tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Hecla Mining Company (HL)
NYSE:HL

Hecla Mining Company (HL) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
2,560 Followers

Top Page

HL

Hecla Mining Company

(NYSE:HL)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 66 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:66Neutral
Price Target:
$23.00
▼(-2.71% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/18/26
The score is driven primarily by a materially improved financial profile (strong 2025 margins and cash generation alongside significant deleveraging) and a constructive earnings-call outlook despite near-term production step-down. These positives are partially offset by weak technical momentum and a high P/E multiple, with the dividend yield providing some valuation support.
Positive Factors
Deleveraging and cash generation
Hecla's 2025 cash generation and rapid deleveraging materially lower financial risk and increase optionality. Strong operating and free cash flow plus a much-improved balance sheet support funding for exploration, dividends, project development and provide resilience across commodity cycles.
Low‑cost flagship (Greens Creek)
Greens Creek's ultra-low AISC and high output form a durable competitive advantage, producing strong margin and cash conversion even at lower metal prices. Its cash generation supports corporate reinvestment and cushions consolidated margins, improving through-cycle earnings stability.
Exploration pipeline and Keno Hill turnaround
A materially higher exploration budget and recent reserve additions plus Keno Hill's first full-year profitability strengthen Hecla's organic reserve replacement and medium-term growth runway. This reduces reliance on acquisitions and supports sustainable production growth if drilling execution holds.
Negative Factors
Near‑term production step‑down
Guided silver output below prior-year levels implies a near-term revenue and cash‑flow reduction, delaying progress toward the company's ~20Moz medium-term target. Lower production compresses margin flexibility and could slow deleveraging or reinvestment timing if metal prices weaken.
Midas development uncertainty
Midas offers upside but remains pre‑development and needs extensive studies and capital. Uncertain timeline and potential funding requirements create execution risk and weaken near‑term visibility on how much production the project will realistically add to Hecla's pipeline.
Asset scarcity and exploration cost pressure
Hecla's growth target relies on exploration or selective M&A in a competitive market for silver assets. Elevated drill costs and scarce quality targets raise the risk that reserve replacement is costly or slow, pressuring long‑term production targets and returns if exploration outcomes fall short.

Hecla Mining Company (HL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Hecla Mining Company Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, acquires, develops, and produces precious and base metal properties in the United States and internationally. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for sale to custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors,; and doré containing silver and gold. It owns 100% interests in the Greens Creek mine located on Admiralty Island in southeast Alaska; the Lucky Friday mine situated in northern Idaho; the Casa Berardi mine located in the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada; and the San Sebastian mine situated in the city of Durango, Mexico. The company also holds 100% interests in the Fire Creek mine located in Lander County, Nevada; and the Hollister and Midas mines situated in Elko County, Nevada. Hecla Mining Company was incorporated in 1891 and is headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
How the Company Makes MoneyHecla Mining Company generates revenue primarily through the sale of precious metals, specifically silver and gold. The company mines these metals from its operating mines and sells them in the global commodities market. The revenue model is heavily influenced by the prices of silver and gold, which can be volatile and are influenced by market demand, economic conditions, and geopolitical factors. Key revenue streams include the extraction and sale of ore, as well as potential royalties from mineral rights and partnerships with other mining entities. Additionally, Hecla benefits from cost management strategies and operational efficiencies that enhance profitability. The company may also engage in strategic partnerships or joint ventures to expand its resources and production capabilities, further contributing to its earnings.

Hecla Mining Company Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 17, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 13, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized a strong transformational year with multiple financial and operational records, decisive balance sheet deleveraging, robust free cash flow, and several operational milestones (record production at Lucky Friday and Keno Hill, low-cost Greens Creek). Management articulated a clear silver-focused strategy and a pipeline of organic growth projects (Keno Hill ramp, Midas, Aurora) supported by substantial exploration investment. Near-term challenges include a modest step-down in 2026 silver production vs 2025, transitional accounting and potential loss on the Casa Berardi sale, weather-related Q1 impacts, and remaining uncertainties around Midas development and the need to replenish silver assets. Overall, the positive financial transformation, strong margins, and operational momentum materially outweigh the manageable near-term and strategic challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Financial Performance
2025 record revenue of $1.4 billion; net income applicable to shareholders of $321 million ($0.49 per share); record adjusted EBITDA of $670 million.
Transformational Cash Generation and Free Cash Flow
Operating cash flow of $563 million and free cash flow of $310 million in 2025 (up from $4 million in 2024 — ~7,650% increase). Q4 free cash flow ~ $135 million.
Rapid Deleveraging and Strong Liquidity
Total debt reduced to $276 million; gross debt to adjusted EBITDA decreased from 1.6x in 2024 to 0.4x in 2025 (≈75% reduction); net leverage improved from 1.6x to 0.1x (≈94% improvement). Cash on hand rose from $27 million to $242 million (9x increase).
Outstanding Silver & Gold Production Results
Met full-year silver production guidance at 17.0 million ounces and exceeded gold guidance with 150,000 ounces in 2025. Q4 revenue of $439 million with silver representing 59% of that total.
Lucky Friday — Record Production and Operational Progress
Lucky Friday delivered a record 5.3 million ounces of silver in 2025 (nearly 50% increase vs 2021). Q4 produced 1.3M oz; full-year AISC under $22/oz after by-product credits. Surface cooling project 79% complete and on track for mid-2026 completion.
Greens Creek — Low-Cost, High-Margin Flagship
Greens Creek produced 8.7M oz silver in 2025 at the top end of guidance with AISC under negative $2/oz after by-product credits for the year. Q4 produced 2.0M oz with AISC under $3/oz, generating $102M operating cash flow and ~ $80M free cash flow. Reserve additions: 3.7M oz added via model updates and net reserve growth of 2.4M oz.
Keno Hill Turnaround and Record Production
Keno Hill exceeded guidance with >3 million ounces in 2025, achieved first full-year profitability and positive free cash flow under Hecla ownership. Q4 produced 597k oz and generated $33M operating cash flow and >$17M free cash flow.
Strong Margins and Return Metrics
Silver all-in sustaining cost (AISC) margin improved from 54% in 2024 to 75% in 2025. Q4 realized silver price nearly $70/oz (+$14/oz vs quarterly average); Q4 AISC $18.11/oz producing a $51/oz margin (≈74% of realized price). Return on invested capital improved from 4% to 12% (3x).
Exploration Momentum and Pipeline Growth
2026 exploration budget $45M–$55M focused on Nevada and near-mine opportunities; Midas and Aurora show promising results (Aurora received FONSI permitting milestone). Exploration added 3.7M silver ounces via model updates and replaced 9.5M ounces depleted through mining.
Strategic Portfolio Optimization (Casa Berardi Sale)
Pending sale of Casa Berardi to Orezone will increase Hecla's silver revenue exposure to ~73% upon closing, further aligning the company as a premier North American silver producer and planned use of proceeds to reduce debt and strengthen the balance sheet.
Negative Updates
2026 Silver Production Guidance Lower Than 2025
2026 silver guidance of 15.1M–16.5M ounces is below 2025 production of 17M ounces, indicating near-term production step-down before medium-term growth initiatives.
Casa Berardi Sale — Accounting and Transitional Impacts
Casa Berardi sale expected to close in Q1; management indicated the potential to record a loss on the transaction versus a gain after fair-value accounting. Casa operations will contribute cash flows through closing, and accounting treatment (held-for-sale, deferred/contingent components) will affect Q1 financials.
Q1 Cost and Production Timing Effects
Q1 guidance reflects Casa transition and lower-than-expected January production due to severe weather in Abitibi, resulting in higher per-ounce costs in the quarter.
Higher AISC at Lucky Friday in 2026 Due to Profit Sharing
2026 AISC guidance for Lucky Friday is $23.50–$26/oz (up vs 2025) due to higher profit-sharing payments to the workforce, increasing unit costs despite being tied to profitability.
Midas Requires Further Work to Reach Production
Midas shows promising high-grade intercepts and existing mill/tailings infrastructure, but requires additional resource definition, geotechnical, metallurgical and hydrogeologic data and studies before a restart decision — timing and capital needs remain uncertain.
Need to Replenish Silver Pipeline and Competition for Assets
Management highlighted the need to grow the silver asset pipeline and acknowledged scarcity of silver-producing assets; this creates a reliance on exploration success or selective M&A to achieve medium-term 20M oz target and could raise acquisition competition and cost.
Exploration Cost Pressure and Uncertainty
Keno Hill drilling direct costs cited at roughly $180–$190 per meter; investment ramp-up (2026 exploration budget $45M–$55M) implies ongoing near-term expenditure with the customary exploration execution risk.
Company Guidance
Hecla guided 2026 consolidated silver production of 15.1–16.5 million ounces (with a medium‑term pathway to ~20 million ounces) and provided mine‑level guidance: Greens Creek 7.5–8.1Moz silver and 51–55koz gold with AISC near $0/oz (after by‑product credits); Lucky Friday 4.7–5.2Moz silver with AISC $23.50–$26/oz and a surface cooling project 79% complete on track for mid‑2026; Keno Hill 2.9–3.2Moz silver with $61–66M of capital spend (ramping to 440 tpd nameplate) and a $13M Keno exploration budget; company exploration spend of $45–55M (Nevada‑weighted); management expects to be debt‑free in 2026 (year‑end 2025 total debt $276M; gross debt/adjusted EBITDA 0.4x) and modeled cash flows of roughly $600M at $75 Ag/$4,500 Au rising to ~$850M at $100 Ag/$5,500 Au, and notes that post‑Casa Berardi the company’s silver revenue exposure would be about 73%.

Hecla Mining Company Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials reflect a strong 2025 turnaround: revenue grew to ~$1.42B, margins expanded sharply (net margin ~23%), and free cash flow rose to ~$310M with operating cash flow of ~$563M. Balance-sheet strength improved meaningfully with major deleveraging noted, but results have been historically volatile with prior-year losses/negative FCF, which tempers confidence in through-cycle stability.
Income Statement
76
Positive
Hecla shows a clear earnings recovery and strong recent momentum. Annual revenue rose to $1.42B in 2025 (up ~16%), and profitability improved sharply with net margin expanding to ~23% (from ~4% in 2024 and losses in 2022–2023). Gross margin also strengthened materially (~44% in 2025 vs ~21% in 2024), indicating better pricing/cost performance. The key weakness is higher historical volatility typical of miners—results swung from losses (2022–2023) to strong profits (2025), which reduces confidence in through-cycle stability.
Balance Sheet
82
Very Positive
The balance sheet looks strong and improving. Total debt declined from ~$663M (2023) and ~$551M (2024) to $0 in 2025, bringing leverage down to effectively nil versus equity of ~$2.59B. Total assets increased to ~$3.56B in 2025, and return on equity improved to ~12% (from low/negative levels in 2022–2024), reflecting both better profitability and a healthier capital structure. The main drawback is that returns have been inconsistent over the cycle, so the improved profitability needs to prove durable.
Cash Flow
71
Positive
Cash generation strengthened significantly in 2025 with operating cash flow of ~$563M and free cash flow of ~$310M (up ~29%). Cash flow also covered reported earnings well in 2025, with operating cash flow running at ~2.43x net income, supporting earnings quality. However, cash flow has been choppy: free cash flow was near breakeven in 2024 and materially negative in 2022–2023, highlighting sensitivity to operating conditions and capital needs.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.42B929.92M720.23M718.90M807.47M
Gross Profit585.14M198.21M112.95M116.16M217.80M
EBITDA706.50M313.36M124.00M143.03M220.12M
Net Income321.71M35.80M-84.22M-37.35M35.09M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.78B2.98B3.01B2.93B2.73B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments301.20M26.87M106.37M104.74M210.01M
Total Debt298.61M550.71M662.82M527.23M539.21M
Total Liabilities1.19B941.55M1.04B948.21M968.02M
Stockholders Equity2.59B2.04B1.97B1.98B1.76B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow310.25M3.79M-148.39M-59.49M111.29M
Operating Cash Flow562.64M218.28M75.50M89.89M220.34M
Investing Cash Flow-270.50M-212.87M-231.29M-187.27M-107.03M
Financing Cash Flow-78.00M-83.82M156.33M-7.50M-32.60M

Hecla Mining Company Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price23.64
Price Trends
50DMA
22.83
Positive
100DMA
18.46
Positive
200DMA
12.80
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.08
Positive
RSI
51.16
Neutral
STOCH
78.32
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HL, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 23.64 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 23.42, above the 50-day MA of 22.83, and above the 200-day MA of 12.80, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of -0.08 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 51.16 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 78.32 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for HL.

Hecla Mining Company Risk Analysis

Hecla Mining Company disclosed 56 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Hecla Mining Company reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Hecla Mining Company Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$13.43B17.1332.05%0.87%29.08%72.12%
77
Outperform
$593.49M11.7720.25%2.06%38.04%424.35%
76
Outperform
$15.91B26.9226.41%72.94%
73
Outperform
$3.15B17.8134.09%1.02%30.05%73.40%
66
Neutral
$15.85B48.9813.89%0.07%45.61%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
49
Neutral
$11.27B-39.73-12.14%6.27%93.14%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HL
Hecla Mining Company
23.64
18.44
354.62%
CDE
Coeur Mining
24.78
19.69
386.84%
DRD
Drdgold
37.03
25.85
231.22%
HMY
Harmony Gold Mining
21.55
10.78
100.04%
SBSW
Sibanye Stillwater
16.07
12.60
363.11%
CMCL
Caledonia Mining
30.73
20.81
209.75%

Hecla Mining Company Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Hecla Mining Declares Dividends Following Record 2025 Performance
Positive
Feb 17, 2026

Hecla Mining Company reported that 2025 was a record year, with revenue surpassing $1.4 billion, a 53% increase over 2024, and net income applicable to common shareholders rising to $321 million, or $0.49 per share. The company generated $563 million in operating cash flow and $310 million in free cash flow, cut total debt in half to $276 million, and reduced its net leverage ratio to 0.1x, leaving it with $242 million in cash and all operations free-cash-flow positive.

Operationally, Hecla’s silver output reached 17 million ounces in 2025, at the top end of guidance, while consolidated gold production from Casa Berardi and Greens Creek hit 151,000 ounces, both exceeding targets. The miner logged record results at Lucky Friday, a first profitable year at Keno Hill, improved safety metrics, and advanced permitting at key U.S. projects, while the pending sale of its Casa Berardi Mine for up to $593 million, announced after year-end and expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, is set to sharpen its focus as a premier North American silver producer.

On February 17, 2026, Hecla’s board also declared a cash dividend of $0.00375 per common share, payable around March 24, 2026, to shareholders of record on March 9, 2026. It further approved a dividend of $0.875 per share on its Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, payable around April 1, 2026, to holders of record on March 16, 2026, underscoring the impact of its strengthened balance sheet and cash generation on capital returns.

The most recent analyst rating on (HL) stock is a Buy with a $24.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hecla Mining Company stock, see the HL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Hecla Highlights Strong 2025 Reserves, Boosts 2026 Exploration
Positive
Feb 13, 2026

On February 13, 2026, Hecla Mining Company reported its year-end 2025 mineral reserves and resources and detailed exploration results, highlighting its continued strength in silver with 231 million ounces of reserves after producing 17 million ounces during 2025, and substantial gold reserves and resources. The company outlined strong 2025 performance at key assets including Greens Creek and Lucky Friday, raised cutoff grades to reflect cost inflation, and announced plans to nearly double its 2026 exploration and pre-development budget to $55 million, aiming to more than replace annual reserve depletion, while resources figures still include the Casa Berardi mine that is subject to a pending sale agreement announced on January 26, 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (HL) stock is a Buy with a $24.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hecla Mining Company stock, see the HL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Hecla Mining to Divest Casa Berardi, Refocus on Silver
Positive
Jan 28, 2026

On January 26, 2026, Hecla Mining Company announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell its wholly owned subsidiary Hecla Quebec Inc., owner of the Casa Berardi operation and a portfolio of exploration properties in Quebec, to Orezone Gold Corporation for total consideration of up to $593 million, with closing targeted for the first quarter of 2026. The deal structure combines $160 million in cash at closing, approximately 65.7 million Orezone shares currently valued at about $112 million, $80 million in deferred cash payments over 30 months, and up to $241 million in contingent payments tied to production, permitting milestones and future gold prices; management framed the sale as a disciplined portfolio reshaping that will allow Hecla to sharpen its focus on its core silver assets such as Keno Hill and Greens Creek, reduce debt, and reinforce its balance sheet, thereby reinforcing its positioning as a leading silver producer and potentially delivering enhanced value to shareholders while transferring Casa Berardi’s future upside to Orezone.

The most recent analyst rating on (HL) stock is a Hold with a $25.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hecla Mining Company stock, see the HL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Hecla Mining Unveils Strong 2025 Output, 2026 Outlook
Positive
Jan 26, 2026

On January 26, 2026, Hecla Mining Company reported preliminary full-year 2025 production results showing silver output of 17.0 million ounces, more than 5% above 2024 levels and at the top end of guidance, and gold production of 150,509 ounces, slightly exceeding the high end of its gold guidance range. All primary silver operations met or beat guidance, with Lucky Friday delivering a record 5.3 million ounces of silver on higher throughput and grades, Greens Creek posting higher silver and gold volumes on improved grades, Keno Hill increasing silver production on stronger grades, and Casa Berardi lifting gold production by 5% on better recoveries. For 2026, Hecla guided to somewhat lower consolidated silver production of 15.1–16.5 million ounces and gold production of 134,000–146,000 ounces due mainly to anticipated lower grades at Greens Creek and Casa Berardi, but signaled an aggressive growth posture with a record $55 million earmarked for exploration and pre-development—nearly double 2025 levels—and total capital spending of $255–$279 million. The company expects to maintain strong silver margins with consolidated silver total cost of sales forecast at $471 million and modestly higher unit cash costs and AISC, supported by high assumed metal prices, underscoring management’s confidence in continued cash generation and long-term shareholder value despite slightly lower production guidance.

The most recent analyst rating on (HL) stock is a Hold with a $35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hecla Mining Company stock, see the HL Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Hecla Mining announces leadership transition and severance agreement
Neutral
Dec 31, 2025

Effective December 31, 2025, Michael L. Clary ceased serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Hecla Mining Company, and his employment will formally terminate on January 1, 2026, after which he will continue with the company as a consultant. Under a separation agreement tied to a previously disclosed change-in-control and severance arrangement, Clary will receive supplemental severance in two annual installments totaling $834,072.86 in exchange for a release of claims and customary non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants, marking an orderly leadership transition within the company’s administrative ranks.

The most recent analyst rating on (HL) stock is a Sell with a $12.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hecla Mining Company stock, see the HL Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 18, 2026