BUZZ-Australia's Pilbara Minerals rises on better-than-expected qtrly output

Shares of Pilbara Minerals PLS.AX rise 4.4% to A$2.38, snapping five days of consecutive declines

The lithium co rose as much as 5.3% earlier in the day, posting strongest gain since Jan. 15

Co posts qtrly revenue of A$216 mln ($135.02 mln), 3% higher than the previous qtr

Posts production of 188,200 dry metric tons (dmt) for qtr, 14% lower sequentially, but beating Jefferies' estimates

Realised price of $700/dmt was better than Jefferies' expectations

It will take some time for the lithium market to improve and drive margin expansion — Jefferies

Stock up 4.1% this year, as of last close

($1 = 1.5997 Australian dollars)