Fission Uranium FCUUF has received a notice from the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry ordering a national security review of its pending merger with Paladin Energy Limited.

The notice was sent per section 25.3 of the Investment Canada Act (ICA). Consideration of the FCUUF-Paladin merger under the ICA has been extended and remains ongoing. Fission Uranium is considering the Minister's notice, exploring available options and evaluating the prospects of obtaining ICA clearance for the merger.

Progress on the Fission Uranium & Paladin Merger

On Sept. 26, Fission Uranium completed the hearing before the Supreme Court of British Columbia regarding the approval of the final order for its acquisition by Paladin Energy . The decision is currently awaited.

Fission Uranium’s shareholders voted in favor of the acquisition at the special meeting held on Sept. 9, 2024. 

Fission Uranium’s acquisition by Paladin Energy remains opposed by CGN Mining Company Limited (“CGN“), which holds an 11.26% stake in the company. CGN is a subsidiary of China General Nuclear Power Corp.

The closure of the acquisition remains subject to receipt of the final order from the Supreme Court and clearance under the ICA as well as other customary conditions.

FCUUF-Paladin Energy Merger to Create Clean Energy Leader

Fission Uranium inked the deal with the Australian miner Paladin Energy in June 2024. Per the agreement, Paladin Energy would acquire FCUUF’s outstanding shares for an implied total equity value of C$1.14 billion ($0.846 billion).

Paladin Energy is an independent uranium producer with 75% ownership of the world-class long-life Langer Heinrich Mine located in Namibia. It also owns a portfolio of uranium exploration and development assets in Canada and Australia.  Through its Langer Heinrich Mine, it delivers uranium to major nuclear utilities across the world. It has a 17-year estimated mine life and a nameplate annual capacity of 6 million pounds of uranium.

The acquisition of Fission Uranium will make Paladin Energy the 100% owner of the Patterson Lake South uranium property. It is a proposed high-grade uranium mine and mill in Canada’s Athabasca Basin region. The feasibility study for the property projects a 10-year mine life with an annual production of 9.1 million pounds of uranium.

The acquisition, if successful, will create a company with a pro forma market capitalization of $3.5 billion. It will be placed among the largest pure-play global uranium companies with a combined mineral resource of 544 million pounds of uranium and ore reserves of 157 million. It will have a solid portfolio of exploration, development and production assets and a substantially increased international capital markets exposure.

This move will help the combined company to capitalize on the growing demand for uranium, which is surging due to factors like increasing electricity needs, decarbonization efforts and data center expansion.  

Underinvestment in uranium mining operations over the past decade has been the reason for a structural deficit between global production and uranium requirements.  In 2024 and 2025, the gap between production and demand is projected to be more than 66 million pounds of uranium. This gap is expected to reach more than 400 million pounds by 2034. Uranium prices will be supported by robust demand and tight supply.

Fission Uranium Stock’s Price Performance

Shares of Fission Uranium have gained 23.4% in the past year compared with the industry's 47% growth.

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FCCUF’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Fission Uranium currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks from the basic materials space are Carpenter Technology Corporation CRS, Idaho Strategic Resources IDR and IAMGOLD Corporation IAG. Each of these stocks sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carpenter Technology’s fiscal 2025 earnings is pegged at $6.06 per share. The consensus estimate for earnings has moved 17% north in the past 60 days. It has an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 15.9%. CRS’ shares have gained 145% in a year.

The consensus estimate for Idaho Strategic Resources’ fiscal 2024 earnings is pegged at 72 cents per share. The consensus estimate for earnings has moved up 167% in the past 60 days. It has an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 116.6%. IDR’s shares have soared 241% in a year.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IAMGOLD’s 2024 earnings is pegged at 39 cents per share. The consensus estimate for earnings has moved 44% north in the past 60 days. It has an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 200%. IAG’s shares have gained 148% in a year.

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