ZACKS·2025-12-24 17:57Core Insights - Centrus Energy (LEU) and NexGen Energy (NXE) are positioned to significantly contribute to the global nuclear energy supply chain [1] Company Overview - Centrus Energy, based in Bethesda, MD, has a market capitalization of $4.7 billion and supplies nuclear fuel components internationally [2] - NexGen Energy, located in Vancouver, Canada, is valued at $6.2 billion and is developing the Rook I Project, expected to be the largest low-cost uranium-producing mine globally [2] Market Conditions - Uranium prices have recently rebounded to around $80 per pound due to renewed buying from major funds and expanding nuclear ambitions [3] - The long-term outlook for uranium remains favorable, driven by rising electricity demand and the transition to clean energy [4] Centrus Energy Analysis - Centrus Energy's revenues for Q3 2025 reached $75 million, a 30% increase year-over-year, with the Low-Enriched Uranium segment contributing $44.8 million [7] - The company reported an operating loss of $16.6 million but achieved a net income of $3.9 million due to tax benefits and higher investment income [8] - Centrus has a $3.9 billion revenue backlog from long-term contracts with major utilities through 2040 [9] - The company is the only licensed U.S. producer of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) and plans to expand its enrichment plant in Piketon, OH [10][11] NexGen Energy Analysis - NexGen Energy's Rook I Project covers approximately 35,065 hectares and aims to produce up to 30 million pounds of uranium annually at a low cost of C$13.86 [12][13] - The Arrow Deposit within the Rook I Project has measured resources of 3.75 million tons at a grade of 3.10%, containing 257 million pounds of uranium [14] - NexGen has secured contracts to supply 1 million pounds of uranium annually from 2029 to 2033, providing financial stability [15] - As a development-stage company, NexGen reported an adjusted loss of three cents per share in Q3 2025 [16] Earnings Estimates - Centrus Energy's earnings estimate for 2025 is $4.66 per share, reflecting a 4.2% year-over-year growth, while the 2026 estimate is $3.85 per share, indicating a decline of 17.2% [18] - NexGen Energy's earnings estimate for 2025 is a loss of 35 cents per share, wider than the previous year's loss, with a similar loss projected for 2026 [19] Price Performance & Valuation - Centrus Energy shares have increased by 273.8% over the past year, while NexGen Energy shares have risen by 36.4% [21] - Centrus Energy trades at a forward price-to-book multiple of 12.94X, compared to NexGen Energy's 9.24X [23] Investment Outlook - Centrus Energy is better positioned in the near to medium term due to its unique status as the only licensed HALEU producer in the U.S. and its substantial backlog [24] - NexGen Energy, while having strong margin potential, remains in the development phase and continues to incur losses [25]