ZACKS·2026-02-26 01:05Core Viewpoint - Silver prices have surged to all-time highs alongside gold, driven by both monetary demand and industrial applications [1][2][13] Industry Overview - The rally in silver is supported by its dual role as a monetary metal and its essential use in various industrial applications, including solar panels, electric vehicles, and electronics [2][3] - Silver's unique properties, such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, strong reflectivity, and antimicrobial behavior, make it vital for modern technology [3] Company Summaries First Majestic Silver – AG - Current stock price is $29, operating silver mines in Mexico, and is a high-leverage miner with significant margin improvement potential [5] - Achieved record silver-equivalent output of 15.4 million ounces in 2025, with projected annual earnings growth of 30% to $0.60 per share in the current year and an 85% increase to $1.12 in fiscal 2027 [6] - Stock has increased nearly 80% year-to-date, with substantial EPS revisions across upcoming quarters [7][8] Buenaventura Mining – BVN - Current stock price is $40, a leading miner in Peru with diversified production in gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc [9] - Shares have risen 200% in the last year, with an attractive forward earnings multiple of 11X and high-double digit EPS growth forecasted [9] Fresnillo – FNLPF - Current stock price is $57, recognized as the world's primary silver producer with over 500% stock gain in the last year [11] - Projected FY26 EPS is $2.91, a 708% increase from the previous year, with FY27 EPS expected to reach $3.01, trading at a forward P/E multiple of 18X [12] - Fresnillo has the highest revenue projections among peers, expected to exceed $5 billion annually [12] Market Sentiment - The Zacks Mining-Silver Industry is currently ranked in the top 6% of over 240 Zacks industries, indicating strong market sentiment [13] - The three highlighted stocks are rated with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting their potential for continued growth [13]