Group 1 - The article expresses a bullish outlook on Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE: SQM) due to its low-cost lithium operations and favorable geopolitical positioning [1] - The bullish sentiment was noted during a time when the Trump administration was threatening to impose trade restrictions, which could have impacted SQM's operations [1] Group 2 - The author, Dilantha De Silva, is an experienced equity analyst with over 10 years in the investment industry, focusing on small-cap stocks often overlooked by Wall Street [1] - Dilantha has been featured on major financial platforms such as CNBC, Bloomberg, Nasdaq, and Yahoo Finance, indicating a strong presence in the investment community [1]

Financial Performance - SQM's Last Twelve Months (LTM) revenues reached US$4.5 billion[6] - The company's LTM Adjusted EBITDA stood at US$1.4 billion[6] - SQM's LTM Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 32%[6] - The Net Financial Debt (NFD) to Adjusted EBITDA ratio was 1.6x as of March 31, 2025[6,8] - First Quarter 2025 revenues were US$1,037 million, a decrease of 4% year-on-year[17] Business Segments - Lithium and derivatives LTM revenue was $2,197 million and gross profit was $517 million[23] - Iodine and derivatives LTM revenue was US$983 million and gross profit was US$525 million[29] - Specialty Plant Nutrition LTM revenue was US$946 million and gross profit was US$161 million[39] - Potassium LTM revenue was US$250 million and gross profit was US$33 million[46] - Industrial Chemicals LTM revenue was US$75 million and gross profit was US$30 million[53] Market Position and Outlook - SQM holds approximately 17% of the global lithium chemical market share[23,24] - The company anticipates the global lithium market to grow by approximately 17% in 2025[23] - SQM has approximately 37% of global Iodine market share[34] - SQM has approximately 41% of global KNO3 market share[44] - SQM has approximately 32% of global Industrial Chemicals market share[56]

Group 1 - SQM, the world's second-largest lithium producer, is cutting approximately 5% of its workforce in response to prolonged low prices for electric vehicle battery metals [1] - Lithium prices have plummeted nearly 90% since reaching a peak at the end of 2022, driven by oversupply and weaker-than-expected demand for electric vehicles [1] - SQM's first-quarter profits significantly missed market expectations, and the company anticipates continued price weakness in the first half of this year [1] Group 2 - The union's preliminary memo indicates that 25% to 30% of the layoffs will affect "ordinary positions," with the remainder impacting supervisory roles, including locations in Santiago, the Atacama salt flat, and northern lithium processing plants [2] - The union expressed regret over the company's decision and questioned the rationale behind it, while also offering support to affected employees [2] - Albemarle Corporation, the largest lithium producer globally, has also implemented layoffs and cost-cutting measures to mitigate the impact of persistently low lithium prices [2] Group 3 - The prices of lithium, nickel, and cobalt have collapsed in 2023, with no significant rebound observed in 2025, turning the "dream" of electrification into a challenging scenario [3] - The Indonesian government has shown signs of supply discipline by limiting mining quotas and suspending approvals for new mining processing plants, with expectations of increased production cuts this year [3]

Core Insights - Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) plays a crucial role in the global energy transition by producing lithium, which is essential for powering cellphones, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems [1]. Company Overview - SQM is not just a mining company; it is integral to the supply chain of lithium, a key component in modern technology and renewable energy solutions [1]. Industry Context - The demand for lithium is expected to rise significantly due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and the need for energy storage solutions, positioning SQM favorably within the industry [1].

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the month of March, 2025. Commission File Number 33-65728 CHEMICAL AND MINING COMPANY OF CHILE INC. (Translation of registrant's name into English) El Trovador 4285, Santiago, Chile (562) 2425-2000 (Address of principal executive office) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports ...

Core Points - Chile's President Boric announced the "National Lithium Strategy" on April 20, 2023, which led to negotiations between Codelco and SQM authorized by Corfo on May 24, 2023 [1] - Codelco disclosed that discussions with Morgan Stanley regarding an "underground agreement" began 21 days prior to the announcement of the lithium strategy, with Morgan serving as a financial advisor during negotiations with SQM [1] - A financial advisory agreement between Codelco and Morgan Stanley was signed on March 30, 2023, prior to the announcement of the lithium strategy, with Morgan's commission set at 0.4% of the net profits from the Codelco-SQM collaboration [1] Company Developments - Codelco's president submitted a copy of the agreement with Morgan Stanley to the Chilean House of Representatives, revealing undisclosed terms, including a provision that no base commission would be paid until a final agreement with SQM was signed [1] - On May 15, 2023, Codelco announced the establishment of two subsidiaries, Codelco de Chile SpA and MineralTararSpA [1] - Codelco sent a letter to Corfo on May 22, 2023, agreeing to enter into cooperation negotiations with SQM [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - SQM reported the highest first quarter lithium sales volumes in the company's history, with a 20% year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand from the electric vehicle market in China and Europe [5] - Average realized prices for lithium in Q2 2025 are expected to be lower than in Q1 2025 due to recent price declines [6][56] - The iodine business experienced record average prices amid tight supply and steady demand, particularly for X-ray contrast media applications [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lithium sales volumes increased significantly, while the potassium business saw a substantial decrease in volumes compared to the previous year due to a strategic focus on high lithium content brines [10] - Specialty Plant Nutrition (SPN) sales volumes grew healthily, with an upward trend in prices driven by strong demand for potassium chloride [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global lithium demand is expected to grow by 17% in 2025, with SQM's sales projected to grow by approximately 15% year-on-year [28][61] - The market is currently experiencing oversupply, which has led to price pressures, particularly in China [68] Company Strategy and Development Direction - SQM is focused on expanding lithium production capacity to meet growing demand, with plans to reach 240,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate and 100,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide [8] - The company is investing in operational efficiencies and capacity expansions across its business lines, including iodine and specialty plant nutrition [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the lithium market, despite current pricing challenges, and believes that the price environment is not sustainable for the industry [82] - The company is well-prepared to take advantage of future market recoveries, with a strong balance sheet and low-cost production capabilities [18][84] Other Important Information - SQM's dividend policy stipulates a distribution of 30% of net income for 2025, with no interim dividends planned for the first quarter [46] - The Mt. Holland project is progressing well, with expectations of cash-positive operations even at current prices [80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for operating cash flow in Q2 - Management indicated that they are far from breakeven costs and expect to be significantly above that in Q2 [14][15] Question: Impact of lower lithium prices on capital structure - Management reassured that the strong balance sheet allows for continued investment in growth projects despite lower operating cash flow [16][18] Question: Current political noise in Chile regarding Codelco JV - Management described the situation as "noise" and confirmed that the transaction is proceeding as planned, with execution expected in the second half of the year [21][25] Question: Lithium sales growth forecast - Management maintained that they have not updated their annual volume forecast for 2025, but expect similar or slightly lower volumes in Q2 compared to Q1 [28] Question: Pricing dynamics in China - Management noted that they have various pricing mechanisms with customers, but could not provide specifics due to confidentiality [34] Question: CapEx requirements for growth plans - Management stated that the CapEx plan will be reviewed and shared with the market in the upcoming months, with no updates currently available [52] Question: Production costs and expectations - Management confirmed that they expect to reduce operational costs during the year and are implementing several cost reduction initiatives [77] Question: Outlook for Mt. Holland project - Management indicated that the Mt. Holland operation is cash positive and progressing as planned, with a focus on ramping up production [80][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company achieved the highest first-quarter lithium sales volumes in its history, with a 20% year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand from the electric vehicle market in China and Europe [7] - Average realized prices for lithium in Q2 2025 are expected to be lower than in Q1 2025 due to recent price declines [8][57] - The iodine business experienced record average prices amid tight supply and steady demand, particularly for X-ray contrast media applications [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lithium sales volumes increased significantly, while the potassium business saw a reduction in volumes as part of a strategy to prioritize high lithium content brines [11] - Specialty Plant Nutrition (SPN) sales volumes grew at a healthy pace, with an upward trend in prices due to strong demand for potassium chloride [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintains a view that global lithium demand will grow by 17% in 2025, with SQM's sales expected to grow by 15% year-on-year [29][62] - The market is currently experiencing oversupply, but long-term demand is expected to remain strong, particularly in the electric vehicle sector [62][88] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding lithium production capacity to 240,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate and 100,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide [9] - Investment in operational efficiencies and capacity expansions is ongoing, with a commitment to sustainable growth [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the lithium market, despite current pricing pressures [12][88] - The company believes that the current low price environment is unsustainable and anticipates a recovery in prices in the near future [84][86] Other Important Information - The dividend policy established by the board is to distribute 30% of net income for 2025, with no interim dividends planned for the first quarter [48] - The Mt. Holland project is cash positive even at current prices, with ongoing ramp-up efforts [82] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for operating cash flow in Q2 - Management does not expect to be close to breakeven in Q2 and anticipates being significantly above that [15][16] Question: Impact of lower lithium prices on capital structure - The company has a strong balance sheet and does not foresee financial constraints affecting future projects [19] Question: Current political noise in Chile regarding Codelco JV - Management described the situation as "noise" and confirmed that the transaction is progressing as planned [22][26] Question: Lithium sales growth forecast - The company has not updated its annual volume forecast but expects similar or slightly lower volumes in Q2 compared to Q1 [30] Question: Pricing dynamics in China - The company has various pricing mechanisms with customers, and specific details cannot be disclosed [36] Question: CapEx requirements for growth plans - The CapEx plan will be reviewed and shared with the market in the upcoming months [53] Question: Production costs and expectations - The company expects to reduce operational costs and maintain cost leadership in the market [78] Question: Outlook for Mt. Holland project - The Mt. Holland operation is cash positive, and the project is on track despite higher costs during ramp-up [82][93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company achieved the highest first quarter lithium sales volumes in its history, with a 20% year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand from the electric vehicle market in China and Europe [6][8] - Average realized prices for lithium in Q2 2025 are expected to be lower than in Q1 due to recent price declines [7][59] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lithium sales volumes increased significantly, while iodine prices reached record averages amid tight supply and steady demand, particularly for X-ray contrast media applications [6][8] - Specialty Plant Nutrition (SPN) sales volumes grew healthily, with an upward trend in prices due to strong demand for potassium chloride and supply disruptions [9] - Potassium business volumes were significantly lower compared to the same period last year as part of a strategy to prioritize high lithium content brines [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintains a view that global lithium demand will grow by 17% in 2025, with SQM's sales expected to grow by 15% year-on-year, although this forecast remains unchanged amid current market conditions [29][64] - The lithium market is currently oversupplied, with prices under pressure, particularly in China [71][90] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding lithium production capacity to 240,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate and 100,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide [8] - Investment in operational efficiencies and capacity expansions is ongoing, with a commitment to sustainable high-quality growth [11] - The company is confident in its strategy and ability to generate cash flow despite current pricing pressures [17][88] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the current low price environment is unsustainable and expects prices to improve in the future [88][90] - The company is well-prepared to take advantage of market recovery due to its strong position as a low-cost producer [88][90] - There is optimism regarding long-term demand growth, particularly in the electric vehicle sector [64][90] Other Important Information - The company is advancing its seawater pipeline construction to expand iodine production capacity [8] - The dividend policy established a distribution of 30% of net income for 2025, with no interim dividends planned for the first quarter [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will operating cash flow be breakeven or positive per metric ton in lithium in Q2? - Management indicated they are far from breakeven costs and expect to be significantly above that in Q2 [14][15] Question: How will lower lithium prices affect capital structure and funding for future projects? - Management stated that the company has a strong balance sheet and cash generation capacity from other business lines, which will not constrain future projects [16][18] Question: What is the status of the Codelco joint venture in Chile? - Management described the situation as "noise" due to election year discussions but confirmed that the transaction is progressing as planned [20][26] Question: Will SQM's lithium sales grow by 15% this year? - Management has not updated the annual volume forecast but expects similar or slightly lower volumes in Q2 compared to Q1 [29] Question: How is SQM handling pricing dynamics in China? - Management noted that pricing mechanisms with customers are confidential and cannot provide specifics [36] Question: What is the outlook for Mt. Holland production? - Management confirmed that Mt. Holland is cash positive and ramping up as planned, despite facing higher costs during the ramp-up phase [84][97] Question: What is the company's dividend policy? - The company will distribute 30% of its net income for 2025, with no interim dividends planned for the first quarter [48]

Core Viewpoint - SQM is addressing the global lithium supply surplus issue as demand falls short of expectations while new supplies come online, leading to a decline in lithium prices from their peak at the end of 2022 [1] Group 1: Company Strategy - SQM's CEO, Ricardo Ramos, stated that the company will continue efforts to increase total production capacity of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide to 240,000 tons and 100,000 tons respectively [1] - The company plans to continue processing lithium sulfate in China [1] Group 2: Market Context - The current market situation reflects a contrast between SQM's approach of increasing production and the strategies of some high-cost producers who are cutting back on output and spending [1]