ZACKS·2025-12-18 10:21Core Viewpoint - The nuclear energy sector is experiencing a significant resurgence, driven by rising electricity demand, energy security concerns, and climate goals, leading to increased investment and supportive government policies [2][3][5]. Industry Overview - Nuclear energy is being re-embraced as a reliable, carbon-free power source, with around 65 reactors currently under construction worldwide [4]. - Governments have committed to tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050, with estimates suggesting that capacity could reach 1,428 GWe, exceeding the target of 1,200 GWe [5]. - The U.S. is focusing on nuclear independence to enhance national security and reduce reliance on foreign nuclear fuel supplies, involving significant legislative actions and public-private investments [6]. Company Highlights Cameco Corp. (CCJ) - Cameco is one of the largest global uranium providers, with a licensed capacity to produce over 30 million pounds of uranium concentrates annually and 457 million pounds of proven and probable mineral reserves [10]. - The company has entered a strategic partnership with the U.S. Government, which includes an investment of at least $80 billion to accelerate nuclear reactor technology deployment [11]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 96% year-over-year growth in fiscal 2025 earnings and a 55% growth for fiscal 2026, with the stock gaining 26.7% in the past six months [13]. Uranium Energy (UEC) - Uranium Energy is advancing low-cost in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium mining projects, transitioning from developer to producer with the restart of the Christensen Ranch ISR mine [14][15]. - The 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. [16]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 indicates a loss of 10 cents per share, a narrower loss than the previous year, with the stock gaining 84.6% in the past six months [18]. Centrus Energy (LEU) - Centrus Energy supplies nuclear fuel components and is the only licensed producer of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) in the Western world, which offers improved efficiency and lower waste [20]. - The company plans to expand its uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, OH, contingent on securing funding from the U.S. Department of Energy [21]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Centrus Energy's 2025 earnings indicates a 2.46% year-over-year growth, with shares gaining 37.1% in the past six months [24]. Conclusion - The nuclear energy sector is poised for steady, policy-backed expansion, with Cameco, Uranium Energy, and Centrus Energy providing diversified exposure across uranium mining, fuel services, and advanced enrichment technologies [25].