Cameco(CCJ)
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Cameco Surges 99% in a Year: How to Play the Stock in 2026?
ZACKS· 2026-01-07 19:01
Core Insights - Cameco Corporation (CCJ) has experienced a significant stock surge of 98.7% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Mining - Miscellaneous industry growth of 41% and the Basic Materials sector's 32.8% increase, while the S&P 500 rose by 18.9% [1][4]. Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Cameco reported total revenues of CAD 615 million ($446 million), a decline of 14.7% year-over-year, attributed to lower volumes across both uranium and fuel services segments [7]. - The company achieved a 2% increase in uranium production to 4.4 million pounds, with production from Cigar Lake rising by 47% year-over-year to 2.2 million pounds, while production from McArthur River/Key Lake fell by 21% to 2.2 million pounds [7]. - Uranium sales volume decreased by 16% year-over-year to 6.1 million pounds, leading to a 12.8% drop in uranium revenues to CAD 523 million ($379 million) despite a 4% increase in average realized prices [8]. - Fuel services production fell by 3% to 3.1 million kgUs, with sales volume plunging 46% to 1.9 million kgUs, resulting in a 24% revenue drop to CAD 91 million ($66 million) [9]. - Adjusted earnings rose by 17% year-over-year to five cents per share in Q3 [9]. Production Outlook - Cameco has narrowed its 2025 uranium deliveries target to 32-34 million pounds from a previous range of 31-34 million pounds, projecting uranium revenues of CAD 2.8-3.0 billion based on an average realized price of $87.00 per pound [15]. - The company maintains its expected share of production from the Cigar Lake mine at 9.8 million pounds, while the McArthur River mine's production outlook has been revised to 9.8-10.5 million pounds due to development delays [13][14]. Valuation and Market Position - CCJ's stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 17.92, significantly higher than the industry average of 1.44, indicating a stretched valuation [20]. - Despite this premium valuation, Cameco's stock is trading lower than Energy Fuels, which has a forward price-to-sales ratio of 41.11, while Centrus Energy is at 11.13 [21]. Strategic Partnerships and Future Growth - Cameco is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for nuclear energy, supported by geopolitical events and energy security concerns [22]. - The company is extending the mine life of Cigar Lake to 2036 and ramping up output at McArthur River/Key Lake towards its licensed annual capacity of 25 million pounds [23]. - A strategic partnership with Brookfield and the U.S. government aims to accelerate the deployment of nuclear reactor technologies, with an aggregate investment of at least $80 billion expected to create significant growth opportunities [25].
Cameco (NYSE:CCJ) Conference Transcript
2026-01-07 16:57
Summary of Cameco's Conference Call Industry Overview - The nuclear industry has transitioned from being marginalized post-Fukushima to becoming integral to climate and energy security, especially after geopolitical events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict [2][3] - The nuclear sector is recognized for its attributes: 24-hour baseload, carbon-free, resilient, and robust power [2] Key Developments in 2025 - Cameco announced a partnership with the U.S. government to invest **$80 billion** in new builds of **AP1000 reactors**, marking a significant step in U.S. nuclear development [3] - The nuclear fuel market is experiencing a shift as low prices have led to a lack of investment, resulting in fuel shortages that can only be resolved through higher prices [3] Future Outlook for 2026 - Anticipation of Final Investment Decisions (FID) for AP1000 reactors in **Poland** and **Bulgaria**, with Poland planning to build **six reactors** and Bulgaria **two** [5][6] - Increased contracting across the fuel cycle is expected as new builds signal a serious need for long-term uranium contracting [6][8] - The demand for uranium is projected to rise, driven by sovereign demand and the need for utilities to secure fuel supplies [8] Supply-Demand Dynamics - Current demand forecasts are believed to be understated, not accounting for new reactors and extensions of existing ones [10][11] - The supply side is overestimated due to misinterpretations of preliminary economic assessments, leading to a significant gap between actual supply and demand [12][13] - Utilities have not contracted at replacement rates since **2012**, leading to historically low mobile inventory levels in the uranium segment [17][18] Pricing and Contracting Strategies - Cameco operates exclusively in the term market, avoiding spot sales to maintain pricing power [21] - Preference for market-related contracts over base escalated contracts, with **70%** of 2025 contracts being market-related [25][26] - Current long-term uranium prices are at **$86 per pound**, a 17-year high, but the market is not fully reflecting the true pricing dynamics due to reliance on base escalated contracts [19][27] Triggers for Utility Action - Utilities typically require a market shock to prompt action, as they are insulated from price spikes through averaging effects in their contracts [28][30] - The market is currently vulnerable to shocks due to depleted inventories, which could lead to rapid price increases [32] Westinghouse Partnership and Future Projects - The **$80 billion** partnership aims to stimulate the U.S. nuclear supply chain and facilitate the construction of **10 reactors by 2030** [34][36] - The project is distinct from existing initiatives like VC Summer and Fermi, potentially leading to a total of **16 reactors** in the U.S. [41][42] - Canada faces a choice between developing new Generation 3 reactors or deploying existing AP1000 technology, with the latter being more viable for immediate needs [44][46] Production Capacity - Cameco estimates the ability to launch **four reactors per year**, with plans to standardize, sequence, and simplify the construction process to enhance efficiency [48][51] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting the strategic direction of Cameco and the broader nuclear industry dynamics.
Cameco (CCJ) Outperforms Broader Market: What You Need to Know
ZACKS· 2026-01-05 23:51
Company Performance - Cameco's stock increased by 1.63% to $100.17, outperforming the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.64% [1] - Over the past month, Cameco's shares have risen by 7.99%, while the Basic Materials sector gained 5.72% and the S&P 500 only 0.55% [1] Earnings Forecast - The upcoming earnings release is anticipated, with an expected EPS of $0.28, reflecting a 7.69% increase from the same quarter last year [2] - For the full year, earnings are projected at $0.96 per share and revenue at $2.37 billion, indicating a 95.92% increase in earnings and no change in revenue from the previous year [2] Analyst Revisions - Recent revisions to analyst forecasts for Cameco are crucial as they indicate changing business trends, with positive revisions suggesting confidence in performance and profit potential [3] Zacks Rank and Valuation - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), currently ranks Cameco at 3 (Hold) [5] - The Forward P/E ratio for Cameco is 66.15, significantly higher than the industry average of 21.28, indicating a premium valuation [5] Industry Context - Cameco operates within the Mining - Miscellaneous industry, which is part of the Basic Materials sector and holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 82, placing it in the top 34% of over 250 industries [6]
Should You Buy Cameco While It's Below $100?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-02 19:32
Core Insights - Cameco is positioned to benefit from the expansion of nuclear power, with significant stock price increases in the nuclear energy sector, including an 81% rise in Cameco's stock over the past year [1][2] Company Overview - Cameco is a leading uranium miner in North America, controlling high-grade uranium mines in Canada and holding stakes in Kazakhstan and Australia [3] - The company also provides uranium processing services, refining uranium concentrates into uranium trioxide for reactor fuel [3] Strategic Investments - Cameco's acquisition of a 49% stake in Westinghouse Electric in late 2023 diversifies its revenue streams and enhances its position in the nuclear value chain [4][5] - The partnership with Westinghouse allows Cameco to benefit from revenue generated through Westinghouse's services, maintenance, and construction profits, with a reported 78% year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA to $569 million in the first nine months of 2025 [7] Market Opportunities - A partnership with the U.S. government aims to build at least $80 billion worth of new reactors, addressing the energy demands of AI and data centers [9] - Westinghouse's AP1000 reactor, which is fully licensed and uses passive safety systems, is becoming a preferred choice for countries seeking to reduce reliance on Russian or Chinese energy [10][11] Future Growth Potential - Analysts project strong growth for Cameco, with earnings per share expected to increase by 47% in 2026 and by another 33% in 2027, despite the stock trading at high valuation multiples [14] - The Westinghouse stake provides Cameco with options for growth, whether uranium prices remain stable or increase significantly [16]
Evaluating Cameco (CCJ) Stock's Actual Performance: What's Behind the Phenomenal Returns?
Yahoo Finance· 2025-12-30 14:30
Core Insights - Cameco is one of the largest uranium miners globally, playing a significant role in the nuclear energy sector [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Cameco stock remained flat for several years due to the Fukushima disaster's impact on uranium demand, leading to production cuts by major producers [2] - Recently, Cameco stock has delivered exceptional returns, outperforming the S&P 500 significantly over one, three, and five years, with total returns of 78.3%, 326%, and 618% respectively [6][7] - Uranium prices have more than tripled to over $100 per pound between 2021 and 2024, driven by a supply deficit and geopolitical factors, including a U.S. ban on uranium imports from Russia [7] Group 2: Strategic Moves - In November 2023, Cameco acquired a 49% stake in Westinghouse Electric, enhancing its position in the nuclear energy market and making it a vertically integrated entity [8] - A partnership with the U.S. government was established in October 2025 to finance new Westinghouse reactors worth at least $80 billion, aimed at boosting the domestic nuclear energy industry [9] Group 3: Future Outlook - The demand for nuclear energy is expected to increase, potentially leading to another bull run for Cameco stock [10] - Following President Trump's executive orders in May to quadruple America's nuclear energy capacity by 2050, Cameco shares have gained over 80% in 2025, indicating strong future growth potential [11]
Cameco: Transitioning From Miner To Global Energy Infrastructure Leader (NYSE:CCJ)
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-30 13:10
I interpret Camecor Corporation ( CCJ ) as having the potential to be an infrastructure option with substantial upside. The company is currently transitioning toward its high-end 2026 earnings power, where consensus high-end EPS estimatesWilliam has been an avid student of the stock market for over a decade. Being an avid student of political economics his entire professional life gives him a unique insight into the macroeconomy and how it impacts assets. Having learned the value of a comprehensive and fund ...
Cameco: Transitioning From Miner To Global Energy Infrastructure Leader
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-30 13:10
Core Insights - Camecor Corporation (CCJ) is viewed as having significant potential as an infrastructure investment option with substantial upside [1] Company Analysis - The company is currently in a transition phase towards its high-end earnings potential for 2026, with consensus high-end EPS estimates indicating strong future performance [1] Analyst Background - The analyst has over a decade of experience in the stock market and a deep understanding of political economics, providing unique insights into the macroeconomic environment and its impact on assets [1]
Cameco: The Safest Way To Play Nuclear, Even At A Premium (NYSE:CCJ)
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-29 13:29
Core Insights - Nuclear energy is transitioning from a speculative topic to a significant focus, indicating a potential race for supply chains in the sector [1] - There is an expectation of a notable increase in long-term contracts within the nuclear energy industry [1] Company and Industry Analysis - The article emphasizes the importance of macroeconomic factors, technological disruptions, policy changes, and capital flows in identifying investment opportunities in the nuclear energy sector [1] - The author highlights a beneficial long position in the shares of a specific company, indicating confidence in its future performance within the nuclear energy market [1]
Cameco: The Safest Way To Play Nuclear, Even At A Premium
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-29 13:29
Core Insights - Nuclear energy is transitioning from a speculative topic to a significant focus, indicating a potential increase in long-term contracts within the supply chain [1] Industry Overview - A race for supply chains in the nuclear energy sector is emerging, suggesting heightened competition and investment opportunities [1] - The article emphasizes the importance of macroeconomic factors, technological disruptions, and policy shifts in identifying investment opportunities in the nuclear energy market [1]
CCJ vs. UEC: Which Uranium Stock is the Smarter Bet Now?
ZACKS· 2025-12-23 18:26
Core Insights - Cameco Corp. and Uranium Energy Corp. are key players in the uranium sector, expected to significantly contribute to the global nuclear energy supply chain [1] Uranium Market Overview - Uranium prices faced pressure earlier in the year due to ample supply and uneven demand but have recently rebounded to around $80 per pound, driven by renewed buying from major funds and expanding nuclear ambitions [2] - The inclusion of uranium in the U.S. Geological Survey's Final 2025 Critical Minerals List underscores its growing importance for U.S. energy security and national defense [2] - The long-term outlook for uranium is positive, supported by rising electricity demand and a global shift towards clean energy [3] Cameco Corp. Analysis - Cameco accounted for approximately 16% of global uranium production in 2024 and operates across the entire nuclear fuel cycle [4] - In Q3 2025, Cameco reported a 2% increase in uranium production to 4.4 million pounds but a 12.8% drop in uranium revenues to CAD 523 million ($379 million) due to lower sales volumes [5][6] - The company expects uranium production of up to 20 million pounds in 2025, with a revised delivery target of 32–34 million pounds [7][8] - As of Q3 2025, Cameco had CAD 779 million ($565 million) in cash and cash equivalents, with a total debt to total capital ratio of 0.13 [9] - Cameco is focused on maintaining financial strength to boost production and has plans to extend the mine life at Cigar Lake to 2036 [10] Uranium Energy Corp. Analysis - Uranium Energy has a production capacity of 12.1 million pounds from three processing plants and has transitioned from developer to producer with the restart of the Christensen Ranch ISR mine [13] - In Q1 fiscal 2026, the company produced 68,612 pounds of uranium but did not recognize any revenues due to no sales [14] - Operating costs surged 55% to $20.9 million, leading to an adjusted loss of two cents per share [15] - UEC maintained a debt-free balance sheet with over $698 million in assets as of October 31, 2025 [16] - The company launched a new initiative to become vertically integrated in uranium mining, processing, and refining [17] Financial Estimates Comparison - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cameco's 2025 revenues implies a 4% year-over-year growth, with earnings expected to rise by 95.9% [18] - In contrast, Uranium Energy's fiscal 2026 revenues are estimated to decline by 10.7%, with a projected loss of 10 cents per share [19] Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past three months, Cameco's stock appreciated by 10.4%, while Uranium Energy's shares declined by 8.8% [22] - Cameco trades at a forward price-to-sales multiple of 16.15X, compared to Uranium Energy's higher multiple of 67.34X [24] Conclusion - Both companies face short-term revenue challenges due to volatile uranium prices, but Cameco is better positioned due to fixed-price contracts and a more stable revenue base [25] - Cameco's stronger recent performance and more attractive valuation suggest it may be a better investment choice currently [26]