Surge in Precious Metals Prices Benefits Silver Mining Stocks
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 14 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Surge in Silver Prices: The iShares Silver Trust has surged 160% over the past year, driven by geopolitical tensions and industrial demand, attracting investors to the silver market, with expectations of this trend continuing into 2026.
- First Majestic Silver: This company operates mines in Mexico and the U.S., and last year acquired Gatos Silver, gaining a 70% interest in the high-grade Los Gatos mine, with 57% of its revenue from silver, positioning it as a top pure-play silver miner, where rising silver prices will directly enhance its profits.
- Wheaton Precious Metals: Acting as a financier, Wheaton uses a streaming model to provide upfront capital to mining companies, securing the right to purchase metals at a discount; its average cash cost of silver was $6.35 per ounce in Q3, ensuring cost predictability and protection against inflationary pressures.
- Investment Choices: Investing in First Majestic indicates confidence in its cost management and silver price upside, while Wheaton offers conservative investors a way to gain mining profits through a diversified portfolio without direct operational costs.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy AG?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on AG
Wall Street analysts forecast AG stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 26.140
Low
19.03
Averages
22.18
High
24.50
Current: 26.140
Low
19.03
Averages
22.18
High
24.50
About AG
First Majestic Silver Corp. is a mining company. The Company is focused on silver and gold production in Mexico and the United States. It owns and operates approximately 350,000 hectares of land package, which include the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, the La Encantada Silver Mine, and a 70% joint venture interest in the Cerro Los Gatos Silver Mine as well as a portfolio of development and exploration assets, including the Jerritt Canyon Gold project located in northeastern Nevada, United States. The San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine is located over 130 kilometers (km) northwest of the city of Durango, Durango State, Mexico. The Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine is located over 150 km northeast of the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The La Encantada Silver Mine is an underground mine located in the northern Mexico State of Coahuila, 708 km northeast of Torreon. The Cerro Los Gatos Mine is located around 120 kms south of Chihuahua City, Mexico.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Ten Large-Cap Stocks with Worst Performance Last Week
- Lumentum Holdings Decline: Lumentum Holdings Inc. saw a 24.65% drop this week, despite its upcoming inclusion in the S&P 500 on March 23, 2026, indicating a significant loss of investor confidence in its future performance.
- Celsius Holdings Struggles: Celsius Holdings, Inc. experienced a 17.86% decline this week, reflecting investor concerns over its profitability, particularly in a challenging overall market environment.
- Pressure on Precious Metals: First Majestic Silver Corp. dropped 17.69% this week, as rising dollar strength and yields exerted greater market pressure on precious metal companies amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
- Carnival Corporation Impacted: Carnival Corporation's stock fell 10.45% this week, as coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets heightened geopolitical risks, leading to diminished investor confidence in cruise operators.
See More
Top Performing Large-Cap Stocks Last Week
- Circle Internet Group Surge: The stock increased by 34.99% this week following better-than-expected Q4 financial results, with CEO Jeremy Allaire highlighting that its USDC stablecoin facilitates settlements at 'Internet speed' in prediction markets, indicating strong growth potential in the digital currency sector.
- Paramount Skydance Soars: The stock jumped 25.97% this week after Netflix declined to raise its acquisition offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially providing Paramount with greater negotiation leverage in a competitive media landscape.
- Axon Enterprise Growth: Axon's stock rose 26.14% this week due to better-than-expected Q4 results and FY26 sales guidance exceeding estimates, reflecting ongoing growth and market confidence in the security technology sector.
- Netflix Stock Recovery: Netflix's stock increased by 23.81% this week as it declined to raise its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery and announced the resumption of its share repurchase program, demonstrating confidence in future growth and proactive capital management strategies.
See More
Analysis of AG Stock Options Trading
- Put Option Appeal: The current bid for the $25.00 strike put option is $0.95, and if an investor sells this option, they would commit to buying AG stock at a cost basis of $24.05, representing a 15% discount from the current market price of $29.37, making it attractive for those looking to enter at a lower price.
- Yield Potential Analysis: Should the put option expire worthless, it would yield a 3.80% cash return, equating to an annualized yield of 32.29%, known as YieldBoost, highlighting the investment's appeal under current market conditions.
- Call Option Returns: Purchasing AG stock at $29.37 and selling the $33.50 strike call option could yield an 18.39% total return if the stock is called away at expiration, although this may leave potential upside gains unrealized if AG shares rise significantly.
- Risk Assessment: Current data indicates a 57% chance that the $33.50 strike call option will expire worthless, allowing investors to retain both their shares and the premium collected, thereby enhancing the safety of the investment.
See More
Escalation of Violence in Mexico Following Cartel Leader's Death
- Surge in Violence: Following the killing of cartel leader El Mencho, violence erupted across approximately 20 states in Mexico, with cartel gunmen setting vehicles ablaze and erecting roadblocks, indicating instability due to the resulting power vacuum.
- Significant Economic Impact: As the world's largest silver producer, Mexico's three key mines produced over 75 million ounces in 2024, accounting for nearly 10% of global supply; thus, cartel conflicts could lead to transport blockades and labor intimidation, affecting global silver availability.
- Avocado Trade Risks: Michoacán, El Mencho's home state, is crucial for the global avocado trade, where cartel competition disrupts shipments and raises insurance costs, impacting nearly one-third of global avocado supply during conflicts.
- Potential Financial Market Threats: Criminal organizations could exploit financial markets by creating short exposure through derivatives and inciting chaos via kidnappings or sabotage, posing a significant risk to highly leveraged junior miners, especially during transitional periods like after El Mencho's death.
See More
Gold Prices Surge Amid Tariff Uncertainty Following Supreme Court Ruling
- Gold Price Surge: Spot gold (XAU/USD) rose 1% to $5,154.5 per ounce, marking its highest level since January 30, reflecting increased investor demand for safe-haven assets amid tariff uncertainties.
- Tariff Policy Shift: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump's tariff policy, stating he exceeded his authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), prompting Trump to raise global tariffs from 10% to 15%, which adds to market uncertainty.
- Dollar Index Decline: Following Trump's tariff announcement, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.1%, leading to increased demand for precious metals like gold, which contributed to the price recovery.
- Mining Stocks Rise: Shares of gold miners Newmont Corp. (NEM) and Barrick Gold (B) increased by 1%, while silver miners Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS) and First Majestic (AG) gained 1% and 2% respectively, despite retail sentiment remaining in bearish territory.
See More
NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator Declines
- Market Indicator Decline: The NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator fell by 118.63 points to 24,893.99, indicating a weak market sentiment that could impact investor confidence and subsequent trading decisions.
- Novo Nordisk Trading Status: Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) saw a decline of $7 to $40.42 with a trading volume of 12,153,856 shares, reflecting a current price at 74.85% of its target price of $54, suggesting market concerns about its future performance.
- Veris Residential Earnings Forecast: Veris Residential, Inc. (VRE) increased by $2.13 to $18.90 with 1,099,243 shares traded, and is scheduled to report earnings on February 24, 2026, for the fiscal quarter ending December 2025, with a consensus EPS forecast of $0.16, representing an 11% increase year-over-year.
- Corning Earnings Outlook: Corning Incorporated (GLW) rose by $3.14 to $142.65 with a volume of 791,464 shares, having received three upward revisions in earnings forecasts over the past four weeks, with a consensus EPS forecast of $0.69, indicating strong performance in the market.
See More
Ten Large-Cap Stocks with Worst Performance Last Week
- Lumentum Holdings Decline: Lumentum Holdings Inc. saw a 24.65% drop this week, despite its upcoming inclusion in the S&P 500 on March 23, 2026, indicating a significant loss of investor confidence in its future performance.
- Celsius Holdings Struggles: Celsius Holdings, Inc. experienced a 17.86% decline this week, reflecting investor concerns over its profitability, particularly in a challenging overall market environment.
- Pressure on Precious Metals: First Majestic Silver Corp. dropped 17.69% this week, as rising dollar strength and yields exerted greater market pressure on precious metal companies amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
- Carnival Corporation Impacted: Carnival Corporation's stock fell 10.45% this week, as coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets heightened geopolitical risks, leading to diminished investor confidence in cruise operators.
See More
Top Performing Large-Cap Stocks Last Week
- Circle Internet Group Surge: The stock increased by 34.99% this week following better-than-expected Q4 financial results, with CEO Jeremy Allaire highlighting that its USDC stablecoin facilitates settlements at 'Internet speed' in prediction markets, indicating strong growth potential in the digital currency sector.
- Paramount Skydance Soars: The stock jumped 25.97% this week after Netflix declined to raise its acquisition offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially providing Paramount with greater negotiation leverage in a competitive media landscape.
- Axon Enterprise Growth: Axon's stock rose 26.14% this week due to better-than-expected Q4 results and FY26 sales guidance exceeding estimates, reflecting ongoing growth and market confidence in the security technology sector.
- Netflix Stock Recovery: Netflix's stock increased by 23.81% this week as it declined to raise its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery and announced the resumption of its share repurchase program, demonstrating confidence in future growth and proactive capital management strategies.
See More
Analysis of AG Stock Options Trading
- Put Option Appeal: The current bid for the $25.00 strike put option is $0.95, and if an investor sells this option, they would commit to buying AG stock at a cost basis of $24.05, representing a 15% discount from the current market price of $29.37, making it attractive for those looking to enter at a lower price.
- Yield Potential Analysis: Should the put option expire worthless, it would yield a 3.80% cash return, equating to an annualized yield of 32.29%, known as YieldBoost, highlighting the investment's appeal under current market conditions.
- Call Option Returns: Purchasing AG stock at $29.37 and selling the $33.50 strike call option could yield an 18.39% total return if the stock is called away at expiration, although this may leave potential upside gains unrealized if AG shares rise significantly.
- Risk Assessment: Current data indicates a 57% chance that the $33.50 strike call option will expire worthless, allowing investors to retain both their shares and the premium collected, thereby enhancing the safety of the investment.
See More
Escalation of Violence in Mexico Following Cartel Leader's Death
- Surge in Violence: Following the killing of cartel leader El Mencho, violence erupted across approximately 20 states in Mexico, with cartel gunmen setting vehicles ablaze and erecting roadblocks, indicating instability due to the resulting power vacuum.
- Significant Economic Impact: As the world's largest silver producer, Mexico's three key mines produced over 75 million ounces in 2024, accounting for nearly 10% of global supply; thus, cartel conflicts could lead to transport blockades and labor intimidation, affecting global silver availability.
- Avocado Trade Risks: Michoacán, El Mencho's home state, is crucial for the global avocado trade, where cartel competition disrupts shipments and raises insurance costs, impacting nearly one-third of global avocado supply during conflicts.
- Potential Financial Market Threats: Criminal organizations could exploit financial markets by creating short exposure through derivatives and inciting chaos via kidnappings or sabotage, posing a significant risk to highly leveraged junior miners, especially during transitional periods like after El Mencho's death.
See More
Gold Prices Surge Amid Tariff Uncertainty Following Supreme Court Ruling
- Gold Price Surge: Spot gold (XAU/USD) rose 1% to $5,154.5 per ounce, marking its highest level since January 30, reflecting increased investor demand for safe-haven assets amid tariff uncertainties.
- Tariff Policy Shift: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump's tariff policy, stating he exceeded his authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), prompting Trump to raise global tariffs from 10% to 15%, which adds to market uncertainty.
- Dollar Index Decline: Following Trump's tariff announcement, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.1%, leading to increased demand for precious metals like gold, which contributed to the price recovery.
- Mining Stocks Rise: Shares of gold miners Newmont Corp. (NEM) and Barrick Gold (B) increased by 1%, while silver miners Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS) and First Majestic (AG) gained 1% and 2% respectively, despite retail sentiment remaining in bearish territory.
See More
NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator Declines
- Market Indicator Decline: The NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator fell by 118.63 points to 24,893.99, indicating a weak market sentiment that could impact investor confidence and subsequent trading decisions.
- Novo Nordisk Trading Status: Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) saw a decline of $7 to $40.42 with a trading volume of 12,153,856 shares, reflecting a current price at 74.85% of its target price of $54, suggesting market concerns about its future performance.
- Veris Residential Earnings Forecast: Veris Residential, Inc. (VRE) increased by $2.13 to $18.90 with 1,099,243 shares traded, and is scheduled to report earnings on February 24, 2026, for the fiscal quarter ending December 2025, with a consensus EPS forecast of $0.16, representing an 11% increase year-over-year.
- Corning Earnings Outlook: Corning Incorporated (GLW) rose by $3.14 to $142.65 with a volume of 791,464 shares, having received three upward revisions in earnings forecasts over the past four weeks, with a consensus EPS forecast of $0.69, indicating strong performance in the market.
See More
