Hecla already had a headache, but now it's suffering from a full-blown hangover.
The series of unfortunate incidents that plagued Hecla Mining's
Hecla shares plummeted by more than 26% this morning, essentially mirroring a 26% reduction in the miner's 2012 production outlook from 9.5 million ounces to 7 million ounces. Despite a strong price environment that saw the average price of silver in 2011 surge by 74% over the prior-year average, Hecla's stock has lost some 54% of its value over the past 12 months. Though shareholders may wish to avert their eyes, the following image captures the devastation:
Hecla Mining Stock Chart by YCharts
But Hecla insists that Lucky Friday's luck has not run out, and reminds investors: "the Lucky Friday mine is a world-class mine that we see producing silver for decades to come. Hecla and the Lucky Friday mine have faced challenges in the past and we will once again overcome them." I have no doubt that is true, and brave investors may wish to begin sifting through the rubble here for signs of an attractive entry point for long-term investment.
Of course, there may be easier ways to make money in silver during 2012, and I recently laid out my top 10 picks to help Fools whittle down their choices. While Hecla slips deep into temporary stagnation, First Majestic Silver
As a long-term recovery story, however, Hecla continues to warrant careful attention. For starters, let's consider just how lucky Hecla is to retain major production volume from its flagship Greens Creek mine in Alaska. Greens Creek accounted for 64% of Hecla's consolidated output through the first nine months of 2011, and the operation will now carry Hecla through this painful period as a one-mine wonder. Hecla is fortunate, also, to hold roughly $246 million in cash and an undrawn $100 million credit facility! After pausing to review the forthcoming capital expenditures related to this mine maintenance, my own focus will remain fixed on the enormous pressure that Hecla will be under from investors to jump-start growth momentum with a strategic acquisition. I know which target I consider the keenest fit, and it came in at No. 8 on my top 10 list.
Looking for more ideas? Download The Motley Fool's special free report " The Tiny Gold Stock Digging Up Massive Profits ." Our analysts have uncovered a little-known gold miner that we believe is poised for greatness; find out which company it is and why we strongly believe in its future -- for free!
- Add Hecla Mining to My Watchlist
- Add Endeavour Silver to My Watchlist
- Add Fortuna Silver Mines to My Watchlist
- Add Silvercorp Metals to My Watchlist
- Add First Majestic Silver to My Watchlist