LEU vs. NXE: Which Uranium Stock is the Better Pick Now?

Core Insights - Centrus Energy (LEU) and NexGen Energy (NXE) are positioned to benefit from the global transition towards nuclear energy as a clean power source [1] - Uranium prices have recently declined, impacting the market, but the long-term outlook remains positive due to increasing demand for clean energy [3][4] Company Overview - Centrus Energy has a market capitalization of $4.1 billion and supplies nuclear fuel components internationally, while NexGen Energy, valued at $4.2 billion, is focused on developing the Rook I Project, which aims to be the largest low-cost uranium mine globally [2] - Centrus Energy's existing process buildings can host 3.5 million Separative Work Units (SWU) per year, with potential expansion to 7 million SWU per year [6] Financial Performance - Centrus Energy reported total revenues of $73.1 million in Q1 2025, a 67% year-over-year increase, with the LEU segment revenues surging 117% to $51.3 million [8] - NexGen Energy, still in the exploration stage, reported an adjusted loss of six cents per share in Q1 2025, compared to a loss of four cents in the previous year [16] Project Developments - NexGen's Rook I project is expected to produce up to 30 million pounds of uranium annually at a low cost of C$13.86, potentially tripling Canada's uranium output [13] - Centrus Energy has a $3.8 billion revenue backlog, including long-term contracts with major utilities through 2040 [11] Market Outlook - The U.S. government aims to quadruple domestic nuclear energy capacity by 2050, which is expected to drive long-term demand for uranium [4] - Centrus Energy's earnings growth has not kept pace with revenue growth, raising concerns about margin pressure [11][26] Valuation and Investment Considerations - Centrus Energy's shares have surged 261.8% year-to-date, while NexGen Energy's shares have gained 10.6% [22] - Centrus Energy is trading at a forward price-to-book multiple of 19.20X, while NexGen Energy's multiple is 5.43X, indicating better value for NexGen [23] - Centrus Energy is the only company licensed to produce High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), providing a strategic advantage [26]