3M and Cameco: Industrial Stocks to Hedge Against AI Bubble
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 17 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- 3M Recovery Momentum: In 2025, 3M's revenue grew by 1.5% to $24.9 billion, breaking a streak of revenue declines from 2022 to 2024, while its adjusted operating margin improved by 200 basis points to 23.4%, indicating a gradual recovery after challenging years.
- Earnings Per Share Fluctuation: Although the company's earnings per share (EPS) fell by 10% for the year, a 9% increase in adjusted EPS in Q4 2025 suggests a potential end to the earnings decline, showcasing strong prospects for 2026.
- Cameco's Market Position: As the second-largest uranium miner globally, Cameco produced 15% of the world's uranium supply in 2025, benefiting from high-quality mines like McArthur River/Key Lake, which is expected to sustain production until 2044, ensuring its competitive edge in the uranium market.
- Uranium Price and Demand: Cameco's revenue reached $3.48 billion in 2025, an 11% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EPS soaring by 114%, making it an ideal hedge against market volatility amid rising global demand for nuclear energy, supported by a healthy balance sheet with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14.
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Analyst Views on CCJ
Wall Street analysts forecast CCJ stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 103.920
Low
71.80
Averages
105.67
High
118.78
Current: 103.920
Low
71.80
Averages
105.67
High
118.78
About CCJ
Cameco Corporation is a provider of uranium fuel to generate baseload electricity around the globe. Its segments include uranium, fuel services and Westinghouse. The uranium segment involves the exploration for, mining, milling, purchase and sale of uranium concentrate. The fuel services segment involves the refining, conversion and fabrication of uranium concentrate and the purchase and sale of conversion services. The Westinghouse segment reflects its earnings from this equity-accounted investment. Westinghouse is a nuclear reactor technology original equipment manufacturer and a global provider of products and services to commercial utilities and government agencies. It provides outage and maintenance services, engineering support, instrumentation and controls equipment, plant modification, and components and parts to nuclear reactors. It has two operating mines, Cigar Lake and McArthur River as well as a mill at Key Lake. It also has ownership interests in Global Laser Enrichment.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Nuclear Energy Market Revival and Investment Opportunities
- Nuclear Demand Surge: The International Atomic Energy Agency forecasts that nuclear power production will double between 2024 and 2050, indicating a rapid resurgence in nuclear energy demand as renewables struggle to meet global energy needs.
- Uranium Supplier Advantage: Cameco, a leading uranium supplier, holds over 400 million pounds of uranium reserves and sold 21 million pounds last year, generating nearly $3.5 billion in revenue and approximately $600 million in net income, positioning it strongly for future demand growth.
- Vistra's Nuclear Investment: Vistra has secured a 20-year agreement with Meta Platforms to supply 2,600 megawatts of nuclear power, highlighting its strategic shift towards nuclear energy and expected to enhance its market competitiveness and revenue streams.
- Small Modular Reactor Potential: NuScale Power's 77-megawatt small modular reactor has received design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with expectations of over 260 small reactors deployed by 2040, showcasing its potential and investment value in the nuclear energy market.
See More
Nuclear Energy Revival: Key to Future Power Needs
- Surging Nuclear Demand: The International Atomic Energy Agency anticipates that nuclear power production will double between 2024 and 2050, driven by the urgent global energy needs, particularly from the rapid growth of AI data centers.
- Uranium Supply Advantage: Cameco, as a leading uranium supplier, sold 21 million pounds last year, generating nearly $3.5 billion in revenue and approximately $600 million in net income, with global uranium demand expected to rise from 70,000 metric tons to 150,000 metric tons by 2040, positioning Cameco favorably for this growth.
- Nuclear Investment Transformation: Vistra is significantly investing in nuclear power to meet long-term electricity supply agreements with major clients like Meta and Amazon, which is expected to enhance its market competitiveness and increase future revenue streams.
- Small Modular Reactor Prospects: NuScale Power's 77-megawatt small modular reactor has received design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with over 260 small reactors expected to be deployed by 2040; despite profitability risks, its market potential is substantial, with analysts setting a target price of $18.68, indicating a 60% upside from current levels.
See More
Middle East Conflict Drives Surge in Uranium Demand
- Global Energy Supply Crisis: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacts 20% of global oil supplies, prompting countries like Japan, South Korea, and India to accelerate nuclear energy investments to reduce reliance on oil and gas, highlighting the importance of energy independence.
- Uranium Production Growth: Cameco, the world's second-largest uranium miner, is projected to produce 15% of global uranium in 2025, with high-grade mines like McArthur River and Cigar Lake supplying fuel for India's reactors, further solidifying its market position.
- Nuclear Project Expansion: Cameco signed a 22 million-pound uranium supply agreement with India, ensuring stable supply from 2027 to 2035, while benefiting from its 49% stake in Westinghouse, profiting from the construction of AP1000 reactors in China and the U.S.
- Strong Financial Performance: Cameco expects a 10% revenue increase to $3.48 billion in 2025, with adjusted net earnings per share (EPS) soaring by 114%, reflecting the company's significant role and profitability in the global nuclear renaissance.
See More
Cameco's Strategic Position in Global Uranium Market
- Uranium Supply Agreement: Cameco signed a 22 million-pound uranium supply agreement with India, set to provide uranium for Indian reactors from 2027 to 2035, which will further solidify its leadership in the global uranium market and meet the rising demand for nuclear energy.
- Nuclear Construction Investment: Through its 49% stake in Westinghouse, Cameco is involved in the construction of China's AP1000 reactors, with 4 currently operational and 14 under construction, highlighting its strategic importance in the global nuclear energy landscape.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Cameco's revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $3.48 billion, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) surged by 114%, indicating the company's robust profitability and growth potential amid current energy market volatility.
- Energy Independence Trend: The conflict in the Middle East has exposed the fragility of modern energy markets, and as the world's second-largest uranium miner, Cameco is well-positioned to benefit from countries seeking more stable energy sources, with continued advantages expected in 2026 and beyond.
See More
Uranium Market Competition: Cameco vs. Centrus
- Diverse Uranium Types: Uranium exists in various forms, including traditional yellowcake, low-enriched uranium (LEU), and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), with HALEU containing up to 20% U-235, highlighting the diverse fuel needs of the nuclear industry.
- Profitability Comparison: Among nearly a dozen nuclear stocks, only Cameco and Centrus Energy report positive GAAP profits and free cash flow, with Cameco focusing on uranium mining and refining while Centrus specializes in purchasing and enriching uranium, showcasing both complementarity and rivalry in the market.
- Financial Metrics Analysis: Cameco's price-to-earnings ratio stands at 104, with a price-to-free cash flow ratio of 60, and analysts expect its GAAP earnings to nearly double to $1.89 per share by 2027, while Centrus's earnings are projected to grow only 9% to $5.30 per share, indicating Cameco's stronger financial performance.
- Investment Outlook Assessment: Although neither company presents an obvious bargain, Cameco's superior free cash flow and growth potential, combined with secure access to uranium mining and the ability to build a competitive enrichment business, make it a more attractive investment choice.
See More
Cameco vs. Centrus: Mining and Enrichment Dynamics
- Profitability Comparison: Cameco and Centrus Energy are the only two nuclear stocks generating positive GAAP profits and free cash flow, with Cameco's P/E ratio at 104 compared to Centrus's 45, indicating differing market expectations for the two companies.
- Future Growth Expectations: Analysts predict that by 2027, Cameco's GAAP earnings per share will nearly double to $1.89, while Centrus's earnings are expected to grow only 9% to $5.30, highlighting a significant disparity in future profitability between the two firms.
- Cash Flow Status: Despite Centrus's lower P/E ratio, Cameco boasts stronger free cash flow, providing greater flexibility for capital expenditures and future investments, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Market Positioning and Strategy: With a 49% stake in Global Laser Enrichment, Cameco is developing a domestic uranium enrichment industry, which not only secures its position in the uranium supply chain but may also create competitive dynamics with Centrus, further influencing market structure.
See More
Nuclear Energy Market Revival and Investment Opportunities
- Nuclear Demand Surge: The International Atomic Energy Agency forecasts that nuclear power production will double between 2024 and 2050, indicating a rapid resurgence in nuclear energy demand as renewables struggle to meet global energy needs.
- Uranium Supplier Advantage: Cameco, a leading uranium supplier, holds over 400 million pounds of uranium reserves and sold 21 million pounds last year, generating nearly $3.5 billion in revenue and approximately $600 million in net income, positioning it strongly for future demand growth.
- Vistra's Nuclear Investment: Vistra has secured a 20-year agreement with Meta Platforms to supply 2,600 megawatts of nuclear power, highlighting its strategic shift towards nuclear energy and expected to enhance its market competitiveness and revenue streams.
- Small Modular Reactor Potential: NuScale Power's 77-megawatt small modular reactor has received design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with expectations of over 260 small reactors deployed by 2040, showcasing its potential and investment value in the nuclear energy market.
See More
Nuclear Energy Revival: Key to Future Power Needs
- Surging Nuclear Demand: The International Atomic Energy Agency anticipates that nuclear power production will double between 2024 and 2050, driven by the urgent global energy needs, particularly from the rapid growth of AI data centers.
- Uranium Supply Advantage: Cameco, as a leading uranium supplier, sold 21 million pounds last year, generating nearly $3.5 billion in revenue and approximately $600 million in net income, with global uranium demand expected to rise from 70,000 metric tons to 150,000 metric tons by 2040, positioning Cameco favorably for this growth.
- Nuclear Investment Transformation: Vistra is significantly investing in nuclear power to meet long-term electricity supply agreements with major clients like Meta and Amazon, which is expected to enhance its market competitiveness and increase future revenue streams.
- Small Modular Reactor Prospects: NuScale Power's 77-megawatt small modular reactor has received design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with over 260 small reactors expected to be deployed by 2040; despite profitability risks, its market potential is substantial, with analysts setting a target price of $18.68, indicating a 60% upside from current levels.
See More
Middle East Conflict Drives Surge in Uranium Demand
- Global Energy Supply Crisis: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacts 20% of global oil supplies, prompting countries like Japan, South Korea, and India to accelerate nuclear energy investments to reduce reliance on oil and gas, highlighting the importance of energy independence.
- Uranium Production Growth: Cameco, the world's second-largest uranium miner, is projected to produce 15% of global uranium in 2025, with high-grade mines like McArthur River and Cigar Lake supplying fuel for India's reactors, further solidifying its market position.
- Nuclear Project Expansion: Cameco signed a 22 million-pound uranium supply agreement with India, ensuring stable supply from 2027 to 2035, while benefiting from its 49% stake in Westinghouse, profiting from the construction of AP1000 reactors in China and the U.S.
- Strong Financial Performance: Cameco expects a 10% revenue increase to $3.48 billion in 2025, with adjusted net earnings per share (EPS) soaring by 114%, reflecting the company's significant role and profitability in the global nuclear renaissance.
See More
Cameco's Strategic Position in Global Uranium Market
- Uranium Supply Agreement: Cameco signed a 22 million-pound uranium supply agreement with India, set to provide uranium for Indian reactors from 2027 to 2035, which will further solidify its leadership in the global uranium market and meet the rising demand for nuclear energy.
- Nuclear Construction Investment: Through its 49% stake in Westinghouse, Cameco is involved in the construction of China's AP1000 reactors, with 4 currently operational and 14 under construction, highlighting its strategic importance in the global nuclear energy landscape.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Cameco's revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $3.48 billion, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) surged by 114%, indicating the company's robust profitability and growth potential amid current energy market volatility.
- Energy Independence Trend: The conflict in the Middle East has exposed the fragility of modern energy markets, and as the world's second-largest uranium miner, Cameco is well-positioned to benefit from countries seeking more stable energy sources, with continued advantages expected in 2026 and beyond.
See More
Uranium Market Competition: Cameco vs. Centrus
- Diverse Uranium Types: Uranium exists in various forms, including traditional yellowcake, low-enriched uranium (LEU), and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), with HALEU containing up to 20% U-235, highlighting the diverse fuel needs of the nuclear industry.
- Profitability Comparison: Among nearly a dozen nuclear stocks, only Cameco and Centrus Energy report positive GAAP profits and free cash flow, with Cameco focusing on uranium mining and refining while Centrus specializes in purchasing and enriching uranium, showcasing both complementarity and rivalry in the market.
- Financial Metrics Analysis: Cameco's price-to-earnings ratio stands at 104, with a price-to-free cash flow ratio of 60, and analysts expect its GAAP earnings to nearly double to $1.89 per share by 2027, while Centrus's earnings are projected to grow only 9% to $5.30 per share, indicating Cameco's stronger financial performance.
- Investment Outlook Assessment: Although neither company presents an obvious bargain, Cameco's superior free cash flow and growth potential, combined with secure access to uranium mining and the ability to build a competitive enrichment business, make it a more attractive investment choice.
See More
Cameco vs. Centrus: Mining and Enrichment Dynamics
- Profitability Comparison: Cameco and Centrus Energy are the only two nuclear stocks generating positive GAAP profits and free cash flow, with Cameco's P/E ratio at 104 compared to Centrus's 45, indicating differing market expectations for the two companies.
- Future Growth Expectations: Analysts predict that by 2027, Cameco's GAAP earnings per share will nearly double to $1.89, while Centrus's earnings are expected to grow only 9% to $5.30, highlighting a significant disparity in future profitability between the two firms.
- Cash Flow Status: Despite Centrus's lower P/E ratio, Cameco boasts stronger free cash flow, providing greater flexibility for capital expenditures and future investments, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Market Positioning and Strategy: With a 49% stake in Global Laser Enrichment, Cameco is developing a domestic uranium enrichment industry, which not only secures its position in the uranium supply chain but may also create competitive dynamics with Centrus, further influencing market structure.
See More
