10 Best Junior Silver Mining Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

6. Royal Gold Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD)

Average Upside Potential: 14%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42

Royal Gold Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) is a metals streaming and royalty company with a diverse portfolio across the Americas, Africa, and Australia. The company derives its revenue by acquiring royalty and streaming interests in projects of gold, silver, and base metals. Hence, the company benefits from strong metal prices without the operational hazards attributed to mining.

The company recorded revenue of $719 million in 2024, which is a 19% increase compared to the previous year. Its operating cash flow also increased by 27% to $530 million. Royal Gold Inc.’s (NASDAQ:RGLD) earnings touched $332 million, which is a 39% increase when compared to 2023. Silver makes up a sizable portion of its revenue, with the company receiving 478,900 ounces of silver through its streaming agreements, contributing significantly to its total metal sales. The company, by year-end, held around 338,400 ounces of silver, positioning it well for future revenue given strong silver prices.

However, Royal Gold Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) faces challenges due to lower silver deliveries from its Pueblo Viejo stream. On the other hand, the company has maintained stable production numbers, with total gold equivalent ounces (GEOs) sold at 46,900 in Q4 2024. Royal Gold’s average realized silver price of $31.65 created a favorable environment for pricing. Revenue from silver remains key to the overall performance of the company as it continues to make use of its extensive streaming and royalty agreements.

Royal Gold Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) remains focused on strategic growth and efficient capital allocation. This is reflected through paying off its entire debt by 2024 end and its healthy liquidity, which reached $1.2 billion. Its stock has increased by 12.32% year-to-date, which is a result of its strong fundamentals as well as strong prices of gold and silver. Analysts have forecasted a 14% upside, which is a source of investor confidence. The company continues to expand its portfolio and optimize its existing streams, making it a compelling investment in this sector.