Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company reported revenues of $44.6 billion, slightly higher than the previous year, with net income of $588 million, reflecting improved market conditions and strong operational execution [4][5] - The average realized lithium price increased nearly 14% quarter-over-quarter, reaching close to $10 per kilogram in Q4 2025 [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In lithium, sales volumes exceeded 66,000 metric tons in Q4 2025, more than 50% higher year-over-year, driven by expansion efforts [5] - The iodine business contributed approximately 42% of SQM's total gross margin during the year, with record iodine prices observed by the end of 2025 [6][7] - Specialty plant nutrition saw a 3% volume growth during the year, with expectations of moderate growth of 2%-4% in 2026 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a shift in the lithium market towards the end of 2025, with stronger demand from energy storage systems contributing to a tighter market environment [5] - The iodine market is expected to grow by around 3% in 2026, with stable or slightly increasing sales volumes anticipated [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company signed an association agreement with Codelco, creating Nova Andino Litio for long-term lithium production from the Salar de Atacama [4] - The company is focused on sustainability, having strengthened its ESG performance and received international recognition [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals for lithium, driven by electric vehicles and energy storage systems [6] - The company is entering 2026 with strong operational momentum and improving lithium market conditions [8] Other Important Information - The seawater pipeline project in the Tarapacá region is expected to provide additional operational flexibility and unlock incremental production capacity [7] - The company is focused on maintaining a diversified customer portfolio, with over 80% of lithium volume already contracted [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for lithium sales in 2026 - The company targets a strong sales volume in Q1 2026, hoping to surpass Q1 2025 sales by more than 15% [15] Question: Cost of production in Q4 - Management clarified that the cost per ton was similar between Q3 and Q4, with higher lease payments impacting costs [21] Question: Iodine sales and future expectations - The company sold more iodine than expected in Q4 due to lower third-party capacity, but anticipates stable volumes in 2026 [32] Question: Share buyback discussions - Management stated there are no discussions regarding share buybacks due to legal restrictions in Chile [36] Question: Risks from sodium-ion batteries - Management believes lithium will remain the dominant technology for batteries despite the emergence of sodium-ion alternatives [37] Question: Lithium pricing expectations - The average sales price is expected to be substantially higher in Q1 2026 compared to Q4 2025, but prices will remain volatile [44] Question: Update on Kwinana refinery ramp-up - The ramp-up has faced intermittent issues but is expected to progress well, with production capacity anticipated in 2026 [59] Question: Exploration activities - The company is focused on exploration in Australia, Namibia, and Canada, with ongoing drilling programs and positive early results [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a favorable pricing environment for lithium, with realized average prices increasing compared to the previous period [4][5] - The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) for 2025-2027 is estimated at $2.7 billion, reflecting a focus on increasing production capacity and maintaining low costs [7][44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lithium sales volumes reached the highest in SQM's history, supported by low costs and strong efficiencies at Atacama operations [5] - Iodine prices remained high, averaging close to $73 per kilogram, with a balanced supply-demand environment [6][7] - The specialty plant nutrition business showed sustainable growth in both volumes and revenues compared to the previous year [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global lithium demand is expected to exceed 1.5 million metric tons in 2025, representing over 25% growth, driven by strong EV sales and energy storage systems [11][51] - China is projected to maintain a significant lead in EV markets with a 30% year-on-year growth, accounting for over 60% of global EV sales [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high-quality production, increasing volumes, and advancing cost reduction initiatives [4][5] - The construction of a seawater pipeline is over 80% complete, which will enhance iodine production capacity [6] - The company is expanding its iodine production capacity through a new operation in MarÃa Elena, adding 1,500 tons of iodine capacity [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the lithium market despite its volatility, expecting the positive pricing trend to continue [4] - The company anticipates robust commercial activity in the fourth quarter, with strong demand fundamentals for lithium [5] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and commitment to investment-grade ratings [29] Other Important Information - The joint venture with Codelco received approval from China's Antitrust Authority, with expectations to advance the partnership by the end of the year [8] - The company is evaluating the expansion of production capacity in China, with plans to increase lithium sulfate production [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on lithium demand, particularly in China - Management noted improved demand expectations for 2025, driven by strong EV sales and energy storage systems, with China leading in EV markets [11] Question: Production expectations for lithium in Chile and Australia - The company expects to produce close to 230,000 tons of lithium from Atacama, with an increase in spodumene concentrate sales projected [15][16] Question: Impact of Kwinana Hydroxide Conversion Plant on pricing - Management indicated that the international price for lithium is expected to rise closer to the Chilean price as the Kwinana plant ramps up production [18][19] Question: Update on the Codelco joint venture - The agreement with Codelco is expected to be finalized soon, with a dividend to be paid based on the tonnage belonging to Codelco [24][61] Question: Expectations for iodine market conditions - Management expects tight supply and demand conditions for iodine to persist, with prices likely to remain above $70 per kilogram [56]