Energy Fuels (UUUU) has strategically expanded its portfolio by acquiring Base Resources Limited. This significant move enhances its position as a leading supplier of rare earth, titanium, and zirconium products while maintaining its status as the prime producer of uranium in the U.S. The company is on track to bolster its raw material supply by spearheading projects across Madagascar, Brazil, and Australia, including the promising Toliara Project in Madagascar. As part of its diversification strategy, the company is also venturing into producing medical isotopes to support cancer treatments.
Despite top-and-bottom-line misses in Q3, the resurgence of interest in nuclear power and the firm’s robust uranium pricing strategy signal upside potential for the company, making it an intriguing energy play for investors.
Energy Fuels Growing Its REE Production
Energy Fuels is a company that, along with its subsidiaries, is involved in the extraction, recovery, recycling, exploration, evaluation, permitting, and sale of uranium mineral properties. The company also produces and sells vanadium pentoxide, rare earth elements, and heavy mineral sands, including ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and monazite.
The company has recently acquired Base Resources Limited, a heavy mineral sands and critical mineral company based in Australia. The company has been working on its rare earth element (REE) supply chain for two years, and acquiring Base Resources is a crucial step in this strategy. It’s expected to significantly increase Energy Fuels’ raw material supply and assist in controlling its internal supply chain and costs.
Additionally, Energy Fuels plans to develop several heavy mineral sand projects in the Southern Hemisphere to produce large quantities of REE-bearing mineral products. In other developments, Energy Fuels plans to maintain and elevate its uranium production through various strategies and acquisitions, viewing uranium as a crucial aspect of its future and current operations.
Energy Fuels Recent Financial Results
The company recently reported results for Q3 2024. Revenue of $4.05 million missed analysts’ estimates by $1.05 million. The company experienced a sharp decline in Uranium concentrates revenue from $10.4 million in 2023 to $4 million in 2024. The operating loss increased to -$11.9 million from -$6.9 million, and the company reported a net loss of $12 million, a significant drop from the net income of $10.5 million in 2023. Its GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.07 missed consensus expectations by $0.03.
As of the quarter’s end, the company’s working capital and current assets were down by 18% and 17%, respectively. The net value of mineral properties grew by 4%, and property, plant, and equipment saw a significant growth of 67%. The company’s total assets remained relatively unchanged, while current liabilities slightly increased by 4%.
What Is the Price Target for UUUU Stock?
The stock has been downward trending over the past year, shedding roughly 27%. However, it has rebounded 18% over the past 90 days. It trades near the middle of its 52-week price range of $4.19 – $8.68, and while it has shown signs of life lately, the price momentum has not been strong enough to push the stock above the 20-day (6.06) and 50-day (5.72) moving averages. With a P/B ratio of 2.975x, it trades in line with the Uranium industry average of 2.934x.
Analysts following the company have mostly been constructive about UUUU stock. For instance, H.C. Wainwright recently reiterated a Buy rating and raised the price target on the shares from $10.75 to $11, noting an increase in the company’s inventory and cash balance. Roth MKM also elevated its price target for the shares from $4.75 to $6 while keeping a Neutral rating on the stock. It shared that the increase reflects the actual uranium price performance during Q3, although the price has a reduced forecast for Q4.
Based on three analysts’ recent recommendations, Energy Fuels is rated a Moderate Buy overall. The average price target for UUUU stock is $8.38, representing a potential upside of 48.85% from current levels.
Energy Fuels in Summary
Energy Fuels continues to expand its footprint in the energy sector by securing the acquisition of Base Resources Limited. The acquisition enhances its strategic portfolio by amplifying the rare earth, titanium, and zirconium products supply. It bolsters its position as a primary producer of uranium in the U.S. Despite disappointing results in Q3, the company is projecting a bullish outlook backed by its strong uranium pricing strategy, diversification into medical isotopes for cancer treatment, and a growing interest in nuclear power.
The recent uptick in stock performance and a Moderate Buy rating from analysts make it a potentially enticing investment opportunity in the energy sector.
