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]