Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) reported mixed results for the first quarter of 2026. The company posted revenue of $1.76 billion, a nearly 70% year-over-year increase that surpassed analyst expectations. However, its earnings per share of $1.28 missed consensus estimates, despite representing a 165.2% increase from the prior-year period.
The strong revenue performance was primarily driven by robust demand in the lithium market, where sales volumes reached approximately 69,000 metric tons. Citing continued market strength, SQM raised its full-year 2026 sales volume growth forecast for lithium from 10% to around 15%. The company also increased its guidance for its specialty plant nutrition business.