SQM (SQM Quick QuoteSQM - Free Report) shares ended the last trading session 6.5% higher at $62.64. The jump came on an impressive volume with a higher-than-average number of shares changing hands in the session. This compares to the stock's 5.7% gain over the past four weeks.

SQM’s shares are heading higher in anticipation of strong fourth-quarter results. The company’s results are expected to be supported by higher global demand and prices for fertilizers on the back of healthy grower economics as well as favorable trends in the lithium market underpinned by strong electric vehicle sales and higher prices. Higher sales volumes and prices across its lithium and specialty plant nutrition businesses are expected to drive its top line and margins in the fourth quarter.

This chemicals company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.97 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +288%. Revenues are expected to be $1.01 billion, up 97.1% from the year-ago quarter.

While earnings and revenue growth expectations are important in evaluating the potential strength in a stock, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

For SQM, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. And a stock's price usually doesn't keep moving higher in the absence of any trend in earnings estimate revisions. So, make sure to keep an eye on SQM going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>