SQM's profit surges on record lithium sales and higher prices
Record lithium sales and raised demand outlook SQM sold a record 84,000+ tonnes of lithium in Q2 and now expects global demand to exceed 2.1 million tonnes in 2026, up from 1.9 million. Stronger demand supports higher prices and volumes, directly lifting SQM's revenue and profit.
This is the core new operational driver behind the earnings beat and future growth.
Blowout first-half earnings SQM's net income jumped 353.5% to $1.02 billion in H1 2026, with Q2 profit up 646% to $660 million. Revenue more than doubled. This huge profit beat shows the business is generating far more cash, which supports the stock price.
The earnings result is the main new financial event that answers why the stock is moving.
Nova Andino JV targets 70% production boost SQM and Codelco's joint venture aims to raise Atacama lithium output to as much as 470,000 tonnes per year, up from about 270,000, as part of a $3 billion overhaul. This long-term growth plan increases future supply and revenue potential.
It is a major new expansion plan that shapes SQM's long-term production and earnings power.
CATL supply surge pressures lithium prices CATL's Jianxiawo mine could add about 46,000 tonnes per year of lithium supply, roughly 3% of global supply, pushing Chinese lithium prices down 10% to a 10-week low. More supply can lower prices and hurt SQM's revenue per tonne.
It is the main new counterweight that could cap lithium prices and SQM's upside.