Silver Reaches $60 for the First Time: Factors Driving the Metal's Rise.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 10 2025
0mins
Should l Buy HL?
Source: Barron's
- Silver Prices Surge: Silver prices reached a new all-time high, exceeding $60 an ounce for the first time in history.
- Investor Behavior: The increase is driven by investors looking for inflation hedges and alternatives to gold and digital currencies.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy HL?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on HL
Wall Street analysts forecast HL stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 18.150
Low
16.00
Averages
23.93
High
36.50
Current: 18.150
Low
16.00
Averages
23.93
High
36.50
About HL
Hecla Mining Company is a silver producer in the United States and Canada. It discovers, acquires and develops mines and other mineral interests and produces and markets concentrates containing silver, gold, lead, zinc and copper; carbon material containing silver and gold, and unrefined dore containing silver and gold. Its segments include Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Keno Hill and Casa Berardi. Greens Creek operation is located on Admiralty Island, near Juneau, Alaska. Greens Creek property includes over 440 unpatented lode mining claims, 58 unpatented millsite claims, 21 patented lode claims and one patented millsite. Lucky Friday mine is a deep underground silver, lead, and zinc mine located in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District in northern Idaho. Keno Hill Silver Project is located within the Keno Hill Silver District in Canada’s Yukon Territory, which comprises over 242 square kilometers with numerous mineral deposits. It owns a number of exploration and pre-development projects.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Hecla Mining Reports Significant Q1 Profit Increase Driven by Revenue Growth
- Significant Profit Increase: Hecla Mining reported a net income from continuing operations of $164.65 million in Q1, translating to $0.25 per share, a substantial rise from $24.34 million or $0.04 per share a year earlier, indicating a marked improvement in profitability.
- Revenue Doubling: The company's revenue from continuing operations surged to $411.43 million, doubling from $205.33 million in the same quarter last year, reflecting successful sales expansion amid strong market demand, thereby enhancing its competitive position.
- Adjusted EBITDA Growth: Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations increased to $265 million from $77 million year-over-year, demonstrating significant achievements in cost control and operational efficiency, further solidifying the company's financial health.
- Impact of Non-Cash Write-Down: Despite a non-cash write-down of $192 million related to the Casa Berardi sale resulting in a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $19 million or $0.03 per share, the overall financial performance still showcases strong growth potential.
See More
Silver Prices Track Best Weekly Performance Since February
- Silver Price Surge: Spot silver (XAG/USD) has surged past $80 per ounce for the first time since April 21, marking a 4% increase from last week, indicating strong bullish momentum that could trigger a new rally in the precious metals market.
- Gold Breakthrough Imminent: Spot gold (XAU/USD) has risen 5% over the past three sessions, currently priced at nearly $4,734 per ounce, with analysts suggesting that gold is on the brink of the most significant breakout since the bull run began in October 2023, potentially boosting market sentiment.
- Oil Prices Impacting Markets: Brent crude has dropped 2.5% below $100 per barrel, with market analysts noting that falling oil prices typically push up bond prices and lower yields, thereby supporting assets like gold and silver.
- Bearish ETF Sentiment: Despite the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) rising nearly 4%, retail sentiment remains bearish, with SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) only edging up 0.8%, reflecting cautious investor attitudes towards precious metals.
See More
Hecla Mining Company Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Debt-Free Status: Hecla Mining successfully redeemed $263 million of senior notes in Q1 2026, achieving a debt-free balance sheet that enhances the company's flexibility in future capital allocation and growth strategies.
- Record Financial Performance: The company reported over $410 million in revenue from continuing operations, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $265 million and record free cash flow of $144 million, reflecting strong profitability and cash generation that boosts investor confidence.
- Silver Production Outlook: Management anticipates silver production between 15.1 million and 16.5 million ounces in 2026, with potential to exceed 20 million ounces annually, driven by the gradual ramp-up at Keno Hill and the potential restart of the Midas mine.
- Capital Return Plan: The company has a board-approved share repurchase plan for 20 million shares, with management indicating that capital return timing will be evaluated based on internal funding priorities and return criteria, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value.
See More
US Stocks Surge as Tech Stocks Lead Gains
- Tech Stocks Rally: The Nasdaq 100 surged 2.08% to reach an all-time high on Wednesday, driven by stellar earnings from chipmakers and AI infrastructure firms, particularly Advanced Micro Devices, which rose over 17% as it raised its full-year sales forecast, reflecting strong investor optimism about ongoing AI investments.
- Crude Oil Plunge: WTI crude oil prices fell more than 7% to a two-week low as market expectations for a US-Iran peace agreement increased, easing inflation fears and contributing to stock market gains, with the 10-year Treasury yield dropping to a one-week low of 4.33%.
- Employment Data Impact: The April ADP employment report indicated that US companies added 109,000 jobs, below the expected 120,000, yet the market remains optimistic about the Fed's monetary policy, believing it will help maintain a low interest rate environment.
- International Market Surge: Overseas stock markets closed sharply higher, with the Euro Stoxx 50 rising 2.68% and China's Shanghai Composite gaining 1.17%, indicating a positive global market response to the US economic recovery, further boosting investor confidence.
See More
US Stocks Surge to New Highs Led by Tech Earnings
- Tech Stock Rally: The Nasdaq 100 index surged over 1.44% to reach an all-time high, driven by strong earnings from chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks, reflecting market optimism about sustained investment growth in artificial intelligence.
- Crude Oil Plunge: WTI crude oil prices fell more than 6% to a two-week low as the US nears a peace agreement with Iran, which is expected to lift restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, thereby reducing energy costs and enhancing profitability prospects for airlines and cruise lines.
- Employment Data Impact: The April ADP employment change report indicated that US companies added 109,000 jobs, below the expected 120,000, yet the market remains optimistic about the Fed's monetary policy, suggesting a lower likelihood of interest rate hikes.
- Earnings Optimism: So far, 84% of the 375 S&P 500 companies that reported earnings have exceeded expectations, with Q1 earnings projected to rise 12% year-over-year, indicating strong corporate profitability that further supports the stock market's upward trend.
See More
US Stocks Reach All-Time Highs as AI Investments Surge
- Market Performance: The S&P 500 index rose by 0.76% and the Nasdaq 100 index increased by 1.19%, reaching all-time highs, reflecting strong market optimism regarding ongoing investments in artificial intelligence, which are expected to continue driving stock prices higher.
- Chipmakers' Strong Earnings: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) saw its stock price surge over 16% after raising its full-year sales forecast significantly due to robust data center spending, indicating a strong growth trajectory and reinforcing its competitive position in the semiconductor market.
- Crude Oil Price Plunge: WTI crude oil prices fell more than 5% to a two-week low as the US nears a peace agreement with Iran, which may help lower inflation expectations and improve profitability prospects for airlines and cruise operators amid declining fuel costs.
- Employment Data Impact: The April ADP employment change report indicated that US companies added 109,000 jobs, below the expected 120,000, yet the market remains optimistic about the Fed's monetary policy, which is likely to continue supporting stock market gains.
See More
Hecla Mining Reports Significant Q1 Profit Increase Driven by Revenue Growth
- Significant Profit Increase: Hecla Mining reported a net income from continuing operations of $164.65 million in Q1, translating to $0.25 per share, a substantial rise from $24.34 million or $0.04 per share a year earlier, indicating a marked improvement in profitability.
- Revenue Doubling: The company's revenue from continuing operations surged to $411.43 million, doubling from $205.33 million in the same quarter last year, reflecting successful sales expansion amid strong market demand, thereby enhancing its competitive position.
- Adjusted EBITDA Growth: Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations increased to $265 million from $77 million year-over-year, demonstrating significant achievements in cost control and operational efficiency, further solidifying the company's financial health.
- Impact of Non-Cash Write-Down: Despite a non-cash write-down of $192 million related to the Casa Berardi sale resulting in a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $19 million or $0.03 per share, the overall financial performance still showcases strong growth potential.
See More
Silver Prices Track Best Weekly Performance Since February
- Silver Price Surge: Spot silver (XAG/USD) has surged past $80 per ounce for the first time since April 21, marking a 4% increase from last week, indicating strong bullish momentum that could trigger a new rally in the precious metals market.
- Gold Breakthrough Imminent: Spot gold (XAU/USD) has risen 5% over the past three sessions, currently priced at nearly $4,734 per ounce, with analysts suggesting that gold is on the brink of the most significant breakout since the bull run began in October 2023, potentially boosting market sentiment.
- Oil Prices Impacting Markets: Brent crude has dropped 2.5% below $100 per barrel, with market analysts noting that falling oil prices typically push up bond prices and lower yields, thereby supporting assets like gold and silver.
- Bearish ETF Sentiment: Despite the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) rising nearly 4%, retail sentiment remains bearish, with SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) only edging up 0.8%, reflecting cautious investor attitudes towards precious metals.
See More
Hecla Mining Company Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Debt-Free Status: Hecla Mining successfully redeemed $263 million of senior notes in Q1 2026, achieving a debt-free balance sheet that enhances the company's flexibility in future capital allocation and growth strategies.
- Record Financial Performance: The company reported over $410 million in revenue from continuing operations, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $265 million and record free cash flow of $144 million, reflecting strong profitability and cash generation that boosts investor confidence.
- Silver Production Outlook: Management anticipates silver production between 15.1 million and 16.5 million ounces in 2026, with potential to exceed 20 million ounces annually, driven by the gradual ramp-up at Keno Hill and the potential restart of the Midas mine.
- Capital Return Plan: The company has a board-approved share repurchase plan for 20 million shares, with management indicating that capital return timing will be evaluated based on internal funding priorities and return criteria, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value.
See More
US Stocks Surge as Tech Stocks Lead Gains
- Tech Stocks Rally: The Nasdaq 100 surged 2.08% to reach an all-time high on Wednesday, driven by stellar earnings from chipmakers and AI infrastructure firms, particularly Advanced Micro Devices, which rose over 17% as it raised its full-year sales forecast, reflecting strong investor optimism about ongoing AI investments.
- Crude Oil Plunge: WTI crude oil prices fell more than 7% to a two-week low as market expectations for a US-Iran peace agreement increased, easing inflation fears and contributing to stock market gains, with the 10-year Treasury yield dropping to a one-week low of 4.33%.
- Employment Data Impact: The April ADP employment report indicated that US companies added 109,000 jobs, below the expected 120,000, yet the market remains optimistic about the Fed's monetary policy, believing it will help maintain a low interest rate environment.
- International Market Surge: Overseas stock markets closed sharply higher, with the Euro Stoxx 50 rising 2.68% and China's Shanghai Composite gaining 1.17%, indicating a positive global market response to the US economic recovery, further boosting investor confidence.
See More
US Stocks Surge to New Highs Led by Tech Earnings
- Tech Stock Rally: The Nasdaq 100 index surged over 1.44% to reach an all-time high, driven by strong earnings from chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks, reflecting market optimism about sustained investment growth in artificial intelligence.
- Crude Oil Plunge: WTI crude oil prices fell more than 6% to a two-week low as the US nears a peace agreement with Iran, which is expected to lift restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, thereby reducing energy costs and enhancing profitability prospects for airlines and cruise lines.
- Employment Data Impact: The April ADP employment change report indicated that US companies added 109,000 jobs, below the expected 120,000, yet the market remains optimistic about the Fed's monetary policy, suggesting a lower likelihood of interest rate hikes.
- Earnings Optimism: So far, 84% of the 375 S&P 500 companies that reported earnings have exceeded expectations, with Q1 earnings projected to rise 12% year-over-year, indicating strong corporate profitability that further supports the stock market's upward trend.
See More
US Stocks Reach All-Time Highs as AI Investments Surge
- Market Performance: The S&P 500 index rose by 0.76% and the Nasdaq 100 index increased by 1.19%, reaching all-time highs, reflecting strong market optimism regarding ongoing investments in artificial intelligence, which are expected to continue driving stock prices higher.
- Chipmakers' Strong Earnings: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) saw its stock price surge over 16% after raising its full-year sales forecast significantly due to robust data center spending, indicating a strong growth trajectory and reinforcing its competitive position in the semiconductor market.
- Crude Oil Price Plunge: WTI crude oil prices fell more than 5% to a two-week low as the US nears a peace agreement with Iran, which may help lower inflation expectations and improve profitability prospects for airlines and cruise operators amid declining fuel costs.
- Employment Data Impact: The April ADP employment change report indicated that US companies added 109,000 jobs, below the expected 120,000, yet the market remains optimistic about the Fed's monetary policy, which is likely to continue supporting stock market gains.
See More
