Core Insights - The year 2025 marked a significant breakthrough for precious metals, with both silver and gold reaching all-time highs, and the overall watchlist delivering a 281% return [1] Group 1: Volt Lithium (LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners) - Volt Lithium was renamed to LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc., aligning with the current administration's support for commodity independence [2] - The company increased its direct lithium extraction testing, processing over 350,000 barrels of brine and conducting more than 2,500 tests, achieving its first lithium carbonate output of approximately 10 tons per annum [3] - CEO Alex Wylie adopted a hands-on approach, spending months in the Permian Basin, and the stock increased by 295.00% year-to-date [4] Group 2: Northern Superior Resources - Northern Superior Resources focused on exploration at the Chibougamau camp, yielding intercepts as high as 12g/t Au, indicating strong growth potential [5] - The company was acquired by IAMGOLD Corp. for 0.0991 IAMGOLD shares plus 0.19 Canadian dollars in cash per share, with the transaction closing on December 19 [6] - Northern Superior achieved a remarkable return of 493.75% in 2025 [6] Group 3: Sierra Madre Gold and Silver - Sierra Madre Gold and Silver commenced production in 2025, restarting commercial production at La Guitarra and producing about 165,000 silver-equivalent ounces [7] - Earnings increased from $4.8 million to $5.5 million over three quarters, driven by higher prices, with plans for a plant expansion to increase capacity significantly by 2027 [7][8] - The company agreed to acquire Del Toro Silver Mine, which includes three permitted underground sites and a processing circuit of 3,000 tons per day, with stock gaining 300.00% year-to-date [8] Group 4: Friedman Industries - Friedman Industries experienced a challenging start to the year with a net loss in the first quarter due to pricing pressures and low order activity [9] - Earnings rebounded in the second quarter as sales volumes surged to 166,500 tons amid rising steel prices [9] - The acquisition of Century Metals & Supplies in September 2025 introduced new product lines and opened new markets, leading to a stock increase of 35.19% year-to-date [10]

Report Summary 1. Industry Investment Rating No industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints - In 2025, silver prices soared due to factors such as US tariffs, the US debt crisis, and geopolitical conflicts. Despite significant price fluctuations, the "supply imbalance" problem persisted, and the price reached over $70 by the end of the year, with a cumulative increase of over 120% [1]. - The global silver supply-demand fundamentals have shown a deficit for five consecutive years. Although demand in multiple sectors has declined, the significant increase in silver - supported exchange - traded products (ETP) has tightened market liquidity. In 2026, high profits may drive mining companies to increase production [4][5]. - The operation of major silver mines in the Americas has a significant impact on the global silver market. The production of some mines is expected to increase, while others may face challenges such as resource depletion [9]. 3. Section - by - Section Summaries 2025 Silver Price Trend Review - In the first half of 2025, silver underperformed gold due to trade frictions and weak industrial product prices. In the second half, strong demand and stable supply led to a continuous decline in spot inventory, and silver prices outperformed gold [1]. - In early October, silver broke through the 2011 high, reaching $50 with a cumulative increase of nearly 90%. After a significant correction, prices rebounded in late November, surpassing the October high and reaching over $70, with a cumulative increase of over 120%. In December, silver prices continued to rise, with a monthly increase of over 30% [1]. Silver Overall Supply - Demand Situation - The global silver supply - demand situation has shown a deficit for five consecutive years, but the deficit has improved compared to previous years. Although demand in multiple sectors has declined, the significant increase in ETPs has tightened market liquidity. AI and new energy sectors have great potential for silver demand, making the supply even tighter [4][5]. - Metal Focus estimates that the global silver mine supply in 2025 will be approximately 31,788 tons, basically the same as in 2024 and at the upper - middle level in the past 10 years. The World Silver Association predicts that the average all - in sustaining cost (AISC) in the first half of 2025 will drop to $13.0 per ounce [5]. Analysis of the Supply Status of Major Silver Mining Enterprises in the Americas - In 2024, the silver production in the Americas accounted for over 50% of the global total. The top 20 global silver - producing enterprises are mainly large comprehensive or copper - gold mining companies, but silver production has a relatively limited marginal contribution to their cash flow [8]. - Five major silver mining companies in the Americas, including Fresnillo, Pan American Silver, Coeur Mining, Hecla Mining, and First Majestic, are expected to account for about 15% of the global silver mine supply in 2025. Their new and old mine exploration and production will affect the competition for key mineral resources [9]. - **Fresnillo**: The world's largest silver mining company, with expected production to decline by 13.8% to 48.5 million ounces in 2025. It may recover in 2026 but remain below 5 million ounces. Some mines face resource depletion risks, while the Juanicipio mine has great exploration potential [10]. - **Pan American Silver**: A Canadian mining company. In 2025, the expected silver production is 22.1 million ounces, a year - on - year increase of about 4.7%. In May 2025, it announced the acquisition of MAG Silver to obtain a 44% stake in the Juanicipio silver mine, which is expected to significantly increase production in the next two years [16]. - **Coeur Mining**: Based in the US, with an expected silver production of 18.45 million ounces in 2025, a year - on - year increase of 61.8%. The Rochester mine is the key growth project, and the Silvertip mine is the core reserve project for medium - to - long - term growth. The company expects production to reach 20 million ounces in 2026, a year - on - year increase of about 30% [18]. - **Hecla Mining**: The largest primary silver producer in the US and Canada. In 2025, the expected silver production is 17.2 million ounces, a year - on - year increase of 6.2%. The Greens Creek and Lucky Friday mines contribute about 78% of the production. The company's production is expected to remain stable above 17 million ounces in the next two years [20]. - **First Majestic**: A Canadian company, one of the global silver mining leaders. In 2025, the expected silver production is 15.3 million ounces, a year - on - year increase of 82.1%. The San Dimas mine is the main contributor to performance, and the acquisition of the Los Gatos mine shows strong production growth potential [23].

Group 1 - Precious metal stocks experienced a pre-market rally, with Hycroft Mining (HYMC.US) rising over 5% [1] - Coeur Mining (CDE.US) increased by more than 2.8%, while AngloGold Ashanti (AU.US) and Newmont Corporation (NEM.US) saw gains of over 1.4% and 1%, respectively [1] - First Majestic Silver (AG.US) rose over 3%, and both Endeavour Silver (EXK.US) and Dolly Varden Silver (DVS.US) increased by more than 2.8% [1] Group 2 - Spot gold prices increased by over 1%, reaching $4,526.64 [1] - Spot silver prices surged by over 4%, hitting $74.75, both marking new historical highs [1]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: First Majestic Silver (AG) - First Majestic Silver currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong potential for momentum investing [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), which is associated with a historical outperformance in the market [4] Price Performance - Over the past week, AG shares increased by 4.71%, while the Zacks Mining - Silver industry rose by 4.64% [6] - In a longer timeframe, AG's monthly price change is 40.05%, outperforming the industry's 35.93% [6] - Over the last quarter, AG shares have risen by 41.42%, and they are up 211.47% over the past year, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 4.03% and 16.96%, respectively [7] Trading Volume - AG's average 20-day trading volume is 20,227,716 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for AG have been revised upwards, while none have been lowered, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $0.16 to $0.25 [10] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have also moved upwards with no downward revisions [10] Conclusion - Given the strong momentum indicators and positive earnings outlook, AG is positioned as a solid momentum pick with a Momentum Score of A and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [12]

Group 1 - Spot gold prices fell below $4450 per ounce, decreasing by 0.78% on the day [1] - Spot silver prices dropped over $1, currently at $70.42 per ounce, with a decline of 1.45% [1] - Mining stocks for gold and silver experienced widespread declines, with Harmony Gold (HMY.US) down over 2.6%, Barrick Mining (B.US) down over 1%, and Royal Gold (RGLD.US) down 0.95% [1] Group 2 - Paramount Gold Nevada (PZG.US) decreased by 0.85%, while Hecla Mining (HL.US) fell by 3.5% [1] - First Majestic Silver Corp (AG.US) saw a decline of over 2.8%, and Pan American Silver Corp (PAAS.US) dropped by 1.9% [1]

Core Insights - The metal and mining stocks, particularly silver, gold, and copper, have shown significant performance in 2025, with silver prices surging due to high industrial demand and supply shocks [1][10]. Silver Price Performance - iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has gained 126.3% year-to-date as of December 19, 2025, outperforming SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), which has advanced about 63% [3][10]. - The surge in silver prices is attributed to persistent supply tightness and increased industrial usage [3]. Industrial Demand and Applications - Approximately 50% of silver's total demand comes from industrial applications, with a notable rise in demand driven by green energy initiatives [4]. - The automotive industry is expected to drive higher silver demand due to increased vehicle sophistication and electrification of powertrains [5]. - China's solar boom and the global rollout of 5G technology have positively impacted silver demand [5]. Economic Factors Influencing Silver Prices - The Federal Reserve's three rate cuts in 2025 and a softer labor market have contributed to a weaker U.S. dollar, which typically supports non-yielding assets like silver and gold [6][8]. - The U.S. dollar index (UUP) has decreased by 5.4% in 2025, reflecting trade uncertainties and a trend towards de-dollarization [7]. Safe-Haven Demand - Silver has maintained a safe-haven appeal amid moderate trade tensions, although it is not as strong as gold [11]. ETF Holdings and Market Trends - Holdings in silver-backed ETFs have reached their highest level since 2022, indicating continued investor interest [12]. - Speculative flows have intensified supply pressures, with inventories at the Shanghai Futures Exchange dropping to their lowest point in a decade [12]. Top Performing Stocks in SLVP - Hecla Mining Co has increased by 274% YTD and holds 15.90% of SLVP's basket [14]. - Industrias Peñoles has risen by 217.1% and accounts for 11.84% of SLVP [14]. - Fresnillo plc has surged by 396.7% and represents about 10.35% of SLVP [15]. - First Majestic Silver has gained 180.5% and has an 8.29% weight in SLVP [16]. - Discovery Silver Corp has skyrocketed by 963.3% and constitutes about 4.91% of SLVP [17]. - Endeavour Silver Corp has increased by 138.0% and has a 4.46% weight in SLVP [18]. - Wheaton Precious Metals has risen by 106.1% and holds a 4.08% weight in SLVP [19].

Group 1 - Gold stocks experienced a pre-market surge, with Hycroft Mining (HYMC.US) rising over 21%, Coeur Mining (CDE.US) up over 5%, AngloGold Ashanti (AU.US) increasing over 4%, and Newmont Corporation (NEM.US) gaining over 3% [1] - Silver stocks also saw collective gains in pre-market trading, with First Majestic Silver (AG.US) rising nearly 4%, Endeavour Silver (EXK.US), and Dolly Varden Silver (DVS.US) both increasing over 4% [1] Group 2 - The price of spot gold rose nearly 2% to surpass $4420 per ounce, reaching new highs, with a year-to-date increase of over 68% [1] - Spot silver prices increased by 2.6% to exceed $69 per ounce, also hitting new highs, with a year-to-date rise of over 140% [1]

Core Viewpoint - First Majestic Silver Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Del Toro Silver Mine to Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd. for a total consideration of up to $60 million, which includes cash and shares [1][2][9]. Group 1: Deal Structure - The agreement includes an initial payment of $20 million in cash and $10 million in common shares at a price of $1.30 per share upon closing [2]. - An additional $10 million will be paid within 18 months of closing [2]. - If the mine reports mineral resources of 100 million ounces within 48 months of closing, Sierra Madre will pay another $10 million [3]. - If Del Toro produces 4,000 tons per day for 30 consecutive days within 60 months of the deal closing, First Majestic will receive an extra $10 million [3]. Group 2: Conditions and Financing - The deal is contingent upon Sierra Madre completing a concurrent private placement financing to raise CAD$40 million (approximately $29 million) and meeting other closing conditions [4]. - Sierra Madre previously acquired the La Guitarra mine from First Majestic in 2023, indicating a history of collaboration between the two companies [4]. Group 3: Market Performance - First Majestic's stock has increased by 196.7% this year, outperforming the industry average growth of 170% [5]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook [6][10].

Group 1: Market Overview - The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite have seen year-to-date gains of 14%, 16%, and 20% respectively as of December 12, 2025 [1] - The focus of investing should be on future opportunities rather than past performance [2] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The company has increased cash reserves for future investments while maintaining a long-term focus on 36 positions, with the top 10 holdings accounting for over 81% of invested assets [3] Group 3: Company Highlights - **SSR Mining**: The stock has gained 219% year-to-date, driven by rising gold and silver prices and potential reinstatement of its environmental license at the Copler mine [5][6] - **Teva Pharmaceutical Industries**: The company is shifting focus to high-margin drug development, with the drug Austedo expected to generate over $2 billion in sales for 2025 [7][8] - **iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF**: This ETF is used to manage cash reserves, offering a yield around 4% compared to a negligible yield on uninvested cash [9][10] - **Meta Platforms**: The company has significant ad-pricing power and closed September with approximately $44.5 billion in cash, on track to generate over $100 billion in cash from operations in 2025 [11][13] - **Bank of America**: The bank has been a long-term holding, facing challenges from recent Federal Reserve rate cuts but still generating profitable loans [15][16] - **PubMatic**: Positioned well in digital advertising, with connected TV ad growth exceeding 50% year-over-year and positive operating cash flow [17][19] - **First Majestic Silver**: The company has seen profit projections rise due to higher silver prices, but management struggles with mining costs have led to a reduction in holdings [21][22] - **Pinterest**: The platform has reached 600 million monthly active users and has potential for improved monetization, with a forward P/E ratio of 13 [24][26] - **PayPal Holdings**: Despite stalling active account growth, payment transactions per account have increased by 41%, and the company has initiated a quarterly dividend program [29][30] - **Alphabet**: The company maintains a dominant market share in internet search and is expected to see growth from its Google Cloud platform, particularly with AI integration [31][33]

Core Viewpoint - First Majestic Silver Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its 100%-owned Del Toro Silver Mine to Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd. for total consideration of up to US$60 million, which includes US$30 million upfront and an additional US$30 million in delayed and contingent payments [1][2]. Transaction Details - The agreement stipulates that Sierra Madre will acquire all shares of First Majestic Del Toro, S.A. de C.V., which holds a 100% interest in Del Toro, in exchange for the specified cash and share consideration [2]. - All Sierra Madre Shares issued to First Majestic will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance, along with additional resale restrictions [2]. Conditions for Transaction - The transaction is contingent upon Sierra Madre completing a concurrent private placement financing of at least CAD$40 million and obtaining various approvals, including acceptance by the TSXV and Mexican Antitrust approval [3]. - Sierra Madre plans to conduct an offering of up to CAD$50 million in subscription receipts, expected to be completed in January 2026 [3]. Shareholder Approval - Sierra Madre will seek shareholder approval for the transaction at a meeting anticipated by the end of April 2026, requiring a simple majority of votes cast, excluding votes from First Majestic and other specified persons [4]. Company Background - The Del Toro Silver Mine is a past producing operation that was placed under care and maintenance by First Majestic in January 2020 [5]. - First Majestic is a publicly traded mining company focused on silver and gold production in Mexico and the U.S., operating four producing underground mines and holding various development and exploration assets [6]. Additional Information - First Majestic operates its own minting facility, First Mint, LLC, offering a portion of its silver production for public sale [7].