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HUN vs SQM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Huntsman Corporation (HUN) vs. Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- HUN is a diversified specialty chemicals producer whose shares have rallied sharply in recent months, aided by a pending merger of equals with Olin Corporation.
- SQM is a Chilean lithium, iodine, and specialty plant-nutrition producer benefiting from a rebound in lithium demand and prices.
- The two companies operate in different commodity cycles: HUN is tied to industrial and construction chemicals, while SQM is anchored to battery metals and agriculture.
- Profitability currently diverges sharply — SQM is solidly profitable, whereas HUN is working through a transition period toward a return to earnings.
- Relative performance favors SQM over a trailing one-year window, while HUN has shown stronger shorter-term momentum.
Introduction
Investors evaluating industrial materials often face a choice between cyclical specialty-chemical names and commodity producers tied to the energy transition. This stock comparison examines Huntsman Corporation (HUN) and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM), two companies whose market positioning, growth drivers, and risk profiles differ meaningfully. HUN appeals to investors watching a chemicals-sector consolidation story and a margin-recovery narrative, while SQM attracts those seeking exposure to lithium demand and tighter supply conditions. The relative performance and market positioning of these two names offer a useful contrast for both value-oriented and growth-oriented traders.
HUN Overview and Recent Performance
Huntsman Corporation is a global manufacturer of differentiated and commodity chemicals, with segments spanning Polyurethanes, Performance Products, and Advanced Materials. In recent market activity, the stock has posted a notable rebound, gaining roughly 30% to 40% year-to-date after a prolonged period of underperformance, though it remains down on a trailing one-year basis. The main catalyst behind the shift in sentiment has been the proposed all-stock merger of equals with Olin Corporation, which cleared a key U.S. antitrust (Hart-Scott-Rodino) waiting period and would create a North American chemicals business, OlinHuntsman, with more than $400 million in projected cost synergies.
Fundamentally, HUN has been recovering from cyclical weakness. Second-quarter revenue rose about 14% year over year, with Polyurethanes and Advanced Materials sales improving, while the company still reported a modest net loss. Management has emphasized price increases to offset higher raw-material and energy costs, together with structural cost savings, while weak construction demand, tariff uncertainty, and elevated European input costs remain key headwinds.
SQM Overview and Recent Performance
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile is one of the world's largest lithium producers and a leading supplier of iodine and specialty plant nutrients. Its shares have climbed strongly over the past year, gaining more than 70% on a trailing twelve-month basis, supported by a recovery in lithium pricing and resilient demand. In its most recent quarter, revenues rose nearly 70% year over year while net income more than doubled, reflecting higher lithium sales volumes and firmer prices alongside strength in specialty plant nutrition.
A defining recent development is SQM's first full quarter operating through Nova Andino Litio, its lithium partnership with Chilean state miner CODELCO. The company raised its full-year lithium sales-volume growth guidance, citing a tight supply-demand balance and strong demand from battery storage (BESS) applications. Expansion initiatives such as the Salar Futuro project and a new iodine seawater pipeline underscore a growth-oriented agenda, though lithium-price volatility, regulatory dynamics in Chile, and potential future oversupply remain central risks to the investment case.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two names lies in their business models and sector exposure. HUN is a downstream chemicals manufacturer whose fortunes track industrial activity, construction, aerospace, and automotive demand. SQM is a mining and specialty-chemicals business leveraged to lithium's role in electric vehicles and battery storage, with diversification into iodine and fertilizers. Consequently, their earnings drivers rarely move in tandem, which can make them complementary rather than competing exposures.
On growth and profitability, the current picture is asymmetric. SQM is generating expanding revenue and strong net income, while HUN is still emerging from losses and leaning on cost savings, pricing actions, and merger synergies to restore earnings. In terms of momentum and market sentiment, HUN's merger announcement and improving margins have driven a sharp shorter-term rally, whereas SQM's advance reflects a broader lithium recovery. Risk profiles also differ: HUN faces demand, tariff, and input-cost cyclicality, while SQM contends with commodity-price volatility, Chilean regulatory risk, and a heavier debt load relative to its scale.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor SQM at present. Its trend appears more consistent, its earnings and revenue growth are demonstrably stronger, and its catalysts — including upgraded lithium volume guidance and the Nova Andino partnership — are concrete and near-term. HUN's rally has been substantial but remains partly dependent on merger execution and a still-uncertain return to profitability. This is a probabilistic assessment rooted in relative trend consistency and stability rather than a definitive forecast, and individual results will depend on each trader's timeframe and risk tolerance.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is HUN is a Hold and SQM is a Buy.
HUN's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HUN turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where HUN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on HUN as a result. In 59 of 91 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
HUN moved above its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.64% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HUN advanced for three days, in 163 of 257 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HUN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
HUN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for HUN entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 18 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.628) is normal, around the industry mean (1.207). P/E Ratio (-9.181) is within average values for comparable stocks, (3.806). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.080) is also within normal values, averaging (3.769). Dividend Yield (0.036) settles around the average of (0.183) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.269) is also within normal values, averaging (0.578).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 23 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. HUN’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 92 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. HUN’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 87, placing this stock worse than average.
SQM in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026
SQM may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 29 of 35 cases where SQM's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator entered the oversold zone -- be on the watch for SQM's price rising or consolidating in the future. That's also the time to consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +2.56% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SQM advanced for three days, in 223 of 302 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for SQM turned negative on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 68%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SQM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 79%.
The Aroon Indicator for SQM entered a downward trend on October 30, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 44 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.473) is normal, around the industry mean (2.431). P/E Ratio (11.247) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-18.994). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.300) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.079) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.917) is also within normal values, averaging (48.960).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 64 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. SQM’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 86 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SQM’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 93 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
HUN | SQM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 29 | 51 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 18 Undervalued | 44 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 86 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 92 | 41 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 64 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 23 | 93 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 75 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
HUN's Valuation (18) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry is in the same range as SQM (44) in the Chemicals Agricultural industry. This means that HUN’s stock grew similarly to SQM’s over the last 12 months.
SQM's Profit vs Risk Rating (86) in the Chemicals Agricultural industry is in the same range as HUN (100) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry. This means that SQM’s stock grew similarly to HUN’s over the last 12 months.
SQM's SMR Rating (41) in the Chemicals Agricultural industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HUN (92) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry. This means that SQM’s stock grew somewhat faster than HUN’s over the last 12 months.
HUN's Price Growth Rating (49) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry is in the same range as SQM (64) in the Chemicals Agricultural industry. This means that HUN’s stock grew similarly to SQM’s over the last 12 months.
HUN's P/E Growth Rating (23) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry is significantly better than the same rating for SQM (93) in the Chemicals Agricultural industry. This means that HUN’s stock grew significantly faster than SQM’s over the last 12 months.
| HUN | SQM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 63% | 3 days ago 73% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 77% | 3 days ago 78% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 65% | N/A |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 69% | 3 days ago 68% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 67% | 3 days ago 74% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 68% | 3 days ago 73% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 63% | 27 days ago 74% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 75% | 3 days ago 79% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 81% | 3 days ago 83% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 73% | 3 days ago 77% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
HUN’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while SQM’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- HUN’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- SQM’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
HUN’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SQM’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HUN’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- SQM’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
HUN (@Chemicals: Major Diversified) experienced а +9.55% price change this week, while SQM (@Chemicals: Specialty) price change was -4.36% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Chemicals: Major Diversified industry was +1.88%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -26.28%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Chemicals: Specialty industry was +0.32%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.60%, and the average quarterly price growth was -7.42%.
Reported Earning Dates
HUN is expected to report earnings on Nov 02, 2026.
SQM is expected to report earnings on Nov 17, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Chemicals: Major Diversified (+1.88% weekly)The major diversified chemicals industry includes companies that produce a wide range of chemicals and industrial gases. The products are often used as raw materials in the manufacturing of various types of goods, including plastics, paints, carpets, and fixtures to name a few. Major companies making diversified chemicals include DuPont de Nemours Inc., Celanese Corporation, Celanese Corporation and Westlake Chemical Corporation.
@Chemicals: Specialty (+0.32% weekly)The specialty chemicals sector includes companies that produce chemicals and industrial gases, which are of relatively high-value, often made to customer specifications. Examples of specialty chemicals are electronic chemicals, industrial gases, coatings, adhesives and sealants, industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals. The products are often valued on the basis of their purposes/performances rather than for their composition. Linde Plc, Ecolab Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and Dow, Inc. are some of the largest companies making specialty chemicals.
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HUN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HUN has been closely correlated with OLN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if HUN jumps, then OLN could also see price increases.
SQM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SQM has been closely correlated with ALB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 79% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SQM jumps, then ALB could also see price increases.