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Upturn AI SWOT - About
SQM 
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B (SQM)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
09/11/2025: SQM (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
16 Analysts rated it
Moderately tracked stock, growing coverage, gaining market and investor attention.
1 Year Target Price $50.99
1 Year Target Price $50.99
| 6 | Strong Buy |
| 4 | Buy |
| 5 | Hold |
| 1 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -32.99% | Avg. Invested days 24 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  1.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 09/11/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 11.56B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 25.52 | 1Y Target Price 50.99 |
Price to earnings Ratio 25.52 | 1Y Target Price 50.99 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 16 | Beta 1.1 | 52 Weeks Range 29.36 - 47.51 | Updated Date 09/12/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 29.36 - 47.51 | Updated Date 09/12/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 1.67 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date 2025-08-20 | When Before Market | Estimate 0.54 | Actual 0.31 |
Profitability
Profit Margin 11.29% | Operating Margin (TTM) 17.67% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 4.82% | Return on Equity (TTM) 9.34% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 25.52 | Forward PE 12.99 | Enterprise Value 14676389600 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.73 |
Enterprise Value 14676389600 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.73 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 3.47 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 15.66 | Shares Outstanding 142819008 | Shares Floating 103426594 |
Shares Outstanding 142819008 | Shares Floating 103426594 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.54 | Percent Institutions 30.23 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B
Company Overview
History and Background
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) was founded in 1968. It evolved from state-owned companies involved in nitrate and iodine production in the Atacama Desert. It has grown into a global producer of specialty plant nutrients, lithium, iodine, potassium nitrate, and industrial chemicals.
Core Business Areas
- Lithium and Derivatives: Production and sale of lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and other lithium derivatives used in batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
- Specialty Plant Nutrients: Production and sale of specialty plant nutrients, including potassium nitrate and other fertilizers, designed to improve crop yields and quality.
- Iodine and Derivatives: Production and sale of iodine and iodine derivatives used in various applications, including pharmaceuticals, X-ray contrast media, and industrial processes.
- Potassium: Production and sale of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate, primarily used in agriculture as fertilizers.
- Industrial Chemicals: Production and sale of industrial chemicals used in a variety of industries, including mining, water treatment, and chemical processing.
Leadership and Structure
SQM's leadership includes a Board of Directors and an executive management team led by the CEO. The organizational structure is divided into business units corresponding to its core business areas.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Lithium Carbonate and Hydroxide: SQM is a leading producer of lithium. They make lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide which is used in batteries. Market share is approximately 19%. Major competitors include Albemarle (ALB) and Ganfeng Lithium.
- Market Share (%): 19
- Market Share (%): 20
- Specialty Plant Nutrients (Potassium Nitrate): SQM produces specialty plant nutrients. These are used for improved crop yields. SQM has a notable market share in potassium nitrate. Major competitors include Yara International and Nutrien (NTR).
- Iodine: SQM is a major iodine producer. Iodine is used in pharmaceuticals and industrial applications. Major competitors include Iofina (IOFN) and Nippoh Chemicals.
- Market Share (%): 30
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The lithium market is driven by the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage. The specialty plant nutrient market is driven by the need to improve crop yields. The iodine market is stable, driven by various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
Positioning
SQM is a low-cost producer of lithium due to its operations in the Atacama Desert. It holds a strong position in specialty plant nutrients and iodine markets due to its resources and established distribution networks.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for lithium is estimated to reach hundreds of billions by 2030. SQM is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of this market due to its low-cost production and expanding capacity.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Low-cost lithium production
- High-quality resources in the Atacama Desert
- Diversified product portfolio
- Established distribution networks
- Strong financial position
Weaknesses
- Environmental concerns related to lithium extraction
- Exposure to commodity price fluctuations
- Geopolitical risks in Chile
- Concentration of operations in a single geographic region
Opportunities
- Expanding lithium production capacity to meet growing demand
- Developing new lithium extraction technologies
- Diversifying into other battery materials
- Increasing sales of specialty plant nutrients in emerging markets
Threats
- Increased competition from other lithium producers
- Fluctuations in lithium prices
- Changes in government regulations
- Environmental regulations
- Water resource limitations in the Atacama Desert
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- ALB
- NTR
- LTHM
- RIO
- MP
Competitive Landscape
SQM's competitive advantage lies in its low-cost lithium production and diversified product portfolio. However, it faces competition from other major lithium producers and specialty plant nutrient suppliers.
Major Acquisitions
Nutrichem
- Year: 2018
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 32
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded SQM's specialty plant nutrition business in China.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: SQM's historical growth has been driven by increasing demand for lithium and specialty plant nutrients.
Future Projections: Future growth is expected to be driven by further expansion of lithium production capacity and increased demand for lithium-ion batteries.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include investments in new lithium production facilities, partnerships with battery manufacturers, and efforts to improve environmental sustainability.
Summary
SQM is a strong player in the lithium and specialty plant nutrient markets, benefiting from low-cost resources and growing demand. Environmental concerns and commodity price volatility pose risks. SQM's initiatives to expand production and improve sustainability will be important for its future success.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Analyst Reports
- Industry Publications
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and is not financial advice. Investment decisions should be made based on individual circumstances and consultation with a financial advisor.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date 1993-09-20 | CEO - | ||
Sector Basic Materials | Industry Specialty Chemicals | Full time employees 7949 | Website https://www.sqm.com |
Full time employees 7949 | Website https://www.sqm.com | ||
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. operates as a mining company worldwide. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers under Ultrasol, Qrop, Speedfol, Allganic, Ultrasoline, ProP, and Prohydric brands. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, agricultural, industrial, and human and animal nutrition products comprising x-ray contrast media, biocides, antiseptics and disinfectants, pharmaceutical intermediates, polarizing films for LCD and LED screens, chemicals, organic compounds, and pigments, as well as added to edible salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. In addition, the company produces lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide which are used in the production of cathode material for secondary batteries; lithium chloride; and basic lithium chemicals and lithium derivatives used in lubricating greases for heat-resistant glass, chips for the ceramic and glazing industry, and air conditioning chemicals, as well as other pharmaceutical syntheses and metal alloys. Further, it produces potassium sulfate; and potassium chloride which is used as a fertilizer for the application of potassium to different crops. Additionally, the company produces and markets industrial chemicals, such as sodium nitrate mainly used in the production of glass and explosives, metal processing and recycling, and production of insulating materials and adhesives; potassium nitrate used as a raw material to produce frits and special glass, as well as in the enamel, metal treatment, and pyrotechnic sectors; solar salts used as a thermal storage medium in solar power generation plants; and potassium chloride as an additive in oil drilling and food processing sectors. Furthermore, it is involved in the commercialization of third-party fertilizers; and exploration of copper, gold, and silver deposits. The company was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.
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