Silver Wheaton lifts bottom line 49% as streaming volumes jump

Canadian precious metals streaming firm Silver Wheaton has reported bumper profit for the first quarter ended March, as precious metals received in the period rose and prices increased. The Vancouver-based firm reported net earnings of $61-million, or $0.14 a share, compared with $41-million, or $0.10 a share for the comparable period in 2016, representing an increase of 49%, or a 36% increase on a per share basis, the company reported after market close Tuesday.