Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile: Staying On The Sidelines

Ricardo Fernandez 4.09K Followers Follow Summary Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. remains rated Hold, with a $106 YE27 price target, reflecting flat long-term net income despite volume growth. Lithium carbonate equivalent prices are stabilizing near $20/kg, with energy storage demand rising, but volatility persists. The Codelco JV significantly reduces SQM's earnings power, making it a minority in core Chilean assets and capping EPS growth. I prefer Albemarle over SQM in the lithium sector due to superior strategic positioning and less earnings dilution from government partnerships. simonkr/E+ via Getty Images Introduction So far, so good: the lithium market is holding up; the demand and supply balances are keeping LCE (lithium carbonate equivalent) prices around $20/kg, with Chinese EVs still the main driver, but utility-sized energy storage batteries are increasingly becoming relevant and, dare I This article was written by Ricardo Fernandez 4.09K Followers Follow I have more than 35 years of experience in the investment field, having worked as a sell &amp buy side analyst and portfolio manager for debt and equity funds. I am currently managing a high-yield Latam bond fund.My goal, as a Seeking Alpha contributor, is to provide a fundamental view and analysis of companies and funds in a streamlined version of institutional research. The operating and financial forecast, whether my own or based on consensus, drives the valuation and ultimate rating. I like numbers (financial statements) and use words to explain their meaning and potential consequences.For the most part, my selection choices reflect what I believe can offer long-term potential, and I frequently take positions in many ideas for my personal account. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ALB either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.