Mining – Non Ferrous
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LEU Stock Down 19% in Three Months: Should You Buy the Dip?
ZACKS· 2026-03-11 15:26
Core Insights - Centrus Energy's stock has declined 19.3% over the past three months, while the Mining – Non Ferrous industry has increased by 31.4% [1]. Financial Performance - Centrus Energy reported fourth-quarter 2025 revenues of $146 million, a 4% year-over-year decline, with the Low-Enriched Uranium segment revenues rising 2% to $124 million [6]. - The company experienced an 82% drop in uranium revenues to $13.4 million due to a significant one-time sale in the previous year [7]. - Gross profit fell by 43% year-over-year, with gross margins contracting to 24% from 41% [8]. - Adjusted earnings per share were 79 cents, marking a 75% year-over-year decline [8]. - Centrus Energy expects revenues between $425 million and $475 million in 2026, indicating flat year-over-year results [9]. Valuation Metrics - Centrus Energy trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 8.51, significantly higher than the industry average of 4.92 [4]. - Despite the premium valuation, Centrus is still valued below peers Cameco and Energy Fuels, which have forward price-to-sales ratios of 19.98 and 29.70, respectively [4]. Expansion Plans - The company plans to expand its uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio, to increase production of Low-Enriched Uranium and High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) [10]. - Centrus aims for an annual HALEU output of 12 metric tons after 2030, with some production expected before the end of the decade [11][19]. - A $900 million task order from the DOE has been awarded to Centrus for the expansion of its facility, pending final negotiations [12]. Market Position and Strategy - Centrus Energy is the only licensed producer of HALEU in the Western world, with HALEU demand projected to reach $8 billion annually by 2035 [19]. - The company is positioned to play a critical role in rebuilding the U.S. uranium enrichment supply chain, which has faced underinvestment [20]. Debt and Earnings Estimates - Centrus Energy has a total debt-to-total capital ratio of 0.61, compared to Cameco's 0.13 and Energy Fuels' debt-free status [14]. - Earnings estimates for 2026 have been revised downward, with a consensus estimate of $3.27 per share, indicating a 16% year-over-year decline [16]. Conclusion - Centrus Energy's leadership in the HALEU market provides a strategic advantage, although the benefits may take time to materialize [21]. - Investors are advised to hold existing shares while new investors may consider waiting for a better entry point due to the premium valuation and near-term earnings pressures [21].
Should Coeur Mining Stock Be in Your Portfolio Pre-Q4 Earnings?
ZACKS· 2026-02-13 17:16
Core Insights - Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE) is expected to report fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 18, with anticipated earnings of 42 cents per share, reflecting a 282% year-over-year increase [1][2][8] - The company's performance is driven by operational momentum from the Las Chispas and Rochester mines, disciplined cost control, and higher realized gold and silver prices [1][8] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter earnings has increased over the past 30 days, with the current estimate at 42 cents per share [2] - CDE has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in two of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of approximately 107% [4] Operational Performance - CDE's production is expected to benefit from record output across key assets, including Las Chispas, Palmarejo, Rochester, Kensington, and Wharf, contributing to robust volumes of gold and silver [10] - The company has implemented several operational improvements, such as smoother mine sequencing and better mill throughput, which are likely to enhance margins and cash flow [11][12] Financial Metrics - CDE's adjusted costs applicable to sales were reported at $1,215 per ounce for gold and $14.95 per ounce for silver, supporting healthy spreads relative to realized prices [12] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month sales multiple of 5.00, which is approximately a 6% discount compared to the industry average of 5.03X [17] Stock Performance - CDE's shares have increased by 216.8% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks Mining – Non Ferrous industry's increase of 76.6% and the S&P 500's rise of 14% [14] - The stock's performance is also favorable compared to peers such as Lundin Mining Corporation, Southern Copper Corporation, and Freeport-McMoRan, which have seen increases of 196.5%, 103.4%, and 57.2%, respectively [14] Investment Thesis - Coeur Mining is positioned for stronger earnings momentum in Q4 2025 due to consistent production, higher precious metal prices, and improved operational efficiency [20][22] - The successful ramp-up of key projects and improved scale efficiencies are expected to lower unit costs and expand margins, enhancing financial flexibility [22]
LEU's Premium Valuation: Is the Stock a Buy, Hold or Sell Now?
ZACKS· 2025-10-06 14:56
Core Insights - Centrus Energy (LEU) is positioned to become a key player in the U.S. nuclear energy sector, supported by a favorable long-term outlook for uranium and strategic investments in production expansion [1][9][25] - The stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 12.68, significantly higher than the industry average of 3.36 and the five-year median of 2.01, indicating an expensive valuation [1][2] Financial Performance - Centrus Energy's stock has increased by 431.2% year-to-date, outperforming the industry, which has seen a decline of 6.3% [4] - The company reported total revenues of $155 million in Q2 2025, an 18% decrease year-over-year, primarily due to the absence of uranium sales [15] - Earnings per share fell by 16% to $1.59, despite higher gross profit, due to increased selling, general, and administrative expenses [16] Production and Expansion Plans - Centrus Energy plans to expand its uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio, to increase production of Low-Enriched Uranium and High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) [9][12] - The company has raised over $1.2 billion and secured $2 billion in commitments to fund this expansion [7][12] - Centrus is the only U.S.-based enricher that manufactures centrifuges using American technology, differentiating it from foreign competitors [13] Market Outlook - Uranium prices have recently risen to $82 per pound, driven by expectations of increased nuclear power capacity and policy initiatives [17] - The HALEU market is projected to grow from $0.26 billion in 2025 to $6.14 billion by 2035, with Centrus aiming to meet domestic demand through its expansion plans [23] Debt and Valuation Concerns - Centrus Energy has a total debt-to-total capital ratio of 0.55, which is higher than peers like Cameco (0.13) and Energy Fuels (debt-free) [18] - Despite upward revisions in earnings estimates, the projected earnings for 2025 and 2026 indicate year-over-year declines of 3.4% and 24.7%, respectively [19][20]