Are Basic Materials Stocks Lagging Hecla Mining (HL) This Year?

Company Overview - Hecla Mining (HL) is part of the Basic Materials sector, which consists of 235 companies and is currently ranked 8 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - The Zacks Rank is a stock-picking model that focuses on earnings estimates and revisions, with Hecla Mining holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [3] Performance Analysis - Year-to-date, Hecla Mining has increased by 4.1%, while the average return for Basic Materials stocks has decreased by 12%, indicating that Hecla Mining is outperforming the sector [4] - In comparison, Franco-Nevada (FNV), another Basic Materials stock, has returned 2.7% year-to-date [4] Earnings Estimates - Over the past 90 days, the consensus estimate for Hecla Mining's full-year earnings has risen by 25%, reflecting improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [3] - Hecla Mining belongs to the Mining - Silver industry, which is ranked 2 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with an average gain of 26.3% this year, suggesting that HL is slightly underperforming its industry [5] Industry Context - The Mining - Gold industry, which includes Franco-Nevada, is ranked 147 and has seen an increase of 8.5% year-to-date [6] - Investors should monitor both Hecla Mining and Franco-Nevada for potential continued strong performance in the Basic Materials sector [6]