SQM jumps as dividend catalyst nears ahead of May 8 ex-date
SQM•Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) is rising as investors position ahead of an upcoming dividend tied to FY2025 profits. SQM approved a $1.02952 per-share dividend with payment starting May 14, 2026, while the ADR’s ex-dividend date is May 8, 2026.
1. What’s moving the stock
SQM shares are higher as the market focuses on the next dividend event, a common near-term catalyst for yield-focused and event-driven buyers. SQM approved a dividend equivalent to US$1.02952 per share against FY2025 net income, with payment starting May 14, 2026, and the NYSE ADR’s ex-dividend date widely listed as May 8, 2026.
2. The key dividend details investors are trading around
SQM’s dividend was approved at the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held April 23, 2026, and the company’s notice dated April 29, 2026 lays out mechanics including FX conversion using Chile’s “Observed Dollar” published May 11, 2026 and eligibility tied to being registered five business days prior to the payment date. For U.S.-listed ADR investors, the practical trading date is the ex-dividend date (commonly shown as May 8, 2026), which can pull forward demand as investors buy to capture the distribution and then reassess positions after the cut-off.
3. What comes next (watch-list)
Near-term, attention shifts to the ex-dividend date (May 8, 2026) and the payment start date (May 14, 2026), with ADR cash payment calendars also showing a late-May pay date in some listings. Beyond the dividend, SQM’s next major scheduled catalyst is its earnings report after the close on May 27, 2026, which could reset expectations around lithium pricing, volumes, and margins.
