PAAS vs. HL: Which Silver Mining Stock is the Better Buy Now?

Core Insights - Pan American Silver (PAAS) and Hecla Mining (HL) are prominent players in the mining sector, focusing on silver and other metals like gold, lead, and zinc [1][3]. Silver and Gold Market Overview - Silver prices have increased by 35% this year, currently at $38.80 per ounce, the highest since 2011, driven by expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve policy easing [2] - Gold prices have risen by 28.5% year-to-date, supported by safe-haven demand and geopolitical tensions [2] - Strong industrial demand for silver is anticipated, particularly from the solar energy sector and electronic applications [2] - The Silver Institute forecasts a continued deficit in the silver market through 2025, which is expected to support higher prices [2] - The outlook for gold remains robust due to geopolitical tensions and central bank purchases [2] Pan American Silver (PAAS) Highlights - Pan American Silver operates 12 mines across the Americas and is a leading producer of silver and gold [4] - As of June 30, 2024, PAAS's proven and probable mineral reserves include 468 million ounces of silver and 6.9 million ounces of gold, with an expected increase of 58 million ounces from the acquisition of MAG Silver Corp. for $2.1 billion [5][6] - The company reported an 18% year-over-year revenue increase to $812 million in Q2, with adjusted earnings per share rising 291% to 43 cents [7] - Record cash flow from operations reached $293.4 million, with total liquidity of $1.859 billion and a 20% dividend increase to 12 cents per share [8] - The all-in sustaining costs (AISC) for silver were $19.69 per ounce in Q2, with expectations for 2025 AISC to improve to $16.25 - $18.25 per ounce [9] - PAAS produced 5.1 million ounces of silver and 178.7 thousand ounces of gold in Q2, on track to meet 2025 guidance of 20-21 million ounces of silver and 735,000-800,000 ounces of gold [10] Hecla Mining (HL) Highlights - Hecla Mining produces over 45% of the silver in the U.S. and operates mines in Alaska, Idaho, Quebec, and Yukon [14] - Proven and probable silver reserves were 240 million ounces as of the end of 2024, with gold reserves at 2.2 million ounces [15] - The company reported record revenues of $304 million in Q2, a 24% increase year-over-year, with earnings up 300% to eight cents per share [15] - Hecla produced 4.52 million ounces of silver and 45,895 ounces of gold in Q2, projecting silver production of 15.5-17 million ounces for 2025 [16] - AISC per ounce of silver was $5.19 in Q2, with expectations for 2025 AISC at $11.00-$13.00 [17] Comparative Analysis - In the past three months, PAAS stock gained 35.2%, while HL stock surged 54.7% [22] - PAAS trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 3.38X, below the industry average of 4.28X, while HL trades at 4.48X [23] - Earnings estimates for PAAS indicate a 150.6% growth for 2025, while HL's estimates show a 145.5% improvement [19][20] Investment Outlook - Both companies are well-positioned to benefit from rising silver and gold prices, with PAAS's acquisition of MAG Silver enhancing its growth outlook despite uncertainties surrounding the Escobal mine [25] - Hecla Mining's strong fundamentals and low-cost operations make it a compelling investment choice, currently rated as a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), while PAAS holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [26]