From The Rio Times · Juan Martinez · · 2m
Falabella Surpasses SQM in Market Value
Falabella's record stock price beats lithium giant SQM in Chilean market.
In brief
Falabella's record stock price beats lithium giant SQM in Chilean market. Falabella's shares rose 3.17% to US$17.394 billion, surpassing SQM's US$16.854 billion market value on Friday 16 October 2026. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Record Market Value
Falabella shares closed at 6,824.9 pesos (about US$6.94) on Friday 16 October 2026, lifting market value to US$17.394 billion.
SQM Market Value
SQM's market value stood at US$16.854 billion, a gap of about US$540 million behind Falabella.
Fitch Credit Upgrade
Fitch raised Falabella's credit rating to BBB from BBB- on Wednesday 14 October 2026, citing lower debt and better margins.
Market Performance
Falabella shares rose 3.17% since late September, with the stock up about 11% from 6,150 pesos (about US$6.25) to 6,824.9 pesos.
IPSA Ranking
Falabella ranks second on Chile's IPSA index behind Banco de Chile at US$19.671 billion.
SQM's Past Value
SQM was the most valuable company on the exchange as recently as May 2026, valued at US$26.17 billion.
Why SQM Lost Value
The sources do not explain why SQM lost value, though it dropped from US$26.17 billion to US$16.854 billion.
Record Holds for Now
The record close may not hold when trading resumes on Monday 19 October 2026, as a small move could reverse the order.
Peso Currency Risk
Falabella shares are priced in pesos, so dollar-based investors face currency risk alongside stock risk.
Fitch Rating Details
Fitch upgraded Falabella to BBB from BBB- with a stable outlook, noting stronger business profile and better margins.
Share Sales by Former Controllers
Former Falabella controllers sold about 2.88% of shares for 464.749 billion pesos (about US$472 million) in 2026.
Investor Impact
US investors benefit from the credit upgrade as bond funds gain cushion above BBB- rating.
Market Reaction
The wider Chilean market saw minimal movement, with IPSA down 0.01% on Friday 16 October 2026.
What's Next
Falabella's record market value may hold until Monday 19 October 2026, but the gap is small and easily reversed.
The headline
Falabella's shares rose 3.17% to US$17.394 billion, surpassing SQM's US$16.854 billion market value on Friday 16 October 2026.
