Sydney, Jan 17, 2026, 16:56 AEDT — The market has closed.
- PLS Group shares closed Friday 3.1% lower at A$4.68, slipping into the weekend under pressure.
- AustralianSuper revealed it cut its stake in the lithium producer to 15.11%, down from 16.27%.
- Traders are eyeing PLS’s December-quarter update later this month as the next key catalyst.
Shares of PLS Group Limited fell 3.1% to A$4.68 on Friday after a late-session update revealed AustralianSuper had reduced its holding in the Australian lithium producer. 1
This matters since AustralianSuper holds a significant stake in a stock often seen as a high-beta play on the lithium bounce. When large funds start selling, it can shift sentiment rapidly—especially heading into a weekend when liquidity dries up.
The timing is tough for bulls: lithium prices have swung wildly, leaving the market uncertain if the recent spike in the battery metal is here to stay or just a brief overshoot.
A recent filing revealed AustralianSuper trimmed its stake in PLS to 15.11% from 16.27%, lowering its share count to 486.8 million from 523.9 million. In Australia, anyone holding 5% or more has to report shifts in their position through a “substantial holder” notice (Form 604). 2
Commodity traders are eyeing lithium prices closely. After a strong rally this month, lithium in China slipped 0.63% on Friday, according to Trading Economics data, though it still sits well above last month’s levels. 3
PLS — previously known as Pilbara Minerals — touts itself as the operator of the biggest independent hard-rock lithium mine. That claim has helped it stay prominent with investors focused on scale and dependable supply. 4
The company has set a firm date for its December 2025 quarterly activities report: Friday, Jan. 30. An investor webcast and call will follow to discuss the update. 5
The report is crucial since it provides the market with key figures that usually influence daily stock moves: production, shipments, realised prices, and costs. Simply put, it reveals how much lithium product PLS sold, the prices achieved, and the production expenses involved.
There’s a definite risk here. Should the lithium price rally stall or the quarterly update miss expectations on volumes, costs, or pricing, the stock could quickly lose ground — and heavy selling from major holders would only amplify the slide.
