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LEU vs. CCJ: Which Stock Has More Power for Growth Right Now?
ZACKSยท 2025-10-17 16:51
Core Insights - Centrus Energy (LEU) and Cameco (CCJ) are positioned to benefit from the global shift towards nuclear energy, with Centrus focusing on High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) production and Cameco being a major uranium supplier with significant reserves [1][10]. Industry Trends - Global momentum for nuclear energy expansion is increasing, with India targeting 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 and the US aiming for 400 GW by 2050. Recent agreements between the US and UK aim to expedite reactor approvals and reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel by 2028 [2]. Centrus Energy Overview - Centrus Energy supplies components for nuclear fuel, including Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and natural uranium hexafluoride. The company reported Q2 2025 revenues of $155 million, an 18% decline year-over-year, with LEU segment revenues down 26% to $125.7 million due to low uranium prices [4][6]. - The Technical Solutions segment saw a 48% revenue increase to $28.8 million, driven by HALEU contracts. Centrus has a $3.6 billion revenue backlog from long-term contracts with utilities through 2040 [5][7]. - The company plans to expand its uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, OH, contingent on securing funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Centrus has raised over $1.2 billion in the past year and has commitments exceeding $2 billion from utility customers [8][9]. Cameco Overview - Cameco operates tier-one mining and milling operations with a capacity exceeding 30 million pounds of uranium concentrates annually. The company reported a 47% revenue increase to CAD 877 million ($634 million) in Q2 2025, with adjusted earnings per share surging 373% to CAD 0.71 ($0.51) [12][13]. - Uranium revenues rose 47% to CAD 705 million ($510 million), with sales volume increasing by 40% year-over-year. Despite a decline in uranium spot prices, the average realized price increased by 5% due to fixed-price contracts [14]. - Cameco has delivered 15.6 million pounds of uranium in 2025, with a full-year target of 31-34 million pounds. The company expects revenues of CAD 2.8-3.0 billion for uranium in 2025 [17][18]. Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Centrus Energy's 2025 revenues is $454.1 million, indicating a 2.7% growth, while earnings are projected to decline by 3.4% to $4.32 per share. For 2026, revenues are estimated at $505.2 million, reflecting an 11.2% growth [21][22]. - For Cameco, the 2025 revenue estimate is CAD 2.54 billion, implying an 11.3% improvement, with earnings projected to grow by 130.6% to $1.13 per share. The 2026 revenue estimate is $2.52 billion, indicating a slight decline [22][23]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Centrus Energy shares have increased by 523.7% year-to-date, while Cameco shares have risen by 77.4%. Centrus is trading at a forward price-to-sales multiple of 15.29X, while Cameco's multiple is 15.74X [25][26]. - Both companies are ranked 3 (Hold) by Zacks, but Centrus Energy appears more attractive based on valuation and price performance, while Cameco faces downward estimate revisions due to production guidance changes [28][29].