HECLA MINING COMPANY $3.22 - New York symbol HL

HECLA MINING COMPANY $3.22 (New York symbol HL; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (208-769- 4100; www.hecla-mining.com; Shares outstanding: 343.1 million; Market cap: $1.1 billion) 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 its gold production.

In the three months ended March 31, 2014, Hecla produced 2.5 million ounces of silver, up 31.1% from 1.9 million ounces a year earlier. Gold output jumped to 46,268 ounces from 13,689, mostly due to Casa Berardi. Cash flow per share climbed to $0.07 from $0.04.

The company 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 is on target to 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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