SQM drives Chilean lithium earnings surge with projected EBITDA jump

SQM expects its earnings to rise sharply in the second quarter of 2026, forecasting a 257% increase in EBITDA and a 525% rise in net profit year‑over‑year. The boost is driven by a rebound in lithium prices—estimated at a 161% rise—and a 39% increase in lithium sales volumes, together with stable iodine revenues. The company’s performance is set to lift aggregate corporate results in Chile, where non‑commodity firms are otherwise posting modest declines.

The joint venture between SQM and Codelco, operating under the brand “Novandino Litio,” has encountered a trademark registration problem at Chile’s National Institute of Industrial Property (Inapi). Inapi issued a substantive objection, citing potential confusion with existing marks, which could lead to the application’s rejection. The partnership had formally adopted the “Novandino” fantasy name in its statutes in July and filed the trademark in January.

These developments highlight the growing economic importance of Chile’s lithium sector and the regulatory challenges faced by companies expanding their branding in the market.