(4) See non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.
(5) Cash and cash equivalents are reported as of the end of the period.
NM - Not meaningful
First Quarter and Recent Business Highlights
Piedmont Lithium
•Shipped approximately 15,500 dmt (~5.5% Li2O) of spodumene concentrate from NAL to customers in Q1’24.
•In Q1’24, we sold our entire holdings in Sayona Mining and a portion of our holdings in Atlantic Lithium Limited (“Atlantic Lithium”) for net proceeds of $49.1 million. The sale of our shares in Sayona Mining resulted in net proceeds of $41.4 million, a taxable gain of $22.0 million based on net proceeds less acquisition costs, and a reportable loss of $17.2 million driven by historical non-cash gains on dilution in Sayona Mining. The sale of our shares in Atlantic Lithium resulted in net proceeds of $7.7 million, a taxable gain of $1.1 million, and a reportable gain of $3.1 million. The sale of these shares had no impact on our joint ventures or offtake arrangements with either Sayona Quebec or Atlantic Lithium.    
•In February 2024, we initiated a cost-savings plan designed to reduce operating expenses by $10 million annually and defer 2024 capital spending to 2025. As part of this plan, we reduced our workforce by 28% and recorded $1.8 million in severance and severance-related costs, which includes $0.6 million of non-cash charges associated with accelerated stock compensation expense, in the first quarter of 2024. We expect to recognize the majority of our cost savings in 2024.

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•In March 2024, Ms. Dawne Hickton, an accomplished leader in the aerospace, energy, and metals industries, was appointed to Piedmont’s Board of Directors, further diversifying the Board’s executive, operational, and strategic guidance to the Company.
•In Q1’24, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York granted Piedmont’s motion to dismiss a securities class action lawsuit, originally filed in July 2021, against Piedmont and two of its executives, which also resulted in the related derivative actions being dismissed.
North American Lithium (Quebec, Canada)
•In Q1’24, NAL achieved record quarterly production of approximately 40,400 dmt and shipped approximately 58,000 dmt, of which approximately 15,500 dmt were sold to Piedmont. Quarterly production increased by 18% compared to the prior quarter. Safety performance also improved as NAL achieved its lowest quarterly recordable incident rate since restarting operations in March 2023.
•In March 2024, operations at NAL achieved a record production month with 15,699 dmt of spodumene concentrate produced and three daily production records set between 710 dmt and 750 dmt. Lithium recoveries reached a record 69%, exceeding the ramp-up target of 67%.
•In April 2024, following a detailed operational review, the joint venture partners of NAL agreed to complete several ongoing capital project initiatives and continue operations with the goal of completing ramp-up activities to achieve steady-state production in 2024.
•In Q1’24, progress continued on two important capital improvement projects – a new crushed ore storage dome and a crushed ore re-feed system. These projects are expected to result in production increases and unit cost improvements. Commissioning is expected to conclude for both projects in May 2024.
•Concentrate produced and shipped by NAL and concentrate shipped by Piedmont:
ShareUnitsQ1’24Q4’23Q3’23
Piedmont Lithium
Concentrate shipped100%dmt thousands15.514.229.0
North American Lithium
Concentrate produced
100%(1)
dmt thousands40.434.231.5
Concentrate shipped
100%(2)
dmt thousands58.023.948.2
___________________________________________________________
(1) Concentrate produced represents 100% of NAL’s production.
(2) Concentrate shipped represents 100% of NAL’s shipments, inclusive of shipments to Piedmont.
Note: The table above reports quarterly and year-to-date information in accordance with Piedmont’s fiscal year reporting, which is on a calendar-year basis. Concentrate produced and concentrate shipped (above) are reported in the periods in which activities actually occurred. For financial statement purposes, Piedmont reports income (loss) from its 25% ownership in Sayona Quebec, which includes NAL, on a one-quarter lag.
Carolina Lithium (North Carolina)
•In May 2024, Piedmont received the finalized mining permit for the construction, operation, and reclamation of Carolina Lithium following the posting of a $1 million reclamation bond to the state of North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources approved the mining permit application on April 12, 2024.
•Receipt of the state mining permit allows the Company to accelerate discussions with funding parties, including government loan agencies and strategic partners who could provide capital, offtake, and technical support. The Company’s goal is to put in place a strong funding plan that will maximize value for Piedmont shareholders.
•Piedmont continues to engage with community stakeholders, including the Gaston County Board of Commissioners.
Ewoyaa Project (Ghana)
•In January 2024, the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Ghana’s sovereign wealth fund, commenced its

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investment in Atlantic Lithium through its purchase of Atlantic Lithium’s common stock totaling $5 million.
•In February 2024, Mr. Patrick Brindle, Piedmont’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, stepped down as a member of Atlantic Lithium’s board of directors due to our reduction in ownership of Atlantic Lithium.
Tennessee Lithium (Tennessee)
•Tennessee Lithium remains a key part of our development pipeline as a permitted project. Piedmont is evaluating the timeline of project development given the recent receipt of the state mining permit for Carolina Lithium.
•In April 2024, the Company exited the purchase agreement for a nearby industrial complex and continues to negotiate a renewal of our option agreement for the planned project site.
2024 Outlook
UnitsH1’24H2’24Full Year 2024
Shipmentsdmt thousands37 — 3984 — 88126
Capital expenditures$ millions
7 — 9
3 — 5
10 — 14
Investments in and advances to affiliates
$ millions
25 — 26
7 — 12
32— 38
NAL is forecasted to achieve full run-rate production in H2’24. Under our offtake agreement with Sayona Quebec, Piedmont has the right to purchase the greater of 50% of production or 113,000 dmt/year. Based on the production projection and per the Company’s offtake agreement, Piedmont expects to ship approximately 126,000 dmt of spodumene concentrate in 2024, with quarterly variations due to shipping logistics and customer requirements. A shipment of approximately 13,200 dmt of spodumene concentrate held over from 2023, combined with our planned 113,000 dmt annual offtake from NAL, provides the basis for full-year shipment outlook. We are prioritizing contract customer shipments, weighted to H2’24, which we expect will provide more stable price realizations and reduce reliance on volatile spot market sales.
The majority of forecasted capital expenditures relate to Carolina Lithium and Tennessee Lithium. Investments in and advances to affiliates reflect cash contributions to Sayona Quebec and advances to Atlantic Lithium for the Ewoyaa project. Our outlook for forecasted capital expenditures and investments in and advances to affiliates is subject to market conditions.
Piedmont is in the process of retaining a financial advisor to assist in developing funding options for Ewoyaa that would minimize dilution to Piedmont shareholders.

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Safety and Sustainability
In Q1’24, Piedmont continued to focus on building a culture of safety and awareness among employees. The Company began 2024 with a heightened focus on ramping up training requirements as part of the long-term objective to establish a robust safety and health management system. Increased identification and reporting of hazards improved along with strategies for addressing unsafe conditions.
Additionally, Piedmont prioritized its social commitments to key stakeholders, continuing engagement with community members about project development plans for our planned Carolina Lithium project. A town hall, one-on-one meetings with neighbors, tours of the field office, civic sponsorships, and a range of other community activities were conducted to inform community members and ensure their needs, values, and perspectives are taken into consideration as we advance the project.
Piedmont is targeting Q2’24 for the release of its annual Sustainability Report.
Q1 2024 Earnings Call
Date:Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time:8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
Dial-in (Toll Free):1 (800) 715-9871
Dial-in (Toll):1 (646) 307-1963
Conference ID: 6860456
Participant URL:https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/744784814
Piedmont’s earnings presentation and supporting material are available at:
https://piedmontlithium.com/investors-overview/.
About Piedmont
Piedmont Lithium Inc. (Nasdaq: PLL; ASX: PLL) is developing a world-class, multi-asset, integrated lithium business focused on enabling the transition to a net zero world and the creation of a clean energy economy in North America. Our goal is to become one of the largest lithium hydroxide producers in North America by processing spodumene concentrate produced from assets where we hold an economic interest. Our projects include our Carolina Lithium and Tennessee Lithium projects in the United States and partnerships in Quebec with Sayona Mining (ASX: SYA) and in Ghana with Atlantic Lithium (AIM: ALL; ASX: A11). We believe these geographically diversified operations will enable us to play a pivotal role in supporting America’s move toward energy independence and the electrification of transportation and energy storage.
For further information, contact:
Erin Sanders
SVP, Corporate Communications &
Investor Relations
T: +1 704 575 2549
E: esanders@piedmontlithium.com

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Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors
Piedmont’s public disclosures are governed by the U.S. Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Regulation S-K 1300 thereunder, whereas NAL discloses estimates of “measured,” “indicated,” and “inferred” mineral resources as such terms are used in the JORC Code and Canada’s National Instrument 43-101. Although S-K 1300, the JORC Code, and NI 43-101 have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of confidence in the disclosures being reported, they at times embody different approaches or definitions. Consequently, investors are cautioned that public disclosures by NAL prepared in accordance with the JORC Code or NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies, including Piedmont, subject to S-K 1300 and the other reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
The statements in the link below were prepared by, and made by, NAL. The following disclosures are not statements of Piedmont and have not been independently verified by Piedmont. NAL is not subject to U.S. reporting requirements or obligations, and investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these statements. NAL’s original announcements can be found here: https://www.asx.com.au/markets/company/sya
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of or as described in securities legislation in the United States and Australia, including statements regarding exploration, development, construction, and production activities of Sayona Mining, Atlantic Lithium, and Piedmont; current plans for Piedmont’s mineral and chemical processing projects; Piedmont’s potential acquisition of an ownership interest in Ewoyaa; and strategy. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other risk factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual timing of events, results, performance, or achievements and other factors to be materially different from the future timing of events, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among others: (i) that Piedmont, Sayona Mining, or Atlantic Lithium may be unable to commercially extract mineral deposits, (ii) that Piedmont’s, Sayona Mining’s, or Atlantic Lithium’s properties may not contain expected reserves, (iii) risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including risks inherent in exploring, developing, constructing, and operating mining projects, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, weather, or geologically related conditions), (iv) uncertainty about Piedmont’s ability to obtain required capital to execute its business plan, (v) Piedmont’s ability to hire and retain required personnel, (vi) changes in the market prices of lithium and lithium products, (vii) changes in technology or the development of substitute products, (viii) the uncertainties inherent in exploratory, developmental, and production activities, including risks relating to permitting, zoning, and regulatory delays related to our projects as well as the projects of our partners in Quebec and Ghana, (ix) uncertainties inherent in the estimation of lithium resources, (x) risks related to competition, (xi) risks related to the information, data, and projections related to Sayona Mining or Atlantic Lithium, (xii) occurrences and outcomes of claims, litigation, and regulatory actions, investigations, and proceedings, (xiii) risks regarding our ability to achieve profitability, enter into and deliver product under supply agreements on favorable terms, our ability to obtain sufficient financing to develop and construct our projects, our ability to comply with governmental regulations, and our ability to obtain necessary permits, and (xiv) other uncertainties and risk factors set out in filings made from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Australian Securities Exchange, including Piedmont’s most recent filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements, projections, and estimates are given only as of the date of this press release and actual events, results, performance, and achievements could vary significantly from the forward-looking statements, projections, and estimates presented in this press release. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Piedmont disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements, projections, and estimates, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, Piedmont, except as required by applicable law, undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Piedmont, its financial or operating results or its securities.

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PIEDMONT LITHIUM INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
20242023
Revenue$13,401 $— 
Costs of sales12,710 — 
Gross profit691 — 
Exploration costs53 757 
Selling, general and administrative expenses9,874 8,621 
Total operating expenses9,927 9,378 
Loss from equity method investments(5,440)(2,742)
Loss from operations(14,676)(12,120)
Interest income827 763 
Interest expense(222)(15)
Gain on equity securities1,384 — 
Loss from foreign currency exchange(131)(49)
(Loss) gain on sale of equity method investments(13,886)3,275 
Total other (loss) income(12,028)3,974 
Loss before income taxes(26,704)(8,146)
Income tax (benefit) expense(3,093)493 
Net loss$(23,611)$(8,639)
Basic and diluted:
Loss per share$(1.22)$(0.47)
Weighted-average shares outstanding19,326 18,524 


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PIEDMONT LITHIUM INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

March 31,
2024		December 31,
2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$71,444 $71,730 
Accounts receivable4,247 595 
Other current assets 10,359 3,829 
Total current assets86,050 76,154 
Property, plant and mine development, net 129,785 127,086 
Advances to affiliates33,870 28,189 
Other non-current assets 2,029 2,164 
Equity method investments83,469 147,662 
Total assets335,203 381,255 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Accounts payable and accrued expenses7,700 11,580 
Payables to affiliates1,761 174 
Current portion of long-term debt 155 149 
Other current liabilities9,194 29,463 
Total current liabilities18,810 41,366 
Long-term debt, net of current portion 204 14 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,007 1,091 
Other non-current liabilities
4,115 431 
Deferred tax liabilities— 6,023 
Total liabilities24,136 48,925 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock; $0.0001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 19,365 and 19,272 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively2 2 
Additional paid-in capital465,160 462,899 
Accumulated deficit(150,455)(126,844)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,640)(3,727)
Total stockholders’ equity311,067 332,330 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$335,203 $381,255 

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PIEDMONT LITHIUM INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
20242023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss$(23,611)$(8,639)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense2,067 1,125 
Loss from equity method investments5,440 2,742 
Loss (gain) on sale of equity method investments13,886 (3,275)
Gain on equity securities(1,384)— 
Deferred taxes(6,246)493 
Depreciation and amortization81 45 
Noncash lease expense401 35 
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses128 8 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(3,652)— 
Other assets887 1,298 
Operating lease liabilities(396)(29)
Accounts payable54 (661)
Payables to affiliates1,587 — 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(17,564)(2,654)
Net cash used in operating activities(28,322)(9,512)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures(5,428)(18,519)
Advances to affiliates(4,977)(868)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities45 — 
Proceeds from sale of shares in equity method investments49,103 — 
Additions to equity method investments(10,048)(12,091)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities28,695 (31,478)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of issuance costs— 71,084 
Principal payments on long-term debt(68)(118)
Payments to tax authorities for employee stock-based compensation(591)— 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(659)70,966 
Net (decrease) increase in cash(286)29,976 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period71,730 99,247 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$71,444 $129,223 

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following information provides definitions and reconciliations of certain non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures presented do not have any standard meaning prescribed by GAAP and may differ from similarly-titled measures used by other companies. We believe that these adjusted measures provide meaningful information to assist management, investors, and analysts in understanding our financial condition and the results of operations. We believe these adjusted financial measures are important indicators of our recurring operations because they exclude items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, our core operating results, and provide a better baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying businesses.
The following are non-GAAP financial measures for Piedmont:
Adjusted net loss is defined as net loss, as calculated under GAAP, plus or minus the gain or loss from sale of equity method investments, gain or loss from equity securities, gain or loss from foreign currency exchange, severance and severance related costs, and certain other adjustments we believe are not reflective of our ongoing operations and performance. These items include asset impairment, acquisition costs and other fees, and shelf registration costs.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (or adjusted diluted EPS) is defined as diluted EPS, as calculated under GAAP, before gain or loss on sale of equity method investments, gain or loss from equity securities, gain or loss from foreign currency exchange, severance and severance related costs, and certain other costs we believe are not reflective of our ongoing operations and performance.
EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expenses, income tax expense, and depreciation.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus or minus the gain or loss on sale of equity method investments, gain or loss from equity securities, gain or loss from foreign currency exchange, severance and severance related costs, and certain other adjustments we believe are not reflective of our ongoing operations and performance.
Adjusted EBITDA margin is adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.
Below are reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures on a consolidated basis for adjusted net loss, adjusted diluted EPS, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA.
Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Diluted EPS
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023March 31, 2023
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Diluted EPSDiluted EPSDiluted EPS
Net loss$(23,611)$(1.22)$(25,390)$(1.32)$(8,639)$(0.47)
Loss (gain) on sale of equity method investments(1)
13,886 0.72 (1,767)(0.09)(3,275)(0.17)
Impairment of equity method investment(2)
— — 2,242 0.12 — — 
Gain on equity securities(3)
(1,384)(0.07)— — — — 
Loss from foreign currency exchange(4)
131 0.01 3 — 49 — 
Severance and severance related costs(5)
1,780 0.09 — — — — 
Other costs(6)
431 0.02 1,359 0.07 65 — 
Tax effect of adjustments(7)
(3,093)(0.16)(109)(0.01)1,600 0.09 
Adjusted net loss$(11,860)$(0.61)$(23,662)$(1.23)$(10,200)$(0.55)
______________________________________________________
(1) Loss (gain) on sale of equity method investments in the three months ended March 31, 2024 represents the loss on sale of equity investments related to the sale of our entire holdings of Sayona Mining and partial sale of our holdings of Atlantic Lithium. Loss (gain) on sale of equity method investments in the three months ended December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, represents a noncash gain on dilution recognized primarily due to Piedmont electing not to participate in Sayona Mining’s share issuances. These shares were issued at a greater value than the carrying value of our ownership interest and as a result our interest in Sayona Mining was diluted and reduced.
(2) Impairment of equity method investment represents the difference between carrying value and fair value of Sayona Mining as of December 31, 2023.
(3) Gain on equity securities represents the realized and unrealized gain on our equity securities.

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(4) Loss from foreign currency exchange relates to currency fluctuations in our foreign bank accounts denominated in Canadian dollars and Australian dollars and marketable securities denominated in Australian dollars.
(5) Severance and severance related costs relate to our 2024 cost-savings plan.
(6) Other costs include legal and transactional costs associated with the Department of Energy loan and grant initiatives, shelf registration costs, and costs related to certain significant strategic transactions.
(7) No income tax impacts have been given to any items that were recorded in jurisdictions with full valuation allowances.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)March 31, 2024December 31, 2023March 31, 2023
Net loss$(23,611)$(25,390)$(8,639)
Interest income, net(605)(895)(748)
Income tax (benefit) expense(3,093)(64)493 
Depreciation and amortization81 67 45 
EBITDA(27,228)(26,282)(8,849)
Loss (gain) on sale of equity method investments(1)
13,886 (1,767)(3,275)
Gain on marketable securities(2)
(1,384)— — 
Impairment of equity method investment(3)
— 2,242 — 
Loss from foreign currency exchange(4)
131 3 49 
Severance and severance related costs(5)
1,780 — — 
 Other costs(6)
431 1,359 65 
Adjusted EBITDA$(12,384)$(24,445)$(12,010)
Adjusted EBITDA margin(7)
NMNMNM
______________________________________________________
(1) Loss (gain) on sale of equity method investments in the three months ended March 31, 2024 represents the loss on sale of equity investments related to the sale of our entire holdings of Sayona Mining and partial sale of our holdings of Atlantic Lithium. Loss (gain) on sale of equity method investments in the three months ended December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023 represents a noncash gain on dilution recognized primarily due to Piedmont electing not to participate in Sayona Mining’s share issuances. These shares were issued at a greater value than the carrying value of our ownership interest and as a result our interest in Sayona Mining was diluted and reduced.
(2) Gain on equity securities represents the realized and unrealized gain on our equity securities.
(3) Impairment of equity method investment represents the difference between carrying value and fair value of Sayona Mining as of December 31, 2023.
(4) Loss from foreign currency exchange relates to currency fluctuations in our foreign bank accounts denominated in Canadian dollars and Australian dollars and marketable securities denominated in Australian dollars.
(5) Severance and severance related costs relate to our 2024 cost-savings plan.
(6) Other costs include severance costs, legal and transactional costs associated with the Department of Energy loan and grant initiatives, shelf registration costs, and costs related to certain significant strategic transactions.
(7) Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.
NM - Not meaningful

Page 11
:PLL ARBN 647 286 360 :PLL EARNINGS PRESENTATION FIRST QUARTER 2024 May 9, 2024

 
: PLL : PLL DISCLAIMERS Forward Looking Statements This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of or as described in securities legislation in the United States and Australia, including statements regarding exploration, development, construction, and production activities of Sayona Mining, Atlantic Lithium, and Piedmont Lithium; current plans for Piedmont's mineral and chemical processing projects; Piedmont's potential acquisition of an ownership interest in Ewoyaa; and strategy. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other risk factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual timing of events, results, performance, or achievements and other factors to be materially different from the future timing of events, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among others: (i) that Piedmont, Sayona Mining, or Atlantic Lithium may be unable to commercially extract mineral deposits, (ii) that Piedmont's, Sayona Mining's, or Atlantic Lithium's properties may not contain expected reserves, (iii) risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including risks inherent in exploring, developing, constructing, and operating mining projects, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, weather, or geologically related conditions), (iv) uncertainty about Piedmont's ability to obtain required capital to execute its business plan, (v) Piedmont's ability to hire and retain required personnel, (vi) changes in the market prices of lithium and lithium products, (vii) changes in technology or the development of substitute products, (viii) the uncertainties inherent in exploratory, developmental, and production activities, including risks relating to permitting, zoning, and regulatory delays related to our projects as well as the projects of our partners in Quebec and Ghana, (ix) uncertainties inherent in the estimation of lithium resources, (x) risks related to competition, (xi) risks related to the information, data, and projections related to Sayona Mining or Atlantic Lithium, (xii) occurrences and outcomes of claims, litigation, and regulatory actions, investigations, and proceedings, (xiii) risks regarding our ability to achieve profitability, enter into and deliver product under supply agreements on favorable terms, our ability to obtain sufficient financing to develop and construct our projects, our ability to comply with governmental regulations, and our ability to obtain necessary permits, and (xiv) other uncertainties and risk factors set out in filings made from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Australian Securities Exchange, including Piedmont's most recent filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements, projections, and estimates are given only as of the date of this presentation and actual events, results, performance, and achievements could vary significantly from the forward-looking statements, projections, and estimates presented in this presentation. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Piedmont disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements, projections, and estimates, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, Piedmont, except as required by applicable law, undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Piedmont, its financial or operating results or its securities. Non-GAAP Measures Non-GAAP financial metrics such as “Adjusted Net Loss,” “Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share,” “EBITDA,” “Adjusted EBITDA,” and “Adjusted EBITDA Margin” are used throughout the presentation to provide additional information on business performance. The non-GAAP financial measures presented do not have any standard meaning prescribed by GAAP and may differ from similarly-titles measures used by other companies. However, we present these measures in this press release because we believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful means of evaluating and understanding how our management evaluates our financial condition and results of operations. A reconciliation of Non-GAAP metrics to statutory financial metrics is provided in Non-GAAP Measures section. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Piedmont’s public disclosures are governed by the U.S. Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Regulation S-K 1300 thereunder, whereas NAL and Atlantic Lithium disclose estimates of “measured,” “indicated,” and “inferred” mineral resources as such terms are used in the JORC Code and Canada’s National Instrument 43-101. Although S-K 1300, the JORC Code, and NI 43-101 have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of confidence in the disclosures being reported, they at times embody different approaches or definitions. Consequently, investors are cautioned that public disclosures by NAL and Atlantic Lithium prepared in accordance with the JORC Code or NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies, including Piedmont, subject to S-K 1300 and the other reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Throughout this presentation, amounts may not sum due to rounding.

 
: PLL : PLL CORPORATE SNAPSHOT KEITH PHILLIPS MICHAEL WHITE PATRICK BRINDLE ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

 
: PLL : PLL NORTH AMERICAN LITHIUM Ramp-up continues at North America’s largest producing spodumene operation ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

 
: PLL : PLL CAROLINA LITHIUM Planned fully-integrated 30,000 tpy LiOH operation 100% owned by Piedmont Lithium ▪ ▪ ▪ “We have to lead by example. And if we do that, we’ll accelerate our self-dependence and eliminate reliance on China by decades. And that’s why I support this project.” U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, speaking at Piedmont’s corporate HQ in Belmont, NC, August 31, 2022.

 
: PLL : PLL CAROLINA LITHIUM North Carolina location provides competitive advantages ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

 
: PLL : PLL GHANA $1.3bb $185mm 25.6Mt @ 1.22%365ktpy 3.6Mt $675/t 94% $377/t Attractive economics throughout price cycles

 
MICHAEL WHITE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER FINANCIALS

 
: PLL : PLL $13.4 $0.7 ($1.22)15.5 $71.4 ($0.61) Q1 2024 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS $865 $799

 
: PLL : PLL Q1 2024 REVENUE ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

 
: PLL : PLL SOURCES AND USES OF CASH

 
: PLL : PLL 2024 OUTLOOK

 
OPERATIONS AND PROJECTS UPDATE PATRICK BRINDLE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

 
: PLL : PLL NAL OPERATIONAL RESULTS SUMMARY

 
: PLL : PLL NAL RAMP-UP ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Review supports continued production ramp; record production in March 2024

 
MARKETS AND FUNDING KEITH PHILLIPS PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 
: PLL : PLL EV DEMAND GROWTH REMAINS STRONG

 
: PLL : PLL LITHIUM PRICES Prices have rebounded off lows; spodumene concentrate prices up 30% since mid-February

 
: PLL : PLL LEVERAGED TO LITHIUM PRICES NAL offtake price ceiling drives attractive economics when prices rise

 
: PLL : PLL 2024 CATALYSTS             ✓ ✓ ✓

 
Q&A

 
APPENDIX

 
: PLL : PLL Q2 2024 INVESTOR RELATIONS EVENTS

 
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

 
: PLL : PLL DEFINITIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES NON-GAAP MEASURES DESCRIPTION

 
: PLL : PLL ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) Net loss attributable to Piedmont stockholders is reconciled to adjusted net loss

 
: PLL : PLL EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA Net loss attributable to Piedmont stockholders is reconciled to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA

 
:PLL ARBN 647 286 360 :PLL Q1 2024 EARNINGS PRESENTATION

 
v3.24.1.u1
Cover
May 09, 2024
Cover [Abstract]  
Document Type 8-K
Document Period End Date May 09, 2024
Entity Registrant Name Piedmont Lithium Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity File Number 001-38427
Entity Tax Identification Number 36-4996461
Entity Address, Address Line One 42 E Catawba Street
Entity Address, City or Town Belmont
Entity Address, State or Province NC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 28012
City Area Code 704
Local Phone Number 461-8000
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock $0.0001 par value per share
Trading Symbol PLL
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Amendment Flag false
Entity Central Index Key 0001728205
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