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Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B (SQM)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/10/2025: SQM (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
1 Year Target Price $50.93
1 Year Target Price $50.93
6 | Strong Buy |
4 | Buy |
5 | Hold |
1 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -35.89% | Avg. Invested days 27 | Today’s Advisory WEAK BUY |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 12.30B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 24.41 | 1Y Target Price 50.93 |
Price to earnings Ratio 24.41 | 1Y Target Price 50.93 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 16 | Beta 1.11 | 52 Weeks Range 29.36 - 47.51 | Updated Date 10/12/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 29.36 - 47.51 | Updated Date 10/12/2025 | ||
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 - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
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 24.41 | Forward PE 13.61 | Enterprise Value 15250521811 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.91 |
Enterprise Value 15250521811 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.91 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 3.61 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 16.27 | Shares Outstanding 142818904 | Shares Floating 103426594 |
Shares Outstanding 142818904 | Shares Floating 103426594 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.54 | Percent Institutions 30.26 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B

Company Overview
History and Background
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM) was founded in 1968. It initially focused on the extraction and processing of caliche ore to produce nitrate and iodine. Over time, SQM diversified into lithium, potassium, and specialty plant nutrition products.
Core Business Areas
- Lithium and Derivatives: Extraction and production of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, primarily used in batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
- Specialty Plant Nutrition: Production of specialty plant nutrition products, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and calcium nitrate, used in agriculture.
- Potassium: Extraction and production of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate, used as fertilizers.
- Iodine and Derivatives: Production of iodine and its derivatives, used in X-ray contrast media, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
- Industrial Chemicals: Production of industrial chemicals, including sodium nitrate and sodium sulfate, used in various industrial processes.
Leadership and Structure
The leadership team consists of Ricardo Ramos Rodriguez (CEO). The organizational structure includes various divisions based on product lines and geographic regions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Lithium Carbonate/Hydroxide: SQM is a major global producer of lithium, essential for EV batteries. Market share fluctuates but is typically between 15-20%. Competitors include Albemarle (ALB) and Ganfeng Lithium. Revenue heavily dependent on fluctuating lithium prices.
- Potassium Chloride/Sulfate: SQM produces potash fertilizers. Significant revenue and market share but highly competitive market. Mosaic (MOS) and Nutrien (NTR) are major competitors.
- Specialty Plant Nutrition: High-value fertilizers for specialized crops. Niche market with good margins. EuroChem and Yara are competitors.
- Iodine: SQM is a leading iodine producer. Stable demand from medical and industrial applications. Competitors include Iofina and Toyota Tsusho.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The industry is driven by demand for lithium in electric vehicles, fertilizers for agriculture, and iodine for medical and industrial uses. Supply is affected by mining regulations, environmental concerns, and geopolitical factors.
Positioning
SQM is a low-cost producer of lithium and potassium due to its access to high-quality deposits in Chile. It benefits from economies of scale and integrated operations.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for lithium is projected to reach hundreds of billions USD by 2030. SQM is positioned to capture a significant portion due to its resource access and production capacity.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Low-cost producer of lithium and potassium
- High-quality resource base in Chile
- Integrated operations
- Diversified product portfolio
Weaknesses
- Concentration of operations in Chile
- Exposure to commodity price volatility
- Environmental and social concerns
- Dependence on regulatory approvals
Opportunities
- Growing demand for lithium in electric vehicles
- Expansion into new lithium deposits
- Development of new specialty plant nutrition products
- Partnerships with battery manufacturers
Threats
- Declining lithium prices
- Increased competition from other lithium producers
- Changes in mining regulations
- Environmental protests
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- ALB
- LTHM
- NTR
- MOS
Competitive Landscape
SQM has a competitive advantage in lithium and potassium due to its high-quality resource base and low production costs. However, it faces competition from larger and more diversified companies.
Major Acquisitions
Transaction not publicly available.
- Year: 2022
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 0
- Strategic Rationale: Increase lithium production.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: SQM's growth has been driven by increasing demand for lithium and potassium. Expansion projects have contributed to higher production capacity.
Future Projections: Analysts expect SQM to benefit from continued growth in the electric vehicle market. Expansion plans and new product development are expected to drive future growth.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include expansion of lithium production capacity, development of new lithium extraction technologies, and partnerships with battery manufacturers.
Summary
SQM is a major player in the lithium and specialty fertilizer markets, benefiting from its low-cost production and high-quality resource base. The company's performance is heavily influenced by commodity prices, especially lithium. While it faces competition and regulatory risks, the growing demand for lithium in electric vehicles provides a strong growth opportunity. SQM should cautiously explore diversification and manage environmental liabilities.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Filings
- Industry Reports
- Analyst Estimates
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. It is not financial advice.
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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