ZACKSยท2025-09-18 15:26Core Insights - Centrus Energy (LEU) and Uranium Energy (UEC) are positioned to benefit from the U.S. push for nuclear energy independence [1] - Uranium prices have faced challenges this year but have recently recovered to around $76.50 per pound, although still down 3.7% year over year [2] - Global nuclear power interest is increasing, with the U.S. aiming to quadruple its nuclear capacity to 400 GW by 2050, which could drive long-term uranium demand [3] Centrus Energy Overview - Centrus Energy supplies components of nuclear fuel, including Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and natural uranium hexafluoride [4][6] - The Technical Solutions segment provides advanced uranium enrichment services and technical services to government and private sectors [5] - In Q2 2025, Centrus reported total revenues of $155 million, down 18% year over year, with LEU segment revenues falling 26% to $125.7 million [6][7] - Centrus has a $3.6 billion revenue backlog with long-term contracts through 2040 [7] - The company is the only U.S. entity licensed for High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) production, with a contract extension from the DOE for production through June 30, 2026 [8][10] - HALEU market value is projected to grow from $0.26 billion in 2025 to $6.2 billion by 2035 [10] Uranium Energy Overview - Uranium Energy has a production capacity of 12.1 million pounds from three processing plants and holds the largest resource portfolio in the U.S. [12] - The company did not generate revenues in the last reported quarter due to market volatility [12] - Adjusted loss per share was six cents, with a 70% increase in operating expenses [13] - UEC is investing in low-cost uranium projects using in-situ recovery (ISR) mining to reduce environmental impact [14] - The company restarted uranium extraction at Christensen Ranch Mine in August 2024, with ongoing construction at other projects [15][16] Financial Estimates and Performance - Centrus Energy's 2025 revenue estimate is $451.4 million, indicating 2.1% growth, while earnings are expected to decline by 5.4% [18] - Uranium Energy's 2025 revenue estimate is $79.7 million, a significant improvement from the previous year, but a loss of 17 cents per share is anticipated [20] - Centrus shares have surged 245.5% year to date, while UEC shares have gained 83% [23] - Centrus is trading at a forward price-to-sales multiple of 8.58X, compared to UEC's 56.89X [25] Investment Comparison - Both companies face short-term revenue challenges due to weak uranium prices, but are ramping up capabilities for future demand [26] - Centrus Energy has a competitive edge as the only U.S. company licensed to produce HALEU [26] - Centrus appears more attractive in terms of valuation and price performance, with upward estimate revisions, while UEC faces downward revisions and expected losses [27]