Energy Fuels vs. Uranium Energy: Which Uranium Stock Has More Upside?

Core Insights - Energy Fuels (UUUU) and Uranium Energy (UEC) are U.S.-based uranium companies poised to benefit from the rising demand for uranium due to the global shift towards nuclear energy as a clean power source [1][2] - UUUU has a market capitalization of $4.8 billion and is a leading producer of natural uranium concentrate, while UEC is valued at $7.2 billion and has recently restarted production at its Wyoming ISR platform [1][2] Industry Trends - Global interest in nuclear power is increasing, with India aiming for at least 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 and the U.S. planning to quadruple its capacity to 400 GW by 2050 [2] - The U.S. and U.K. governments have signed the Technology Prosperity Deal to expedite reactor approvals and help the U.K. achieve independence from Russian nuclear fuel by the end of 2028 [2] Company Analysis: Energy Fuels (UUUU) - Energy Fuels has produced two-thirds of all uranium in the U.S. since 2017 and aims to ramp up production to 4-6 million pounds per year [4] - In Q2 2025, the company mined approximately 665,000 pounds of uranium, with the Pinyon Plain mine yielding 635,000 pounds, indicating it may be the highest-grade uranium deposit in U.S. history [4][5] - Despite a 52% year-over-year revenue decline to $4.2 million in Q2 due to lower sales volumes, the company is focused on increasing production and developing rare earth element capabilities [5][6] - Energy Fuels is targeting to deliver high-purity terbium oxide samples by Q4 2025 and plans to start producing heavy REE separation capacity by Q4 2026 [8] Company Analysis: Uranium Energy (UEC) - UEC is advancing low-cost ISR uranium mining projects, which require lower capital and operating expenditures compared to conventional methods [9][10] - The company restarted operations at the Christensen Ranch ISR Mine, achieving initial production of around 130,000 pounds of uranium [11] - UEC's acquisition of Rio Tinto's Sweetwater Complex added approximately 175 million pounds of historic resources, increasing its total licensed annual production capacity to 12.1 million pounds, the largest in the U.S. [12] - UEC ended fiscal 2025 with $321 million in cash and no debt, reporting revenues of $66.84 million, a significant increase from $0.2 million in the prior year [13] Financial Estimates and Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Energy Fuels' fiscal 2025 revenues is $40.8 million, indicating a 47.8% decline, with an expected loss of 33 cents per share [15] - For fiscal 2026, Energy Fuels is projected to see revenues of $133.55 million, a 227.3% increase, with an estimated profit of 7 cents per share [16] - Uranium Energy's fiscal 2026 revenues are estimated at $78.9 million, an 18% improvement, but it is expected to incur a loss of 9 cents per share [17] Stock Performance and Valuation - Energy Fuels' stock has increased by 209.3% over the past year, compared to a 69.8% rise for Uranium Energy [18] - Energy Fuels is trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 41.11X, while Uranium Energy is at a higher ratio of 75.91X [19] Investment Outlook - Energy Fuels offers dual exposure to uranium and rare earth elements, with a cheaper valuation and a clear path to profitability by 2026, making it a more attractive long-term investment [21] - UEC has faced downward estimate revisions and is expected to incur losses in 2026, suggesting it may be prudent to avoid UEC stock for now [22]