Why Uranium Stocks Climbed Higher on Wednesday

Countries continue to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050, and nuclear power may be the only way to achieve that, sending uranium stocks climbing.

| More on:

Uranium stocks including Cameco (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) and NexGen Energy (TSX:NXE) continued to climb on Wednesday. Cameco stock reached 10% higher in early-morning trading, with NexGen adding another 12% after its climb the day before.

What happened?

There has been a lot of news coming in related to uranium stocks, affecting these massive uranium powerhouses. This includes a massive acceptance of the renewable power in Europe, followed by talks with Iran moving forward. That’s on top of the United States already stating it would spend money on nuclear facilities.

This led to some analysts renewing their targets for uranium stocks like Cameco and NexGen. Sprott Asset Management’s CEO John Ciampaglia recently stated the area should see “enormous growth” in 2022 and beyond.

And it’s not just countries getting on the energy product. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett recently announced a plan to build a US$1 billion reactor to replace a Wyoming coal plant. As the energy crisis continues in Europe, it’s likely even more countries will soon see an increase in the zero-emissions power generator.

So what?

In the last year, there has been a massive move towards going net-zero by around 2050 from countries across the world. Yet solar, wind, and other power operators continue to be secondary to oil and gas. Yet that’s simply not the case with nuclear power.

Nuclear is the only way many of these countries could even think about hitting these targets. This could create even more growth for uranium stocks, as the price of uranium climbs higher. China and India in particular, with their growing number of reactors, have contracts set to renew over the next few years.

Now what?

This next year could be an excellent time to invest in nuclear power. Both Cameco and NexGen remain below their target price. Yet as more news comes in about nuclear deals, that target price could continue to move higher and higher.

The only word of warning is that retail traders continue to be interested in uranium stocks as well. Until large financial institutions take a major stake in these companies, it’s likely that retail traders could move the uranium market as it did earlier last year.

That being said, if these uranium stocks remain under the target price, they’re a strong long-term hold. Since Fukushima, uranium stocks and prices have remained well below fair value. But with the shift to clean energy, uranium offers the only choice to reach net-zero targets — at least in the short term.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Energy Stocks

construction workers talk on the job site
Energy Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Baytex vs Suncor?

Suncor and Baytex stocks both look like solid companies offering growth and dividends. But which is the better buy?

Read more »

bulb idea thinking
Energy Stocks

3 Incredibly Cheap Energy Stocks to Buy Now

Energy stocks are trending upwards on the back of several key factors. And these three continue to be top cheap…

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Should You Buy Freehold Royalties Stock for its 8% Yield?

Freehold Royalties is a TSX dividend stock that offers shareholders a forward yield of 8%. But is the energy stock…

Read more »

Muscles Drawn On Black board
Energy Stocks

Is Suncor Energy Stock a Good Buy?

Suncor is on a roll in 2024. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

profit rises over time
Top TSX Stocks

3 Reasons to Buy Enbridge Like There’s No Tomorrow

Have you considered buying Enbridge (TSX:ENB)? Here are 3 reasons to buy Enbridge today for lasting growth and income.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Is CNQ Stock a Buy for its 4.5% Dividend Yield?

CNQ stock is one of the best options out there for dividend growth. But what about value? Let's take a…

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Is Imperial Oil Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Imperial Oil stock is in a precarious position, so what should investors consider as we head nearer to 2025?

Read more »

construction workers talk on the job site
Energy Stocks

Is Suncor Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Suncor Energy stock is trading at its decade-high on uncertainty in the oil market. Should you buy, sell, or hold…

Read more »