ZACKSยท2025-06-19 16:30Core Insights - Pan American Silver (PAAS) and First Majestic Silver (AG) are prominent players in the silver mining sector, both headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and providing exposure to silver and gold [1][2] - Silver prices have increased by 28% and gold prices by 29% this year, driven by safe-haven demand, geopolitical tensions, and supply deficits [1] - The silver market is projected to face another deficit in 2025, which is expected to positively impact prices [1] Company Overview: Pan American Silver - Pan American Silver is a leading silver and gold producer in the Americas, operating 12 mines across several countries [3] - As of June 30, 2024, Pan American's mineral reserves included 468 million ounces of silver and 6.7 million ounces of gold, with an expected increase of 58 million ounces from the acquisition of MAG Silver Corp. [4][5] - The company reported a 28.6% year-over-year revenue increase to $773 million in Q1, with record mine operating earnings of $250.8 million [6][10] - Silver production was 5 million ounces in Q1, with expectations to meet 2025 guidance of 20-21 million ounces of silver [8][9] Company Overview: First Majestic Silver - First Majestic Silver focuses on silver and gold production primarily in Mexico and the U.S., operating four underground mines [13] - Proven and probable mineral reserves are estimated at 86.8 million ounces of silver and 594,000 ounces of gold as of December 31, 2024 [14] - The company achieved a 130% increase in Q1 revenues to $243.9 million, driven by the Cerro Los Gatos Silver Mine and higher silver prices [16][10] - Total production reached 7.7 million silver-equivalent ounces in Q1, marking a 49% year-over-year increase [15] Financial Performance Comparison - Pan American's adjusted earnings per share for 2025 are estimated at $1.47, reflecting an 86.1% year-over-year growth [21] - First Majestic's earnings estimate for 2025 is 12 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of 14 cents in 2024 [22] - PAAS stock has increased by 40% over the past year, outperforming the industry's growth of 18.5%, while AG has gained 30.7% [23] Valuation and Market Position - Pan American is trading at a forward price-to-sales multiple of 3.39X, below the industry average of 4.06X, while AG trades at 4.48X [25] - Pan American offers a dividend yield of 1.38%, significantly higher than First Majestic's 0.22% [27] - The average price target for Pan American suggests a 9% increase, while First Majestic's average price target implies a 2% decline [28] Investment Outlook - Both companies are positioned to benefit from rising silver and gold prices, with strong production expectations and expansion efforts [29] - Pan American has shown better performance in share price gains and dividend yield, along with positive earnings estimate revisions [30] - With a more attractive valuation and higher growth potential, Pan American Silver is viewed as a more compelling investment choice compared to First Majestic [33]