Groupe la Francaise increases Cameco uranium position amid nuclear-for-AI data center demand surge.
Groupe la Francaise boosted its holdings in Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) by 688.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Securities & Exchange Commission filing. The institutional investor owned 20,235 shares of the basic materials company's stock after purchasing an additional 17,670 shares during the quarter, with holdings worth $2,197,000 as of the filing date.
Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in Cameco during recent quarters. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC and Mcguire Capital Advisors Inc. each purchased new stakes valued at approximately $25,000 and $28,000 respectively during the fourth quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd grew its position by 30,700.0% in the fourth quarter to own 308 shares worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 307 shares. Sterling Capital Management LLC bought a new stake worth approximately $30,000 during the first quarter, while Sunbelt Securities Inc. raised its position by 928.6% in the third quarter to own 360 shares valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares. Institutional investors collectively own 70.21% of the company's stock.
As of Friday, Cameco stock opened at $86.11. The company maintains a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 3.08, and a quick ratio of 2.09. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 145.94, and a beta of 1.02. Over the past year, Cameco has traded between a low of $68.96 and a high of $135.24, with a fifty-day moving average of $99.45 and a 200-day moving average of $109.91.
Cameco announced its second-quarter earnings results on Friday, July 31st, reporting earnings per share of $0.13, missing the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.13. The company generated revenue of $573.06 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $579.60 million, representing a 6.8% year-over-year decline. Cameco achieved a net margin of 18.38% and a return on equity of 11.05%. In the prior year's comparable period, the company earned $0.71 per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Cameco will post earnings of $1.34 per share for the current fiscal year.
Recent news coverage has highlighted several developments affecting the company. Westinghouse, the nuclear-services venture backed by Cameco and Brookfield, confidentially submitted a draft registration statement for a proposed initial public offering, which could unlock value and highlight the value of Cameco's nuclear-fuel-cycle investments. Cameco has stated that its production outlook remains unchanged and cited growing government and utility support for nuclear power as supporting stronger uranium prices over time. The company issued 2026 revenue guidance of approximately $2.4 billion to $2.6 billion, broadly aligned with consensus estimates near $2.4 billion, though the range offers limited clarity as an earnings catalyst. Options traders have purchased 26,363 put options, approximately 28% above average volume, indicating heightened demand for downside protection.
Wall Street analysts maintain an overall optimistic view of Cameco. Bank of America lowered its price objective from $143.00 to $140.00 while maintaining a "buy" rating. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an "outperform" rating with a $135.00 price objective. Royal Bank of Canada raised its price target from $160.00 to $175.00 and gave an "outperform" rating. William Blair and Truist Financial initiated coverage with "outperform" and "buy" ratings respectively, with Truist setting a $129.00 price objective. The consensus rating among analysts is "Moderate Buy" with a consensus target price of $146.18.
Cameco Corporation is a leading producer of uranium and supplier to the global nuclear power industry, headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The company engages in the exploration, mining, milling, and sale of uranium concentrate, known as yellowcake, used as fuel for nuclear reactors. Cameco also participates in services and activities supporting the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle, including processing and marketing of uranium to utilities under long-term and spot contracts. Its operations have historically centered in Canada and the United States.