Episode 15 - Adam Rozencwajg, CFA (Managing Partner of Goehring & Rozencwajg)

Convince Me in 15 Minutes That Uranium is in a Bull Market

Adam argues that uranium presents a promising investment opportunity due to supply-demand dynamics. He walks through the history of uranium stockpiles and highlights the unique nature of today's supply shortage.

[01:54] Historically, there has been a uranium surplus, but recent shifts in supply-demand dynamics have led to a deficit, driving prices upward.
[04:28] Government stockpiles of uranium depleted by the mid-2000s, causing a significant price increase from $9 to $150, only to fall again after Fukushima.
[05:22] The current uranium market faces a primary deficit, with reactor demand exceeding mine supply and commercial stockpiles exhausted.
[06:18] Nuclear fuel demand is inelastic, meaning buyers are willing to pay high prices to keep reactors running, ensuring continued demand.
[10:52] China and India are leading new reactor construction, while Western countries extend the lifespan of existing reactors, increasing uranium demand.
[12:29] Small modular reactors (SMRs) represent future demand potential, with designs aiming for cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency.
[19:33] Currently, primary uranium production is dominated by a few major players like Cameco and Kazatomprom, while the US is gradually reentering the market with existing operations.
[20:15] Despite the expected production from existing facilities in 2024, it won't significantly impact the uranium market due to insufficient economic viability.
[20:58] Kazakhstan's unexpected announcement of reduced production contradicts previous claims, leading to a spike in uranium prices, highlighting market volatility.
[22:23] New Canadian mines like NextGen's Arrow Project and Dennison's Wheeler River Project will contribute to uranium supply, but they won't be operational before 2028-2030.
[23:20] The speaker's portfolio is 25% invested in uranium stocks, including Kazatomprom, Cameco, NextGen, and Dennison, emphasizing confidence in the uranium sector.
[24:18] : Cameco's decision to shut down mines to purchase cheaper spot material showcased a savvy financial move during a period of low uranium prices.
[25:56] Limited availability of uranium spot material indicates a tighter market, with significant pressure on Chinese buyers to secure fuel material for reactors.
[27:47] Uranium market dynamics have shifted from surplus to deficit, with declining inventories leading to price reactions, marking a unique phase in the market cycle.
[29:39] The speaker advises considering commodities like uranium as long-term diversifiers, emphasizing their cyclical nature and the importance of timing in investment decisions.