HECLA MINING COMPANY $2.40 - New York symbol HL

HECLA MINING COMPANY $2.40 (New York symbol HL; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (208-769- 4100; www.hecla-mining.com; Shares outstanding: 349.5 million; Market cap: $881.7 million) explores for, mines and processes silver and gold in the U.S. and Mexico. Most of its silver output comes from its Greens Creek mine in Alaska and its Lucky Friday project in Idaho. The company’s Casa Berardi mine in Quebec, which it bought for $796 million in June 2013, supplies the majority of its gold production.

In the three months ended September 30, 2014, Hecla produced 2.9 million ounces of silver, up 26.1% from 2.3 million ounces a year earlier. Gold output rose 15.0%, to 42,501 ounces from 36,966. Cash flow per share climbed to $0.09 from $0.06.

Hecla expects its two silver mines to produce 9.5 million to 10 million ounces in 2014, while Greens Creek will add 55,000 ounces of gold. Casa Berardi should produce 125,000 ounces of gold this year.

All of Hecla’s mines have potential for higher output, including Casa Berardi, where the company is deepening the mine shaft to increase the project’s output and lifespan. However, Hecla is cutting back on capital spending while it waits for higher gold and silver prices.

Hecla Mining is a hold.

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