Core Viewpoint - The report from China Merchants Securities indicates that uranium prices are expected to maintain an upward trend, leading to improved profitability for uranium mining companies [1] Group 1: Nuclear Power Development - Continuous upgrades in nuclear technology are enhancing its status as a clean and efficient energy source [2] - The electrification process is driving an increase in electricity demand, with AI's emergence intensifying the need for high-quality power [2] - The strategic importance of nuclear power is being reinforced due to regional energy independence and a global recovery in nuclear energy [3] Group 2: Global Uranium Demand - The nuclear power sector is experiencing a resurgence, with significant investments from major nuclear countries [3] - The World Nuclear Association (WNA) predicts a 118% increase in uranium demand by 2040, reaching 150,000 tons [3] Group 3: Supply Constraints - The current supply of natural uranium is constrained, with short-term increases relying on the resumption of production from idled mines [4] - The aging of some mines may lead to production declines around 2030, creating potential supply shortages if new projects are insufficient [4] Group 4: Uranium Price Trends - Uranium prices have risen from approximately $20 per pound in 2016-2017 to around $80 currently, with an estimated cumulative industry gap of about 100,000 tons from 2015 to 2024 [5] - Future supply gaps are projected at 0.64, 3.19, and 7.91 million tons of uranium for the years 2030, 2035, and 2045 respectively, indicating a clear upward trend in uranium price levels [5]

Core Viewpoint - The report from China Merchants Securities indicates that uranium prices are expected to maintain an upward trend, leading to improved profitability for uranium mining companies due to increased global investment in nuclear power and a constrained supply environment [1][3]. Group 1: Nuclear Power Development - Continuous upgrades in nuclear technology are enhancing its status as a clean and efficient energy source, with a growing demand for high-quality electricity driven by electrification and AI [1][2]. - The global nuclear power sector is experiencing a revival, with major nuclear countries increasing investments, particularly in response to regional energy independence issues exacerbated by conflicts [3]. Group 2: Supply Constraints - The supply of natural uranium is limited, primarily relying on the restart of previously closed mines, with potential significant shortages anticipated around 2030 due to aging mines and insufficient new projects [4]. - Historical context shows that uranium prices fell below $20 post-Fukushima, leading to reduced capital expenditures and a stagnation in new developments, which has created a supply gap [4][5]. Group 3: Price Trends - Uranium prices have risen from approximately $20 per pound in 2016-2017 to around $80 currently, with an estimated cumulative industry shortfall of about 100,000 tons from 2015 to 2024 [5]. - Projections indicate that uranium supply deficits will continue, with expected shortfalls of 0.64, 3.19, and 7.91 million tons of uranium by 2030, 2035, and 2045, respectively, supporting the upward price trend [5].

Investment Rating - The report recommends a positive investment outlook for the nuclear power industry, indicating a recovery in global nuclear power and an upward trend in uranium prices [1]. Core Insights - Nuclear power technology is continuously upgrading, providing a clean and efficient energy solution. The electrification process and the demand for high-quality electricity driven by AI are reinforcing the strategic position of nuclear power [1][7]. - The global nuclear power sector is experiencing a revival, with increasing uranium demand anticipated due to renewed interest in nuclear energy following geopolitical tensions and the need for energy independence in Europe [7][24]. - Supply constraints are evident, with short-term increases in uranium supply relying on the resumption of production from idled mines. A significant supply gap may emerge around 2030 if new projects do not come online [7][55]. - The report predicts a sustained upward trend in uranium prices, supported by a historical supply-demand gap and recent adjustments in production by leading suppliers [7][68]. Summary by Sections 1. Clean and Efficient Energy Source - Nuclear power primarily relies on fission reactions using U235 as fuel, generating significant energy compared to traditional sources [11]. - Current commercial nuclear projects are mostly based on second and third-generation technologies, with ongoing advancements towards fourth-generation designs [7][16]. 2. Global Nuclear Revival and Growing Uranium Demand - The global nuclear power capacity is approximately 397 GW, with 72 GW under construction. Projections suggest that by 2040, capacities could reach between 552 GW and 966 GW depending on various scenarios [24][53]. - The demand for uranium is expected to increase by 118% by 2040, driven by the resurgence of nuclear power and the need for stable energy sources amid rising electricity consumption from AI technologies [7][53]. 3. Supply-Demand Gap and Rising Uranium Prices - The report highlights that the uranium supply is primarily dependent on newly mined resources, with a significant portion of the current supply coming from existing stockpiles [55]. - The cumulative supply-demand gap from 2015 to 2024 is estimated at around 100,000 tons, with uranium prices rising from approximately $20 per pound in 2016 to around $80 per pound currently [68]. - Future projections indicate that if production does not meet demand, uranium prices are likely to continue their upward trajectory, supported by strategic resource management and market dynamics [68].

Group 1: Market Trends - The price of uranium has been recovering due to increased global nuclear energy policies, with CGN Mining (01164.HK) stock rising significantly, nearly 95% from its low of HKD 1.19 on April 9 to HKD 2.32 on July 11 [1] - In June, the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (SPUT) revised its agreement with Canaccord Genuity to raise approximately USD 200 million for uranium procurement, allowing for the purchase of 1,012 tons of uranium, which is double the previously stated amount [1] Group 2: Policy Developments - The U.S. nuclear policy has shifted positively, with President Trump signing four executive orders to accelerate reactor testing and enhance uranium mining and enrichment capabilities [2] - Other countries, including Germany, Belgium, and Japan, have also expressed positive statements regarding nuclear energy development, contributing to an expected increase in global nuclear power demand and tightening uranium supply [2] Group 3: Company Performance - CGN Mining's average unit sales cost for natural uranium is between USD 68-74 per pound U3O8, while the average sales price is between USD 58-61 per pound U3O8, indicating a potential negative impact on gross profit due to accounting methods [3] - The new sales framework agreement with CGN Uranium has adjusted the base price from USD 61.78 to USD 94.22 per pound U3O8, with a higher proportion of spot prices, enhancing pricing flexibility [2][3] - Analysts believe that CGN Mining will benefit from rising uranium prices and the adjusted sales pricing mechanism, leading to a positive impact on performance and valuation [3]

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating for the company, marking its first coverage [5][10]. Core Views - The company is positioned as a core asset in uranium resources, benefiting from the global nuclear power recovery and a new long-term pricing mechanism that enhances performance expectations [5]. - Backed by China General Nuclear Power Group, the company has a leading global resource layout and long-term growth potential, being the only pure uranium listed company in East Asia [5][10]. - The company has a dual-driven model of "self-produced + international trade," which stabilizes growth and profitability [6]. Summary by Sections Market Performance - The closing price is HKD 2.26, with a market capitalization of HKD 17,177.54 million [3]. Financial Performance - The company achieved a revenue of HKD 86.24 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 17%, with a net profit of HKD 3.42 billion [6][21]. - The projected net profits for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are HKD 5.73 billion, HKD 9.42 billion, and HKD 11.83 billion, reflecting growth rates of 67.5%, 64.4%, and 25.6% respectively [8][10]. Business Model - The business model consists of self-produced trade and international trade, with the international trade segment providing stable profit through price differences [19]. - The company holds a 49% equity stake in several uranium mines in Kazakhstan, ensuring a stable supply and cost advantage [5][41]. Pricing Mechanism - The new pricing mechanism for 2026-2028 includes a base price (BP) and spot price (SP) structure, with BP set to increase annually, enhancing profit margins [6][49]. Market Outlook - The global nuclear power revival is expected to drive uranium demand, with an average annual growth rate of over 4% from 2024 to 2040 [7]. - The company is well-positioned to benefit from the tightening supply of uranium due to high resource concentration and declining exploration investments [7]. Valuation - The company’s projected P/E ratio for 2026 is 18X, which is below the industry average of 29X, indicating potential undervaluation [10].