Management’s discussion and analysis
February 8, 2019
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2018 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
MARKET OVERVIEW AND DEVELOPMENTS
OUR STRATEGY
MEASURING OUR RESULTS
FINANCIAL RESULTS
OPERATIONS AND PROJECTS
MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
This management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) includes information that will help you understand management’s
perspective of our audited consolidated financial statements (financial statements) and notes for the year ended December 31,
2018. The information is based on what we knew as of February 7, 2019.
We encourage you to read our audited consolidated financial statements and notes as you review this MD&A. You can find
more information about Cameco, including our financial statements and our most recent annual information form, on our
website at cameco.com, on SEDAR at sedar.com or on EDGAR at sec.gov. You should also read our annual information form
before making an investment decision about our securities.
The financial information in this MD&A and in our financial statements and notes are prepared according to International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), unless otherwise indicated.
Unless we have specified otherwise, all dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars.
Throughout this document, the terms we, us, our, the Company and Cameco mean Cameco Corporation and its subsidiaries,
unless otherwise indicated.
Caution about forward-looking information
Our MD&A includes statements and information about our expectations for the future. When we discuss our strategy, plans, future financial
and operating performance, or other things that have not yet taken place, we are making statements considered to be forward-looking
information or forward-looking statements under Canadian and United States (US) securities laws. We refer to them in this MD&A as forward-
looking information.
Key things to understand about the forward-looking information in this MD&A:
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It typically includes words and phrases about the future, such as: anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, plan, will, intend, goal, target,
forecast, project, strategy and outlook (see examples below).
It represents our current views, and can change significantly.
It is based on a number of material assumptions, including those we have listed on page 3, which may prove to be incorrect.
Actual results and events may be significantly different from what we currently expect, due to the risks associated with our business. We
list a number of these material risks on pages 2 and 3. We recommend you also review our most recent annual information form, which
includes a discussion of other material risks that could cause actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations.
Forward-looking information is designed to help you understand management’s current views of our near and longer term prospects, and
it may not be appropriate for other purposes. We will not necessarily update this information unless we are required to by securities laws.
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Examples of forward-looking information in this MD&A
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we will continue to take the necessary actions intended to
shield the company from the nearer-term risks we face and
that we expect will reward shareholders for their continued
patience and support of our strategy to build long-term value
our expectations about 2019 and future global uranium
supply, consumption, demand, contracting volumes and
number of reactors, including the discussion under the
heading Market overview and developments
the discussion under the heading Our strategy
expectations for repayment of our $500 million debenture
maturing in 2019
our expectations for uranium purchases
our expectations for uranium sales and deliveries
the discussion of our expectations relating to our Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA) transfer pricing dispute, including
that the Tax Court of Canada’s (Tax Court) ruling will be
upheld on appeal and our estimate of the amount and timing
of expected cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties
the discussion of our expectations relating to our dispute with
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO),
including the estimated damages sought of approximately
$700 million (US)
Material risks
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actual sales volumes or market prices for any of our products
or services are lower than we expect for any reason,
including changes in market prices, loss of market share to a
competitor or trade restrictions
we are adversely affected by changes in currency exchange
rates, interest rates, royalty rates, or tax rates
our production costs are higher than planned, or our cost
reduction strategies are unsuccessful, or necessary supplies
are not available, or not available on commercially
reasonable terms
our strategies are unsuccessful or have unanticipated
consequences
2 CAMECO CORPORATION
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the discussion under the heading Outlook for 2019, including
our 2019 financial outlook, expectations for 2019 gross profit
and cash balances, and our price sensitivity analysis for our
uranium segment
the outlook for our uranium and fuel services segments for
2019
our expectations for future tax payments and rates, including
effective tax rates
our expectation that existing cash balances and operating
cash flows will meet our anticipated 2019 capital
requirements, even if we decide to retire our $500 million
debenture maturing in 2019
our expectations for 2019, 2020 and 2021 capital
expenditures
our expectation that in 2019 we will be able to comply with all
the covenants in our unsecured revolving credit facility
production and life of mine operating cost estimates for the
Cigar Lake and Inkai operations
future plans and expectations for uranium properties,
advanced uranium projects, and fuel services operating sites
our expectations related to care and maintenance costs,
including incurring between $130 million and $160 million in
2019
our mineral reserve and resource estimates
our decommissioning estimates
our estimates of production, purchases, cash flow, costs,
decommissioning, reclamation expenses, or our tax expense
prove to be inaccurate
we are unable to enforce our legal rights under our existing
agreements, permits or licences
we are subject to litigation or arbitration that has an adverse
outcome, including lack of success in our dispute with CRA
or with TEPCO
we are unsuccessful in our dispute with CRA and this results
in significantly higher cash taxes, interest charges and
penalties that could have a material adverse effect on us
we are unable to utilize letters of credit to the extent
anticipated in our dispute with CRA
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there are defects in, or challenges to, title to our properties
our mineral reserve and resource estimates are not reliable,
or there are unexpected or challenging geological,
hydrological or mining conditions
we are affected by environmental, safety and regulatory
risks, including increased regulatory burdens or delays
necessary permits or approvals from government authorities
cannot be obtained or maintained
we are affected by political risks
we are affected by terrorism, sabotage, blockades, civil
unrest, social or political activism, accident or a deterioration
in political support for, or demand for, nuclear energy
we are impacted by changes in the regulation or public
perception of the safety of nuclear power plants, which
adversely affect the construction of new plants, the
relicensing of existing plants and the demand for uranium
government laws, regulations, policies or decisions that
adversely affect us, including tax and trade laws
the outcome of the investigation initiated by the US
Department of Commerce (DOC) under Section 232 of the
Trade Expansion Act, which may result in the US imposing
tariffs or quotas on uranium imports
our uranium suppliers fail to fulfil delivery commitments or
our uranium purchasers fail to fulfil purchase commitments
Material assumptions
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our expectations regarding sales and purchase volumes and
prices for uranium and fuel services, trade restrictions, and
that counterparties to our sales and purchase agreements
will honour their commitments
our expectations regarding the demand for and supply of
uranium
our expectations regarding spot prices and realized prices
for uranium, and other factors discussed under the heading
Price sensitivity analysis: uranium segment
that the construction of new nuclear power plants and the
relicensing of existing nuclear power plants not being more
adversely affected than expected by changes in regulation or
in the public perception of the safety of nuclear power plants
our ability to continue to supply our products and services in
the expected quantities and at the expected times
our expected production levels for uranium and conversion
services
our cost expectations, including production costs, purchase
costs, and the success of our cost reduction strategies
our expectations regarding tax rates and payments, royalty
rates, currency exchange rates and interest rates
our expectations about the outcome of the disputes with
CRA and TEPCO, including that the Tax Court’s ruling will
be upheld on appeal
we are able to utilize letters of credit to the extent anticipated
in our dispute with CRA
the outcome of the investigation initiated by the DOC under
Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act does not result in
the US imposing tariffs or quotas on uranium imports
our decommissioning and reclamation expenses
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our Cigar Lake development, mining or production plans are
delayed or do not succeed for any reason
any difficulties in milling of Cigar Lake ore at the McClean
Lake mill or resuming production after the extended Cigar
Lake shutdown scheduled for the third quarter
water quality and environmental concerns could result in a
potential deferral of production and additional capital and
operating expenses for the Cigar Lake operation
JV Inkai’s development, mining or production plans are
delayed or do not succeed for any reason
our expectations relating to care and maintenance costs
prove to be inaccurate
we are affected by natural phenomena, including inclement
weather, fire, flood and earthquakes
our operations are disrupted due to problems with our own or
our suppliers’ or customers’ facilities, the unavailability of
reagents, equipment, operating parts and supplies critical to
production, equipment failure, lack of tailings capacity, labour
shortages, labour relations issues, strikes or lockouts
(including our Port Hope conversion facility and Orano’s
McClean Lake mill), underground floods, cave-ins, ground
movements, tailings dam failures, transportation disruptions
or accidents, unanticipated consequences of our cost
reduction strategies, or other development and operating
risks
our mineral reserve and resource estimates, and the
assumptions upon which they are based, are reliable
our understanding of the geological, hydrological and other
conditions at our uranium properties
our Cigar Lake development, mining and production plans
succeed, including the resumption of production after the
end of the extended shutdown scheduled for the third quarter
the McClean Lake mill is able to process Cigar Lake ore as
expected
JV Inkai’s development, mining and production plans
succeed
that care and maintenance costs will be as expected
our and our contractors’ ability to comply with current and
future environmental, safety and other regulatory
requirements, and to obtain and maintain required regulatory
approvals
our operations are not significantly disrupted as a result of
political instability, nationalization, terrorism, sabotage,
blockades, civil unrest, breakdown, natural disasters,
governmental or political actions, litigation or arbitration
proceedings, the unavailability of reagents, equipment,
operating parts and supplies critical to production, labour
shortages, labour relations issues, strikes or lockouts
(including at our Port Hope conversion facility and Orano’s
McClean Lake mill), underground floods, cave-ins, ground
movements, tailings dam failure, lack of tailings capacity,
transportation disruptions or accidents, unanticipated
consequences of our cost reduction strategies, or other
development or operating risks
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 3
2018 performance highlights
Our focus throughout 2018 continued to be on lowering our costs and improving efficiency in order to maximize cash flow amid
ongoing challenging and uncertain uranium market conditions. We have seen a significant improvement in the market relative
to a year ago and continue to anticipate a market shift. Despite these improvements, the timing of that shift is still uncertain.
Spot prices have increased by more than 20% since the beginning of 2018, and some interest in long-term contracting is
emerging. However, uranium prices and contracting opportunities are still not where they need to be to restart the significant
idled production capacity that exists, and are far below the level that would warrant investment in value-adding growth
opportunities. Until we see that shift emerge, we will continue to take the necessary actions intended to shield the company
from the nearer-term risks we face and that we expect will reward shareholders for their continued patience and support of our
strategy to build long-term value.
Financial performance
HIGHLIGHTS
DECEMBER 31 ($ MILLIONS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED)
Revenue
Gross profit
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders
$ per common share (diluted)
Adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS, see page 27)
$ per common share (adjusted and diluted)
Cash provided by operations (after working capital changes)
2018
2,092
296
166
0.42
211
0.53
668
2017
2,157
436
(205)
(0.52)
59
0.15
596
CHANGE
(3)%
(32)%
>100%
>100%
>100%
>100%
12%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders (net earnings (loss)) and adjusted net earnings were higher in 2018 compared
to 2017, in-line with the outlook we provided. See 2018 consolidated financial results beginning on page 26 for more
information.
One of the more notable developments in 2018, was the unequivocal win in our court case with the Canada Revenue Agency
(CRA) for the 2003, 2005 and 2006 tax years. In September, the Tax Court of Canada (Tax Court) ruled that our marketing
and trading structure involving foreign subsidiaries and the related transfer pricing methodology used for certain intercompany
uranium purchase and sale agreements were in full compliance with Canadian laws for the three tax years in question,
reinstating our original filing position. In accordance with the ruling, we have made an application to the Tax Court to recover
costs in the amount of $38 million. In its response to the Tax Court regarding our cost submission, CRA is claiming $9.6 million
would be an appropriate award in this case. The actual award is at the discretion of the Tax Court.
In October, CRA filed a notice of appeal with the Federal Court of Appeal. In its filing, CRA did not appeal the Tax Court’s
finding that sham was not present, but focused on the Tax Court’s interpretation and application of the transfer pricing
provisions in section 247 of the Income Tax Act as the basis for its appeal. It could take up to two years to receive a decision
from the Federal Court of Appeal. However, we expect the Tax Court’s ruling will be upheld on appeal and believe the decision
should apply in principle to subsequent years. See Transfer Pricing Dispute on page 31 for more information.
Our segment updates
In our uranium segment, annual production was in-line with expectations as a result of the planned suspension of production
at the McArthur River/Key Lake operation. Key highlights:
• extended the production suspension at McArthur River/Key Lake for an indeterminate duration, removing 18 million pounds
per year (100% basis) from the market
• annual production of 9.2 million pounds—in-line with the guidance provided in our 2018 third quarter MD&A
• quarterly production of 2.4 million pounds in the fourth quarter—65% lower than in 2017 due to the suspension of
production at McArthur River/Key Lake and the change in reporting for JV Inkai
• annual purchases of 14 million pounds, including 6 million pounds on the spot market
6 CAMECO CORPORATION
Production in 2018 from our fuel services segment was 33% higher than in 2017, as a result of an increase in UF6 production
given the increase in demand in the market.
See Our operations and projects beginning on page 55 for more information.
HIGHLIGHTS
Uranium
Production volume (million lbs)
Sales volume (million lbs)
Average realized price
Revenue ($ millions)
Gross profit ($ millions)
($US/lb)
($Cdn/lb)
($Cdn/kgU)
26.78
27.20
314
59
313
64
2018
9.2
35.1
37.01
47.96
1,684
268
10.5
11.7
2017
23.8
33.6
36.13
46.80
1,574
395
7.9
11.5
CHANGE
(61)%
4%
2%
2%
7%
(32)%
33%
2%
(2)%
-
(8)%
2018
2017
CHANGE
24.59
30.38
9.98
10.32
14.33
14.44
21.78
31.92
5.26
5.69
14.00
14.04
13%
(5)%
90%
81%
2%
3%
Fuel services
Production volume (million kgU)
Sales volume (million kgU)
Average realized price
Revenue ($ millions)
Gross profit ($ millions)
Industry prices
Uranium ($US/lb U3O8)1
Average annual spot market price
Average annual long-term price
Fuel services ($US/kgU as UF6)1
Average annual spot market price
North America
Europe
Average annual long-term price
North America
Europe
Note: the industry does not publish UO2 prices.
1 Average of prices reported by TradeTech and UxC, LLC (UxC)
On the spot market, where purchases call for delivery within one year, the volume reported by UxC for 2018 was
approximately 88.5 million pounds, compared to 48.1 million pounds in 2017. At the end of 2018, the average reported spot
price was $27.75 (US) per pound, up $4.00 (US) from the end of 2017. During the year, the uranium spot price ranged from a
high of $29.10 (US) per pound to a low of about $21.00 (US) per pound, averaging around $24.60 (US) for the year.
Long-term contracts usually call for deliveries to begin more than two years after the contract is finalized, and use a number of
pricing formulas, including fixed prices escalated over the term of the contract, and market referenced prices (spot and long-
term indicators) quoted near the time of delivery. The volume of long-term contracting reported by UxC for 2018 was about
89.9 million pounds compared to about 82.9 million pounds in 2017. Volumes continue to be less than the quantities
consumed. The average reported long-term price at the end of the year was $32.00 (US) per pound, up $1.00 (US) from 2017.
With the uncertainty created by market access and trade policy issues facing the nuclear industry, we expect contracting in
2019 could remain largely discretionary.
Spot UF6 conversion prices increased in both the North American and European markets, as did long-term UF6 conversion
prices.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 7
Also of note
TEPCO contract dispute
On January 31, 2017, TEPCO confirmed that it would not accept a uranium delivery scheduled for February 1, 2017, and
would not withdraw the contract termination notice it provided to Cameco Inc. on January 24, 2017 with respect to a uranium
supply agreement between TEPCO and Cameco Inc. TEPCO alleged that an event of “force majeure” had occurred because it
had been unable to operate its nuclear reactors for 18 consecutive months due to the Fukushima nuclear accident in March
2011 and the resulting government regulations. Cameco Inc. sees no basis for terminating the agreement and is pursuing all
its legal rights and remedies against TEPCO.
Under the agreement, TEPCO had already received and paid for 2.2 million pounds of uranium since 2014. The termination
affects approximately 9.3 million pounds of uranium deliveries through 2028, worth approximately $1.3 billion in revenue to
Cameco Inc., including about $126 million in each of 2017, 2018 and 2019 based on 855,000 pounds of deliveries in each of
those years. All estimates and uranium volumes are provided on a consolidated basis for Cameco using expected contract
prices and an exchange rate of $1.00 (US) for $1.30 (Cdn) and do not reflect any resale of the cancelled deliveries under the
contract with TEPCO.
In accordance with the provisions in the supply agreement, an arbitration hearing to resolve the dispute took place during
January of 2019. There are a number of post hearing steps and we expect they will be completed by mid-May, 2019. The
timing of the final decision will be dependent on how long the arbitrators deliberate following receipt of post-hearing
submissions. The arbitration proceedings are subject to a confidentiality order which limits the information we are able to
disclose.
We are seeking damages of approximately $700 million (US) plus interest and legal costs.
In this MD&A, our 2019 financial outlook and other disclosures relating to our contract portfolio are presented on a basis that
excludes this agreement with TEPCO, which is under dispute.
SHARES AND STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
DIVIDEND
At February 6, 2019, we had:
• 395,792,732 common shares and one Class B share
outstanding
• 8,800,624 stock options outstanding, with exercise
prices ranging from $11.32 to $39.53
In 2018, our board of directors declared a dividend of
$0.08 per common share, which was paid December 14,
2018. The decision to declare an annual dividend by our
board will be based on our cash flow, financial position,
strategy and other relevant factors including appropriate
alignment with the cyclical nature of our earnings.
8 CAMECO CORPORATION
Market overview and developments
Cautiously optimistic
The uranium market has improved significantly relative to a year ago. There have been substantial production cuts, cuts to
some secondary supplies, reductions in producer inventories, and an increase in demand for uranium in the spot market from
producers and financial players. These actions have helped remove excess material from the spot market and have put
upward pressure on the uranium spot price. At the end of the year, the spot price was up about 17% compared to the end of
2017. The market has finally reached the point where, on an annual basis, consumption has returned to pre-2011 levels, and
some interest in long-term contracting is emerging.
Despite these improvements in the uranium market, we believe there is still a need for some caution in the near term. It is
important to remember that much of the supply that has been removed from the market is a result of supply curtailment not
supply destruction. There is plenty of idle tier-one production and tier-one expansion capabilities, as well as idle tier-two
production and expansion capabilities. And, we can’t lose sight of material sitting with financial players. This is capacity that
can come back to the market relatively quickly. As a result, new supply poses a significant risk to the uranium market recovery.
Today, we believe even the promise of new supply could create a headwind and put downward pressure on uranium prices.
A LOT OF MOVING PARTS
While the reason for continued caution is the same as last year (a lack of acceptable long-term contracting opportunities) the
cause has changed. Previously, the lack of acceptable contracting opportunities was caused by an oversupplied uranium spot
market, which led to complacency and discretion. However, there have been a number of significant supply and demand
developments, which make for a lot of moving parts in our industry. These moving parts have shifted market sentiment to one
of uncertainty and confusion, resulting in some market paralysis while participants try to digest the implications of the changing
dynamics.
Supply is not guaranteed
Economic realities continue to have an impact on the security of supply in our industry. Not only does it not make sense to
invest in future primary supply – we have seen additional existing primary supply shutdown and not just by the higher-cost
producers. Even the lowest-cost producers are deciding to preserve long-term value by leaving uranium in the ground. Adding
to security of supply concerns today are the market access and trade policy issues facing the nuclear industry. These market
access and trade policy issues highlight the importance of origin in an industry where almost 90% of primary production comes
from countries that consume little-to-no uranium, and 90% of uranium consumption occurs in countries that have little or no
primary production. Furthermore, the issues highlight the fact that nearly 70% of primary production is in the hands of state-
owned enterprises, after taking into account all of the cuts to primary production that have occurred. Some of the more
significant supply developments are:
• Our 2018 decision, along with our partner, Orano, to extend the production suspension at McArthur River/Key Lake
for an indeterminate duration, removing 18 million pounds annually from the market, and adding to the production
curtailments at Rabbit Lake and in the US in 2016.
In the US, which has the largest fleet of nuclear reactors in the world, an investigation was launched by the
Department of Commerce in July of 2018 under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The investigation is to
determine whether the quantity and circumstances of foreign uranium imports into the US threaten to impair national
security.
In March 2018, the US Department of Energy suspended its remaining excess uranium sales for the fiscal year,
removing about 1.6 million pounds of secondary supply from the market. Legislation has been approved that extends
the program suspension for the 2019 fiscal year as well, which is expected to result in a reduction of available
secondary supplies of about 3 million pounds.
The review of the Russian Suspension Agreement, which imposes annual quotas on imports of Russian uranium into
the US, and expires at the end of 2020.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 9
• Kazatomprom announced its intent to reduce 2018 production to about 56 million pounds, about 8% less than its
production in 2017, and during the year sold inventory in excess of 8 million pounds to Yellow Cake plc’s uranium
fund. And, in conjunction with its initial public offering (IPO), it stated its intent to shift to a market-centric operator, as
opposed to a production-led operator.
The recapitalization of Paladin and its subsequent decision to put its Langer-Heinrich operation in Namibia on care
and maintenance.
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• Reports that the Husab mine in Namibia faced several technical and operational challenges in its rampup of
production.
• Rio Tinto’s announcement that it has entered into a binding agreement with China National Uranium Corporation
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Limited to sell its entire 68.62% share in the Rossing mine in Namibia.
The May 2019 expiration of the contract with unionized employees at Orano’s McClean Lake mill, which poses a risk
to production plans at Cigar Lake if an agreement cannot be reached and there is a labour dispute.
Demand has recovered and is growing
The demand gap left by forced and premature nuclear reactor shut-downs since March of 2011 has largely been filled. And,
with 8 new reactors beginning commercial operation in 2018, 50 reactors under construction, and many more planned,
demand is growing. This growth is largely occurring in Asia and the Middle East, however it is being partially offset by early
reactor retirements, plans for reduced reliance on nuclear, or phase-out policies in other regions. There is mixed demand news
for the nuclear industry. Some of the more significant developments are:
• The increased demand from financial players who are interested in holding physical uranium, including the IPO by Yellow
Cake plc. UxC estimates financial players purchased around 14.5 million pounds of uranium on the spot market in 2018.
• The increased demand for uranium on the spot market by producers, including us, to replace curtailed production in order
to meet delivery commitments. Over 11 million pounds were purchased in the spot market by producers in 2018, triple the
volume of 2017.
• In China, the fastest growing nuclear energy market in the world, six reactors, including the world’s first AP1000 and EPR
reactors, began commercial operation in 2018. Although there has been a slowdown in construction starts, we believe the
startup and regulatory approval of this new generation of reactors will clear the path for additional new build projects in that
country.
• In the US, news was mixed. The owners of the Vogtle 3 and 4 nuclear construction project voted to proceed, and several
states including Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut enacted incentives to support the continued operation of
nuclear plants. However, several planned reactor shutdowns were also announced.
• In Taiwan, 60% of the ballots cast in a November referendum rejected the government’s plan to phase-out nuclear by 2025.
• A number of Japanese utilities have now successfully navigated through the new, rigorous safety inspection process, with
nine reactors operating and an additional 18 reactors at various stages in the restart approval process. The Japanese
government approved a new basic energy plan confirming that nuclear power will play a significant role in its energy
strategy.
• In India, the government announced nine reactors were under construction and were to be completed by 2025. Another 12
reactors have obtained administrative and financial approval and the government is targeting startup by 2031.
• Poland’s draft energy policy plans for its first nuclear power plant to be in operation by 2033 and for total installed nuclear
capacity to reach 6000 to 9000 MWe by 2040, representing 10% of its electricity supply.
• In France, the long-term energy strategy plans for a reduction in nuclear power’s share of its energy mix to 50% by 2035,
resulting in the eventual shutdown of 14 nuclear reactors. The closures are subject to its ability to ensure the security of its
electricity supply and the evolution of the transition of its energy mix to renewables. The plan did maintain the option for
future construction of new reactors.
• In South Korea, the government announced the early retirement of one of its nuclear reactors and cancelled plans for four
new units. Construction on five units is still proceeding.
• A number of other countries, such as UAE, Belarus, Bangladesh, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, continue with their nuclear
energy construction programs and plans.
10 CAMECO CORPORATION
Growing support from proponents of clean air and climate change
In addition to the market dynamics discussed above, there is a growing acknowledgment that adherence to clean air and
global climate change goals requires a material dedication to all non-emitting energy sources, including nuclear. World
electricity demand will grow because of the positive impact it has on quality of life, however this cannot occur at the expense of
clean air. The director of the Sustainable Energy Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
has stated that the search for a solution to climate change must include a discussion of nuclear power, and the UNECE
included it on its annual conference agenda for the first time. In addition, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change special report made it clear that nuclear energy is a necessary part of an effective global response to
achieving climate change goals. The Union of Concerned Scientists, who has traditionally not supported nuclear energy, has
also acknowledged that in order to combat climate change, all zero carbon options have to be considered, including nuclear.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO CAN WAIT
UxC reports that over the last five years only 396 million pounds have been locked-up in the long-term market, while over 831
million pounds have been consumed in reactors. We remain confident that utilities have a growing gap to fill.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 11
Like other commodities, the uranium industry is cyclical. History demonstrates that in general, when prices are rising and high,
uranium is perceived as scarce, and a lot of contracting activity takes place. The heavy contracting that takes place during
price runs, drives investment in higher-cost sources of production. Once that production is in the market, it tends to stay in the
market longer than is economically rational, creating the perception that uranium is abundant and always will be, and prices
decline. When prices are declining and low, like we have seen over the past seven years, there is no perceived urgency to
contract, and contracting activity and investment in new supply drops off. After years of low investment in supply, as has been
the case so far this decade, security of supply tends to overtake price concerns at some point, and utilities re-enter the long-
term market to ensure they have the reliable supply of uranium they need to run their reactors.
We believe the current backlog of long-term contracting initially created by the low-price environment, and now by the
uncertainty and confusion in our industry, presents a substantial opportunity for commercially motivated suppliers like us that
can weather the low-price part of the cycle. As a low-cost producer, we plan our operations with these price cycles in mind.
In our industry, customers do not come to the market right before they need to load uranium into their reactors. To operate a
reactor that could run for more than 60 years, natural uranium and the downstream services have to be purchased years in
advance, allowing time for a number of processing steps before it arrives at the power plant as a finished fuel bundle. At
present, we believe there is a significant amount of uranium that needs to be contracted to keep reactors running into the next
decade.
UxC estimates that cumulative uncovered requirements are about 1.9 billion pounds to the end of 2035. The longer the
recovery of the long-term market is delayed, the less certainty there will be about the availability of future supply to fill growing
demand. Ultimately, we expect the current market uncertainty to give way to increasing concerns about the security of future
supply.
12 CAMECO CORPORATION
As utilities’ uncovered requirements grow, annual supply declines, demand for uranium from producers and financial players
increases, and with trade policy potentially restricting access to some markets, we believe the pounds available in the spot
market will not be enough to satisfy the growing backlog of long-term demand. As a result, we expect there will be increased
pressure for a return to long-term contracting on acceptable terms.
Global population is on the rise, and with the world's need for safe, clean, reliable baseload energy, nuclear remains an
important part of the energy mix. We remain confident in the future of the nuclear industry, while at the same time recognizing
that uncertainty persists.
With demand coming on in the form of restarts and new reactors, and supply becoming less certain as a result of curtailments,
lack of investment, and market access and trade policy issues, we’re continuing to expect a market shift. Until that time, we will
continue to take the actions we believe are necessary to position the company for long-term success. Therefore, we will
undertake contracting activity which aligns with the uncertain timing of a market recovery and is intended to ensure we have
adequate protection under our contract portfolio, while maintaining exposure to the rewards that come from having
uncommitted, low-cost supply to deliver into a strengthening market.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 13
Our strategy
Our strategy is set within the context of a challenging market environment, which we expect to give way to strong long-term
fundamentals driven by increasing populations and growing electricity demand. Nuclear energy is an option that can provide
the power needed, not only reliably, but also safely and affordably, and in a way that avoids adding to the air pollution that
plagues so many countries with developing economies.
Tier-one focus
We are a pure-play nuclear fuel investment, focused on providing a clean source of energy, and taking advantage of the
long-term growth we see coming in our industry. Our strategy is to focus on our tier-one assets and profitably produce at
a pace aligned with market signals in order to preserve the value of those assets and increase long-term shareholder
value, and to do that with an emphasis on safety, people and the environment.
URANIUM
Uranium production is central to our strategy, as it is the biggest value driver of the nuclear fuel cycle and our business. In
accordance with market conditions, and to mitigate risk, we will evaluate the optimal mix of our production, inventory and
purchases in order to satisfy our contractual commitments and in order to return the best value possible. We will not produce
from our tier-one assets to sell into an oversupplied spot market. During a prolonged period of uncertainty, this could mean
leaving our uranium in the ground. As conditions improve, we expect to meet rising demand with production from our best
margin operations.
In light of today’s lingering uncertainty as to how long the weak market conditions will persist, we are focused on preserving
the value of our lowest cost assets, on maintaining a strong balance sheet, on protecting and extending the value of our
contract portfolio and on efficiently managing the company in a low price environment. We have undertaken a number of
deliberate and disciplined actions. In 2018, these actions resulted in:
• Lower capital expenditures
• Lower direct administration and exploration costs
• Increased care and maintenance costs
• Accumulation of significant cash on our balance sheet
Consistent with our actions, we reduced our 2018 dividend to $0.08 per share, which was paid on December 14, 2018. In
addition, we have extended the production shutdown at our McArthur River/Key Lake operation for an indeterminate duration,
removing 18 million pounds of uranium annually from the market. Some of our actions have a cost in the short term, and we
must weigh these costs against the value we expect they will generate over the long term. Accordingly, we will adjust our
actions with market signals with the intent of being able to self-manage risk, and to ensure our tier-one assets are available to
us in a market that values them appropriately.
FUEL SERVICES
Our fuel services division is a source of profit and supports our uranium segment while allowing us to vertically integrate
across the fuel cycle. Our focus is on maintaining and optimizing profitability.
OTHER FUEL CYCLE INVESTMENTS
We continue to explore other opportunities within the nuclear fuel cycle. In particular, we are interested in the second largest
value driver of the fuel cycle, enrichment. Having operational control of uranium production, conversion, and enrichment
facilities would offer operational synergies that could enhance profit margins.
Capital allocation – focus on value
Delivering returns to our long-term shareholders is a top priority. We continually evaluate our investment options to ensure we
allocate our capital in a way that we believe will:
• create the greatest long-term value for our shareholders
• allow us to maintain our investment-grade rating and mitigate risk
• allow us to execute on our dividend while ensuring it is appropriately aligned with the cyclical nature of our earnings
14 CAMECO CORPORATION
To deliver value, free cash flow must be productively reinvested in the business or returned to shareholders, which requires
good execution and disciplined allocation. Our decisions are based on the run rate of our business, not one-time events. Cash
on our balance sheet that exceeds value-adding growth opportunities and/or is not needed to self-manage risk should be
returned to shareholders.
We have a multidisciplinary capital allocation team that evaluates all possible uses of investable capital.
We start by determining how much cash we have to invest (investable capital), which is based on our expected cash flow from
operations minus expenses we consider to be a higher priority, such as dividends and financing costs, and could include
others. This investable capital can be reinvested in the company or returned to shareholders.
Our capital allocation decisions will continue to pivot on what the market is providing. With the continued market uncertainty
we are facing, our ongoing dispute with CRA, the pending decision in our TEPCO arbitration, and our $500 million debenture
maturing in September 2019, the objective of our capital allocation is to maximize cash flow, while maintaining our investment-
grade rating through close management of our balance sheet metrics.
With the metrics that inform an investment-grade rating in mind, and in this period of low uranium prices, we have taken steps
to improve margin and cash flow by:
• responsibly managing our sources of supply thereby preserving the value of our tier-one assets, and which, in 2018,
resulted in the reduction of inventory and the release of significant working capital
• restructuring our activities to reduce our operating, capital, and general and administrative spending
• reducing our annual dividend from $0.40 per share to $0.08 per share in 2018
As a result, we expect we will be in a position to retire our $500 million debenture maturing in 2019.
REINVESTMENT
If a decision is made to reinvest capital in sustaining, capacity replacement, or growth, all opportunities are ranked and only
those that meet the required risk-adjusted return criteria are considered for investment. We also must identify, at the corporate
level, the expected impact on cash flow, earnings, and the balance sheet. All project risks must be identified, including the
risks of not investing. Allocation of capital only occurs once an investment has cleared these hurdles.
This may result in some opportunities being held back in favour of higher return investments, and should allow us to generate
the best return on investment decisions when faced with multiple prospects, while also controlling our costs. If there are not
enough good investment prospects internally or externally, this may result in residual investable capital, which we would then
consider returning directly to shareholders.
While we are seeing some improvement in the spot market and we are beginning to get more clarity on our litigation risks, we
have not yet seen the market transition needed to restart our idled production capacity. Therefore, until we see that transition,
our focus for 2019 through 2021 will continue to be primarily on sustaining and capacity replacement capital to ensure we have
the ability to meet our contractual commitments and to maintain optionality longer term. In addition, if we get clarity on our
CRA or TEPCO disputes, which generate a one-time cash infusion, we will focus on the debt portion of our ratings metrics.
This may mean an even greater emphasis on reducing the debt on our balance sheet. However, if the market does begin to
transition and higher uranium prices are beginning to flow through our contract portfolio, and we are able to sign acceptable
long-term contracts, the earnings portion of our rating metrics are expected to improve. In that scenario, reducing debt would
not be the priority. Our priority would be to invest in restarting our idled tier-one assets, and if warranted, turn to value-adding
growth opportunities.
RETURN
We believe in returning cash to shareholders, but are also focused on protecting the company by maintaining our investment-
grade rating, and rewarding those shareholders who understand and support our strategy to build long-term value. If we have
excess cash and determine the best use is to return it to shareholders, we can do that through a share repurchase or
dividend—an annual dividend, one-time supplemental dividend or a progressive dividend. When deciding between these
options, we consider a number of factors, including the nature of the excess cash (one time or cash generated by our business
operations), growth prospects for the company, and growth prospects for the industry.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 15
Share buyback: If we were generating excess cash while there were few or no growth prospects for the company or the
industry, then a share buyback might make sense. However, our current view is that the long-term fundamentals for Cameco
and the industry remain strong.
Dividend: The amount and type of dividend paid, annual, progressive or one-time supplemental is evaluated by our board of
directors with careful consideration of our cash flow, financial position, strategy, and other relevant factors including
appropriate alignment with the cyclical nature of our earnings.
Marketing framework – balanced contract portfolio
As with our corporate strategy and approach to capital allocation, the purpose of our marketing framework is to deliver value.
Our approach is to secure a solid base of earnings and cash flow by maintaining a balanced contract portfolio that optimizes
our realized price.
We evaluate our strategy in the context of our market environment and continue to adjust our actions in accordance with our
marketing framework:
• First, we will not produce from our tier-one assets to sell into an oversupplied spot market. We will not produce from these
assets unless we can deliver our tier-one pounds under long-term contracts that provide an acceptable rate of return on
these assets for our owners.
• Second, we do not intend to build up an inventory of excess uranium. Excess inventory serves to contribute to the sense
that uranium is abundant and creates an overhang on the market, and it ties up working capital on our balance sheet.
• Third, in addition to our committed sales, we will capture demand in the market where we think we can obtain value. We will
take advantage of opportunities the market provides, where it makes sense from an economic, logistical and strategic point
of view. Those opportunities may come in the form of spot, mid-term or long-term demand, and will be additive to our
current committed sales.
• Fourth, once we capture demand, we will decide how to best source material to satisfy that demand. Depending on the
timing and volume of our production, purchase commitments, and our inventory volumes, this means we will be active
buyers in the market in order to meet our demand obligations.
• And finally, in general, if we choose to source material to meet demand by purchasing it, we expect the price of that
material will be more than offset by the leverage to market prices in our sales portfolio over a rolling 12-month period.
In addition to this framework, our contracting decisions always factor in who the customer is, our desire for regional
diversification, the product form, and logistical factors.
Ultimately, our goal is to protect and extend the value of our contract portfolio on terms that recognize the value of our assets
and provide adequate protection when prices go down and allow us to benefit when prices rise. We believe using this
framework will allow us to create long-term value for our shareholders. Our focus will continue to be on maximizing cash flow,
while maintaining our investment-grade rating so we can self-manage risk, including being in a position to retire our $500
million debenture maturing in 2019.
LONG-TERM CONTRACTING
Uranium is not traded in meaningful quantities on a commodity exchange. Utilities have historically bought the majority of their
uranium and fuel services products under long-term contracts with suppliers, and have met the rest of their needs on the spot
market. We sell uranium and fuel services directly to nuclear utilities around the world as uranium concentrates, UO2 and UF6,
conversion services, or fuel fabrication. We have a solid portfolio of long-term sales contracts that reflect the long-term,
trusting relationships we have with our customers.
In general, we are always active in the market, buying and selling uranium when it is beneficial for us and in support of our
long-term contract portfolio. We undertake activity in the spot and term markets prudently, looking at the prices and other
business factors to decide whether it is appropriate to purchase or sell into the spot or term market. Not only is this activity a
source of profit, it gives us insight into underlying market fundamentals.
We deliver large volumes of uranium every year, therefore our net earnings and operating cash flows are affected by changes
in the uranium price. Market prices are influenced by the fundamentals of supply and demand, market access and trade policy
issues, geopolitical events, disruptions in planned supply and demand, and other market factors.
16 CAMECO CORPORATION
The objectives of our contracting strategy are to:
• maximize realized price while reducing volatility of our future earnings and cash flow
• focus on meeting the nuclear industry’s growing annual uncovered requirements with our future uncommitted supply while
ensuring adequate regional diversity
• establish and grow market share with strategic customers
We target a ratio of 40% fixed-pricing and 60% market-related pricing in our portfolio of long-term contracts, including
mechanisms to protect us when the market price is declining and allow us to benefit when market prices go up. This is a
balanced and flexible approach that allows us to adapt to market conditions and put a floor on our average realized price, and
deliver the best value to shareholders over the long term.
This approach has allowed us to realize prices higher than the market prices during periods of weak uranium demand, and we
expect it will enable us to realize increases linked to higher market prices in the future.
Fixed-price contracts for uranium: are typically based on a term-price indicator at the time the contract is accepted and
escalated over the term of the contract.
Market-related contracts for uranium: are different from fixed-price contracts in that they may be based on either the spot
price or the long-term price, and that price is as quoted at the time of delivery rather than at the time the contract is accepted.
These contracts sometimes provide for discounts, and often include floor prices and/or ceiling prices, which are usually
escalated over the term of the contract.
Fuel services contracts: the majority of our fuel services contracts are at a fixed price per kgU, escalated over the term of the
contract, and reflect the market at the time the contract is accepted.
OPTIMIZING THE CONTRACT PORTFOLIO
We work with our customers to optimize the value of our existing contract portfolio. In cases where a customer is seeking relief
due to a challenging policy, operating, or economic environment, we evaluate their specific circumstances and assess their
long-term sustainability. Where we deem the customer’s long-term demand to be at risk, we may consider options that allow
us to benefit from converting that uncertain future value into certain present value. In contrast, where the customer is
considered to have a more certain and predictable future, we may offer relief. For example, in a low price environment, we
may blend in more market-related volumes in the near term, but only where the customer is willing to extend the terms and
conditions of that contract out into the future, and only where it is beneficial to us.
CONTRACT PORTFOLIO STATUS
We have commitments to sell over 125 million pounds of U3O8 with 33 customers worldwide in our uranium segment, and over
40 million kilograms as UF6 conversion with 28 customers worldwide in our fuel services segment. The annual average sales
commitments over the next five years in our uranium segment is around 20 million pounds, with commitment levels in 2019
and 2020 higher than in 2021 through 2023.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 17
Customers – U3O8:
Five largest customers account for 56% of commitments
Customers – UF6 conversion:
Five largest customers account for 61% of commitments
MANAGING OUR CONTRACT COMMITMENTS
To meet our delivery commitments, we use our uranium supply, which includes uranium obtained from:
• our existing production
• purchases under our JV Inkai agreement, under long-term agreements and in the spot market
• our existing inventory
We allow sales volumes to vary year-to-year depending on:
• the level of sales commitments in our long-term contract portfolio
• our production volumes
• purchases under existing and/or new arrangements
• discretionary use of inventories
• market opportunities
18 CAMECO CORPORATION
Managing our costs
PRODUCTION COSTS
In order to operate efficiently and cost-effectively, we manage operating costs and improve plant reliability by prudently
investing in production infrastructure, new technology, and business process improvements. Like all mining companies, our
uranium segment is affected by the cost of inputs such as labour and fuel.
Given the current market dynamics, in 2019, our only operating property will be Cigar Lake. Our McArthur River/Key Lake,
Rabbit Lake, and US operations are currently on care and maintenance. While we have these operations on standby, our cash
production costs will reflect the operating cost of mining and milling our share of Cigar Lake mineral reserves, which is
estimated to be between $15 and $16 per pound over the entire life-of-mine.
Operating costs in our fuel services segment are mainly fixed. In 2018, labour accounted for about 52% of the total. The
largest variable operating cost is for zirconium, followed by energy (natural gas and electricity), and anhydrous hydrogen
fluoride.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
In 2019, we expect to incur between $130 million and $160 million in care and maintenance costs related to the suspension of
production at our McArthur River/Key Lake mine and mill, Rabbit Lake mine and mill, and US operations. The largest
proportion of these costs will be incurred at McArthur River/Key Lake.
Consistent with our tier-one strategy, we expect that production at McArthur River/Key Lake will be the first of our operations to
restart once we see the appropriate market signals. As a result, we are focused on asset reliability, and ensuring we have the
resources critical for a restart. This means higher care and maintenance costs compared to Rabbit Lake and in the US. Our
Rabbit Lake and US operations are higher-cost, and with plenty of idle tier-one capacity and tier-one expansion capacity
globally that can come back on line relatively quickly, the restart horizon is less certain.
While Rabbit Lake and our US operations are in standby, we will continue to evaluate our options in order to minimize costs.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 19
PURCHASES AND INVENTORY COSTS
Our costs are also affected by the purchases of uranium and conversion services we make under long-term contracts and on
the spot market.
To meet our delivery commitments, we make use of our mined production, inventories, purchases under long-term contracts,
and purchases we make on the spot market. We also make purchases on the spot and long-term market where it is beneficial
to do so. In 2019, the price for the majority of our purchases will be quoted at the time of delivery.
The cost of purchased material may be higher or lower than our other sources of supply, depending on market conditions. The
cost of purchased material affects our cost of sales, which is determined by calculating the average of all of our sources of
supply, including opening inventory, production, and purchases, and adding royalties, selling costs, and care and maintenance
costs. If market prices exceed our cost of produced material including royalties, we expect the cost of sales to increase
accordingly.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
As greater certainty returns to the uranium market, based on our view that the market will transition from being supply-driven
to being demand-driven, we expect uranium prices will rise to reflect the cost of bringing on new primary production to meet
growing demand.
We have taken a number of deliberate and disciplined actions to reduce supply and streamline operations. Some of these
actions come with a cost in the near term, like care and maintenance costs, but we expect the benefit over the long term will
far outweigh those costs.
We believe our actions will help shield the company from the nearer term risks we face and will reward shareholders for their
continued patience and support of our strategy to build long-term value.
Committed to our values
Our values are at the core of everything we do and define who we are as a company.
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
The safety of people and protection of the environment are the foundations of everything we do, locally and globally.
PEOPLE
We value the contribution of every employee and demonstrate respect for individual dignity, creativity and cultural diversity.
INTEGRITY
We lead by example, earn trust, honour our commitments and conduct our business ethically.
EXCELLENCE
Through leadership, collaboration and innovation, we strive to achieve our full potential and inspire others to reach theirs.
20 CAMECO CORPORATION
Sustainable development: A key part of our strategy, reflecting our values
Social responsibility, safety of our workforce and the public, as well as environmental protection are top priorities for us. In fact,
we have built our corporate objectives around them within our four measures of success: a safe, healthy and rewarding
workplace, a clean environment, supportive communities, and outstanding financial performance. Sustainability is at the core
of our company culture. It helps us:
• build trust, credibility and corporate reputation
• gain and enhance community support for our operations and plans
• attract and retain employees
• manage risk
• drive innovation and continual improvement to build competitive advantage
Given this, we have sustainable development principles and practices embedded throughout our organization, from our overall
corporate strategy to day-to-day operations.
Consequently, we recognize that changes in our operations and support functions, including the suspension of production at
Rabbit Lake and curtailment at the US operations in 2016, the suspension of production at our McArthur River/Key Lake
operation for an indeterminate duration, the reduction of the workforce at our northern Saskatchewan operations and at our
corporate office, and the changes made to the way our global marketing activities are organized all have a significant impact
on the communities where we operate. We regret the negative impact that these carefully deliberated decisions have on
affected employees and other stakeholders. However, these actions are deemed necessary for the long-term health of the
company in a uranium market that continues to be weak. Improving operational efficiency is part of our strategy to effectively
manage costs and remain competitive through these low times, while positioning the company and our stakeholders to benefit
as the market improves.
SAFE, HEALTHY, REWARDING WORKPLACE
We are committed to living a strong safety culture, while looking to continually improve. As a result of this commitment, we
have a long history of strong safety performance at our operations and across the organization.
2018 Highlights:
• best safety performance in the history of the company as measured by Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) and Lost
Time Incident rate. However, our TRIR performance did not meet the improvement target set for 2018.
• several operations reached significant safety milestones, including the Blind River refinery and the Crow Butte operation
passing 12 and 11 years respectively without a lost time incident and several other facilities continued to increase their
record of days without a lost time accident
• continued low average dose of radiation to workers, including the Cigar Lake operation as it sustained production at
licensed capacity
• continued improvement of safety systems and performance for support groups, such as corporate facilities
A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
We are committed to being a leading environmental performer. We strive to be a leader not only by complying with legal
requirements, but also by keeping risks as low as reasonably achievable, and looking for opportunities to continually improve
our performance.
We track our progress by monitoring the air, water and land near our operations, and by measuring the amount of energy we
use and the amount of waste generated. We use this information to help identify opportunities to improve.
2018 Highlights:
• as part of Vision in Motion, we began shipping contaminated soil and legacy low level radiative waste stored at the Port
Hope conversion facility to the long-term waste management facility
• remained a top performer under Canada’s Fisheries Act Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations with effluent
performance well below regulatory limits
• sustained Cigar Lake at full production without exceeding an environmental limit or having a significant environmental
incident
• continued efforts to reduce low level radioactive waste stored at our fuel services division
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 21
• implemented Canadian Standards Association (CSA) waste management standards at our fuel services division facilities
• continued efforts to systematically improve energy conservation and efficiency at both our fuel services and Saskatchewan
facilities
• continued industry-leading research developing enhanced groundwater restoration techniques that can be applied at our
US in-situ recovery operations
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES
Gaining the trust and support of our communities, indigenous people, and governments is necessary to sustain our business.
We earn support and trust through excellent safety and environmental performance, by proactively engaging our stakeholders
in an open and transparent way, and by making a difference in communities wherever we operate. We are a leading employer
of indigenous peoples in Canada, and a five-time Gold award winner through the Progressive Aboriginal Relations program as
judged by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Since 2004, we have procured nearly $3.8 billion in services from
local suppliers in northern Saskatchewan. These efforts are critical to obtaining and maintaining the necessary regulatory
approvals.
2018 Highlights:
• over $120 million in procurement from locally owned northern Saskatchewan companies (89% of total)
• At December 31, in northern Saskatchewan, 319 of our employees were Residents of Saskatchewan’s North (RSN) (49.7%
of total), compared to 603 RSN employees at the end of 2017 (49.6% of total). While the number of employees declined as
a result of the suspension of production at our McArthur River/Key Lake operation for an indeterminate duration, we
maintained the proportion of RSN.
• Corporate Knights ranked Cameco as one of Canada’s top five Corporate Citizens in 2018
OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Long-term financial stability and profitability are essential to our sustainability as a company. We believe that sound
governance is the foundation for strong corporate performance.
2018 Highlights:
• continued to achieve an average realized price that outperformed the market
• continued to take action to decrease costs, including lower capital expenditures, and lower direct administration and
exploration costs
• unequivocal win in our court case with CRA for the 2003, 2005 and 2006 tax years
Our governance practices
We believe that sound governance is the foundation for strong corporate performance. Our board of directors is responsible
for overseeing management and our strategy and business affairs. Its goal is to ensure we operate as a successful business,
optimizing financial returns while effectively managing risk.
In 2018, our board consisted of 10 directors who were selected based on their collective ability to contribute expertise to the
broad range of issues the board faces when carrying out its responsibilities in overseeing our business and affairs.
WHAT WE DO:
• Independent board – 90% of the directors in 2018 were independent
• Non-executive chair leads the board – we maintain separate chair and CEO positions and have had a non-executive,
independent chair of the board since 2003
• Share ownership – we require our directors and executives to own shares, or have an equity interest in Cameco to align
their interests with those of our shareholders and share ownership is disclosed
• Majority voting for directors – the board adopted a majority voting policy in 2006
• Strong risk oversight - the board and committees oversee our risk management program and strategic, financial and
operational risks
• Formal assessment process – the directors assess the board, committees and individual directors’ performance
• Independent third-party review – the director assessment process is augmented by a third-party review every three years
22 CAMECO CORPORATION
• Serving on other boards – we limit the number of other public company boards our directors can serve on, and serve on
together
• Director recruitment and board succession – we have term limits and a retirement policy for directors
• Diverse board – our board has a diverse mix of skills, background and experience and 30% of directors in 2018 were
female
• Independent advice – board committees have full authority to retain independent advisors to help them carry out their duties
and responsibilities
• Code of conduct and ethics – directors, officers and employees must comply with our code of conduct and confirm their
compliance every year
• Long-standing shareholder engagement – we communicate openly with shareholders and other stakeholders
• Say on pay – we have held an advisory vote on our approach to executive compensation every year since 2010
More information about our shareholder commitment, our governance principles, how our board operates and profiles of each
of our directors can be found in our most recent management proxy circular and on our website at cameco.com/about/board-
of-directors.
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT
We take the integration of sustainable development and measurement of our performance seriously. We produced our first
Sustainable Development (SD) Report in 2005, using the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Framework (GRI). We use
GRI as our sustainability report card to our stakeholders. It tells them how we are performing against globally recognized key
indicators that measure our social, environmental and economic impacts in the areas that matter most to them. It provides
information about our goals, where we have met, exceeded or struggled with them, and how we plan to do better. We updated
the GRI indicator data in 2018, and will update all indicators again in 2019.
We encourage you to review our SD report at cameco.com/about/sustainability which outlines our commitment to people and
the environment in more detail.
All of our North American operations are now ISO 14001:2015 certified under a single corporate certification.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 23
Measuring our results
Each year, we set corporate objectives that are aligned with our strategic plan. These objectives fall under our four measures
of success, and performance against specific targets under these objectives forms the foundation for a portion of annual
employee and executive compensation. See our most recent management proxy circular for more information on how
executive compensation is determined.
2018 OBJECTIVES1
TARGET
RESULTS
OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Earnings measure
Achieve targeted adjusted net earnings.
• adjusted net earnings was above the maximum target
Cash flow measure
Achieve cash flow from operations (after
working capital changes).
• cash flow from operations was slightly below the target
SAFE, HEALTHY AND REWARDING WORKPLACE
Workplace safety
measure
Strive for no injuries at all Cameco-
operated sites. Maintain a long-term
downward trend in combined employee
and contractor injury frequency and
severity, and radiation doses.
• best safety performance in the history of the company,
however TRIR did not achieve the improvement target
set for 2018
• completion of corrective actions exceeded the target
• average radiation doses remained low and stable
CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
Environmental
performance measures
Achieve divisional environmental aspect
improvement targets.
• performance was within the targeted range
• there were no significant environmental incidents in 2018
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES
Stakeholder support
measure
Implement Collaboration Agreements by
supporting northern business
development opportunities and build
corporate reputation.
• sourcing of northern services from Northern
Saskatchewan vendors was above the target
1 Detailed results for our 2018 corporate objectives and the related targets will be provided in our 2019 management proxy circular prior to our Annual Meeting of
Shareholders on May 7, 2019.
2019 objectives
OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
• Achieve targeted financial measures focused on controlling costs and generating cash
SAFE, HEALTHY AND REWARDING WORKPLACE
• Improve workplace safety performance at all sites.
CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
• Improve environmental performance at all sites.
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES
• Build and sustain strong stakeholder support for our activities.
24 CAMECO CORPORATION
Financial results
This section of our MD&A discusses our performance, financial condition and outlook for the future.
26 2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS
37 OUTLOOK FOR 2019
40 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
46 2018 FINANCIAL RESULTS BY SEGMENT
46 ............... URANIUM
48 ............... FUEL SERVICES
49 FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
49 ............... CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
52 ............... URANIUM
54 ............... FUEL SERVICES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 25
2018 consolidated financial results
In this MD&A, our 2019 financial outlook and other disclosures relating to our contract portfolio are presented on a basis which
excludes the agreement with TEPCO, which is under dispute. See Also of Note on page 8.
HIGHLIGHTS
DECEMBER 31 ($ MILLIONS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED)
Revenue
Gross profit
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders
$ per common share (basic)
$ per common share (diluted)
Adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS, see page 27)
$ per common share (adjusted and diluted)
Cash provided by operations (after working capital changes)
2018
2,092
296
166
0.42
0.42
211
0.53
668
2017
2,157
436
(205)
(0.52)
(0.52)
59
0.15
596
CHANGE FROM
2016
2017 TO 2018
2,431
463
(62)
(0.16)
(0.16)
143
0.36
312
(3)%
(32)%
>100%
>100%
>100%
>100%
>100%
12%
Net earnings
Our net earnings normally trend with revenue, but, in recent years, have been significantly influenced by impairment charges
due to the continued weakness in the uranium market.
The following table shows what contributed to the change in net earnings in 2018 compared to 2017 and 2016.
($ MILLIONS)
Net earnings (losses) - previous year
Change in gross profit by segment
2018
(205)
2017
(62)
2016
65
(we calculate gross profit by deducting from revenue the cost of products and services sold, and depreciation and amortization (D&A), net of hedging benefits)
Uranium
Higher (lower) sales volume
Higher (lower) realized prices ($US)
Foreign exchange impact on realized prices
Lower (higher) costs
change – uranium
Fuel services
Higher (lower) sales volume
Higher (lower) realized prices ($Cdn)
Higher costs
change – fuel services
Other changes
Lower (higher) administration expenditures
Lower (higher) impairment charges
Lower (higher) exploration expenditures
Change in reclamation provisions
Lower (higher) loss on disposal of assets
Change in gains or losses on derivatives
Change in foreign exchange gains or losses
Change in earnings from equity-accounted investments
Gain on sale of interest in Wheeler River Joint Venture in 2018
Gain on restructuring of JV Inkai in 2018
Gain on customer contract restructuring in 2018
Sale of exploration properties in 2018
Gain on customer contract settlements in 2016
Reversal of tax provision related to CRA dispute
Change in income tax recovery or expense
Other
Net earnings (losses) - current year
26 CAMECO CORPORATION
18
40
1
(186)
(127)
1
(5)
(1)
(5)
21
358
10
(60)
5
(137)
49
32
17
49
6
7
-
61
62
23
166
29
(222)
(36)
180
(49)
(5)
21
(15)
1
44
4
13
(34)
16
22
(17)
-
-
-
-
-
(59)
-
(91)
7
(205)
(16)
(129)
30
(49)
(164)
(4)
25
(19)
2
(20)
(147)
(2)
34
(21)
315
(65)
1
-
-
-
-
59
-
(49)
(70)
(62)
Impairment charges
In the third quarter of 2017, we made changes to the way our global marketing activities were organized. The changes
significantly impacted the marketing activities historically performed by NUKEM. As a result, we recognized an impairment
charge for the full carrying value of goodwill of $111 million.
During the fourth quarter of 2017, we announced our plan to temporarily suspend production at the McArthur River/Key Lake
operation in 2018. As a result, we re-evaluated the project to complete the new calciner at Key Lake, which was undertaken to
allow for increased production. Given the production suspension, market conditions, and that we determined the existing
calciner had sufficient capacity to reliably meet our ongoing production requirements, it was determined that no further
investment would be made to complete the project. As a result, we recognized an impairment charge related to the new
calciner of $55 million.
Also during the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded a $184 million write down of our US assets. Due to the continued
weakening of the uranium market and the reduction in mineral reserves, we concluded that it was appropriate to recognize an
impairment charge for these assets.
Non-IFRS measures
ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS
Adjusted net earnings is a measure that does not have a standardized meaning or a consistent basis of calculation under
IFRS (non-IFRS measure). We use this measure as a more meaningful way to compare our financial performance from period
to period. We believe that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this
information to evaluate our performance. Adjusted net earnings is our net earnings attributable to equity holders, adjusted to
better reflect the underlying financial performance for the reporting period. The adjusted earnings measure reflects the
matching of the net benefits of our hedging program with the inflows of foreign currencies in the applicable reporting period,
and is adjusted for NUKEM purchase price inventory recovery, impairment charges, reclamation provisions for our Rabbit Lake
and US operations, which have been impaired, the gain on restructuring of JV Inkai, and income taxes on adjustments.
Adjusted net earnings is non-standard supplemental information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
for financial information prepared according to accounting standards. Other companies may calculate this measure differently,
so you may not be able to make a direct comparison to similar measures presented by other companies.
To facilitate a better understanding of these measures, the table below reconciles adjusted net earnings with our net earnings
for the years ended 2018, 2017 and 2016.
($ MILLIONS)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders
Adjustments
Adjustments on derivatives
NUKEM purchase price inventory recovery
Impairment charges
Reclamation provision adjustments
Gain on restructuring of JV Inkai
Income taxes on adjustments
Adjusted net earnings
2018
166
65
-
-
60
(49)
(31)
211
2017
(205)
(108)
-
358
-
-
14
59
2016
(62)
(130)
(6)
362
(34)
-
13
143
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 27
The following table shows what contributed to the change in adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS measure, see above) in
2018 compared to the same period in 2017 and 2016.
($ MILLIONS)
Adjusted net earnings - previous year
Change in gross profit by segment
2018
59
2017
143
2016
344
(we calculate gross profit by deducting from revenue the cost of products and services sold, and depreciation and amortization (D&A), net of hedging benefits)
Uranium
Higher (lower) sales volume
Higher (lower) realized prices ($US)
Foreign exchange impact on realized prices
Lower (higher) costs
change – uranium
Fuel services
Higher (lower) sales volume
Higher (lower) realized prices ($Cdn)
Higher costs
change – fuel services
Other changes
Lower (higher) administration expenditures
Lower (higher) exploration expenditures
Lower (higher) loss on disposal of assets
Change in gains or losses on derivatives
Change in foreign exchange gains or losses
Change in earnings from equity-accounted investments
Gain on sale of interest in Wheeler River Joint Venture in 2018
Gain on customer contract restructuring in 2018
Sale of exploration properties in 2018
Gain on customer contract settlements in 2016
Reversal of tax provision related to CRA dispute
Change in income tax recovery or expense
Other
Adjusted net earnings - current year
Average realized prices
Uranium1
$US/lb
$Cdn/lb
2018
37.01
47.96
Fuel services
1 Average realized foreign exchange rate ($US/$Cdn): 2018 – 1.30, 2017 – 1.30 and 2016 – 1.32.
$Cdn/kgU
26.78
18
40
1
(186)
(127)
1
(5)
(1)
(5)
21
10
5
36
49
32
17
6
7
-
61
17
23
211
2017
36.13
46.80
27.20
29
(222)
(36)
180
(49)
(5)
21
(15)
1
44
13
16
44
(17)
-
-
-
-
(59)
-
(90)
13
59
(16)
(129)
30
(49)
(164)
(4)
25
(19)
2
(20)
(2)
(21)
19
(65)
-
-
-
-
59
-
63
(72)
143
CHANGE FROM
2016
2017 TO 2018
41.12
54.46
25.37
2%
2%
(2)%
28 CAMECO CORPORATION
Revenue
The following table shows what contributed to the change in revenue for 2018.
($ MILLIONS)
Revenue – 2017
Uranium
Higher sales volume
Higher realized prices ($Cdn)
Change in intersegment sales
Fuel services
Higher sales volume
Lower realized prices ($Cdn)
Other1
2,157
69
41
4
6
(5)
(180)
2,092
Revenue – 2018
1 Due to the reorganization of Cameco’s marketing activities, NUKEM is no longer considered a reportable segment. The change in NUKEM’s revenue is included
as other.
See 2018 Financial results by segment on page 46 for more detailed discussion.
THREE-YEAR TREND
In 2017, revenue decreased by 11% compared to 2016 due to a decrease in the uranium spot price, resulting in an overall
lower average realized price. In addition, prices on fixed-price contracts were lower. This was partially offset by an increase in
sales volumes in our uranium segment.
In 2018, revenue decreased by 3% compared to 2017 due to a decrease in sales volumes from NUKEM due to the
restructuring of our marketing activities in 2017. This was partially offset by an increase in sales volumes and average realized
price in our uranium segment.
Revenue Outlook for 2019
Based on currently committed sales volumes, we expect consolidated revenue to be between $1,650 million and $1,800
million, lower than in 2018 due to a decrease in average realized prices in our uranium segment as a result of lower expected
prices under our contract portfolio and an expected decrease in sales volumes. We will continue to be active buying and
selling uranium in the spot market if it makes sense for us. If we make additional sales with deliveries in 2019, we would
expect our revenue outlook to increase.
In our uranium and fuel services segments, our customers choose when in the year to receive deliveries. As a result, our
quarterly delivery patterns and, therefore, our sales volumes and revenue can vary significantly. We expect the quarterly
distribution of uranium deliveries in 2019 to be weighted to the second half of the year as shown below. However, not all
delivery notices have been received to date and the expected delivery pattern could change. Typically, we receive notices six
months in advance of the requested delivery date.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 29
Corporate expenses
ADMINISTRATION
($ MILLIONS)
Direct administration (including severance costs of $14 million in 2018)
Stock-based compensation
Total administration
2018
126
16
142
2017
151
12
163
CHANGE
(17)%
33%
(13)%
Direct administration costs in 2018 were $25 million lower than in 2017. The decrease was mainly due to changes in our global
marketing structure, lower costs related to our CRA litigation and our continued actions to reduce costs.
We recorded $16 million in stock-based compensation expenses in 2018 under our stock option, restricted share unit, deferred
share unit, performance share unit and phantom stock option plans, $4 million higher than in 2017 due to the 33% increase in
our share price compared to the same period in 2017. See note 24 to the financial statements.
Administration outlook for 2019
We expect direct administration costs to be between $110 million to $120 million, lower compared to 2018, due to our
continued actions to reduce costs.
EXPLORATION
Our 2018 exploration activities were focused primarily on Canada. Our spending decreased from $30 million in 2017 to $20
million in 2018.
Exploration outlook for 2019
We expect exploration expenses to be about $13 million in 2019 due to an overall decrease in activity on our regional
exploration projects. The focus for 2019 will be on our core projects in Saskatchewan.
FINANCE COSTS
Finance costs were $112 million, largely unchanged from $111 million in 2017. See note 19 to the financial statements.
FINANCE INCOME
Finance income was $22 million compared to $5 million in 2017 due to higher cash balances throughout the year.
GAINS AND LOSSES ON DERIVATIVES
In 2018, we recorded $81 million in losses on our derivatives compared to $56 million in gains in 2017. The decrease reflects
the weakness in the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar at the end of 2018 compared to 2017. See Foreign exchange
on page 35 and note 26 to the financial statements.
30 CAMECO CORPORATION
INCOME TAXES
We recorded an income tax recovery of $126 million in 2018 compared to a recovery of $3 million in 2017. The increase in
recovery was primarily due to the reversal of the provision related to our CRA dispute in the amount of $61 million (see Tax
Court of Canada decision below for more details). In addition, a change in the Saskatchewan corporate tax rate in 2017, the
change in reporting for JV Inkai, as well as a change in the distribution of earnings among jurisdictions compared to 2017
contributed to the difference. See note 21 to the financial statements.
In 2018, we recorded losses of $257 million in Canada compared to losses of $54 million in 2017, while earnings in foreign
jurisdictions increased to $297 million from losses of $154 million. The tax rate in Canada is higher than the average of the
rates in the foreign jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate.
On an adjusted earnings basis, we recognized a tax recovery of $95 million in 2018 compared to a recovery of $17 million in
2017. The table below presents our adjusted earnings and adjusted income tax expenses attributable to Canadian and foreign
jurisdictions.
($ MILLIONS)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings1
Canada
Foreign
Total pre-tax adjusted earnings
Adjusted income taxes1
Canada
Foreign
2018
2017
(181)
297
116
(112)
17
(101)
143
42
(27)
10
Adjusted income tax recovery
1 Pre-tax adjusted earnings and adjusted income taxes are non-IFRS measures. Our IFRS-based measures have been adjusted by the amounts reflected in the
(95)
(17)
table in adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS measures on page 27).
TRANSFER PRICING DISPUTE
Tax Court of Canada decision
On September 26, the Tax Court of Canada (Tax Court) ruled unequivocally in our favour in our case with the Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA) for the 2003, 2005 and 2006 tax years.
The Tax Court ruled that our marketing and trading structure involving foreign subsidiaries and the related transfer pricing
methodology used for certain intercompany uranium purchase and sale agreements were in full compliance with Canadian
laws for the three tax years in question. While the decision applies only to the three tax years under dispute, we believe there
is nothing in the decision that would warrant a materially different outcome for subsequent tax years.
The Tax Court has referred the matter back to the Minister of National Revenue in order to issue new reassessments for the
2003, 2005 and 2006 tax years in accordance with the Tax Court’s decision. The total tax amount reassessed for those tax
years was $11 million, and we remitted 50%. Therefore, we expect to receive refunds totaling about $5.5 million plus interest.
The timing for the revised reassessments along with refunds plus interest may be delayed pending the outcome of the appeal.
For further information regarding the appeal, see below.
In accordance with the ruling, we have made an application to the Tax Court to recover costs in the amount of $38 million,
which were incurred over the course of this case. In its response to the Tax Court regarding our cost submission, CRA is
claiming $9.6 million would be an appropriate award in this case. The actual cost award will be at the discretion of the Tax
Court.
In addition, given the clear and decisive ruling in our favour, and the endorsement by the Tax Court of our transfer pricing
methodology, we have reversed the provision on our balance sheet of $61 million.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 31
Appeal process
On October 25, 2018, CRA filed a notice of appeal with the Federal Court of Appeal. In its notice of appeal, CRA is not
appealing the Tax Court’s finding that sham was not present, but is appealing the Tax Court’s interpretation and application of
the transfer pricing provisions in section 247 of the Income Tax Act. We will not have more specific information on how and
why the CRA believes the Tax Court was wrong in its interpretation of the transfer pricing provisions until we are in receipt of
the CRA’s complete written submissions.
We anticipate that it will take about two years from the start of the appeal process to receive a decision from the Federal Court
of Appeal. We believe there is nothing in the Tax Court’s decision that would warrant a materially different outcome on appeal.
The decision of the Federal Court of Appeal can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada, but only if the Supreme Court
of Canada agrees to hear the appeal. The request to appeal a decision of the Federal Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court of
Canada must be made within 60 days of issuance of a Federal Court of Appeal decision.
In the event that either party appeals the Federal Court of Appeal decision, it would likely take about two years from the date
the Federal Court of Appeal decision is issued to receive a decision from the Supreme Court of Canada should that court hear
the appeal.
We expect to incur additional costs during the appeal process, and in connection with potential reassessments of subsequent
years. There could also be costs incurred if a negotiated resolution with CRA is sought or achieved.
Potential exposure based on CRA appeal
Since 2008, CRA has disputed our marketing and trading structure and the related transfer pricing methodology we used for
certain intercompany uranium sale and purchase agreements. To date, we have received notices of reassessment for our
2003 through 2012 tax years. While the Tax Court has ruled unequivocally in our favour for the 2003, 2005 and 2006 tax
years, and we believe there is nothing in the decision that would warrant a materially different outcome on appeal, or for
subsequent tax years we will continue to report on the potential exposure as we expect it will continue to tie up our financial
capacity until the dispute is finally resolved for all years.
For the years 2003 to 2012, CRA has shifted Cameco Europe Limited’s income (as recalculated by CRA) back to Canada and
applied statutory tax rates, interest and instalment penalties, and, from 2007 to 2011, transfer pricing penalties. We
understand CRA is currently considering whether to impose a transfer pricing penalty for 2012. Taxes of approximately $321
million for the 2003 to 2018 years have already been paid to date in a jurisdiction outside Canada. If CRA is successful on
appeal, we will consider our options under bilateral international tax treaties to limit double taxation of this income. There is a
risk that we will not be successful in eliminating all potential double taxation. The income adjustments claimed by CRA in its
reassessments are represented by the amounts described below.
The Canadian income tax rules include provisions that require larger companies like us to remit or otherwise secure 50% of
the cash tax plus related interest and penalties at the time of reassessment. To date, under these provisions, after applying
elective deductions, we have paid or secured the amounts shown in the table below. Of these amounts, we expect to receive
refunds totaling approximately $5.5 million plus interest based on the ruling of the Tax Court. The timing of the refund may be
delayed pending the outcome of the appeal.
INTEREST
TRANSFER
AND INSTALMENT
PRICING
CASH
SECURED BY
YEAR PAID ($ MILLIONS)
CASH TAXES
PENALTIES
PENALTIES
TOTAL
REMITTANCE
Prior to 2014
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Total
1
106
202
51
-
17
377
22
47
71
38
1
40
36
-
79
31
39
-
219
185
59
153
352
120
40
57
781
59
153
20
32
39
-
303
LC
-
-
332
88
1
57
478
32 CAMECO CORPORATION
While we expect the Tax Court’s decision to be upheld on appeal and believe the decision should apply in principle to
subsequent years, until such time as all appeals are exhausted, and a resolution is reached for all tax years in question, we
will not be in a position to determine the definitive outcome of this dispute. We expect any further actions regarding the tax
years 2007 through 2012 will be suspended until the three years covered under the decision are finally resolved, with the
exception of the transfer pricing penalty noted above. The tax years 2013 and beyond have not yet been reassessed, and it is
uncertain what approach CRA will take on audit. Despite the fact that we believe there is no basis to do so, and it is not our
view of the likely outcome, CRA may continue to reassess us using the methodology it used to reassess the 2003 through
2012 tax years. In that scenario, and including the $4.9 billion already reassessed, we would expect to receive notices of
reassessment for a total of approximately $8.4 billion of additional income taxable in Canada for the years 2003 through 2018,
which would result in a related tax expense of approximately $2.5 billion. As well, CRA may continue to apply transfer pricing
penalties to taxation years subsequent to 2011. In that case, we estimate that cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties
claimed by CRA for these years would be between $1.95 billion and $2.15 billion. In addition, CRA may seek to apply interest
and instalment penalties that would be material to us. While in dispute, we would be required to remit or otherwise provide
security for 50% of the cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties (between $970 million and $1.07 billion), plus related interest
and instalment penalties assessed, which would be material to us. We have already paid or secured $562 million in cash taxes
and transfer pricing penalties and $219 million in interest and instalment penalties.
Under the Canadian federal and provincial tax rules, the amount required to be paid or secured each year will depend on the
amount of income reassessed in that year and the availability of elective deductions and tax loss carryovers. CRA has to date
disallowed the use of any loss carry-backs for any transfer pricing adjustment, starting with the 2008 tax year. This does not
impact the anticipated income tax expense for a particular year, but does impact the timing of any required security or
payment. As noted above, for amounts reassessed after 2014, as an alternative to remitting cash, we used letters of credit to
satisfy our obligations related to the reassessed income tax and related interest amounts. We believe we will be able to
continue to provide security in the form of letters of credit to satisfy these requirements. The amounts summarized in the table
below reflect actual amounts paid or secured from 2003 through 2018 along with estimated post-2018 amounts if CRA were to
continue to reassess based on the scenario outlined above, and include the expected timing adjustment for the inability to use
any loss carry-backs starting with the 2008 tax year. The amounts have not been adjusted to reflect the refund of
approximately $5.5 million plus interest we expect to receive based on the ruling of the Tax Court. The timing of such refund
may be delayed pending the outcome of the appeal. We plan to update this table annually to include the estimated impact of
reassessments expected for completed years subsequent to 2018.
$ MILLIONS
2003-2018
Post-2018
TOTAL
50% of cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties paid, secured or owing in the period
Cash payments
Secured by letters of credit
Total paid1
226
336
562
185 - 235
225 - 275
410 - 460
560 - 610
410 - 510
970 - 1070
1 These amounts do not include interest and instalment penalties, which totaled approximately $219 million to December 31, 2018.
In light of our view of the likely outcome of the appeal, and the dispute for subsequent years, based on the Tax Court’s
decision as described above, we expect to recover the amounts remitted, including the $781 million already paid or otherwise
secured to date.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 33
Caution about forward-looking information relating to our CRA tax dispute
This discussion of our expectations relating to our tax dispute with CRA and future tax reassessments by CRA is forward-looking information
that is based upon the assumptions and subject to the material risks discussed under the heading Caution about forward-looking information
beginning on page 2 and also on the more specific assumptions and risks listed below. Actual outcomes may vary significantly.
Assumptions
•
•
•
•
CRA will reassess us for the years 2013 through 2018 using
a similar methodology as for the years 2003 through 2012,
and the reassessments will be issued on the basis we expect
we will be able to apply elective deductions and utilize letters
of credit to the extent anticipated
CRA will seek to impose transfer pricing penalties (in a
manner consistent with penalties charged in the years 2007
through 2011) in addition to interest charges and instalment
penalties
we will be substantially successful in our dispute with CRA,
including any appeals of the Tax Court’s decision or any
decisions regarding other tax years, and we will not incur any
significant tax liability resulting from the outcome of the
dispute or other costs, potentially including costs associated
with a negotiated resolution with CRA
Material risks that could cause actual results to differ
materially
CRA reassesses us for years 2013 through 2018 using a
different methodology than for years 2003 through 2012, or
we are unable to utilize elective deductions or letters of credit
to the extent anticipated, resulting in the required cash
payments or security provided to CRA pending the outcome
of the dispute being higher than expected
the time lag for the reassessments for each year is different
than we currently expect
we are unsuccessful in an appeal of the Tax Court’s decision
or any tax decisions of the Tax Court for subsequent years,
or appeals of those decisions, and the outcome of our
dispute with CRA, potentially including costs associated with
a negotiated resolution with CRA, results in significant costs,
cash taxes, interest charges and penalties which could have
a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial position,
results of operations and cash flows
cash tax payable increases due to unanticipated adjustments
by CRA not related to transfer pricing
we are unable to effectively eliminate all double taxation
•
•
•
•
•
Tax outlook for 2019
On an adjusted net earnings basis, we expect a tax expense of up to $10 million in 2019, transitioning from a recovery in
previous years due to the anticipated impact of our intercompany arrangements and the changes made to our global
marketing organization.
Our consolidated tax rate is a blend of the statutory rates applicable to taxable income earned or tax losses incurred in
Canada and in our foreign subsidiaries. We have a global customer base and we have established a marketing and trading
structure involving foreign subsidiaries, which entered into various intercompany purchase and sale arrangements, as well as
uranium purchase and sale agreements with third parties. Cameco and its subsidiaries made reasonable efforts to put arm’s-
length transfer pricing arrangements in place, and these arrangements expose the parties to the risks and rewards accruing to
them under these contracts. The intercompany contract prices are generally comparable to those established in comparable
contracts between arm’s-length parties entered into at that time. In 2017, we changed our global marketing organization to
consolidate our international activities in Canada in order to achieve efficiencies. The existing purchase and sale
arrangements will continue to be in place until they expire. As the existing contracts expire, we anticipate that more income will
be earned in Canada.
We continue to expect our consolidated tax rate will trend toward the Canadian statutory rate in the longer term. The actual
effective tax rate will vary from year-to-year, primarily due to the actual distribution of earnings among jurisdictions and the
market conditions at the time transactions occur under both our intercompany and third-party purchase and sale
arrangements.
34 CAMECO CORPORATION
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
The exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and US dollar affects the financial results of our uranium and fuel services
segments.
We sell the majority of our uranium and fuel services products under long-term sales contracts, which are routinely
denominated in US dollars. Our product purchases are denominated in US dollars while our production costs are largely
denominated in Canadian dollars. To provide cash flow predictability we hedge a portion of our net US/Cdn exposure (e.g.
total US dollar sales less US dollar expenditures and product purchases) to manage shorter term exchange rate volatility.
Our risk management policy is based on a 60-month period and permits us to hedge 35% to 100% of our expected net
exposure in the first 12 month period. Our normal practice is to layer in hedge contracts over a three- to four-year period with
the hedge percentage being highest in the first 12 months and decreasing hedge percentages in subsequent years. The
portion of our net exposure that remains unhedged is subject to prevailing market exchange rates for the period. Therefore,
our results are affected by the movements in the exchange rate on our hedge portfolio (explained below), and on the
unhedged portion of our net exposure. A weakening Canadian dollar would have a positive effect on the unhedged exposure,
and a strengthening Canadian dollar would have a negative effect. See Revenue, adjusted net earnings, and cash flow
sensitivity analysis on page 39 for more information on how a change in the exchange rate will impact our revenue, cash flow,
adjusted net earnings (ANE), and gains and losses on derivatives, presented on an ANE basis.
Impact of hedging on IFRS earnings
We do not use hedge accounting under IFRS and, therefore, we are required to report gains and losses on all hedging activity,
both for contracts that close in the period and those that remain outstanding at the end of the period. For the contracts that
remain outstanding, we must treat them as though they were settled at the end of the reporting period (mark-to-market).
However, we do not believe the gains and losses that we are required to report under IFRS appropriately reflect the intent of
our hedging activities, so we make adjustments in calculating our ANE to better reflect the impact of our hedging program in
the applicable reporting period.
Impact of hedging on ANE
We designate contracts for use in particular periods, based on our expected net exposure in that period. Hedge contracts are
layered in over time based on this expected net exposure. The result is that our current hedge portfolio is made up of a
number of contracts which are currently designated to net exposures we expect in 2019 and future years and we will recognize
the gains or losses in ANE in those periods.
For the purposes of ANE, gains and losses on derivatives are reported based on the difference between the effective hedge
rate of the contracts designated for use in the particular period and the exchange rate at the time of settlement. This results in
an adjustment to current period IFRS earnings to effectively remove reported gains or losses on derivatives that arise from
contracts put in place for use in future periods. The effective hedge rate will lag the market in periods of rapid currency
movement. See Non-IFRS measures on page 27.
The table below provides a summary of our hedge portfolio at December 31, 2018. You can use this information to estimate
the expected gains or losses on derivatives for 2019 on an ANE basis. However, if we add contracts to the portfolio that are
designated for use in 2019 or if there are changes in the US/Cdn exchange rates in the year, those expected gains or losses
could change.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 35
HEDGE PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
DECEMBER 31, 2018
($ MILLIONS)
US dollar forward contracts
Average contract rate 1
US dollar option contracts
Average contract rate range1
Total US dollar hedge contracts
Effective hedge rate range2
($ millions)
(US/Cdn dollar)
($ millions)
(US/Cdn dollar)
($ millions)
2019
220
1.28
200
AFTER
2019
240
1.27
110
TOTAL
460
1.28
310
1.26 to 1.31
1.27 to 1.31
1.26 to 1.31
420
350
770
(US/Cdn dollar)
1.26 to 1.28
1.27 to 1.28
1.26 to 1.28
Hedge ratio3
1 The average contract rate is the weighted average of the rates stipulated in the outstanding contracts.
2 The effective hedge rate is the exchange rate on the original hedge contract at the time it was established and designated for use. Therefore the effective hedge
rate range shown reflects an average of contract exchange rates at the time of designation.
3 Hedge ratio is calculated by dividing the amount (in foreign currency) of outstanding derivative contracts by estimated future net exposures.
63%
16%
8%
At December 31, 2018:
• The value of the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar was $1.00 (US) for $1.36 (Cdn), up from $1.00 (US) for $1.25
(Cdn) at December 31, 2017. The exchange rate averaged $1.00 (US) for $1.30 (Cdn) over the year.
• The mark-to-market position on all foreign exchange contracts was a $53 million loss compared to a $34 million gain at
December 31, 2017.
We manage counterparty risk associated with hedging by dealing with highly rated counterparties and limiting our exposure. At
December 31, 2018, all of our hedging counterparties had a Standard & Poor’s (S&P) credit rating of A or better.
For information on the impact of foreign exchange on our intercompany balances, see note 26 to the financial statements.
36 CAMECO CORPORATION
Outlook for 2019
Our strategy is to focus on our tier-one assets and profitably produce at a pace aligned with market signals, in order to
preserve the value of those assets and increase long-term shareholder value, and to do that with a focus on safety, people
and the environment.
Our outlook for 2019 reflects the expenditures necessary to help us achieve our strategy. We have made significant progress
in reducing our administration, exploration and operating costs, as well as our capital expenditures. We have also made a
number of strategic decisions that come with significant costs in the near term, costs we factored into our decisions. As a
result, and based on what we know today, from a gross profit point of view, 2019 is expected to be a weaker year for us. The
changing pricing terms under our existing contract portfolio and the proportion of purchased material compared to produced
material making up our uranium supply are expected to adversely impact our revenue and cost of sales in 2019 relative to
2018. In addition, our outlook for the average unit cost of sales in 2019 continues to be impacted by care and maintenance
costs, which, although lower than in 2018, are expected to be between $130 million and $160 million. Despite the impact on
our expected results, we continue to believe these are the right decisions to create long-term shareholder value.
In contrast, from a cash perspective, we expect to continue to maintain a significant cash balance, even if we decide to retire
our $500 million debenture maturing in 2019. We expect to continue to generate cash from operations in this difficult time,
however, it will not be as robust as in 2018 given the weaker outlook provided, and without the release of working capital
associated with the inventory drawdown we had in 2018.
We report our results and outlook based on a calendar-year view, at a point in time. However, under our marketing framework,
we plan on a rolling 12-month basis, which means our sales, inventory and purchases are all variables. Therefore, in
accordance with market opportunities and as the year unfolds, we expect our actual sales, purchases and inventory will vary
from what we are reporting in the 2019 Financial Outlook table. Also, in 2019, there is a greater risk of production variability
due to the expiry of Orano’s collective agreement with unionized employees at the McClean Lake mill on May 31, 2019.
In addition, there are a number of moving pieces both internally and externally, that could have a significant impact on the
market and on our results, and it is important to keep them in mind. Some of the more significant items are:
• the results of the investigation under the Section 232 Trade Expansion Act in the US, and the impact, if any, on the uranium
market and uranium prices
• a potential cost award from the Tax Court based on the unequivocal win in our case with CRA
• a potential award for damages from the TEPCO arbitration panel
• whether CRA issues a transfer pricing penalty for the 2012 tax year and/or continues to reassess us for years subsequent
to 2012
See 2018 Financial results by segment on page 46 for details.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 37
2019 FINANCIAL OUTLOOK
EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION TO GROSS PROFIT
Production (owned and operated properties)
Purchases - committed
- required for sales commitments
Total purchases
Sales/delivery volume
Revenue
Average realized price
Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)
CONSOLIDATED
100%
URANIUM
70%
FUEL SERVICES
30%
-
-
-
-
-
9.0 million lbs
12 to 13 million kgU
11 to 12 million lbs
7 to 9 million lbs
18 to 21 million lbs
-
-
-
28 to 30 million lbs
11 to 12 million kgU
$1,650-1,800 million
$1,290-1,380 million
$280-310 million
-
-
$46.10/lb
-
$41.00-43.00/lb
$20.20-21.20/kgU
Direct administration costs
$110-120 million
-
Exploration costs
-
$13 million
Expected loss on derivatives - ANE basis
Tax expense - ANE basis
Capital expenditures
$5-15 million
$0-10 million
$95 million
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
We do not provide an outlook for the items in the table that are marked with a dash.
The following assumptions were used to prepare the outlook in the table above:
• Purchases – committed are based on the volumes we currently have commitments to acquire under contract in 2019,
including our JV Inkai purchases and the purchase of NUKEM’s excess inventory.
• Purchases – required for sales commitments represent the additional volumes we currently need to purchase in order to
meet the delivery commitments we currently have under contract in 2019.
• Our 2019 outlook for sales/delivery volume and revenue does not include sales between our uranium and fuel services
segments.
• Sales/delivery volume is based on the volumes we currently have commitments to deliver under contract in 2019.
• Uranium revenue and average realized price are based on a uranium spot price of $28.90 (US) per pound (the UxC spot
price as of January 28, 2019), a long-term price indicator of $32.00 (US) per pound (the UxC long-term indicator on January
28, 2019) and an exchange rate of $1.00 (US) for $1.30 (Cdn).
• Uranium average unit cost of sales (including D&A) is based on the expected unit cost of sales for produced material and
expected purchases noted in the outlook. If we make discretionary purchases in 2019, then we expect the overall unit cost
of sales may be affected.
• Direct administration costs do not include stock-based compensation expenses. See page 30 for more information.
• Our outlook for the tax expense is based on adjusted net earnings and the other assumptions listed in the table. The
outlook does not include our share of taxes on JV Inkai profits as the income from JV Inkai is net of taxes. If other
assumptions change then the expected expense may be affected.
Our 2019 financial outlook is presented on the basis of equity accounting for our minority ownership interest in JV Inkai. Under
equity accounting, our share of the profits earned by JV Inkai on the sale of its production will be included in “income from
equity-accounted investees” on our consolidated statement of earnings. Our share of production will be purchased at a
discount to the spot price and included at this value in inventory. In addition, JV Inkai capital is not included in our outlook for
capital expenditures. Please see JV Inkai Planning for the future on page 70 and Capital spending on page 42 for more
details.
38 CAMECO CORPORATION
In addition, the financial outlook and other disclosures relating to our contract portfolio have been presented on a basis that
excludes our contract with TEPCO, which is under dispute. For more information on how changes in the exchange rate or
uranium prices can impact our outlook see Revenue, adjusted net earnings, and cash flow sensitivity analysis below, and
Foreign exchange on page 35.
REVENUE, ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS, AND CASH FLOW SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
FOR 2019 ($ MILLIONS)
CHANGE
REVENUE
Uranium spot and term price1
Value of Canadian dollar vs US dollar
$5(US)/lb increase
$5(US)/lb decrease
One cent decrease in CAD
One cent increase in CAD
102
(80)
12
(12)
ANE
29
(11)
4
(4)
CASH FLOW
24
-
2
(2)
1 Assuming change in both UxC spot price ($28.90 (US) per pound on January 28, 2019) and the UxC long-term price indicator ($32.00 (US) per pound on
January 28, 2019).
IMPACT ON:
PRICE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS: URANIUM SEGMENT
The following table is not a forecast of prices we expect to receive. The prices we actually realize will be different from the
prices shown in the table. It is designed to indicate how the portfolio of long-term contracts we had in place on December 31,
2018 would respond to different spot prices. In other words, we would realize these prices only if the contract portfolio
remained the same as it was on December 31, 2018, and none of the assumptions we list below change.
We intend to update this table each quarter in our MD&A to reflect deliveries made and changes to our contract portfolio. As a
result, we expect the table to change from quarter to quarter.
Expected realized uranium price sensitivity under various spot price assumptions
(rounded to the nearest $1.00)
SPOT PRICES
($US/lb U3O8)
2020
2021
2022
2023
$20
30
27
27
28
$40
41
40
40
42
$60
55
55
55
56
$80
65
64
64
67
$100
$120
$140
74
70
68
73
82
75
73
78
88
80
78
84
The table illustrates the mix of long-term contracts in our December 31, 2018 portfolio, and is consistent with our marketing
strategy. It has been updated to reflect contracts entered into up to December 31, 2018.
Our portfolio includes a mix of fixed-price and market-related contracts, which we target at a 40:60 ratio. Those that are fixed
at lower prices or have low ceiling prices will yield prices that are lower than current market prices.
________________________
Our portfolio is affected by more than just the spot price. We made the following assumptions (which are not forecasts) to create the table:
Sales
•
sales volumes on average of 20 million pounds per year,
with commitment levels in 2019 and 2020 higher than in
2021 through 2023
excludes sales between our segments
excludes the contract under dispute with TEPCO
•
•
Deliveries
•
deliveries include best estimates of requirements contracts
and contracts with volume flex provisions
Annual inflation
•
is 2% in the US
Prices
•
the average long-term price indicator is the same as the
average spot price for the entire year (a simplified approach
for this purpose only). Since 1996, the long-term price
indicator has averaged 21% higher than the spot price. This
differential has varied significantly. Assuming the long-term
price is at a premium to spot, the prices in the table will be
higher.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 39
Liquidity and capital resources
Our financial objective is to ensure we have the cash and debt capacity to fund our operating activities, investments and other
financial obligations.
At the end of 2018, we had cash and short-term investments of $1.1 billion, while our total debt amounted to $1.5 billion.
We have large, creditworthy customers that continue to need uranium even during weak economic conditions, and we expect
the uranium contract portfolio we have built to continue to provide a solid revenue stream. From 2019 through 2023, we have
commitments to deliver an average of 20 million pounds per year, with commitment levels in 2019 and 2020 higher than in
2021 through 2023.
In the currently weak uranium price environment, our focus is on preserving the value of our tier-one assets and reducing our
operating, capital and general and administrative spending. We have a number of alternatives to fund future capital
requirements, including using our operating cash flow, drawing on our existing credit facilities, entering new credit facilities,
and raising additional capital through debt or equity financings. We are always considering our financing options so we can
take advantage of favourable market conditions when they arise. In addition, due to the deliberate cost reduction measures
implemented over the past five years, the reduction in our dividend, and the drawdown of inventory in 2018 as a result of the
suspension of production at our McArthur River/Key Lake operation, we have significant cash balances. We will continue to
generate cash from operations however, it will not be as robust as in 2018 given the weaker expected results, and without the
release of working capital associated with the inventory drawdown we had in 2018. We expect our cash balances and
operating cash flows to meet our capital requirements during 2019, even if we decide to retire our $500 million debenture
maturing in 2019.
We received a favorable ruling in our case with CRA for the 2003, 2005 and 2006 tax years. We expect the ruling to be upheld
on appeal, and we believe the ruling should apply in principle to subsequent tax years. However, until such time as all appeals
are exhausted, and a resolution is reached for all tax years in question, in accordance with Canadian income tax rules we may
be required to remit or otherwise secure 50% of any cash taxes plus related interest and penalties CRA may continue to
reassess, even though we believe there is no basis for them to do so. See page 31 for more information. In the above
scenario, the table on page 33 provides the amount and timing of the cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties paid or secured
to date. In addition, it provides an estimate of the amounts we would potentially have to pay or secure upfront if CRA continues
to reassess us using the same methodology it reassessed the 2003 to 2012 tax years. The timing of these amounts is
uncertain.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Cash position ($ millions)
(cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments)
Cash provided by operations ($ millions)
(net cash flow generated by our operating activities after changes in working capital)
Cash provided by operations/net debt
(net debt is total consolidated debt, less cash position)
Net debt/total capitalization
(total capitalization is net debt and equity)
CREDIT RATINGS
2018
1,103
668
170%
7%
2017
592
596
66%
16%
The credit ratings assigned to our securities by external ratings agencies are important to our ability to raise capital at
competitive pricing to support our business operations. We remain focused on maintaining our investment-grade credit rating.
40 CAMECO CORPORATION
Third-party ratings for our commercial paper and senior debt as of February 7, 2019:
SECURITY
Commercial paper
Senior unsecured debentures
Rating trend / rating outlook
DBRS
R-2 (high)
BBB (high)
S&P
A-2
BBB
Negative
Negative
The rating trend/outlook represents the rating agency’s assessment of the likelihood and direction that the rating could change
in the future.
The rating agencies may revise or withdraw these ratings if they believe circumstances warrant. A change in our credit ratings
could affect our cost of funding and our access to capital through the capital markets.
Liquidity
($ MILLIONS)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash from operations
Investment activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment and acquisitions
Other investing activities
Financing activities
Interest paid
Dividends
Exchange rate on changes on foreign currency cash balances
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at end of year
CASH FROM OPERATIONS
2018
592
668
(55)
34
(73)
(71)
8
1,103
2017
320
596
(114)
21
(69)
(158)
(4)
592
Cash from operations was 12% higher than in 2017 due largely to an increase in cash provided by working capital. This was a
result of a larger decrease in inventory compared to in 2017. Working capital provided $89 million more in 2018. In addition,
while we had lower gross profits in our operating segments, income taxes paid decreased and cost reduction measures
resulted in a lower use of cash. Not including working capital requirements, our operating cash flows in the year were down
$25 million. See note 23 to the financial statements.
Cash from operations for 2018 was lower than our previous outlook of between 20% and 30% higher than 2017 as a result of
the timing of working capital receipts at the end of the year.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash used in investing includes acquisitions and capital spending.
Capital spending
We classify capital spending as sustaining, capacity replacement or growth. As a mining company, sustaining capital is the
money we spend to keep our facilities running in their present state, which would follow a gradually decreasing production
curve, while capacity replacement capital is spent to maintain current production levels at those operations. Growth capital is
money we invest to generate incremental production, and for business development.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 41
CAMECO’S SHARE ($ MILLIONS)
Sustaining capital
McArthur River/Key Lake
Cigar Lake
US ISR
Fuel services
Other
Total sustaining capital
Capacity replacement capital
McArthur River/Key Lake
Cigar Lake
Total capacity replacement capital
Total uranium & fuel services
1 Capital spending outlook was updated to $80 million (from $90 million) in our second quarter MD&A.
2018 PLAN1
2018 ACTUAL
2019 PLAN
5
10
-
30
-
45
-
35
35
80
1
9
1
11
1
23
2
30
32
55
5
15
-
30
-
50
-
45
45
95
Total capital expenditures for 2018 were lower than our outlook of $80 million (updated in the second quarter) as a result of the
timing of expenditures on the Vision in Motion project at fuel services.
Outlook for investing activities
CAMECO’S SHARE ($ MILLIONS)
Total uranium & fuel services
Sustaining capital
Capacity replacement capital
Growth capital
2020 PLAN
2021 PLAN
75-125
45-70
30-55
-
75-125
45-70
30-55
-
We expect total 2019 capital expenditures for uranium and fuel services to be about 73% higher than in 2018 mainly due to the
Vision in Motion project at fuel services. Capital expenditures for JV Inkai are expected to be covered by JV Inkai cash flows in
2019, and are included in our overall equity investment.
Major sustaining and capacity replacement expenditures in 2019 include:
• Fuel services – ramp up of work on our Vision in Motion project
• Cigar Lake – underground development and necessary ground freezing infrastructure to meet production targets
Our estimate for capital spending in 2019 has been reduced to $95 million and between $75 million and $125 million in 2020
(previously both were between $100 million and $150 million) due to the suspension of production at McArthur River/Key Lake
for an indeterminate duration. Our 2019, 2020 and 2021 capital spending estimates assume that market conditions remain
such that McArthur River and Key Lake remain in a state of ongoing care and maintenance.
This information regarding currently expected capital expenditures for future periods is forward-looking information, and is
based upon the assumptions and subject to the material risks discussed on pages 2 and 3. Our actual capital expenditures for
future periods may be significantly different.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash from financing includes borrowing and repaying debt, and other financial transactions including paying dividends and
providing financial assurance.
42 CAMECO CORPORATION
Long-term contractual obligations
DECEMBER 31 ($ MILLIONS)
Long-term debt
Interest on long-term debt
Provision for reclamation
Provision for waste disposal
Other liabilities
Capital commitments
Total
2019
500
69
51
1
1
16
638
2020 AND
2022 AND
2021
-
82
93
3
2
-
2023
400
67
72
4
2
-
2024 AND
BEYOND
600
118
941
2
63
-
TOTAL
1,500
336
1,157
10
68
16
180
545
1,724
3,087
We have contractual capital commitments of approximately $16 million at December 31, 2018. Certain of the contractual
commitments may contain cancellation clauses; however, we disclose the commitments based on management’s intent to fulfil
the contracts.
We have unsecured lines of credit of about $2.9 billion, which include the following:
• A $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that matures November 1, 2022. Each year on the anniversary date, and
upon mutual agreement, the facility can be extended for an additional year. In addition to borrowing directly from this facility,
we can use up to $100 million of it to issue letters of credit. We may increase the revolving credit facility above $1.25 billion,
by increments of no less than $50 million, up to a total of $1.75 billion. The facility ranks equally with all of our other senior
debt. At December 31, 2018, there were no amounts outstanding under this facility.
• At December 31, 2018, we had approximately $1.6 billion outstanding in financial assurances provided by various financial
institutions. We use these facilities mainly to provide financial assurance for future decommissioning and reclamation of our
operating sites, for our obligations relating to the CRA dispute, and as overdraft protection.
In total we have $1.5 billion in senior unsecured debentures outstanding:
• $500 million bearing interest at 5.67% per year, maturing on September 2, 2019
• $400 million bearing interest at 3.75% per year, maturing on November 14, 2022
• $500 million bearing interest at 4.19% per year, maturing on June 24, 2024
• $100 million bearing interest at 5.09% per year, maturing on November 14, 2042
Debt covenants
Our revolving credit facility includes the following financial covenants:
• our funded debt to tangible net worth ratio must be 1:1 or less
• other customary covenants and events of default
Funded debt is total consolidated debt less non-recourse debt, $100 million in letters of credit, cash and short-term
investments.
Not complying with any of these covenants could result in accelerated payment and termination of our revolving credit facility.
At December 31, 2018, we complied with all covenants, and we expect to continue to comply in 2019.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 43
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We had two kinds of off-balance sheet arrangements at the end of 2018:
• purchase commitments
• financial assurances
Purchase commitments
We make purchases under long-term contracts where it is beneficial for us to do so and in order to support our long-term
contract portfolio. The following table is based on our purchase commitments in our uranium and fuel services segments, as
well as commitments previously contracted by NUKEM, at December 31, 20182 but does not include purchases of our share of
Inkai production. These commitments include a mix of fixed-price and market-related contracts. Actual payments will be
different as a result of changes to our purchase commitments and, in the case of contracts with market-related pricing, the
market prices in effect at the time of delivery. We will update this table as required in our MD&A to reflect material changes to
our purchase commitments and changes in the prices used to estimate our commitments under market-related contracts.
DECEMBER 31, 2018 ($ MILLIONS)
2019
2021
2023
2020 AND
2022 AND
2024 AND
BEYOND
TOTAL
Purchase commitments1,2
1,015
1 Denominated in US dollars and Japanese yen, converted from US dollars to Canadian dollars at the rate of 1.30 and from Japanese yen to Canadian dollars at
346
207
329
133
the rate of $0.01.
2 These amounts have been adjusted for any additional purchase commitments that we have entered into since December 31, 2018, but does not include
deliveries taken under contract since December 31, 2018.
We have commitments of $1.0 billion (Cdn) for the following:
• approximately 23 million pounds of U3O8 equivalent from 2019 to 2028
• approximately 1 million kgU as UF6 in conversion services in 2019
• about 0.2 million Separative Work Units (SWU) of enrichment services to meet existing forward sales commitments under
agreements with a non-Western supplier
The suppliers do not have the right to terminate agreements other than pursuant to customary events of default provisions.
Financial assurances
Standby letters of credit and surety bonds provide financial assurance for the decommissioning and reclamation of our mining
and conversion facilities as well as for our obligations relating to the CRA dispute. We are required to provide letters of credit
to various regulatory agencies until decommissioning and reclamation activities are complete. We are also providing letters of
credit until the CRA dispute is resolved. Letters of credit are issued by financial institutions for a one-year term. At December
31, 2018 our financial assurances totaled $1.6 billion, up from $1.5 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase in 2018 was
mainly due to obligations relating to the CRA dispute for which financial assurances were secured in the first quarter.
44 CAMECO CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 2018
($ MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Inventory
Total assets
Long-term financial liabilities
Dividends per common share
2018
468
8,019
2,102
0.08
2017
950
7,779
2,448
0.40
CHANGE
2016
2017 TO 2018
1,288
8,249
2,459
0.40
(51)%
3%
(14)%
(80)%
Total product inventories decreased by 51% to $468 million this year due to sales being higher than the quantities produced
and purchased during the year. Also contributing to the decrease was the 5.4 million pounds of uranium concentrates provided
to Orano, which is repayable in kind no later than December 31, 2023. In 2018, total volume of product inventories for the
uranium segment decreased by 71% while the average cost of inventory increased by 8%. The average cost increased due to
a reduction in low cost produced material as a result of the suspension of McArthur River and Key Lake and the change in
accounting for JV Inkai, such that our share of production is now included in inventory at a discount to market prices. As a
result, purchases which have a higher cost than produced material, now make up a higher proportion of our uranium supply. At
December 31, 2018, our average cost for uranium was $33.05 per pound, up from $30.72 per pound at December 31, 2017.
As of December 31, 2018, we held an inventory of 7.7 million pounds of U3O8 equivalent in our uranium segment (excluding
broken ore).
At the end of 2018, our total assets amounted to $8 billion, an increase of $0.2 billion compared to 2017, primarily due to an
increase in cash and investment balances. In 2017, the total asset balance decreased by $0.5 billion compared to 2016,
primarily due to a decrease in property, plant and equipment due to asset impairments.
The major components of long-term financial liabilities are long-term debt, the provision for reclamation, deferred sales and
financial derivatives. Our balance decreased by 14% in 2018 due to $500 million of long-term debt, which matures in
September 2019, being reclassified to current debt. The balance did not change significantly in 2017.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 45
2018 financial results by segment
Uranium
HIGHLIGHTS
Production volume (million lbs)
Sales volume (million lbs)
Average spot price
Average long-term price
Average realized price
Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)
Revenue ($ millions)
Gross profit ($ millions)
Gross profit (%)
($US/lb)
($US/lb)
($US/lb)
($Cdn/lb)
($Cdn/lb)
2018
9.2
35.1
24.59
30.38
37.01
47.96
40.33
1,684
268
16
2017
23.8
33.6
21.78
31.92
36.13
46.80
35.04
1,574
395
25
CHANGE
(61)%
4%
13%
(5)%
2%
2%
15%
7%
(32)%
(36)%
Production volumes in 2018 decreased by 61% compared to 2017 mainly due to planned lower production from McArthur
River/Key Lake as the operation moved into care and maintenance in the first quarter as well as a change in reporting for JV
Inkai. See Uranium – production overview on page 59 for more information.
Uranium revenues this year were up 7% compared to 2017 due to an increase of 2% in the Canadian dollar average realized
price and an increase in sales volumes of 4%. The average realized price increased due to increased prices under fixed price
contracts. Although the spot price for uranium averaged $24.59 (US) per pound in 2018, an increase of 13% compared to the
2017 average price of $21.78 (US) per pound, prices on the remainder of our deliveries in 2018 decreased as the proportion of
market-related contracts referencing the spot-price at the time of delivery and our spot market sales, increased relative to
2017.
Total cost of sales (including D&A) increased by 20% ($1.42 billion compared to $1.18 billion in 2017) mainly due to a 15%
increase in the unit cost of sales and an increase in sales volume of 4%. The increase in the unit cost of sales compared to
last year was mainly due to care and maintenance costs associated with the suspension of production at our McArthur
River/Key Lake and US ISR operations. The cost of our purchases have decreased from 2017.
The net effect was a $127 million decrease in gross profit for the year.
The following table shows the costs of produced and purchased uranium incurred in the reporting periods (non-IFRS
measures, see below). These costs do not include care and maintenance costs, selling costs such as royalties, transportation
and commissions, nor do they reflect the impact of opening inventories on our reported cost of sales.
($CDN/LB)
Produced
Cash cost
Non-cash cost
Total production cost 1
Quantity produced (million lbs)1
Purchased
Cash cost1
Quantity purchased (million lbs)1
Totals
Produced and purchased costs
2018
2017
CHANGE
15.31
15.90
31.21
9.2
36.01
14.0
15.11
11.67
26.78
23.8
37.19
6.1
1%
36%
17%
(61)%
(3)%
130%
34.11
28.90
18%
(22)%
Quantities produced and purchased (million lbs)
1 Due to the transition to equity accounting, our share of production will be shown as a purchase at the time of delivery. JV Inkai purchases will fluctuate during the
quarters and timing of purchases will not match production. In 2018 we purchased 2.9 million pounds at a purchase price per pound of $32.06 ($24.54 (US)).
23.2
29.9
46 CAMECO CORPORATION
The change to equity accounting for our interest in JV Inkai removes the impact of our share of Inkai’s low cash cost of
production from the mix. Those pounds now are reflected as a purchase at a discount to the spot price in this table. The
benefit of the estimated life-of-mine operating cost, between $9 and $10 per pound, is expected to be reflected in the line item
on our statement of earnings called “share of earnings from equity-accounted investee”.
The average cash cost of production was 1% higher in the year than in 2017. While McArthur River and Key Lake are shut
down, our cash cost of production is expected to reflect the estimated life-of-mine operating cost, between $15 and $16 per
pound, of mining and milling our share of Cigar Lake mineral reserves.
Although purchased pounds are transacted in US dollars, we account for the purchases in Canadian dollars. In the year, the
average cash cost of purchased material was $36.01 (Cdn), or $27.68 (US) per pound, compared to $29.23 (US) per pound in
the same period in 2017.
Cash cost per pound, non-cash cost per pound and total cost per pound for produced and purchased uranium presented in the
above table are non-IFRS measures. These measures do not have a standardized meaning or a consistent basis of
calculation under IFRS. We use these measures in our assessment of the performance of our uranium business. We believe
that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate
our performance and ability to generate cash flow.
These measures are non-standard supplemental information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
measures of performance prepared according to accounting standards. These measures are not necessarily indicative of
operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures
differently, so you may not be able to make a direct comparison to similar measures presented by other companies.
To facilitate a better understanding of these measures, the following table presents a reconciliation of these measures to our
unit cost of sales for the years ended 2018 and 2017 as reported in our financial statements.
CASH AND TOTAL COST PER POUND RECONCILIATION
($ MILLIONS)
Cost of product sold
Add / (subtract)
Royalties
Other selling costs
Care and maintenance and severance costs
Change in inventories
Cash operating costs (a)
Add / (subtract)
Depreciation and amortization
Care and maintenance costs
Change in inventories
Total operating costs (b)
Uranium produced & purchased (million lbs) (c)
Cash costs per pound (a ÷ c)
Total costs per pound (b ÷ c)
2018
1,138.9
(39.1)
(12.6)
(168.3)
(272.4)
646.5
233.0
44.2
(129.3)
794.4
23.2
27.87
34.24
2017
910.7
(66.6)
(7.5)
(38.3)
(211.8)
586.5
267.9
-
9.8
864.2
29.9
19.62
28.90
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 47
ROYALTIES
We pay royalties on the sale of all uranium extracted at our mines in the province of Saskatchewan. Two types of royalties are
paid:
• Basic royalty: calculated as 5% of gross sales of uranium, less the Saskatchewan resource credit of 0.75%.
• Profit royalty: a 10% royalty is charged on profit up to and including $22.75/kg U3O8 ($10.26/lb) and a 15% royalty is
charged on profit in excess of $22.75/kg U3O8. Profit is determined as revenue less certain operating, exploration,
reclamation and capital costs. Both exploration and capital costs are deductible at the discretion of the producer.
As a resource corporation in Saskatchewan, we also pay a corporate resource surcharge of 3% of the value of resource sales.
URANIUM SEGMENT OUTLOOK
In July 2018 we announced the extension of the suspension of production at the McArthur River/Key Lake operation for an
indeterminate duration and therefore, we expect to produce 9 million pounds in 2019. In addition, we have commitments under
contracts to purchase approximately 11 million to 12 million pounds, including our purchases from JV Inkai and the purchase
of NUKEM’s excess inventory. In addition, we will be required to purchase 7 million to 9 million pounds in the spot market to
meet our sales commitments, bringing total expected 2019 purchases to between 18 million and 21 million pounds. We
anticipate an average purchase price of $36.70/lb for both our committed and required purchases, based on the uranium price
and foreign exchange rate assumptions used in our outlook table on page 37.
Based on the contracts we have in place, and not including sales between our segments, we expect to deliver between 28
million and 30 million pounds of U3O8 in 2019. We expect the unit cost of sales to be between $41.00/lb and $43.00/lb, higher
than in 2018 primarily due to the increased cost for purchased material. The required spot market purchases and any
additional discretionary purchases we may make in 2019 are subject to market prices throughout the year. If they are at a cost
different than the assumptions noted, then we expect the overall unit cost of sales to be affected, as well as our revenue.
We expect revenue to be between $1,290 million to $1,380 million, lower than in 2018 as a result of a lower expected average
realized price and lower sales volumes.
Fuel services
(includes results for UF6, UO2 and fuel fabrication)
HIGHLIGHTS
Production volume (million kgU)
Sales volume (million kgU)
Average realized price
Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)
Revenue ($ millions)
Gross profit ($ millions)
Gross profit (%)
($Cdn/kgU)
($Cdn/kgU)
2018
10.5
11.7
26.78
21.76
314
59
19
2017
7.9
11.5
27.20
21.66
313
64
20
CHANGE
33%
2%
(2)%
-
-
(8)%
(5)%
Total revenue increased marginally from 2017. The 2% increase in sales volumes was largely offset by a 2% decrease in the
realized price.
The total cost of products and services sold (including D&A) increased by 2% compared to 2017 to $255 million, due to a 2%
increase in sales volumes. The average unit cost of sales was only slightly higher than 2017.
The net effect was a $5 million decrease in gross profit.
FUEL SERVICES OUTLOOK
In 2019, we plan to produce 12 million to 13 million kgU, and we expect sales volumes, not including intersegment sales, to be
11 million to 12 million kgU. Overall revenue is expected to be between $280 million and $310 million, lower than 2018 due to
a lower anticipated average realized price. We expect the average unit cost of sales (including D&A) to decrease to between
$20.20/kgU and $21.20/kgU.
48 CAMECO CORPORATION
Fourth quarter financial results
Consolidated results
HIGHLIGHTS
($ MILLIONS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED)
Revenue
Gross profit
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders
$ per common share (basic)
$ per common share (diluted)
Adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS, see page 27)
$ per common share (adjusted and diluted)
Cash provided by operations (after working capital changes)
NET EARNINGS
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
2018
831
207
160
0.40
0.40
202
0.51
57
2017
809
237
(62)
(0.16)
(0.16)
181
0.46
320
CHANGE
3%
(13)%
>100%
>100%
>100%
12%
11%
(82)%
The following table shows what contributed to the change in net earnings and adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS measure,
see page 8) in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017.
($ MILLIONS)
Net earnings (losses) - 2017
Change in gross profit by segment
IFRS
ADJUSTED
(62)
181
(we calculate gross profit by deducting from revenue the cost of products and services sold, and depreciation and amortization (D&A), net of hedging benefits)
Uranium
Lower sales volume
Higher realized prices ($US)
Foreign exchange impact on realized prices
Higher costs
change – uranium
Fuel services
Higher sales volume
Higher realized prices ($Cdn)
Higher costs
change – fuel services
Other changes
Lower administration expenditures
Lower impairment charges
Lower exploration expenditures
Change in reclamation provisions
Higher loss on disposal of assets
Change in gains or losses on derivatives
Change in foreign exchange gains or losses
Change in earnings from equity-accounted investments
Gain on sale of interest in Wheeler River Joint Venture in 2018
Change in income tax recovery or expense
Other
Net earnings - 2018
-
17
21
(75)
(37)
2
2
(1)
3
3
247
2
5
(1)
(51)
3
26
17
(13)
18
160
-
17
21
(75)
(37)
2
2
(1)
3
3
-
2
-
(1)
(2)
3
26
17
(11)
18
202
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 49
ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS
We use adjusted net earnings, a non-IFRS measure, as a more meaningful way to compare our financial performance from
period to period. See page 27 for more information. The following table reconciles adjusted net earnings with our net earnings.
($ MILLIONS)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders
Adjustments
Adjustments on derivatives
Impairment charges
Reclamation provision adjustments
Income taxes on adjustments
Adjusted net earnings
ADMINISTRATION
($ MILLIONS)
Direct administration
Stock-based compensation
Total administration
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
2018
160
47
-
10
(15)
202
2017
(62)
(2)
247
15
(17)
181
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
2018
33
3
36
2017
CHANGE
36
3
39
(8)%
-
(8)%
Direct administration costs were $33 million in the quarter, $3 million lower than the same period last year due to cost
reduction actions which further reduced administration costs in 2018. Stock-based compensation expenses were unchanged
from the fourth quarter of 2017. See note 24 to the financial statements.
Quarterly trends
HIGHLIGHTS
($ MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Revenue
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders
$ per common share (basic)
$ per common share (diluted)
Adjusted net earnings (loss) (non-IFRS, see page 27)
Q4
831
160
0.40
0.40
202
Q3
488
28
Q2
333
(76)
2018
Q1
439
Q4
809
Q3
486
55
(62)
(124)
Q2
470
(2)
2017
Q1
393
(18)
0.07
(0.19)
0.14
(0.16)
(0.31)
(0.00)
(0.05)
0.07
(0.19)
0.14
(0.16)
(0.31)
(0.00)
(0.05)
15
(28)
23
181
(50)
(44)
(29)
$ per common share (adjusted and diluted)
0.51
0.04
(0.07)
0.06
0.46
(0.13)
(0.11)
(0.07)
Cash provided by (used in) operations (after working
capital changes)
57
278
57
275
320
154
130
(8)
Key things to note:
• Our financial results are strongly influenced by the performance of our uranium segment, which accounted for 81% of
consolidated revenues in the fourth quarter of 2018 and 78% of consolidated revenues in the fourth quarter of 2017.
• The timing of customer requirements, which tends to vary from quarter to quarter, drives revenue in the uranium and fuel
services segments.
• Net earnings do not trend directly with revenue due to unusual items and transactions that occur from time to time. We use
adjusted net earnings, a non-IFRS measure, as a more meaningful way to compare our results from period to period (see
page 27 for more information).
• Cash from operations tends to fluctuate as a result of the timing of deliveries and product purchases in our uranium and fuel
services segments.
• Quarterly results are not necessarily a good indication of annual results due to the variability in customer requirements
noted above.
50 CAMECO CORPORATION
The table that follows presents the differences between net earnings and adjusted net earnings for the previous seven
quarters.
HIGHLIGHTS
($ MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders
Adjustments
Adjustments on derivatives
Impairment charges
Reclamation provision adjustments
Gain on restructuring of JV Inkai
Income taxes on adjustments
Q4
160
47
-
10
-
(15)
Q3
28
(24)
-
5
-
6
Adjusted net earnings (losses) (non-IFRS, see
page 27)
202
15
Q2
(76)
20
-
44
-
(16)
(28)
2018
Q1
Q4
Q3
55
(62)
(124)
Q2
(2)
2017
Q1
(18)
22
-
1
(49)
(6)
(2)
247
15
-
(17)
(40)
111
(9)
-
12
(44)
(22)
-
(12)
-
14
-
6
-
5
23
181
(50)
(44)
(29)
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 51
Fourth quarter financial results by segment
Uranium
HIGHLIGHTS
Production volume (million lbs)
Sales volume (million lbs)
Average spot price
Average long-term price
Average realized price
Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)
Revenue ($ millions)
Gross profit ($ millions)
Gross profit (%)
($US/lb)
($US/lb)
($US/lb)
($Cdn/lb)
($Cdn/lb)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
2018
2.4
12.6
28.27
31.50
40.50
53.11
38.89
670
179
27
2017
6.9
12.6
22.32
30.67
39.44
50.04
32.91
631
216
34
CHANGE
(65)%
-
27%
3%
3%
6%
18%
6%
(17)%
(21)%
Production volumes this quarter were 65% lower compared to the fourth quarter of 2017, mainly due to a lack of production
from the suspended McArthur River/Key Lake operations and a change in reporting for JV Inkai. See Uranium – production
overview on page 59 for more information.
Uranium revenues were up 6% due to a 6% increase in the Canadian dollar average realized price. The US dollar average
realized price increased by 3% compared to 2017. The average realized price increased due to increased prices under fixed
price contracts. This was partially offset by a decrease in prices for the remainder of our deliveries in the fourth quarter as the
proportion of market-related contracts referencing the spot-price at the time of delivery and our spot market sales, increased
relative to 2017. In addition, the Canadian dollar was weaker compared to the same period last year, $1.00 (US) for $1.31
(Cdn) compared to $1.00 (US) for $1.27 (Cdn) in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Total cost of sales (including D&A) increased by 18% ($490 million compared to $415 million in 2017). This was the result of
an 18% increase in the average unit cost of sales as sales volumes remained constant. The increase in the average unit cost
of sales compared to last year was due mainly to increased costs associated with the suspension of production at our
McArthur River/Key Lake operations. The cost of our purchases also increased from the fourth quarter of 2017.
The net effect was a $37 million decrease in gross profit for the quarter.
The following table shows the costs of produced and purchased uranium incurred in the reporting periods (which are non-IFRS
measures, see the paragraphs below the table). These costs do not include care and maintenance costs, selling costs such as
royalties, transportation and commissions, nor do they reflect the impact of opening inventories on our reported cost of sales.
52 CAMECO CORPORATION
($CDN/LB)
Produced
Cash cost
Non-cash cost
Total production cost 1
Quantity produced (million lbs)1
Purchased
Cash cost1
Quantity purchased (million lbs)1
Totals
Produced and purchased costs
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
2018
2017
CHANGE
14.91
15.07
29.98
2.4
38.13
7.3
13.28
12.08
25.36
6.9
34.74
3.1
12%
25%
18%
(65)%
10%
135%
36.11
28.27
28%
(3)%
Quantities produced and purchased (million lbs)
1 Due to the transition to equity accounting, our share of production will be shown as a purchase at the time of delivery. JV Inkai purchases will fluctuate during the
10.0
9.7
quarters and timing of purchases will not match production. During the quarter, we purchased 1.5 million pounds at a purchase price per pound of $35.62
($27.09 (US)).
The change to equity accounting for our interest in JV Inkai removes the impact of our share of Inkai’s low cash cost of
production from the mix. Those pounds now are reflected as a purchase at a discount to the spot price in this table. The
benefit of the estimated life-of-mine operating cost, between $9 and $10 per pound, is expected to be reflected in the line item
on our statement of earnings called “share of earnings from equity-accounted investee”.
The average cash cost of production was 12% higher for the quarter than in the comparable period in 2017. While McArthur
River and Key Lake are shut down, our cash cost of production is expected to reflect the estimated life-of-mine operating cost,
between $15 and $16 per pound, of mining and milling our share of Cigar Lake mineral reserves.
Although purchased pounds are transacted in US dollars, we account for the purchases in Canadian dollars. In the fourth
quarter, the average cash cost of purchased material was $38.13 (Cdn) per pound, or $29.08 (US) per pound in US dollar
terms, compared to $28.41 (US) per pound in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Cash cost per pound, non-cash cost per pound and total cost per pound for produced and purchased uranium presented in the
above table are non-IFRS measures. These measures do not have a standardized meaning or a consistent basis of
calculation under IFRS. We use these measures in our assessment of the performance of our uranium business. We believe
that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate
our performance and ability to generate cash flow.
These measures are non-standard supplemental information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
measures of performance prepared according to accounting standards. These measures are not necessarily indicative of
operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures
differently, so you may not be able to make a direct comparison to similar measures presented by other companies.
To facilitate a better understanding of these measures, the following table presents a reconciliation of these measures to our
unit cost of sales for the fourth quarters of 2018 and 2017.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 53
CASH AND TOTAL COST PER POUND RECONCILIATION
($ MILLIONS)
Cost of product sold
Add / (subtract)
Royalties
Other selling costs
Care and maintenance and severance costs
Change in inventories
Cash operating costs (a)
Add / (subtract)
Depreciation and amortization
Care and maintenance costs
Change in inventories
Total operating costs (b)
Uranium produced & purchased (million lbs) (c)
Cash costs per pound (a ÷ c)
Total costs per pound (b ÷ c)
Fuel services
(includes results for UF6, UO2 and fuel fabrication)
HIGHLIGHTS
Production volume (million kgU)
Sales volume (million kgU)
Average realized price
Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)
Revenue ($ millions)
Gross profit ($ millions)
Gross profit (%)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
2018
409.2
(2.6)
(4.0)
(38.6)
(48.4)
315.6
67.7
13.4
(43.4)
353.3
9.7
32.54
36.42
2017
319.2
(20.4)
(1.8)
(9.5)
(88.2)
199.3
95.8
-
(12.4)
282.7
10.0
19.93
28.27
($Cdn/kgU)
($Cdn/kgU)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
2018
3.5
5.1
23.56
18.72
120
25
21
2017
2.5
4.6
23.13
18.43
107
22
21
CHANGE
40%
11%
2%
2%
12%
14%
-
Total revenue increased by 12% due to an 11% increase in sales volumes and a 2% increase in average realized price. The
increase in average realized price was due to the mix of products sold, as well as an increase in the average realized price for
UF6 and UO2.
Total cost of sales (including D&A) increased by 13% to $96 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 due to an 11%
increase in sales volumes and an increase of 2% in the average unit cost of sales, primarily as a result of higher prices for
UF6.
The net effect was a $3 million increase in gross profit.
54 CAMECO CORPORATION
Operations and projects
This section of our MD&A is an overview of the mining properties we operate or have an interest in, our curtailed
operations and our projects, what we accomplished this year, our plans for the future and how we manage risk.
56 MANAGING THE RISKS
59 URANIUM – PRODUCTION OVERVIEW
59 ............... PRODUCTION OUTLOOK
60 URANIUM – TIER-ONE OPERATIONS
60 ............... MCARTHUR RIVER MINE / KEY LAKE MILL
64 ............... CIGAR LAKE
68 ............... INKAI
71 URANIUM – TIER-TWO CURTAILED OPERATIONS
71 ............... RABBIT LAKE
72 ............... US ISR
73 URANIUM – ADVANCED PROJECTS
73 ............... MILLENNIUM
73 ............... YEELIRRIE
73 ............... KINTYRE
74 URANIUM – EXPLORATION AND CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
75 FUEL SERVICES
75 ............... BLIND RIVER REFINERY
76 ............... PORT HOPE CONVERSION SERVICES
76 ............... CAMECO FUEL MANUFACTURING INC. (CFM)
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 55
Managing the risks
The nature of our operations means we face many potential risks and hazards that could have a significant impact on our
business. Our risk policy and process involves a broad, systematic approach to identifying, assessing, reporting and managing
the significant risks we face in our business and operations. The policy establishes clear accountabilities for enterprise risk
management. We use a common risk matrix throughout the company and consider any risk that has the potential to
significantly affect our ability to achieve our corporate objectives or strategic plan as an enterprise risk. However, there is no
assurance we will be successful in preventing the harm any of these risks and hazards could cause. We recommend you read
our most recent management proxy circular for more information about our risk oversight.
Below we list the regulatory, environmental and operational risks that generally apply to all of our operations and projects
under evaluation. We also talk about how we manage specific risks in each operation or project update. These risks could
have a material impact on our business in the near term.
We recommend you also review our annual information form, which includes a discussion of other material risks that could
have an impact on our business.
Regulatory risks
A significant part of our economic value depends on our ability to:
• obtain and renew the licences and other approvals we need to operate, to increase production at our mines and to develop
new mines. If we do not receive the regulatory approvals we need, or do not receive them at the right time, then we may
have to delay, modify or cancel a project, which could increase our costs and delay or prevent us from generating revenue
from the project. Regulatory review, including the review of environmental matters, is a long and complex process.
• comply with the conditions in these licences and approvals. Our right to continue operating facilities, increase production at
our mines and develop new mines depends on our compliance with these conditions.
• comply with the extensive and complex laws and regulations that govern our activities. Environmental legislation imposes
strict standards and controls on almost every aspect of our operations and projects, and is not only introducing new
requirements, but also becoming more stringent. For example:
• we must complete the environmental assessment process before we can begin developing a new mine or make any
significant change to our operations
• we may need regulatory approval to make changes to our operational processes, which can take a significant amount
of time because it may require an extensive review of supporting technical information. The complexity of this process
can be further compounded when regulatory approvals are required from multiple agencies.
• the federal government’s review of environmental and regulatory processes “to restore public trust” is now firmly
underway. The review includes Bill C-69, which would impact the federal environmental assessment regime as well as
the Navigation Protection Act and Bill C-68, which would change the Fisheries Act. Also under review is the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, 1996. Changes to this legislation could impact any future planned projects.
• Environment Canada has brought forward a national recovery plan for woodland caribou that has the potential to
impact economic and social development in northern Saskatchewan. Additional research work has resulted in a report
indicating the range in which our northern Saskatchewan operations are located, hosts a secure and self-sustaining
population of woodland caribou, perhaps one of the most secure boreal caribou populations in Canada. The research
should lead Environment and Climate Change Canada to revise the national recovery plan to recognize the
sustainability of the species in northern Saskatchewan; however, potential habitat protection measures could still have
an impact on our Saskatchewan operations and projects under evaluation.
We use significant management and financial resources to manage our regulatory risks.
Environmental risks
We have the safety, health and environmental risks associated with any mining and chemical processing company. Our
uranium and fuel services segments also face unique risks associated with radiation.
56 CAMECO CORPORATION
Laws to protect the environment are becoming more stringent for members of the nuclear energy industry and have inter-
jurisdictional aspects (both federal and provincial/state regimes are applicable). Once we have permanently stopped mining
and processing activities at an operating site, we are required to decommission the site to the satisfaction of the regulators.
We have developed conceptual decommissioning plans for our operating sites and use them to estimate our decommissioning
costs. Regulators review and accept our conceptual decommissioning plans on a regular basis. As the site approaches or
goes into decommissioning, regulators review the detailed decommissioning plans. This can result in further regulatory
process, as well as additional requirements, costs and financial assurances.
Currently, Cameco has submitted updates to all Saskatchewan operations’ Preliminary Decommissioning Plan (PDP) and
Preliminary Decommissioning Cost Estimate (PDCE) documents in accordance with the five year timeline specified in the
regulations. Upon acceptance of the final PDP and PDCE documents by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) staff, a formal Commission hearing in writing will be required for final approval
of the PDP and PDCE by the Commission. We have received comments on the revised PDP for McArthur River and Cigar
Lake.
At the end of 2018, our estimate of total decommissioning and reclamation costs was $1.16 billion. This is the undiscounted
value of the obligation and is based on our current operations. We had accounting provisions of $1.05 billion at the end of
2018 (the present value of the $1.16 billion). A licence is required prior to beginning decommissioning. Since we expect to
incur most of these expenditures at the end of the useful lives of the operations they relate to, and none of our assets have a
licence for decommissioning, our expected costs for decommissioning and reclamation for the next five years are not material.
We provide financial assurances for decommissioning and reclamation such as letters of credit or surety bonds to regulatory
authorities, as required. We had a total of about $1.05 billion in financial assurances supporting our reclamation liabilities at
the end of 2018. All of our North American operations have financial assurances in place in connection with our preliminary
plans for decommissioning of the sites.
Some of the sites we own or operate have been under ongoing investigation and/or remediation and planning as a result of
historic soil and groundwater conditions. For example, we are addressing issues related to historic soil and groundwater
contamination at Port Hope.
We use significant management and financial resources to manage our environmental risks.
We manage environmental risks through our safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) management system. Our chief
executive officer is responsible for ensuring that our SHEQ management system is implemented. Our board’s safety, health
and environment committee also oversees how we manage our environmental risks.
In 2018, we invested:
• $70 million in environmental protection, monitoring and assessment programs, approximately 11% more than in 2017
• $20 million in health and safety programs, or 13% less than 2017
The increase in environmental expenditures in 2018 was largely due to expenditures related to the Vision in Motion projects,
which were somewhat offset by overall cost reductions at other Cameco locations. The decrease in health and safety related
expenditures were due to overall cost reductions across Cameco operations.
Spending on environmental and health and safety programs is expected to decrease in 2019 as a result of the continued
impacts of the decisions to transition Rabbit Lake into care and maintenance and to curtail production at the US operations, as
well as the shutdown of the McArthur River and Key Lake operations for an indeterminate duration.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 57
Operational risks
Other operational risks and hazards include:
• environmental damage
• industrial and transportation accidents
• labour shortages, disputes or strikes
• cost increases for labour, contracted or purchased
materials, supplies and services
• shortages of required materials, supplies and
equipment
• transportation and delivery disruptions
• electrical power interruptions
• equipment failures
• non-compliance with laws and licences
• catastrophic accidents
• fires
• blockades or other acts of social or political activism
• natural phenomena, such as inclement weather
conditions, floods and earthquakes
• unusual, unexpected or adverse mining or geological
conditions
• underground floods
• ground movement or cave-ins
• tailings pipeline or dam failures
• technological failure of mining methods
• unanticipated consequences of our cost reduction
strategies
We have insurance to cover some of these risks and hazards, but not all of them, and not to the full amount of losses or
liabilities that could potentially arise.
58 CAMECO CORPORATION
Uranium – production overview
Production in our uranium segment in the fourth quarter was 2.4 million pounds, 65% lower compared to the same period in
2017, while production for the year was 9.2 million pounds, 61% lower than in 2017. The decrease was due to the production
suspension at McArthur River/Key Lake and a change in reporting for JV Inkai. See Uranium - operations starting on page 60
for more information.
Uranium production
CAMECO SHARE
(MILLION LBS)
McArthur River/Key Lake
Cigar Lake
Inkai1
US ISR
Total
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31
2018
-
2.4
-
-
2.4
2017
3.5
2.5
0.9
-
6.9
2018
0.1
9.0
-
0.1
9.2
2017
11.2
9.0
3.2
0.4
23.8
2018 PLAN
2019 PLAN
0.1
9.0
-
0.1
9.2
- 2
9.0
-
- 2
9.0
1 We expect total production from Inkai to be 8.3 million pounds in 2019 on a 100% basis. Due to the transition to equity accounting, our share of production will be
shown as a purchase.
2 The McArthur River/Key Lake and Rabbit Lake operations are in a safe and sustainable state of care and maintenance, and we are no longer developing new
wellfields at Crow Butte and Smith Ranch-Highland. Please see Uranium – Tier-one operations beginning on page 60 and Uranium – Tier-two curtailed
operations beginning on page 71 for more information.
Production Outlook
We remain focused on taking advantage of the long-term growth we see coming in our industry, while maintaining the ability to
respond to market conditions as they evolve. Our strategy is to focus on our tier-one assets and profitably produce at a pace
aligned with market signals in order to preserve the value of those assets and increase long-term shareholder value, and to do
that with an emphasis on safety, people and the environment.
Given today’s weak market conditions and to mitigate risk, we plan to:
• ensure we continue to operate safely
• evaluate the optimal mix of production, inventory and purchases in order to retain the flexibility to deliver long-term value
• focus on cost management, productivity improvements, and supply discipline
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 59
Uranium – Tier-one operations
McArthur River mine / Key Lake mill
2018 Production (our share)
0.1M lbs
2019 Production Outlook (our share)
0.0M lbs
Estimated Reserves (our share)
273.6M lbs
Estimated Mine Life1
22 years
1Estimated mine life assumes production of 18 million pounds per year after restart.
McArthur River is the world’s largest, high-grade uranium mine, and Key Lake is the world’s largest uranium mill.
Ore grades at the McArthur River mine are 100 times the world average, which means it can produce more than 18 million
pounds per year by mining only 300 to 400 tonnes of ore per day. We are the operator of both the mine and mill.
In 2018, a decision was made to suspend production at the mine and mill for an indeterminate duration.
McArthur River is considered a material uranium property for us.
Location
Ownership
Mine type
Mining methods
End product
Certification
Estimated reserves
Estimated resources
Licensed capacity
Licence term
Saskatchewan, Canada
McArthur River – 69.805%
Key Lake – 83.33%
Underground
Primary: blasthole stoping
Secondary: raiseboring
Uranium concentrate
ISO 14001 certified
273.6 million pounds (proven and probable), average grade U3O8: 6.91%
5.4 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 2.65%
2.8 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 2.25%
Mine and mill: 25.0 million pounds per year
Through October, 2023
Total packaged production:
2000 to 2018 325.4 million pounds (McArthur River/Key Lake) (100% basis)
1983 to 2002 209.8 million pounds (Key Lake) (100% basis)
2018 production
0.1 million pounds (0.2 million pounds on 100% basis)
2019 production outlook
0.0 million pounds (0.0 million pounds on 100% basis)
Estimated decommissioning cost1
$38 million – McArthur River (100% basis)
$222 million – Key Lake (100% basis)
All values shown, including reserves and resources, represent our share only, unless indicated.
1 These updated estimates are currently under regulatory review.
60 CAMECO CORPORATION
BACKGROUND
Mine description
McArthur River currently has six zones with delineated mineral reserves and resources (zones 1 to 4, zones A and B) and one
additional area with delineated mineral resources (McArthur north). Active mining was occurring from zone 2 and zone 4 prior
to care and maintenance.
Zone 2 has been actively mined since production began in 1999. The ore zone was initially divided into freeze panels and as
the freeze wall was expanded, the inner connecting freeze walls were decommissioned in order to recover the inaccessible
uranium around the active freeze pipes.
Zone 4 has been actively mined since 2010. The zone is divided into three mining areas: north, central, and south. Prior to the
production suspension, active mining was occurring in the central and north areas and mine development was in progress in
the south. Similar to zone 2, the ore zone was divided into freeze panels and the inner connecting freeze walls are
decommissioned as new panels are brought on line in order to maximize ore recovery.
Zone 1 is the next planned mine area to be brought into production. Freeze hole drilling was suspended in 2018 as part of the
production suspension and will resume following the mine start-up. Work remaining before production can begin includes
completion of the freeze drilling, brine distribution construction, ground freezing and drill and extraction chamber development.
We have successfully extracted over 325 million pounds (100% basis) since we began mining in 1999.
Mining methods and techniques
We use a number of innovative methods to mine the McArthur River deposit:
Ground freezing
The sandstone that overlays the deposit and metasedimentary basement rocks is water-bearing and permeable, which results
in significant water pressure at mining depths. In order to isolate the high-pressure water, ground freezing is used to form an
impermeable wall around the area being mined. This prevents water from entering the mine, and helps stabilize weak rock
formations.
Blasthole stoping
Our use of blasthole stoping began in 2011 and has expanded; the majority of ore extraction is now carried out with blasthole
stoping. The use of this method has allowed the site to improve operating costs by significantly reducing waste rock handling,
backfill dilution, and backfill placement. This mining method has been used extensively in the mining industry, including
uranium mining. It involves:
• establishing drill access above the ore and extraction access below the ore
• setting up a raisebore drill in the drill chamber, drilling a pilot hole down to the extraction chamber, attaching a 3-metre wide
reaming head to the drill string, and pulling it back up through the ore zone
• expanding the circumference of the raise by drilling longholes around the raisebore hole and blasting the ore
• funneling the blasted material into the raisebore hole and dropping it to the extraction level below
• collecting the broken rock by line-of-sight remote-controlled scoop trams, and transporting it to the underground grinding
circuit
• once the stope is mined out, backfilling it with concrete to maintain ground stability and allowing the next stope and/or raise
to be mined
Raisebore mining
Raisebore mining is an innovative non-entry approach that we adapted to meet the unique challenges at McArthur River, and it
has been used since mining began in 1999. It involves:
• establishing a drill chamber above the ore and an extraction chamber below the ore
• setting up a raisebore drill in the drill chamber, drilling a pilot hole down to the extraction chamber, attaching a 3-metre wide
reaming head to the drill string, and pulling it back up through the ore zone
• collecting the high-grade broken ore at the bottom of the raises using line-of-sight remote-controlled scoop trams, and
transporting it to an underground grinding circuit
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 61
• filling each raisebore hole with concrete
• when a series of overlapping raisebore holes in a chamber is complete, removing the equipment and filling the entire
chamber with concrete
• starting the process again in an adjacent raisebore chamber
Boxhole mining was tested and approved for use at McArthur River. It is a higher-cost mining method that is not currently
being used.
Initial processing
We carry out initial processing of the extracted ore at McArthur River:
• the underground circuit grinds the ore and mixes it with water to form a slurry
• the slurry is pumped 680 metres to the surface and stored in one of four ore slurry holding tanks
• it is blended and thickened, removing excess water
• the final slurry, at an average grade of 12% - 20% U3O8, is pumped into transport truck containers and shipped to Key Lake
mill on an 80 kilometre all-weather road
Water from this process, including water from underground operations, is treated on the surface. Any excess treated water is
released into the environment.
Tailings capacity
We expect to have sufficient tailings capacity at Key Lake to mill all the known McArthur River mineral reserves and resources,
should they be converted to reserves, with additional capacity to toll mill ore from other regional deposits.
Licensed annual production capacity
The McArthur River mine and Key Lake mill are both licensed to produce up to 25 million pounds (100% basis) per year.
2018 UPDATE
Production
This year, beginning in February, we had a planned production suspension. In response to market conditions, we decided to
extend the suspension for an indeterminate duration. The action resulted in the permanent layoff of approximately 520 site
employees. A reduced workforce of approximately 200 employees remain at the McArthur River and Key Lake sites to keep
the facilities in a state of safe care and maintenance. We incurred approximately $29 million in severance costs as a result of
the permanent layoffs. Production from McArthur River/Key Lake for the year was 0.2 million pounds (100% basis); our share
was 0.1 million pounds compared to 11.2 million pounds in 2017 due to the production suspension in 2018.
New mining areas
We must bring on new mining zones to sustain production. Prior to the production shutdown, two new areas were under active
development. Zone 1 was in the freeze drilling stage (90% complete) and zone 4 South was in the initial freeze drift
development stage.
In 2018, all development and construction activities for the new mining zones were halted as part of the production
suspension.
Exploration
In 2018, all underground infill definition drilling was halted as part of the production suspension.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Production
Due to continued uranium price weakness, we have suspended production for an indeterminate duration. As a result of the
suspension, and the time required to restart the mine and mill, we do not expect the operation to produce any uranium in 2019.
Our share of the cash and non-cash costs to maintain both operations during the suspension is expected to range between $7
million and $9 million per month.
62 CAMECO CORPORATION
Expansion potential
Once the market signals that new supply is needed and a decision is made to restart production, we will undertake the work
necessary to optimize the capacity of both the McArthur River mine and Key Lake mill. The annual licensed capacity is 25
million pounds per year (100% basis). We expect that this paced approach will allow us to extract maximum value from the
operation as the market transitions.
MANAGING OUR RISKS
Production at McArthur River/Key Lake poses many challenges. These challenges include control of groundwater, weak rock
formations, radiation protection, water inflow, mine area transitioning, regulatory approvals, surface and underground fires and
other mining related challenges. Operational experience gained since the start of production has resulted in a significant
reduction in risk.
Operational changes
The operational changes we have made, including the suspension of production in 2018 for an indeterminate duration, and the
associated workforce reduction, carry with them risks of delay in restarting operations and subsequent production disruption.
Labour relations
The collective agreement with the United Steelworkers local 8914 expired in December 2017, and the collective bargaining
process has begun. There is a risk to the restart of operations after the production suspension if we are unable to reach
agreement and there is a labour dispute.
Transition to new mining areas
In order to successfully achieve the planned production schedule after the restart of operations, we must continue to
successfully transition into new mining areas, which includes mine development and investment in critical support
infrastructure.
Water inflow risk
Water inflows pose a significant risk to mine production. In 2003, a water inflow resulted in a three-month suspension of
production. We also had a small water inflow in 2008 that did not impact production, but did cause significant development
delays.
The consequences of another water inflow at McArthur River would depend on its magnitude, location and timing, but could
include a significant interruption or reduction in production, a material increase in costs or a loss of mineral reserves.
We take the following steps to reduce the risk of inflows, but there is no guarantee that these will be successful:
• Ground freezing: Before mining, we drill freezeholes and freeze the ground to form an impermeable freeze wall around the
area being mined. Ground freezing reduces but does not eliminate the risk of water inflows.
• Mine development: We plan for our mine development to take place away from known groundwater sources whenever
possible. In addition, we assess all planned mine development for relative risk and apply extensive additional technical and
operating controls for all higher risk development.
• Pumping capacity and treatment limits: Our standard for this project is to secure pumping capacity of at least one and a half
times the estimated maximum sustained inflow. We review our dewatering system and requirements at least once a year
and before beginning work on any new zone.
We believe we have sufficient pumping, water treatment and surface storage capacity to handle the estimated maximum
sustained inflow.
We also manage the risks listed on pages 56 to 58.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 63
Uranium – Tier-one operations
Cigar Lake
2018 Production (our share)
9.0M lbs
2019 Production Outlook (our share)
9.0M lbs
Estimated Reserves (our share)
88.3M lbs
Estimated Mine Life
2029
Cigar Lake is the world’s highest grade uranium mine, with grades that are 100 times the world average. We are a 50% owner
and the mine operator. Cigar Lake uranium is milled at Orano’s (previously AREVA) McClean Lake mill.
Cigar Lake is considered a material uranium property for us.
Location
Ownership
Mine type
Mining method
End product
Certification
Estimated reserves
Estimated resources
Licensed capacity
Licence term
Saskatchewan, Canada
50.025%
Underground
Jet boring system
Uranium concentrate
ISO 14001 certified
88.3 million pounds (proven and probable), average grade U3O8: 14.48%
51.0 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 14.41%
11.8 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 5.97%
18.0 million pounds per year (our share 9.0 million pounds per year)
Through June, 2021
Total packaged production: 2014 to 2018
64.9 million pounds (100% basis)
2018 production
9.0 million pounds (18.0 million pounds on 100% basis)
2019 production outlook
9.0 million pounds (18.0 million pounds on 100% basis)
Estimated decommissioning cost1
All values shown, including reserves and resources, represent our share only, unless indicated.
1 This updated estimate is currently under regulatory
$62 million (100% basis)
BACKGROUND
Development
We began developing the Cigar Lake underground mine in 2005, but development was delayed due to water inflows in 2006
and 2008. The underground workings were successfully remediated and secured in 2011 and, in October 2014 the McClean
Lake mill produced the first uranium concentrate from ore mined at the Cigar Lake operation. Commercial production was
declared in May 2015.
64 CAMECO CORPORATION
Mine description
Cigar Lake’s geological setting is similar to McArthur River’s: the permeable sandstone, which overlays the deposit and
basement rocks, contains large volumes of water at significant pressure. However, unlike McArthur River, the Cigar Lake
deposit has the shape of a flat- to cigar-shaped lens. As a result of these challenging geological conditions, we are unable to
utilize traditional mining methods that require access above the ore, necessitating the development of a non-entry mining
method specifically adapted for this deposit: the Jet Boring system (JBS).
We continue development below the mineralization and we are currently mining in the eastern part of the ore body.
Mining method
Bulk ground freezing
The sandstone that overlays the deposit and basement rocks is water-bearing, and to prevent water from entering the mine,
help stabilize weak rock formations, and meet our production schedule, we freeze the ground from surface. The ore zone and
surrounding ground in the area to be mined must meet specific ground freezing requirements before we begin jet boring.
Jet boring system (JBS) mining
After many years of test mining, we selected jet boring, a non-entry mining method, which we have developed and adapted
specifically for this deposit. This method involves:
• drilling a pilot hole into the frozen orebody, inserting a high pressure water jet and cutting a cavity out of the frozen ore
• collecting the ore and water mixture (slurry) from the cavity and pumping it to storage (sump storage), allowing it to settle
• using a clamshell, transporting the ore from sump storage to an underground grinding and processing circuit
• once mining is complete, filling each cavity in the orebody with concrete
• starting the process again with the next cavity
We have divided the orebody into production panels and at least three production panels need to be frozen at one time to
achieve the full annual production rate of 18 million pounds. One JBS machine will be located below each frozen panel and the
three JBS machines required are currently in operation. Two machines actively mine at any given time while the third is
moving, setting up, or undergoing maintenance.
Initial processing
We carry out initial processing of the extracted ore at Cigar Lake:
• the underground circuit grinds the ore and mixes it with water to form a slurry
• the slurry is pumped 500 metres to the surface and stored in one of two ore slurry holding tanks
• it is blended and thickened, removing excess water
• the final slurry, at an average grade of approximately 14% U3O8, is pumped into transport truck containers and shipped to
McClean Lake mill on a 69 kilometre all-weather road
Water from this process, including water from underground operations, is treated on the surface. Any excess treated water is
released into the environment.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 65
Milling
All of Cigar Lake’s ore slurry is being processed at the McClean Lake mill, operated by Orano. Given the McClean Lake mill’s
capacity, it is able to:
• operate at Cigar Lake’s targeted annual production level of 18.0 million pounds U3O8
• process and package all of Cigar Lake’s current mineral reserves
Licensing annual production capacity
The Cigar Lake mine is licensed to produce up to 18 million pounds (100% basis) per year. Orano’s McClean Lake mill is
licensed to produce 24 million pounds annually.
2018 UPDATE
Production
Total packaged production from Cigar Lake was 18.0 million pounds U3O8; our share was 9.0 million pounds, achieving our
forecast.
During the year, we:
• advanced the freeze plant expansion project, achieving substantial completion of construction and commencement of the
commissioning phase
• implemented an extended summer shutdown, during which maintenance activities were completed as well as a capital
upgrade to process pumps underground
• refurbished a JBS unit and brought two new production tunnels online
• extended our surface brine distribution infrastructure and expanded our ground freezing program ensuring continued frozen
ore inventory growth in alignment with our long-term production plans
Underground development
In alignment with our production plans, limited underground mine development was undertaken in 2018. Mine development
required to sustain long-term production will re-commence in 2019.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Production
In 2019, we expect to produce 18 million packaged pounds at Cigar Lake; our share is 9.0 million pounds.
In alignment with our continued efforts to reduce costs, our 2019 production plan for the Cigar Lake mine includes an extended
shutdown during the third quarter, which is expected to result in reduced flight and camp costs. The shut-down will consist of a
four-week vacation period, preceded by a two-week maintenance period with mine start-up planned before the end of the third
quarter.
In 2019, we expect to:
• continue surface freeze drilling and complete construction and commissioning of the freeze plant infrastructure expansion in
support of future production
• resume underground mine development and complete two new production tunnels as well as expand ventilation and
access drifts in alignment with the long-term mine plan
MANAGING OUR RISKS
Cigar Lake is a challenging deposit to develop and mine. These challenges include control of groundwater, weak rock
formations, radiation protection, chemical ore characteristics, performance of the water treatment system, water inflow,
regulatory approvals, surface and underground fires and other mining-related challenges. To reduce this risk, we are applying
our operational experience and the lessons we have learned about water inflows at McArthur River and Cigar Lake.
Operational changes
The operational changes we have made, including the extended summer shutdown, the workforce reduction, changes to the
shift rotation schedule, and changes to the commuter flight services at the site, which are intended to achieve cost savings and
improve efficiency, carry with them increased risk of production disruption.
66 CAMECO CORPORATION
Labour relations
The collective agreement between Orano and unionized employees at the McClean Lake mill expires on May 31, 2019. There
is a risk to the production plan if Orano is unable to reach an agreement and there is a labour dispute.
Transition to new mining areas
In order to successfully achieve the planned production schedule, we must continue to successfully transition into new mining
areas, which includes mine development and investment in critical support infrastructure.
Ground freezing
To manage our risks and meet our production schedule, the areas being mined must meet specific ground freezing
requirements before we begin jet boring. We have identified greater variation of the freeze rates of different geological
formations encountered in the mine, based on information obtained through surface freeze drilling. As a mitigation measure,
we have increased the site freeze capacity to facilitate the mining of ore cavities as planned.
Environmental performance
The Cigar Lake orebody contains elements of concern with respect to the water quality and the receiving environment. The
distribution of elements such as arsenic, molybdenum, selenium and others is non-uniform throughout the ore body, and this
can present challenges in attaining and maintaining the required effluent concentrations.
There have been ongoing efforts to optimize the current water treatment process and water handling systems to ensure
acceptable environmental performance, which is expected to avoid the need for additional capital upgrades and potential
deferral of production.
Water inflow risk
A significant risk to development and production is from water inflows. The 2006 and 2008 water inflows were significant
setbacks.
The consequences of another water inflow at Cigar Lake would depend on its magnitude, location and timing, but could
include a significant delay or disruption in Cigar Lake production, a material increase in costs or a loss of mineral reserves.
We take the following steps to reduce the risk of inflows, but there is no guarantee that these will be successful:
• Bulk freezing: Two of the primary challenges in mining the deposit are control of groundwater and ground support. Bulk
freezing reduces but does not completely eliminate the risk of water inflows.
• Mine development: We plan for our mine development to take place away from known groundwater sources whenever
possible. In addition, we assess all planned mine development for relative risk and apply extensive additional technical and
operating controls for all higher risk development.
• Pumping capacity and treatment limits: We have pumping capacity to meet our standard for this operation of at least one
and a half times the estimated maximum inflow.
We believe we have sufficient pumping, water treatment and surface storage capacity to handle the estimated maximum
inflow.
We also manage the risks listed on pages 56 to 58.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 67
Uranium – Tier-one operations
Inkai
2018 Production (100% basis)
6.9 M lbs
2019 Production Outlook (100% basis)
8.3 M lbs
Estimated Reserves (our share)
104.6M lbs
Estimated Mine Life
2045 (based on licence term)
Inkai is a very significant uranium deposit, located in Kazakhstan. The operator is JV Inkai limited liability partnership, which
we jointly own (40%) with Kazatomprom (60%)1.
Inkai is considered a material uranium property for us.
Location
Ownership
Mine type
End product
Certifications
Estimated reserves
Estimated resources
South Kazakhstan
40%1
In situ recovery (ISR)
Uranium concentrate
BSI OHSAS 18001
ISO 14001 certified
104.6 million pounds (proven and probable), average grade U3O8: 0.03%
12.8 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.03%
30 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 0.03%
Licensed capacity (wellfields)
10.4 million pounds per year (our share 4.2 million pounds per year)1
Licence term
Through July 2045
Total packaged production: 2009 to 2018
49.2 million pounds (100% basis)
2018 production
2019 production outlook
6.9 million pounds (100% basis)
8.3 million pounds (100% basis)1
Estimated decommissioning cost (100% basis)
All values shown, including reserves and resources, represent our share only, unless indicated.
1 Effective January 1, 2018, our ownership interest in the joint venture dropped to 40% and we now equity account for our investment. Due to the transition to
equity accounting, our share of production is shown as a purchase.
$11 million (US) (100% basis) (this estimate is currently under review)
BACKGROUND
Mine description
The Inkai uranium deposit is a roll-front type orebody within permeable sandstones. The more porous and permeable units
host several stacked and relatively continuous, sinuous “roll-fronts” of low-grade uranium forming a regional system.
Superimposed over this regional system are several uranium projects and active mines.
Inkai’s mineralization ranges in depths from about 260 metres to 530 metres. The deposit has a surface projection of about 40
kilometres in length, and the width ranges from 40 to 1600 metres. The deposit has hydrogeological and mineralization
conditions favorable for use of in-situ recovery (ISR) technology.
68 CAMECO CORPORATION
Mining and milling method
JV Inkai uses conventional, well-established, and very efficient ISR technology, developed after extensive test work and
operational experience. The process involves five major steps:
• leach the uranium in-situ by circulating an acid-based solution through the host formation
• recover it from solution with ion exchange resin (takes place at both main and satellite processing plants)
• precipitate the uranium with hydrogen peroxide
• thicken, dewater, and dry it
• package the uranium peroxide product in drums
Production
Total 2018 production from Inkai was 6.9 million pounds (100% basis), an increase from 2017. While the production volume
was in accordance with Kazatomproms’s planned 20% decrease to the licensed production profile under the terms of the
subsoil use contract, the subsoil use contract called for higher production in 2018 compared to 2017. The subsoil use law in
Kazakhstan allows producers to produce within 20% (above or below) of their licensed capacity in a year.
Project funding
We have an outstanding loan for Inkai’s work on block 3 prior to the restructuring and, as of December 31, 2018, the principal
and interest amounted to $91 million (US). Under the restructuring agreement, the partners have agreed that JV Inkai will
distribute excess cash first as priority repayment of this loan. To date in 2019, payments of $29 million (US) have been
received.
JV Inkai Restructuring Agreement
In 2016, we signed an agreement with our partner Kazatomprom and JV Inkai to restructure and enhance JV Inkai. The
restructuring closed in December 2017 and took effect January 1, 2018. This restructuring was subject to obtaining all required
government approvals including an amendment to JV Inkai’s Resource Use Contract, which were obtained. The restructuring
consisted of the following:
• JV Inkai has the right to produce 10.4 million pounds of U3O8 per year, an increase from the prior licensed annual
production of 5.2 million pounds
• JV Inkai has the right to produce until 2045 (previously, the licence terms, based on the boundaries prior to the
restructuring, were to 2024 and 2030)
• our ownership interest in JV Inkai is 40% and Kazatomprom’s share is 60%. However, during production rampup, we are
entitled to purchase 57.5% of the first 5.2 million pounds. As annual production increases above 5.2 million pounds, we are
entitled to 22.5% of any incremental production, to the maximum annual share of 4.2 million pounds. Once the rampup to
10.4 million pounds annually is complete, our share in all production will be 40%, matching our ownership interest.
• a governance framework that provides protection for us as a minority owner
• the boundaries of the mining area match the agreed production profile for JV Inkai to 2045
• the loan that our subsidiary made to JV Inkai to fund exploration and evaluation of the historically defined block 3 area
provides for priority repayment
With Kazatomprom, we completed and reviewed a feasibility study for the purpose of evaluating the design, construction and
operation of a uranium refinery in Kazakhstan. In accordance with the agreement, a decision has been made not to proceed
with construction of the uranium refinery as contemplated in the feasibility study. We subsequently signed an agreement to
licence our proprietary UF6 conversion technology to Kazatomprom, which, subject to receiving the required government
permits, will allow Kazatomprom to examine the feasibility of constructing and operating its own UF6 conversion facility in
Kazakhstan.
Our 2019 financial outlook is presented on the basis of equity accounting for our minority ownership interest in JV Inkai. Under
equity accounting, our share of the profits earned by JV Inkai on the sale of its production are included in “income from equity-
accounted investees” on our consolidated statement of earnings. Our share of production is purchased at a discount to the
spot price and included at this value in inventory. In addition, JV Inkai capital is not included in our outlook for capital
expenditures. Please see JV Inkai Planning for the future below for more details.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 69
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Production
We expect total production from Inkai to be 8.3 million pounds (100% basis) in 2019. We have the right to purchase 3.7 million
pounds at a discount to the spot price, which will be included in inventory at this value at the time of delivery in accordance
with equity accounting. Our share of the profits earned by JV Inkai on the sale of its production will be included in “income from
equity-accounted investees” on our consolidated statement of earnings.
MANAGING OUR RISKS
Political risk
Kazakhstan declared itself independent in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Our investment in JV Inkai is subject
to the greater risks associated with doing business in developing countries, which have significant potential for social,
economic, political, legal and fiscal instability. Kazakh laws and regulations are complex and still developing and their
application can be difficult to predict. The other owner of JV Inkai is Kazatomprom, an entity majority owned by the
government of Kazakhstan. We have entered into agreements with JV Inkai and Kazatomprom intended to mitigate political
risk. This risk includes the imposition of governmental laws or policies that could restrict or hinder JV Inkai repaying the block 3
loan, paying us dividends, or selling us our share of JV Inkai production, or that impose discriminatory taxes or currency
controls on these transactions. The restructuring of JV Inkai, which took effect January 1, 2018, was undertaken with the
objective to better align the interests of Cameco and Kazatomprom and includes a governance framework that provides for
protection for us as a minority owner of JV Inkai. We believe the political risk related to our investment in JV Inkai is
manageable.
For more details on this risk, please our most recent annual information form under the heading political risks.
JV Inkai manages risks listed on pages 56 to 58.
70 CAMECO CORPORATION
Uranium – Tier-two curtailed operations
Rabbit Lake
Located in Saskatchewan, Canada, our 100% owned Rabbit Lake operation opened in 1975, and has the second largest
uranium mill in the world. Due to market conditions, we suspended production at Rabbit Lake during the second quarter of
2016.
Location
Ownership
End product
ISO certification
Mine type
Estimated reserves
Estimated resources
Mining methods
Licensed capacity
Licence term
Total production: 1975 to 2018
2018 production
2019 production outlook
Estimated decommissioning cost1
1 This updated estimate is currently under regulatory review.
PRODUCTION SUSPENSION
Saskatchewan, Canada
100%
Uranium concentrates
ISO 14001 certified
Underground
-
38.6 million pounds (indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.95%
33.7 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 0.62%
Vertical blasthole stoping
Mill: maximum 16.9 million pounds per year; currently 11 million
Through October, 2023
202.2 million pounds
0 million pounds
0 million pounds
$213 million
The facilities remained in a state of safe and sustainable care and maintenance throughout 2018. As a result, there was no
production in 2018.
While in standby, we continue to evaluate our options in order to minimize care and maintenance costs. We expect care and
maintenance costs to range between $30 million and $35 million annually.
IMPAIRMENT
In 2016, as a result of the production suspension, we recognized an impairment charge for the full carrying value of $124
million.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 71
US ISR Operations
Located in Nebraska and Wyoming in the US, the Crow Butte and Smith Ranch-Highland (including the North Butte satellite)
operations began production in 1991 and 1975. Each operation has its own processing facility. Due to market conditions, we
curtailed production and deferred all wellfield development at these operations during the second quarter of 2016.
Ownership
End product
ISO certification
Estimated reserves
Smith Ranch-Highland:
North Butte-Brown Ranch:
Crow Butte:
Estimated resources
Smith Ranch-Highland:
100%
Uranium concentrates
ISO 14001 certified
-
-
-
24.9 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.06%
7.7 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 0.05%
North Butte-Brown Ranch: 9.5 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.07%
Crow Butte:
0.4 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 0.07%
13.9 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.25%
1.8 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 0.16%
In situ recovery (ISR)
Smith Ranch-Highland:1
Crow Butte:
Wellfields: 3 million pounds per year; processing plants: 5.5 million pounds per year
Processing plants and wellfields: 2 million pounds per year
Mining methods
Licensed capacity
Licence term
Smith Ranch-Highland:
Through September, 2028
Crow Butte:
Through October, 2024
Total production: 2002 to 2018
2018 production
2019 production outlook
33.0 million pounds
0.1 million pounds
0 million pounds
Estimated decommissioning cost
Smith Ranch-Highland: $224 million (US), including North Butte
Crow Butte: $51 million (US)
1 Including Highland mill
PRODUCTION AND CURTAILMENT
As a result of our 2016 decision, production at the US operations ceased in 2018 resulting in production of less than 100,000
pounds.
On September 30, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a 10-year renewal of the operating licence for Smith Ranch-
Highland. The licence is valid until September 30, 2028.
FUTURE PRODUCTION
We do not expect any production in 2019.
IMPAIRMENT
In 2017, due to the continued weakening of the uranium market and a reduction in mineral reserves, we recorded a $184
million write down of our US assets.
MANAGING OUR RISKS
We manage the risks listed on pages 56 to 58.
72 CAMECO CORPORATION
Uranium – advanced projects
Work on our advanced projects has been scaled back and will continue at a pace aligned with market signals.
Millennium
Location
Ownership
End product
Potential mine type
Estimated resources (our share)
BACKGROUND
Saskatchewan, Canada
69.9%
Uranium concentrates
Underground
53.0 million pounds (indicated), average grade U3O8: 2.39%
20.2 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 3.19%
The Millennium deposit was discovered in 2000, and was delineated through geophysical survey and surface drilling work
between 2000 and 2013.
Yeelirrie
Location
Ownership
End product
Potential mine type
Estimated resources
BACKGROUND
Western Australia
100%
Uranium concentrates
Open pit
128.1 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.15%
The deposit was discovered in 1972 and is a near-surface calcrete-style deposit that is amenable to open pit mining
techniques. It is one of Australia’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.
Kintyre
Location
Ownership
End product
Potential mine type
Estimated resources
BACKGROUND
Western Australia
100%
Uranium concentrates
Open pit
53.5 million pounds (indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.62%
6.0 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 0.53%
The Kintyre deposit was discovered in 1985 and is amenable to open pit mining techniques. In 2018, we increased our
ownership from 70% to 100%.
2018 PROJECT UPDATES
We believe that we have some of the best undeveloped uranium projects in the world. However, in the current market
environment our primary focus is on preserving the value of our tier-one uranium assets. We continue to await a signal from
the market that additional production is needed prior to making any new development decisions.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
2019 Planned activity
No work is planned at Millennium, Yeelirrie or Kintyre. Further progress towards a development decision is not expected until
market conditions improve.
MANAGING THE RISKS
For all of our advanced projects, we manage the risks listed on pages 56 to 58.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 73
Uranium – exploration and corporate development
Our exploration program is directed at replacing mineral reserves as they are depleted by our production, and is key to
sustaining our business. However, during this period of weak uranium prices, and as we have ample idled production capacity,
we have reduced our spending to focus only on exploration near our existing operations where we have established
infrastructure and capacity to expand. Globally, we have land with exploration and development prospects that are among the
best in the world, mainly in Canada, Australia and the US. Our land holdings total about 0.7 million hectares (1.7 million acres).
In northern Saskatchewan alone, we have direct interests in about 0.6 million hectares (1.6 million acres) of land covering
many of the most prospective exploration areas of the Athabasca Basin.
2018 UPDATE
Brownfield exploration
Brownfield exploration is uranium exploration near our existing operations, and includes expenses for advanced exploration on
the evaluation of projects where uranium mineralization is being defined.
In 2018, we spent about $4 million on brownfields and advanced uranium projects in Saskatchewan and Australia. At the US
operations we spent $1 million.
Regional exploration
We spent about $15 million on regional exploration programs (including support costs), primarily in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca
Basin.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
We will continue to focus on our core projects in Saskatchewan under our long-term exploration strategy. Long-term, we look
for properties that meet our investment criteria. We may partner with other companies through strategic alliances, equity
holdings and traditional joint venture arrangements. Our leadership position and industry expertise in both exploration and
corporate social responsibility make us a partner of choice.
ACQUISITION PROGRAM
Currently, given the conditions in the uranium market, our extensive portfolio of reserves and resources and our belief that we
have ample idle production capacity, our focus is on maintaining our investment-grade rating and preserving the value of our
tier-one assets. We expect that these assets will allow us to meet rising uranium demand with increased production from our
best margin operations, and will help to mitigate risk in the event of prolonged uncertainty.
However, we continually evaluate acquisition opportunities within the nuclear fuel cycle that could add to our future supply
options, support our sales activities, and complement and enhance our business in the nuclear industry. We will invest when
an opportunity is available at the right time and the right price. We strive to pursue corporate development initiatives that will
leave us and our shareholders in a fundamentally stronger position. As such, an acquisition opportunity is never assessed in
isolation. Acquisitions must compete for investment capital with our own internal growth opportunities. They are subject to our
capital allocation process described in the strategy section, starting on page 14.
74 CAMECO CORPORATION
Fuel services
Refining, conversion and fuel manufacturing
We control about 25% of world UF6 primary conversion capacity and are a supplier of natural UO2. Our focus is on cost-
competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Our fuel services segment is strategically important because it helps support the growth of the uranium segment. Offering a
range of products and services to customers helps us broaden our business relationships and expand our uranium market
share.
Blind River Refinery
Licensed Capacity
24.0M kgU as UO3
Licence renewal in
Feb, 2022
Blind River is the world’s largest commercial uranium refinery, refining uranium concentrates from mines around the world into
UO3.
Location
Ownership
End product
ISO certification
Licensed capacity
Ontario, Canada
100%
UO3
ISO 14001 certified
18.0 million kgU as UO3 per year, approved to 24.0 million subject to the completion
of certain equipment upgrades (advancement depends on market conditions)
Licence term
Through February, 2022
Estimated decommissioning cost
$48 million
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 75
Port Hope Conversion Services
Licensed Capacity
12.5M kgU as UF6
2.8M kgU as UO2
Licence renewal in
Feb, 2027
Port Hope is the only uranium conversion facility in Canada and a supplier of UO2 for Canadian-made CANDU reactors.
Location
Ownership
End product
ISO certification
Licensed capacity
Licence term
Ontario, Canada
100%
UF6, UO2
ISO 14001 certified
12.5 million kgU as UF6 per year
2.8 million kgU as UO2 per year
Through February, 2027
Estimated decommissioning cost
$129 million
Cameco Fuel Manufacturing Inc. (CFM)
Licensed Capacity
1.2M kgU as UO2 as fuel bundles
Licence renewal in
Feb, 2022
CFM produces fuel bundles and reactor components for CANDU reactors.
Location
Ownership
End product
ISO certification
Licensed capacity
Licence term
Ontario, Canada
100%
CANDU fuel bundles and components
ISO 9001 certified, ISO 14001 certified
1.2 million kgU as UO2 as finished bundles
Through February, 2022
Estimated decommissioning cost
$21 million
76 CAMECO CORPORATION
2018 UPDATE
Production
Fuel services produced 10.5 million kgU, 33% higher than 2017. This was a result of increased demand.
Port Hope conversion facility cleanup and modernization (Vision in Motion)
We began implementation activities and made significant progress on the Vision in Motion project in 2018. In 2019, we will
continue with the detailed engineering and implementation work.
Labour relations
Unionized employees represented by United Steel Workers Local 14193, at CFM’s operations in Ontario, accepted a new
three-year collective agreement. The previous contract expired May 30, 2018.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Production
We plan to produce between 12 million and 13 million kgU in 2019.
MANAGING OUR RISKS
Labour relations
The collective agreement with unionized employees at our conversion facility in Port Hope expires in June 2019. There is a
risk to our production plans if we are unable to reach an agreement and there is a labour disruption.
We also manage the risks listed on pages 56 to 58.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 77
Mineral reserves and resources
Our mineral reserves and resources are the foundation of our company and fundamental to our success.
We have interests in a number of uranium properties. The tables in this section show the estimates of the proven and probable
mineral reserves, and measured, indicated, and inferred mineral resources at those properties. However, only three of the
properties listed in those tables are material uranium properties for us: McArthur River/Key Lake, Cigar Lake and Inkai. Mineral
reserves and resources are all reported as of December 31, 2018.
We estimate and disclose mineral reserves and resources in five categories, using the definition standards adopted by the
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council, and in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 –
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101), developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators. You can find
out more about these categories at www.cim.org.
About mineral resources
Mineral resources do not have to demonstrate economic viability, but have reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction. They fall into three categories: measured, indicated and inferred. Our reported mineral resources are exclusive of
mineral reserves.
• Measured and indicated mineral resources can be estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the appropriate application
of technical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors to support evaluation of the
economic viability of the deposit.
• measured resources: we can confirm both geological and grade continuity to support detailed mine planning
• indicated resources: we can reasonably assume geological and grade continuity to support mine planning
• Inferred mineral resources are estimated using limited geological evidence and sampling information. We do not have
enough confidence to evaluate their economic viability in a meaningful way. You should not assume that all or any part of
an inferred mineral resource will be upgraded to an indicated or measured mineral resource, but it is reasonably expected
that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration.
Our share of uranium in the following mineral resource tables is based on our respective ownership interests. Mineral
resources that are not mineral reserves have no demonstrated economic viability.
About mineral reserves
Mineral reserves are the economically mineable part of measured and/or indicated mineral resources demonstrated by at least
a preliminary feasibility study. The reference point at which mineral reserves are defined is the point where the ore is delivered
to the processing plant, except for ISR operations where the reference point is where the mineralization occurs under the
existing or planned wellfield patterns. Mineral reserves fall into two categories:
• proven reserves: the economically mineable part of a measured resource for which at least a preliminary feasibility study
demonstrates that, at the time of reporting, economic extraction could be reasonably justified with a high degree of
confidence
• probable reserves: the economically mineable part of a measured and/or indicated resource for which at least a preliminary
feasibility study demonstrates that, at the time of reporting, economic extraction could be reasonably justified with a degree
of confidence lower than that applying to proven reserves
We use current geological models, an average uranium price of $44 (US) per pound U3O8, and current or projected operating
costs and mine plans to report our mineral reserves, allowing for dilution and mining losses. We apply our standard data
verification process for every estimate.
Our share of uranium in the mineral reserves table below is based on our respective ownership interests.
78 CAMECO CORPORATION
Changes this year
Our share of proven and probable mineral reserves increased from 458 million pounds U3O8 at the end of 2017, to 467 million
pounds at the end of 2018. The change was primarily the result of:
• McArthur River’s zone B mineral resource update which added approximately 23.8 million pounds of proven and probable
reserves
partially offset by:
• production, which removed 12.3 million pounds from our mineral inventory
• other minor adjustments at Cigar Lake and McArthur River
Measured and indicated mineral resources decreased from 425 million pounds U3O8 at the end of 2017, to 423 million pounds
at the end of 2018. Our share of inferred mineral resources is 176 million pounds U3O8, a decrease of 14 million pounds from
the end of 2017. The variance in mineral resources was mainly the result of:
• the sale of our interest in the Wheeler River Joint Venture which resulted in a reduction of 18.7 million pounds of indicated
and 11.8 million pounds of inferred resources
• removal of 0.7 million pounds of measured, 1.3 million pounds of indicated and 1.1 million pounds of inferred resources
from the US ISR operations following a review of economic parameters
• reduction of 3.1 million pounds of inferred resources from McArthur River
partially offset by:
• an increase in our ownership in the Kintyre project from 70% to 100% which added 16.1 million pounds of indicated and 1.8
million pounds of inferred resources
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 79
Qualified persons
The technical and scientific information discussed in this MD&A for our material properties (McArthur River/Key Lake, Cigar
Lake and Inkai) was approved by the following individuals who are qualified persons for the purposes of NI 43-101:
MCARTHUR RIVER/KEY LAKE
• Greg Murdock, general manager, McArthur River/Key
Lake, Cameco
• Alain D. Renaud, lead geologist, technical services,
Cameco
• Linda Bray, principal metallurgist, technical services,
• Alain D. Renaud, lead geologist, technical services,
Cameco
Cameco
• Linda Bray, principal metallurgist, technical services,
Cameco
CIGAR LAKE
• Lloyd Rowson, general manager, Rabbit Lake/Cigar
Lake, Cameco
• Scott Bishop, director, technical services, Cameco
INKAI
• Dr. Darryl Clark, consultant geologist
• Alain D. Renaud, lead geologist, technical services,
Cameco
• Linda Bray, principal metallurgist, technical services,
Cameco
Important information about mineral reserve and resource estimates
Although we have carefully prepared and verified the mineral reserve and resource figures in this document, the figures are
estimates, based in part on forward-looking information.
Estimates are based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results, the quality of available data and
management’s best judgment. They are, however, imprecise by nature, may change over time, and include many variables
and assumptions, including:
• geological interpretation
• extraction plans
• commodity prices and currency exchange rates
• recovery rates
• operating and capital costs
There is no assurance that the indicated levels of uranium will be produced, and we may have to re-estimate our mineral
reserves based on actual production experience. Changes in the price of uranium, production costs or recovery rates could
make it unprofitable for us to operate or develop a particular site or sites for a period of time. See page 2 for information about
forward-looking information.
Please see our mineral reserves and resources section of our annual information form for the specific assumptions,
parameters and methods used for McArthur River, Inkai and Cigar Lake mineral reserve and resource estimates.
Important information for US investors
We present information about mineralization, mineral reserves and resources as required by National Instrument 43-101 –
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators (NI 43-101), in accordance with
applicable Canadian securities laws. As a foreign private issuer filing reports with the US Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) under the Multijurisdictional Disclosure System, we are not required to comply with the SEC’s disclosure
requirements relating to mining properties. Investors in the United States should be aware that the disclosure requirements of
NI 43-101 are different from those under applicable SEC rules, and the information that we present concerning mineralization,
mineral reserves and resources may not be comparable to information made public by companies that comply with the SEC’s
reporting and disclosure requirements for mining companies.
80 CAMECO CORPORATION
Mineral reserves
As at December 31, 2018 (100% – only the shaded column shows our share)
PROVEN AND PROBABLE
(tonnes in thousands; pounds in millions)
PROVEN
PROBABLE
TOTAL MINERAL RESERVES
RESERVES
MINING
METHOD
TONNES % U3O8
GRADE CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
TONNES
GRADE CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
% U3O8
GRADE CONTENT CONTENT METALLURGICAL
TONNES % U3O8
(LBS U3O8)
(LBS U3O8)
RECOVERY (%)
OUR
SHARE
UG
OP
UG
171.0
15.74
61.1
2,034.0
0.52
7.14
59.4
0.7
320.2
538.5
ISR
205,349.0
0.04
164.3
155,529.5
382.1
13.91
117.2
553.1
14.48
176.6
-
-
6.04
0.03
-
61.1
71.7
2,572.5
97.2
360,878.5
0.52
6.91
0.03
0.7
391.9
261.6
88.3
0.6
273.6
104.6
207,615.1
-
544.6
156,450.1
-
286.1
364,065.2
-
830.8
467.1
99
99
99
85
-
PROPERTY
Cigar Lake
Key Lake
McArthur River
Inkai
Total
(UG – underground, OP – open pit, ISR – in situ recovery), totals may not add up due to rounding.
Note that the estimates in the above table:
•
•
Use a constant dollar average uranium price of approximately $44 (US) per pound U3O8
are based on exchange rates of $1.00 US=$1.25 Cdn and 298 Kazakhstan Tenge to $1.00 Cdn
Our estimate of mineral reserves and mineral resources may be positively or negatively affected by the occurrence of one or
more of the material risks discussed under the heading Caution about forward-looking information beginning on page 2, as
well as certain property-specific risks. See Uranium - operations starting on page 60.
Metallurgical recovery
We report mineral reserves as the quantity of contained ore supporting our mining plans, and provide an estimate of the
metallurgical recovery for each uranium property. The estimate of the amount of valuable product that can be physically
recovered by the metallurgical extraction process is obtained by multiplying the quantity of contained metal (content) by the
planned metallurgical recovery percentage. The content and our share of uranium in the table above are before accounting for
estimated metallurgical recovery.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 81
Mineral resources
As at December 31, 2018 (100% – only the shaded columns show our share)
MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED
(tonnes in thousands; pounds in millions)
MEASURED RESOURCES (M)
INDICATED RESOURCES (I)
OUR
SHARE
INFERRED RESOURCES
OUR
SHARE
TONNES % U3O8
GRADE CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
TOTAL M+I TOTAL M+I
GRADE CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
(LBS U3O8)
(LBS U3O8)
TONNES % U3O8
INFERRED
GRADE CONTENT CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
% U3O8
(LBS U3O8)
TONNES
14.2
11.91
3.7
307.1
14.52
98.3
102.0
51.0
180.0
5.97
PROPERTY
Cigar Lake
Fox Lake
Kintyre
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,897.7
0.62
McArthur River
97.8
2.57
5.5
35.1
2.86
Millennium
Rabbit Lake
Tamarack
Yeelirrie
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,442.6
2.39
1,836.5
0.95
183.8
4.42
27,172.9
0.16
95.9
12,178.3
0.12
Crow Butte
1,607.3
0.19
Gas Hills - Peach
687.2
0.11
6.7
1.7
939.3
0.35
3,626.1
0.15
Inkai
36,680.9
0.03
21.3
21,132.2
0.02
-
53.5
7.8
75.9
38.6
17.9
-
386.7
7.99
53.5
5.4
53.0
517.1
0.53
80.5
2.25
412.4
3.19
38.6
2,460.9
0.62
10.3
45.6
1.02
128.1
128.1
-
-
13.9
531.4
0.16
13.3
3,307.5
0.08
-
53.5
2.2
75.9
38.6
17.9
32.2
7.3
11.6
10.7
8.4
4.1
4.1
13.9
13.3
32.0
9.5
4.1
4.4
23.7
68.1
6.0
4.0
29.0
33.7
1.0
-
1.8
6.0
11.8
53.3
6.0
2.8
20.2
33.7
0.6
-
1.8
6.0
0.4
0.2
1.1
7.7
0.4
0.2
1.1
7.7
12.8
116,394.6
0.03
75.0
30.0
North Butte - Brown
Ranch
Ruby Ranch
Shirley Basin
Smith Ranch -
Highland
621.7
0.08
1.1
5,530.3
0.07
-
-
-
2,215.3
0.08
89.2
0.16
0.3
1,638.2
0.11
9.5
294.5
0.07
4.1
4.4
56.2
0.14
508.0
0.10
3,712.4
0.10
7.9
14,372.3
0.05
17.0
24.9
24.9
6,861.0
0.05
70,683.6
Total
Totals may not add up due to rounding.
Note that mineral resources:
•
•
do not include amounts that have been identified as mineral reserves
do not have demonstrated economic viability
-
144.1
69,334.8
-
381.8
525.9
422.8
132,036.4
-
257.7
175.6
82 CAMECO CORPORATION
Additional information
Due to the nature of our business, we are required to make estimates that affect the amount of assets and liabilities, revenues
and expenses, commitments and contingencies we report. We base our estimates on our experience, our best judgment,
guidelines established by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and on assumptions we believe are
reasonable.
We believe the following critical accounting estimates reflect the more significant judgments used in the preparation of our
financial statements. These estimates affect all of our segments, unless otherwise noted.
Decommissioning and reclamation
In our uranium and fuel services segments, we are required to estimate the cost of decommissioning and reclamation for each
operation, but we normally do not incur these costs until an asset is nearing the end of its useful life. Regulatory requirements
and decommissioning methods could change during that time, making our actual costs different from our estimates. A
significant change in these costs or in our mineral reserves could have a material impact on our net earnings and financial
position. See note 15 to the financial statements.
Property, plant and equipment
We depreciate property, plant and equipment primarily using the unit-of-production method, where the carrying value is
reduced as resources are depleted. A change in our mineral reserves would change our depreciation expenses, and such a
change could have a material impact on amounts charged to earnings.
We assess the carrying values of property, plant and equipment and goodwill every year, or more often if necessary. If we
determine that we cannot recover the carrying value of an asset or goodwill, we write off the unrecoverable amount against
current earnings. We base our assessment of recoverability on assumptions and judgments we make about future prices,
production costs, our requirements for sustaining capital and our ability to economically recover mineral reserves. A material
change in any of these assumptions could have a significant impact on the potential impairment of these assets.
In performing impairment assessments of long-lived assets, assets that cannot be assessed individually are grouped together
into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets
or groups of assets. Management is required to exercise judgment in identifying these cash generating units.
Taxes
When we are preparing our financial statements, we estimate taxes in each jurisdiction we operate in, taking into consideration
different tax rates, non-deductible expenses, valuation of deferred tax assets, changes in tax laws and our expectations for
future results.
We base our estimates of deferred income taxes on temporary differences between the assets and liabilities we report in our
financial statements, and the assets and liabilities determined by the tax laws in the various countries we operate in. We
record deferred income taxes in our financial statements based on our estimated future cash flows, which includes estimates
of non-deductible expenses, future market conditions, production levels and intercompany sales. If these estimates are not
accurate, there could be a material impact on our net earnings and financial position.
Commencement of production stage
When we determine that a mining property has reached the production stage, capitalization of development ceases, and
depreciation of the mining property begins and is charged to earnings. Production is reached when management determines
that the mine is able to produce at a consistent or sustainably increasing level. This determination is a matter of judgment. See
note 2 to the financial statements for further information on the criteria that we used to make this assessment.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 83
Purchase price allocations
The purchase price related to a business combination or asset acquisition is allocated to the underlying acquired assets and
liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the time of acquisition. The determination of fair value requires us to make
assumptions, estimates and judgments regarding future events. The allocation process is inherently subjective and impacts
the amounts assigned to individually identifiable assets and liabilities. As a result, the purchase price allocation impacts our
reported assets and liabilities and future net earnings due to the impact on future depreciation and amortization expense and
impairment tests.
Determination of joint control
We conduct certain operations through joint ownership interests. Judgment is required in assessing whether we have joint
control over the investee, which involves determining the relevant activities of the arrangement and whether decisions around
relevant activities require unanimous consent. Judgment is also required to determine whether a joint arrangement should be
classified as a joint venture or joint operation. Classifying the arrangement requires us to assess our rights and obligations
arising from the arrangement. Specifically, management considers the structure of the joint arrangement and whether it is
structured through a separate vehicle. When structured through a separate vehicle, we also consider the rights and obligations
arising from the legal form of the separate vehicle, the terms of the contractual arrangements and other facts and
circumstances, when relevant. This judgment influences whether we equity account or proportionately consolidate our interest
in the arrangement.
Controls and procedures
We have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2018, as required by the rules of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities
Administrators.
Management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), supervised and participated
in the evaluation, and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide a reasonable level of
assurance that the information we are required to disclose in reports we file or submit under securities laws is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported accurately, and within the time periods specified. It should be noted that, while the CEO
and CFO believe that our disclosure controls and procedures provide a reasonable level of assurance that they are effective,
they do not expect the disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting to be capable of
preventing all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not
absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Management, including our CEO and our CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial
reporting and conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal
Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of
December 31, 2018. We have not made any change to our internal control over financial reporting during the 2018 fiscal year
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
New standards adopted
On January 1, 2018, we adopted the following new standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
(IASB) in accordance with the transitional provisions.
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15) – IFRS 15 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from
contracts with customers. We adopted IFRS 15 using the cumulative effect method without practical expedients which does
not require comparative financial statements to be restated. As the adoption of the new standard did not have a material
impact on our existing revenue recognition practices, there was no cumulative effect on net earnings at January 1, 2018 that
would have required restatement. The new standard did result in additional disclosures.
84 CAMECO CORPORATION
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9) –IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial
assets. While it largely retains the existing requirements in IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement for
the classification and measurement of financial liabilities, it eliminates the previous categories for financial assets of held to
maturity, loans and receivables and available for sale. Upon adoption, we reclassified our financial instruments as follows:
Original classification under IAS 39 New classification under IFRS 9
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Derivative assets
Investments in equity securities
Advances receivable from Inkai
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables
FVTPL
Available for sale
Loans and receivables
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Dividends payable
Derivative liabilities
Long-term debt
Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities
FVTPL
Other financial liabilities
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
FVTPL
FVOCI
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
FVTPL
Amortized cost
There was no impact on the measurement of any of these instruments at the date of transition. We did not have any financial
assets or liabilities previously designated as measured at FVTPL that are no longer so designated.
The new standard also includes a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment on financial assets. This change
did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
IFRS 9 also introduces new hedge accounting requirements. Since we do not apply hedge accounting, there was no impact on
the consolidated financial statements.
New standards and interpretations not yet adopted
A new standard and a new interpretation are not yet effective for the year ended December 31, 2018, and have not been
applied in preparing the consolidated financial statements. We do not intend to early adopt the following standard or
interpretation, unless otherwise noted.
IFRS 16, Leases (IFRS 16) – In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16. IFRS 16 is effective for periods beginning on or after
January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. IFRS 16 eliminates the current dual model for lessees, which distinguishes
between on-balance sheet finance leases and off-balance sheet operating leases. Instead, there is a single, on-balance sheet
accounting model that is similar to current finance lease accounting. Our assessment of the new standard included the review
of contracts to identify arrangements that could contain leases that qualify for recognition under IFRS 16. This review also
considered contracts containing embedded leases of right-of-use assets. Based on our assessment, which is substantially
complete, we determined that we do not expect adoption of the standard to have a material impact on the financial statements,
however we do expect to have additional disclosures.
IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (IFRIC 23) – In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC 23. IFRIC 23 is
effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. IFRIC 23 provides guidance on the
accounting for current and deferred tax liabilities and assets in circumstances in which there is uncertainty over income tax
treatments. We do not expect adoption of the standard to have a material impact on the financial statements.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 85
Cameco Corporation
2018 consolidated financial statements
February 7, 2019
86 CAMECO CORPORATION
Report of management’s accountability
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Management is responsible for
ensuring that these statements, which include amounts based upon estimates and judgments, are consistent with other
information and operating data contained in the annual financial review and reflect the corporation's business transactions and
financial position.
Management is also responsible for the information disclosed in the management’s discussion and analysis including
responsibility for the existence of appropriate information systems, procedures and controls to ensure that the information
used internally by management and disclosed externally is complete and reliable in all material respects.
In addition, management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial
reporting. The internal control system includes an internal audit function and a code of conduct and ethics, which is
communicated to all levels in the organization and requires all employees to maintain high standards in their conduct of the
Company's affairs. Such systems are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial information is relevant,
reliable and accurate and that the Company’s assets are appropriately accounted for and adequately safeguarded.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on
the criteria established in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s system of
internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2018.
KPMG LLP has audited the consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing
standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
The board of directors annually appoints an audit and finance committee comprised of directors who are not employees of the
corporation. This committee meets regularly with management, the internal auditor and the shareholders' auditors to review
significant accounting, reporting and internal control matters. Both the internal and shareholders' auditors have unrestricted
access to the audit and finance committee. The audit and finance committee reviews the consolidated financial statements,
the report of the shareholders' auditors, and management’s discussion and analysis and submits its report to the board of
directors for formal approval.
Original signed by Tim S. Gitzel
President and Chief Executive Officer
February 7, 2019
Original signed by Grant E. Isaac
Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
February 7, 2019
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 87
Report of independent registered public accounting firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Cameco Corporation:
Opinion on the consolidated financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Cameco Corporation (the “Company”) as
of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in equity,
and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in
conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the criteria established
in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 7, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in accounting policies
As discussed in note 3A to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its accounting policies for
revenue recognition and financial instruments in 2018 due to the adoption of IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with
Customers (IFRS 15) and IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments (IFRS 9).
Basis for opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the
PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws
and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond
to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Original signed by KPMG LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1988.
Saskatoon, Canada
February 7, 2019
88 CAMECO CORPORATION
Consolidated statements of earnings
For the years ended December 31
($Cdn thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue from products and services
Cost of products and services sold
Depreciation and amortization
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administration
Impairment charges
Exploration
Research and development
Other operating expense
Loss on disposal of assets
Earnings (loss) from operations
Finance costs
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Finance income
Share of earnings from equity-accounted investee
Other income (expense)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Income tax recovery
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to:
Equity holders
Non-controlling interest
Net earnings (loss)
Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to equity holders:
Basic
Diluted
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Note
2018
2017
17
$ 2,091,661 $ 2,156,852
1,467,940
327,973
1,390,233
330,345
1,795,913
1,720,578
8, 9
15
19
26
11
20
21
295,748
141,552
-
20,283
1,757
59,616
2,303
70,237
(111,779)
(81,081)
22,071
32,321
108,160
39,929
(126,306)
436,274
163,095
358,330
29,933
5,660
43
6,947
(127,734)
(110,608)
56,250
5,265
-
(30,410)
(207,237)
(2,519)
$
166,235 $
(204,718)
166,323
(88)
(204,942)
224
$
166,235 $
(204,718)
22
22
$
$
0.42 $
0.42 $
(0.52)
(0.52)
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 89
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income
For the years ended December 31
($Cdn thousands)
Net earnings (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings:
Remeasurements of defined benefit liability1
Equity investments at FVOCI - net change in fair value2
Items that are or may be reclassified to net earnings:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Reclassification of foreign currency translation reserve to net
earnings
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
Total comprehensive income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:
Equity holders
Non-controlling interest
Other comprehensive loss for the year
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:
Equity holders
Non-controlling interest
Note
2018
2017
$
166,235 $
(204,718)
25
6,226
(9,728)
(6,216)
5,837
(1,875)
(44,080)
20
(5,450)
-
(10,827)
(44,459)
$
155,408 $
(249,177)
$
$
$
(10,854) $
27
(44,449)
(10)
(10,827) $
(44,459)
155,469 $
(61)
(249,391)
214
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year
$
155,408 $
(249,177)
1 Net of tax (2018 - $(2,200); 2017 - $2,155)
2 Net of tax (2018 - $1,349; 2017 - $(665))
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
90 CAMECO CORPORATION
Consolidated statements of financial position
As at December 31
($Cdn thousands)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable
Current tax assets
Inventories
Supplies and prepaid expenses
Current portion of long-term receivables, investments and other
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill and intangible assets
Long-term receivables, investments and other
Investment in equity-accounted investee
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Dividends payable
Current portion of long-term debt
Current portion of other liabilities
Current portion of provisions
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Other liabilities
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Shareholders' equity
Share capital
Contributed surplus
Retained earnings
Other components of equity
Total shareholders' equity attributable to equity holders
Non-controlling interest
Total shareholders' equity
Note
2018
2017
6
7
10
8
9
10
11
21
$
711,528 $
391,025
402,350
6,996
467,795
89,206
13,826
2,082,726
591,620
-
396,824
11,408
949,766
149,872
36,089
2,135,579
3,881,926
65,602
751,868
230,502
1,006,012
5,935,910
4,191,892
70,012
520,073
-
861,171
5,643,148
$ 8,018,636 $ 7,778,727
12
$
224,754 $
13
14
15
13
14
15
21
19,633
-
499,599
79,573
52,316
875,875
996,072
142,061
1,011,036
-
2,149,169
1,862,652
234,982
2,791,321
104,327
4,993,282
310
4,993,592
258,405
20,133
39,579
-
54,370
38,507
410,994
1,494,471
126,103
875,033
12,467
2,508,074
1,862,652
224,812
2,650,417
121,407
4,859,288
371
4,859,659
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$ 8,018,636 $ 7,778,727
Commitments and contingencies [notes 8, 15, 21]
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 91
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
($Cdn thousands)
capital
surplus
earnings
translation
at FVOCI
Total
interest
Attributable to equity holders
Foreign
Equity
Share Contributed
Retained
currency investments
Non-
controlling
Total
equity
Balance at January 1, 2018
$ 1,862,652 $
224,812 $ 2,650,417 $ 112,341 $
9,066 $ 4,859,288 $
371 $ 4,859,659
Net earnings (loss)
Other comprehensive
income (loss)
Total comprehensive
income (loss)
Share-based compensation
Restricted and performance
share units released
Dividends
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
166,323
-
-
166,323
(88)
166,235
6,226
(7,352)
(9,728)
(10,854)
27
(10,827)
172,549
(7,352)
(9,728)
155,469
(61)
155,408
14,976
-
(4,806)
-
-
(31,645)
-
-
-
-
-
-
14,976
(4,806)
(31,645)
-
-
-
14,976
(4,806)
(31,645)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$ 1,862,652 $
234,982 $ 2,791,321 $ 104,989 $
(662) $ 4,993,282 $
310 $ 4,993,592
Balance at January 1, 2017
$ 1,862,646 $
216,213 $ 3,019,872 $ 156,411 $
3,229 $ 5,258,371 $
157 $ 5,258,528
Net earnings (loss)
Other comprehensive
income (loss)
Total comprehensive
income (loss)
Share-based compensation
Stock options exercised
Restricted and performance
share units released
Dividends
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
-
(204,942)
-
-
(204,942)
224
(204,718)
(6,216)
(44,070)
5,837
(44,449)
(10)
(44,459)
(211,158)
(44,070)
5,837
(249,391)
214
(249,177)
13,960
(1)
-
-
(5,360)
-
-
(158,297)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13,960
5
(5,360)
(158,297)
-
-
-
-
13,960
5
(5,360)
(158,297)
Balance at December 31, 2017
$ 1,862,652 $
224,812 $ 2,650,417 $ 112,341 $
9,066 $ 4,859,288 $
371 $ 4,859,659
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
92 CAMECO CORPORATION
Consolidated statements of cash flows
For the years ended December 31
($Cdn thousands)
Operating activities
Net earnings (loss)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred charges
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives
Share-based compensation
Loss on disposal of assets
Finance costs
Finance income
Share of earnings in equity-accounted investee
Impairment charges
Other expense (income)
Other operating expense
Income tax recovery
Interest received
Income taxes paid
Other operating items
Net cash provided by operations
Investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Increase in short-term investments
Increase in long-term receivables, investments and other
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Net cash used in investing
Financing activities
Interest paid
Proceeds from issuance of shares, stock option plan
Dividends paid
Net cash used in financing
Increase in cash and cash equivalents, during the year
Exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash balances
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of:
Cash
Cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Note
2018
2017
$
166,235 $
(204,718)
24
19
11
8, 9
20
15
21
23
327,973
10,683
74,295
14,976
2,303
111,779
(22,071)
(32,321)
-
(100,310)
59,616
(126,306)
18,311
(20,709)
183,062
667,516
(55,362)
(391,025)
33,508
1,249
(411,630)
(72,976)
-
(71,224)
(144,200)
111,686
8,222
591,620
711,528 $
330,345
(1,101)
(62,569)
13,960
6,947
110,608
(5,265)
-
358,330
30,522
43
(2,519)
11,592
(77,182)
87,057
596,050
(114,028)
-
19,023
1,951
(93,054)
(69,498)
4
(158,297)
(227,791)
275,205
(3,863)
320,278
591,620
317,296 $
394,232
711,528 $
190,174
401,446
591,620
$
$
$
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 93
Notes to consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
1. Cameco Corporation
Cameco Corporation is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The address of its registered office is 2121
11th Street West, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7M 1J3. The consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended
December 31, 2018 comprise Cameco Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company or Cameco) and the
Company’s interests in associates and joint arrangements.
Cameco is one of the world’s largest providers of the uranium needed to generate clean, reliable baseload electricity around
the globe. The Company currently has one mine operating in northern Saskatchewan, Cigar Lake, as well as a 40% interest in
Joint Venture Inkai LLP (JV Inkai), a joint arrangement with Joint Stock Company National Atomic Company Kazatomprom
(Kazatomprom), located in Kazakhstan. As of January 1, 2018, JV Inkai is accounted for on an equity basis (see note 11).
Previously, JV Inkai’s results were proportionately consolidated therefore Cameco’s 2017 results reflect its proportionate share
of JV Inkai’s assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows.
It also has two operations in Northern Saskatchewan which are in care and maintenance. Rabbit Lake was placed in care and
maintenance in the second quarter of 2016 while operations at McArthur River/Key Lake were suspended indefinitely in the
third quarter of 2018 (see note 28 for financial statement impact). Cameco’s operations in the United States, Crow Butte and
Smith Ranch-Highland, are also not currently producing as the decision was made in 2016 to curtail production and defer all
wellfield development.
The Company is also a leading provider of nuclear fuel processing services, supplying much of the world’s reactor fleet with
the fuel to generate one of the cleanest sources of electricity available today. It operates the world’s largest commercial
refinery in Blind River, Ontario, controls about 25% of the world UF6 primary conversion capacity in Port Hope, Ontario and is
a leading manufacturer of fuel assemblies and reactor components for CANDU reactors at facilities in Port Hope and Cobourg,
Ontario.
2. Significant accounting policies
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Company’s board of directors on February 7,
2019.
These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company’s functional currency. All
financial information is presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Amounts presented in tabular format have been
rounded to the nearest thousand except per share amounts and where otherwise noted.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following material items
which are measured on an alternative basis at each reporting date:
94 CAMECO CORPORATION
Derivative financial instruments
Equity investments
Liabilities for cash-settled share-based payment arrangements
Net defined benefit liability
Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)
Fair value through other comprehensive income
(FVOCI)
FVTPL
Fair value of plan assets less the present value of the
defined benefit obligation
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments,
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenue and expenses. Actual results may vary from these estimates.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in
the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. The areas involving a higher degree of
judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are
disclosed in note 5.
This summary of significant accounting policies is a description of the accounting methods and practices that have been used
in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements and is presented to assist the reader in interpreting the
statements contained herein. These accounting policies have been applied consistently to all entities within the consolidated
group.
i. Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Company. The Company
measures goodwill at the acquisition date as the fair value of the consideration transferred, including the recognized amount of
any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, less the net recognized amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets
acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured as of the acquisition date. When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase
gain is recognized immediately in earnings. In a business combination achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the
Company’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is also considered in computing goodwill.
Consideration transferred includes the fair values of the assets transferred, liabilities incurred and equity interests issued by
the Company. Consideration also includes the fair value of any contingent consideration and share-based compensation
awards that are replaced mandatorily in a business combination.
The Company elects on a transaction-by-transaction basis whether to measure any non-controlling interest at fair value, or at
their proportionate share of the recognized amount of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree, at the acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred, except for those costs related to the issue of debt or equity instruments.
ii. Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cameco and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities over
which the Company has control. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the
Company and are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
iii. Investments in equity-accounted investees
Cameco’s investments in equity-accounted investees include investments in associates.
Associates are those entities over which the Company has significant influence, but not control or joint control, over the
financial and operating policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the Company holds between 20% and 50% of
the voting power of another entity, but can also arise where the Company holds less than 20% if it has the power to be actively
involved and influential in policy decisions affecting the entity.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 95
Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method. The equity method involves the recording of the initial
investment at cost and the subsequent adjusting of the carrying value of the investment for Cameco’s proportionate share of
the earnings or loss and any other changes in the associates’ net assets, such as dividends. The cost of the investment
includes transaction costs.
Adjustments are made to align the accounting policies of the associate with those of the Company before applying the equity
method. When the Company’s share of losses exceeds its interest in an equity-accounted investee, the carrying amount of
that interest is reduced to zero, and the recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Company has
incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate. If the associate subsequently reports
profits, Cameco resumes recognizing its share of those profits only after its share of the profits equals the share of losses not
recognized.
iv. Joint arrangements
A joint arrangement can take the form of a joint operation or joint venture. All joint arrangements involve a contractual
arrangement that establishes joint control.
A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the
assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. A joint operation may or may not be structured through a
separate vehicle. These arrangements involve joint control of one or more of the assets acquired or contributed for the
purpose of the joint operation. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include its share of the assets in such
joint operations, together with its share of the liabilities, revenues and expenses arising jointly or otherwise from those
operations. All such amounts are measured in accordance with the terms of each arrangement.
A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net
assets of the arrangement. A joint venture is always structured through a separate vehicle. It operates in the same way as
other entities, controlling the assets of the joint venture, earning its own revenue and incurring its own liabilities and expenses.
Interests in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, whereby the Company’s proportionate
interest in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of jointly controlled entities are recognized on a single line in the
consolidated statements of financial position and consolidated statements of earnings. The share of joint ventures results is
recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date that joint control commences until the date at
which it ceases.
v. Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are
eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized gains arising from transactions with equity-accounted
investees are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Company’s interest in the investee. Unrealized losses are
eliminated in the same manner as unrealized gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.
Items included in the financial statements of each of Cameco’s subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements are measured
using their functional currency, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The
consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is Cameco’s functional and presentation currency.
96 CAMECO CORPORATION
i. Foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the respective functional currency of the Company and its entities using the
exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At the reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date. Non-monetary items that are
measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.
The applicable exchange gains and losses arising on these transactions are reflected in earnings with the exception of foreign
exchange gains or losses on provisions for decommissioning and reclamation activities that are in a foreign currency, which
are capitalized in property, plant and equipment.
ii. Foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are
translated to Canadian dollars at exchange rates at the reporting dates. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are
translated to Canadian dollars at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
Foreign currency differences are recognized in other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is disposed of, in
whole, the relevant amount in the foreign currency translation account is transferred to earnings as part of the gain or loss on
disposal.
When the settlement of a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation is neither planned nor likely in the
foreseeable future, foreign exchange gains and losses arising from such a monetary item are considered to form part of the
net investment in a foreign operation, and are recognized in other comprehensive income and presented within equity in the
foreign currency translation account.
Cash and cash equivalents consists of balances with financial institutions and investments in money market instruments,
which have a term to maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase and are classified as at amortized cost.
F. Short-term investments
Short-term investments are comprised of money market instruments with terms to maturity between three and 12 months and
are classified as at amortized cost.
Inventories of broken ore, uranium concentrates, and refined and converted products are measured at the lower of cost and
net realizable value.
Cost includes direct materials, direct labour, operational overhead expenses and depreciation. Net realizable value is the
estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.
Consumable supplies and spares are valued at the lower of cost or replacement value.
i. Buildings, plant and equipment and other
Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. The cost
of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials and direct labour, borrowing costs and any other costs directly
attributable to bringing the assets to the location and condition necessary for them to be capable of operating in the manner
intended by management, including the initial estimate of the cost of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site
on which they are located.
When components of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate
items of property, plant and equipment and depreciated separately.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 97
Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from
disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, and are recognized in earnings.
ii. Mineral properties and mine development costs
The decision to develop a mine property within a project area is based on an assessment of the commercial viability of the
property, the availability of financing and the existence of markets for the product. Once the decision to proceed to
development is made, development and other expenditures relating to the project area are deferred as part of assets under
construction and disclosed as a component of property, plant and equipment with the intention that these will be depreciated
by charges against earnings from future mining operations. No depreciation is charged against the property until the
production stage commences. After a mine property has been brought into the production stage, costs of any additional work
on that property are expensed as incurred, except for large development programs, which will be deferred and depreciated
over the remaining life of the related assets.
The production stage is reached when a mine property is in the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the
manner intended by management. The criteria used to assess the start date of the production stage are determined based on
the nature of each mine construction project, including the complexity of a mine site. A range of factors is considered when
determining whether the production stage has been reached, which includes, but is not limited to, the demonstration of
sustainable production at or near the level intended (such as the demonstration of continuous throughput levels at or above a
target percentage of the design capacity).
iii. Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated over the depreciable amount, which is the cost of the asset less its residual value. Assets which are
unrelated to production are depreciated according to the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives as follows:
Land
Buildings
Plant and equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Other
Not depreciated
15 - 25 years
3 - 15 years
3 - 10 years
3 - 5 years
Mining properties and certain mining and conversion assets for which the economic benefits from the asset are consumed in a
pattern which is linked to the production level are depreciated according to the unit-of-production method. For conversion
assets, the amount of depreciation is measured by the portion of the facilities' total estimated lifetime production that is
produced in that period. For mining assets and properties, the amount of depreciation or depletion is measured by the portion
of the mines' proven and probable mineral reserves recovered during the period.
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting period and are adjusted if appropriate.
iv. Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs on funds directly attributable to finance the acquisition, production or construction of a qualifying asset are
capitalized until such time as substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use are
complete. A qualifying asset is one that takes a substantial period of time to prepare for its intended use. Capitalization is
discontinued when the asset enters the production stage or development ceases. Where the funds used to finance a project
form part of general borrowings, interest is capitalized based on the weighted average interest rate applicable to the general
borrowings outstanding during the period of construction.
v. Repairs and maintenance
The cost of replacing a component of property, plant and equipment is capitalized if it is probable that future economic benefits
embodied within the component will flow to the Company. The carrying amount of the replaced component is derecognized.
Costs of routine maintenance and repair are charged to products and services sold.
98 CAMECO CORPORATION
Goodwill arising from the acquisition of subsidiaries is initially recognized at cost, measured as the excess of the fair value of
the consideration paid over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. At the date of acquisition, goodwill is allocated
to the cash generating unit (CGU), or group of CGUs that is expected to receive the economic benefits of the business
combination. Goodwill is subsequently measured at cost, less accumulated impairment losses.
Intangible assets acquired individually or as part of a group of assets are initially recognized at cost and measured
subsequently at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when
it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. The cost of a group of intangible
assets acquired in a transaction, including those acquired in a business combination that meet the specified criteria for
recognition apart from goodwill, is allocated to the individual assets acquired based on their relative fair values.
Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated remaining useful lives. Amortization methods
and useful lives are reviewed at each reporting period and are adjusted if appropriate.
Leases which result in the Company receiving substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance
leases. Upon initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its fair value and the present
value of the minimum lease payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the
accounting policy applicable to that asset. Minimum lease payments made under finance leases are apportioned between
finance cost and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance cost is allocated to each period of the lease term to
produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Lease agreements that do not meet the recognition criteria of a finance lease are classified and recognized as operating
leases and are not recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position. Payments made under
operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested. Interest income and interest expense are recognized in
earnings as they accrue, using the effective interest method. Finance costs comprise interest and fees on borrowings,
unwinding of the discount on provisions and costs incurred on redemption of debentures.
Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are
expensed in the period incurred.
Expenditures on research are charged against earnings when incurred. Development costs are recognized as assets when the
Company can demonstrate technical feasibility and that the asset will generate probable future economic benefits.
i. Non-derivative financial assets
Cameco recognizes loss allowances for expected credit losses (ECLs) on financial assets measured at amortized cost, debt
investments measured at FVOCI, and contract assets. It measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs,
except for debt securities that are determined to have low credit risk at the reporting date and other debt securities, loans
advanced and bank balances for which credit risk has not increased significantly since initial recognition. For these, loss
allowances are measured equal to 12-month ECLs.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 99
Lifetime ECLs are the ECLs that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument while 12-
month ECLs are the portion of ECLs that result from default events that are possible within the 12 months after the reporting
date (or a shorter period if the expected life of the instrument is less than 12 months). The maximum period considered when
estimating ECLs is the maximum contractual period over which the Company is exposed to credit risk.
ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of the difference
between the cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Company expects to
receive. ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate of the financial asset.
When determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition and when
estimating ECLs, the Company considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without undue
cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on the Company’s historical
experience and informed credit assessment and including forward-looking information.
The Company considers a financial asset to be in default when the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations in full,
without recourse by Cameco to actions such as realizing security (if any is held).
The Company considers a debt security to have low credit risk when it is at least an A (low) DBRS or A- S&P rating.
Financial assets carried at amortized cost and debt securities at FVOCI are assessed at each reporting date to determine
whether they are ‘credit-impaired’. A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental effect
on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred. Evidence can include significant financial difficulty of
the borrower or issuer, a breach of contract, restructuring of an amount due to the Company on terms that the Company would
not consider otherwise, indications that a debtor or issuer will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization, or the
disappearance of an active market for a security.
Loss allowances for financial assets measured at amortized cost are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets.
For debt securities at FVOCI, the loss allowance is charged to earnings and is recognized in OCI. The gross carrying amount
of a financial asset is written off when the Company has no reasonable expectations of recovering a financial asset in its
entirety or a portion thereof.
ii. Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of Cameco’s non-financial assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any
indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill is tested
annually for impairment.
For impairment testing, assets are grouped together into CGUs which are the smallest group of assets that generate cash
inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or CGUs. Goodwill arising from a
business combination is allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the
combination.
The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. Value in use is
based on the estimated future cash flows, discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU. Fair value is determined as the
amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset or CGU in an arm’s-length transaction between knowledgeable and
willing parties. For exploration properties, fair value is based on the implied fair value of the resources in place using
comparable market transaction metrics.
100 CAMECO CORPORATION
An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment
losses are recognized in earnings. Impairment losses recognized in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying
amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the CGU on a pro
rata basis.
Impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the impairment may have reversed. If the impairment has reversed, the carrying amount of the
asset is increased to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying
amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no
impairment loss had been recognized. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in earnings. An impairment
loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.
Exploration and evaluation expenditures are those expenditures incurred by the Company in connection with the exploration
for and evaluation of mineral resources before the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource
are demonstrable. These expenditures include researching and analyzing existing exploration data, conducting geological
studies, exploratory drilling and sampling, and compiling prefeasibility and feasibility studies. Exploration and evaluation
expenditures are charged against earnings as incurred, except when there is a high degree of confidence in the viability of the
project and it is probable that these costs will be recovered through future development and exploitation.
The technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a resource is considered to be determinable based on several
factors, including the existence of proven and probable reserves and the demonstration that future economic benefits are
probable. When an area is determined to be technically feasible and commercially viable, the exploration and evaluation
assets attributable to that area are first tested for impairment and then transferred to property, plant and equipment.
Exploration and evaluation costs that have been acquired in a business combination or asset acquisition are capitalized under
the scope of IFRS 6, Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources, and are reported as part of property, plant and
equipment.
A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be
estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions
are determined by discounting the risk-adjusted expected future cash flows at a pre-tax risk-free rate that reflects current
market assessments of the time value of money. The unwinding of the discount is recognized as a finance cost.
i. Environmental restoration
The mining, extraction and processing activities of the Company normally give rise to obligations for site closure and
environmental restoration. Closure and restoration can include facility decommissioning and dismantling, removal or treatment
of waste materials, as well as site and land restoration. The Company provides for the closure, reclamation and
decommissioning of its operating sites in the financial period when the related environmental disturbance occurs, based on the
estimated future costs using information available at the reporting date. Costs included in the provision comprise all closure
and restoration activity expected to occur gradually over the life of the operation and at the time of closure. Routine operating
costs that may impact the ultimate closure and restoration activities, such as waste material handling conducted as a normal
part of a mining or production process, are not included in the provision.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 101
The timing of the actual closure and restoration expenditure is dependent upon a number of factors such as the life and nature
of the asset, the operating licence conditions and the environment in which the mine operates. Closure and restoration
provisions are measured at the expected value of future cash flows, discounted to their present value using a current pre-tax
risk-free rate. Significant judgments and estimates are involved in deriving the expectations of future activities and the amount
and timing of the associated cash flows.
At the time a provision is initially recognized, to the extent that it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the
reclamation, decommissioning and restoration expenditure will flow to the Company, the corresponding cost is capitalized as
an asset. The capitalized cost of closure and restoration activities is recognized in property, plant and equipment and
depreciated on a unit-of-production basis. The value of the provision is gradually increased over time as the effect of
discounting unwinds. The unwinding of the discount is an expense recognized in finance costs.
Closure and rehabilitation provisions are also adjusted for changes in estimates. The provision is reviewed at each reporting
date for changes to obligations, legislation or discount rates that effect change in cost estimates or life of operations. The cost
of the related asset is adjusted for changes in the provision resulting from changes in estimated cash flows or discount rates,
and the adjusted cost of the asset is depreciated prospectively.
ii. Waste disposal
The refining, conversion and manufacturing processes generate certain uranium-contaminated waste. The Company has
established strict procedures to ensure this waste is disposed of safely. A provision for waste disposal costs in respect of
these materials is recognized when they are generated. Costs associated with the disposal, the timing of cash flows and
discount rates are estimated both at initial recognition and subsequent measurement.
i. Pension obligations
The Company accrues its obligations under employee benefit plans. The Company has both defined benefit and defined
contribution plans. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a
separate entity. The Company has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold
sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. A defined
benefit plan is a pension plan other than a defined contribution plan. Typically, defined benefit plans define an amount of
pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of
service and compensation.
The liability recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the
present value of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit
obligation is calculated annually, by qualified independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method prorated on service
and management's best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees
and expected health care costs. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated
future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the
benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability.
The Company recognizes all actuarial gains and losses arising from defined benefit plans in other comprehensive income, and
reports them in retained earnings. When the benefits of a plan are improved, the portion of the increased benefit relating to
past service by employees is recognized immediately in earnings.
For defined contribution plans, the contributions are recognized as employee benefit expense in earnings in the periods during
which services are rendered by employees. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset to the extent that a cash refund
or a reduction in future payments is available.
102 CAMECO CORPORATION
ii. Other post-retirement benefit plans
The Company provides certain post-retirement health care benefits to its retirees. The entitlement to these benefits is usually
conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and the completion of a minimum service period. The
expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment using the same accounting methodology as used
for defined benefit pension plans. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income in the period in
which they arise. These obligations are valued annually by independent qualified actuaries.
iii. Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is
provided. A liability is recognized for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus plans if the Company has a
present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee, and the
obligation can be measured reliably.
iv. Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Company before the normal retirement date, or
whenever an employee accepts an entity’s offer of benefits in exchange for termination of employment. Cameco recognizes
termination benefits as an expense at the earlier of when the Company can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits and
when the Company recognizes costs for a restructuring. If benefits are payable more than 12 months after the reporting
period, they are discounted to their present value.
v. Share-based compensation
For equity-settled plans, the grant date fair value of share-based compensation awards granted to employees is recognized as
an employee benefit expense, with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period that the employees unconditionally
become entitled to the awards. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which
the related service and vesting conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognized as an expense
is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date.
For cash-settled plans, the fair value of the amount payable to employees is recognized as an expense, with a corresponding
increase in liabilities, over the period that the employees unconditionally become entitled to payment. The liability is re-
measured at each reporting date and at settlement date. Any changes in the fair value of the liability are recognized as
employee benefit expense in earnings.
Cameco’s contributions under the employee share ownership plan are expensed during the year of contribution. Shares
purchased with Company contributions and with dividends paid on such shares become unrestricted on January 1 of the
second plan year following the date on which such shares were purchased.
Cameco supplies uranium concentrates, uranium conversion services, fabrication services and other services. Revenue is
measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it
transfers control, as described below, over a good or service to a customer. Customers do not have the right to return
products.
Cameco’s sales arrangements with its customers are pursuant to enforceable contracts that indicate the nature and timing of
satisfaction of performance obligations, including significant payment terms, where payment is usually due in 30 days. Each
delivery is considered a separate performance obligation under the contract.
Uranium supply
In a uranium supply arrangement, Cameco is contractually obligated to provide uranium concentrates to its customers.
Cameco-owned uranium may be physically delivered to either the customer or to conversion facilities (Converters).
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 103
For deliveries to customers, terms in the sales contract specify the location of delivery. Revenue is recognized when the
uranium has been delivered and accepted by the customer at that location.
When uranium is delivered to Converters, the Converter will credit Cameco’s account for the volume of accepted uranium.
Based on delivery terms in the sales contract with its customer, Cameco instructs the Converter to transfer title of a
contractually specified quantity of uranium to the customer’s account at the Converter’s facility. At this point, control has been
transferred and Cameco recognizes revenue for the uranium supply.
Toll conversion services
In a toll conversion arrangement, Cameco is contractually obligated to convert customer-owned uranium to a chemical state
suitable for enrichment. Based on delivery terms in a sales contract with its customer, Cameco either (i) physically delivers
converted uranium to enrichment facilities (Enrichers) where it instructs the Enricher to transfer title of a contractually specified
quantity of converted uranium to the customer’s account at the Enricher’s facility, or (ii) transfers title of a contractually
specified quantity of converted uranium to either an Enricher’s account or the customer’s account at Cameco’s Port Hope
conversion facility. At this point, the customer obtains control and Cameco recognizes revenue for the toll conversion services.
Conversion supply
A conversion supply arrangement is a combination of uranium supply and toll conversion services. Cameco is contractually
obligated to provide converted uranium to its customers. Based on delivery terms in the sales contract, Cameco either (i)
physically delivers converted uranium to the Enricher where it instructs the Enricher to transfer title of a contractually specified
quantity of converted uranium to the customer’s account at the Enricher’s facility, or (ii) transfers title of a contractually
specified quantity of converted uranium to either an Enricher’s account or a customer’s account at Cameco’s Port Hope
conversion facility. At this point, the customer obtains control and Cameco recognizes revenue for both the uranium supplied
and the conversion service provided.
Fabrication services
In a fabrication services arrangement, Cameco is contractually obligated to provide fuel bundles or reactor components to its
customers. In a contract for fuel bundles, the bundles are inspected and accepted by the customer at Cameco’s Port Hope
fabrication facility or another location based on delivery terms in the sales contract. At this point, the customer obtains control
and Cameco recognizes revenue for the fabrication services.
In some contracts for reactor components, the components are made to a customer’s specification and if a contract is
terminated by the customer, Cameco is entitled to reimbursement of the costs incurred to date, including a reasonable margin.
Since the customer controls all of the work in progress as the products are being manufactured, revenue and associated costs
are recognized over time, before the goods are delivered to the customer’s premises. Revenue is recognized on the basis of
units produced as the contracts reflect a per unit basis. Revenue from these contracts represents an insignificant portion of
Cameco’s total revenue. In other contracts where the reactor components are not made to a specific customer’s specification,
when the components are delivered to the location specified in the contract, the customer obtains control and Cameco
recognizes revenue for the services.
Other services
Uranium concentrates and converted uranium are regulated products and can only be stored at regulated facilities. In a
storage arrangement, Cameco is contractually obligated to store uranium products at its facilities on behalf of the customer.
Cameco invoices the customer in accordance with the contract terms and recognizes revenue on a monthly basis.
Cameco also provides customers with transportation of its uranium products. In the contractual arrangements where Cameco
is acting as the principal, revenue is recognized as the product is delivered.
104 CAMECO CORPORATION
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity
instrument of another.
Trade receivables and debt securities are initially recognized when they are originated. All other financial assets and liabilities
are initially recognized when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. A financial asset
(unless it is a trade receivable without a significant financing component) or financial liability is initially measured at fair value
plus, for an item not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition or issue.
A trade receivable without a significant financing component is initially measured at the transaction price.
i. Financial assets
On initial recognition, financial assets are classified as measured at: amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive
income, or fair value through profit or loss based on the Company’s business model for managing its financial assets and their
cash flow characteristics. Classifications are not changed subsequent to initial recognition unless the Company changes its
business model for managing its financial assets, in which case all affected financial assets are reclassified on the first day of
the first reporting period following the change in business model.
Amortized cost
A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it is not designated as at fair value through profit or loss, is held within a
business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows and its contractual terms give rise to cash
flows on specified dates that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. Assets in this
category are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The amortized cost is reduced by
impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss, as is
any gain or loss on derecognition.
Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)
A debt investment is measured at FVOCI if it is not designated as at fair value through profit or loss, is held within a business
model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets and its contractual
terms give rise to cash flows on specified dates that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount
outstanding. These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Interest income calculated using the effective interest
method, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Other net gains and losses are
recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI). On derecognition, gains and losses accumulated in OCI are reclassified to
profit or loss.
On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, Cameco may irrevocably elect to present subsequent
changes in the investments fair value in OCI. This election is made on an investment by investment basis. These assets are
subsequently measured at fair value. Dividends are recognized as income in profit or loss unless the dividend clearly
represents a recovery of part of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognized in OCI and are never
reclassified to profit or loss.
Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)
All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI are measured at FVTPL. This includes all derivative
financial assets. On initial recognition, the Company may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the
requirements to be measured at amortized cost or at FVOCI as at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an
accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise. These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Net gains and losses,
including any interest or dividend income, are recognized in profit or loss.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 105
Derecognition of financial assets
Cameco derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the
rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of
the financial asset are transferred or in which it neither transfers or retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of
ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset.
If the Company enters into a transaction whereby it transfers assets recognized in its statement of financial position, but
retains either all or substantially all of the risks and rewards of the transferred assets, the transferred assets would not be
derecognized.
ii. Financial liabilities
On initial recognition, financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortized cost or FVTPL. A financial liability is classified
as FVTPL if it is classified as held-for-trading, is a derivative or is designated as such on initial recognition. Financial liabilities
at FVTPL are measured at fair value and net gains and losses, including any interest expense, are recognized in profit or loss.
Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense
and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss as is any gain or loss on derecognition.
A financial liability is derecognized when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled, or expire. The Company also
derecognizes a financial liability when its terms are modified and the cash flows of the modified liability are substantially
different, in which case a new financial liability based on the modified terms is recognized at fair value. On derecognition of a
financial liability, the difference between the carrying amount extinguished and the consideration paid (including any non-cash
assets transferred or liabilities assumed) is recognized in profit or loss.
iIi. Derivative financial instruments
The Company holds derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and
interest rates. Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract and accounted for separately if the host contract is
not a financial asset and certain criteria are met.
Derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position, with any
directly attributable transaction costs recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are
measured at fair value, and changes in fair value are recognized in profit or loss.
The purpose of hedging transactions is to modify the Company’s exposure to one or more risks by creating an offset between
changes in the fair value of, or the cash flows attributable to, the hedged item and the hedging item. When hedge accounting
is appropriate, the hedging relationship is designated as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a foreign currency risk
hedge related to a net investment in a foreign operation. The Company does not have any instruments that have been
designated as hedge transactions at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Income tax expense is comprised of current and deferred taxes. Current tax and deferred tax are recognized in earnings
except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive
income.
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or
substantially enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous years. Current tax
assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be paid or recovered from the taxation authorities.
106 CAMECO CORPORATION
Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. In addition, deferred tax is not recognized for taxable
temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected
to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted
by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax
liabilities and assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on
different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities
will be realized simultaneously.
A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it
is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at
each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
The Company’s exposure to uncertain tax positions is evaluated and a provision is made where it is probable that this
exposure will materialize.
Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of common shares are recognized
as a reduction of equity, net of any tax effects.
The Company presents basic and diluted earnings per share data for its common shares. Earnings per share is calculated by
dividing the net earnings attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding.
Diluted earnings per share is determined by adjusting the net earnings attributable to equity holders of the Company and the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding, for the effects of all dilutive potential common shares. The
calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes that outstanding options which are dilutive to earnings per share are
exercised and the proceeds are used to repurchase shares of the Company at the average market price of the shares for the
period. The effect is to increase the number of shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share.
An operating segment is a component of the Company that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues
and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Company’s other segments.
To be classified as a segment, discrete financial information must be available and operating results must be regularly
reviewed by the Company’s executive team.
Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire property, plant and equipment, and
intangible assets other than goodwill.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 107
3. Accounting standards
On January 1, 2018, Cameco adopted the following new standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
(IASB) in accordance with the transitional provisions:
i. Revenue
IFRS 15 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. Cameco adopted IFRS 15 using the
cumulative effect method without practical expedients which does not require comparative financial statements to be restated.
As the adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our existing revenue recognition practices, there was
no cumulative effect on net earnings at January 1, 2018 that would have required restatement. The new standard did result in
additional disclosures. See note 17.
ii. Financial instruments
IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets. While it largely retains the
existing requirements in IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement for the classification and measurement
of financial liabilities, it eliminates the previous categories for financial assets of held to maturity, loans and receivables and
available for sale. Upon adoption, we reclassified our financial instruments as follows:
Original classification under IAS 39 New classification under IFRS 9
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Derivative assets
Investments in equity securities
Advances receivable from Inkai
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables
FVTPL
Available for sale
Loans and receivables
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Dividends payable
Derivative liabilities
Long-term debt
Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities
FVTPL
Other financial liabilities
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
FVTPL
FVOCI
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
FVTPL
Amortized cost
There was no impact on the measurement of any of these instruments at the date of transition. We did not have any financial
assets or liabilities previously designated as measured at FVTPL that are no longer so designated.
The new standard also includes a new ECL model for calculating impairment on financial assets. This change did not have a
material impact on the consolidated financial statements. See note 26.
IFRS 9 also introduces new hedge accounting requirements. Since Cameco does not apply hedge accounting, there was no
impact on the consolidated financial statements.
108 CAMECO CORPORATION
i. Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases (IFRS 16). IFRS 16 is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1,
2019, with early adoption permitted. IFRS 16 eliminates the current dual model for lessees, which distinguishes between on-
balance sheet finance leases and off-balance sheet operating leases. Instead, there is a single, on-balance sheet accounting
model that is similar to current finance lease accounting. Our assessment of the new standard included the review of contracts
to identify arrangements that could contain leases that qualify for recognition under IFRS 16. This review also considered
contracts containing embedded leases of right-of-use assets. Based on our assessment, which is substantially complete, we
determined that we do not expect adoption of the standard to have a material impact on the financial statements, however we
do expect to have additional disclosures.
ii. Income tax
In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (IFRIC 23). IFRIC 23 is effective for periods
beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. IFRIC 23 provides guidance on the accounting for current
and deferred tax liabilities and assets in circumstances in which there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. We do not
expect adoption of the standard to have a material impact on the financial statements.
4. Determination of fair values
A number of the Company’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair value, for both financial and
non-financial assets and liabilities.
The fair value of an asset or liability is generally estimated as the amount that would be received on sale of an asset, or paid to
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. Fair values of assets and
liabilities traded in an active market are determined by reference to last quoted prices, in the principal market for the asset or
liability. In the absence of an active market for an asset or liability, fair values are determined based on market quotes for
assets or liabilities with similar characteristics and risk profiles, or through other valuation techniques. Fair values determined
using valuation techniques require the use of inputs, which are obtained from external, readily observable market data when
available. In some circumstances, inputs that are not based on observable data must be used. In these cases, the estimated
fair values may be adjusted in order to account for valuation uncertainty, or to reflect the assumptions that market participants
would use in pricing the asset or liability.
All fair value measurements are categorized into one of three hierarchy levels, described below, for disclosure purposes. Each
level is based on the transparency of the inputs used to measure the fair values of assets and liabilities:
Level 1 – Values based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the reporting date for identical
assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Values based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or
indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 – Values based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the
overall fair value measurement.
When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within more than one level of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value
measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 109
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the end of the reporting period during which the transfer
occurred. There were no transfers between level 1, level 2, or level 3 during the period. Cameco does not have any recurring
fair value measurements that are categorized as level 3 as of the reporting date.
Further information about the techniques and assumptions used to measure fair values is included in the following notes:
Note 8 - Property, plant and equipment
Note 9 - Goodwill and intangible assets
Note 24 - Share-based compensation plans
Note 26 - Financial instruments and risk management
5. Use of estimates and judgments
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments,
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in
the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future period affected.
Information about critical judgments in applying the accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts
recognized in the consolidated financial statements is discussed below. Further details of the nature of these judgments,
estimates and assumptions may be found in the relevant notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Cameco assesses the carrying values of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets when there is an indication of
possible impairment. Goodwill and intangible assets not yet available for use or with indefinite useful lives are tested for
impairment annually. If it is determined that carrying values of assets or goodwill cannot be recovered, the unrecoverable
amounts are charged against current earnings. Recoverability is dependent upon assumptions and judgments regarding
market conditions, costs of production, sustaining capital requirements and mineral reserves. Other assumptions used in the
calculation of recoverable amounts are discount rates, future cash flows and profit margins. A material change in assumptions
may significantly impact the potential impairment of these assets.
In performing impairment assessments of long-lived assets, assets that cannot be assessed individually are grouped together
into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets
or groups of assets. Management is required to exercise judgment in identifying these CGUs.
Significant decommissioning and reclamation activities are often not undertaken until near the end of the useful lives of the
productive assets. Regulatory requirements and alternatives with respect to these activities are subject to change over time. A
significant change to either the estimated costs, timing of the cash flows or mineral reserves may result in a material change in
the amount charged to earnings.
110 CAMECO CORPORATION
Cameco operates in a number of tax jurisdictions and is, therefore, required to estimate its income taxes in each of these tax
jurisdictions in preparing its consolidated financial statements. In calculating income taxes, consideration is given to factors
such as tax rates in the different jurisdictions, non-deductible expenses, changes in tax law and management’s expectations of
future operating results. Cameco estimates deferred income taxes based on temporary differences between the income and
losses reported in its consolidated financial statements and its taxable income and losses as determined under the applicable
tax laws. The tax effect of these temporary differences is recorded as deferred tax assets or liabilities in the consolidated
financial statements. The calculation of income taxes requires the use of judgment and estimates. The determination of the
recoverability of deferred tax assets is dependent on assumptions and judgments regarding future market conditions,
production rates and intercompany sales. If these judgments and estimates prove to be inaccurate, future earnings may be
materially impacted.
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is primarily calculated using the unit-of-production method. This method
allocates the cost of an asset to each period based on current period production as a portion of total lifetime production or a
portion of estimated mineral reserves. Estimates of life-of-mine and amounts of mineral reserves are updated annually and are
subject to judgment and significant change over time. If actual mineral reserves prove to be significantly different than the
estimates, there could be a material impact on the amounts of depreciation charged to earnings.
Cameco conducts certain operations through joint ownership interests. Judgment is required in assessing whether Cameco
has joint control over the investee, which involves determining the relevant activities of the arrangement and whether decisions
around relevant activities require unanimous consent. Judgment is also required to determine whether a joint arrangement
should be classified as a joint venture or joint operation. Classifying the arrangement requires us to assess our rights and
obligations arising from the arrangement. Specifically, management considers the structure of the joint arrangement and
whether it is structured through a separate vehicle and when the arrangement is structured through a separate vehicle, we
also consider the rights and obligations arising from the legal form of the separate vehicle, the terms of the contractual
arrangements and other facts and circumstances, when relevant. This judgment influences whether we equity account or
proportionately consolidate our interest in the arrangement.
The gain recorded on the restructuring of JV Inkai was calculated based on the fair value of the asset being given up. The
determination of fair value requires Cameco to make assumptions, estimates and judgments, some of which are inherently
subjective.
6. Accounts receivable
Trade receivables
GST/VAT receivables
Other receivables
Total
2018
2017
$
392,865 $
3,711
5,774
392,759
3,611
454
$
402,350 $
396,824
The Company’s exposure to credit and currency risks as well as credit losses related to trade and other receivables, excluding
goods and services tax (GST)/value added tax (VAT) receivables, is disclosed in note 26.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 111
7. Inventories
Uranium
Concentrate
Broken ore
NUKEM
Fuel services
Total
2018
2017
$
255,373 $
51,545
306,918
85,654
75,223
820,426
47,083
867,509
13,801
68,456
$
467,795 $
949,766
Cameco expensed $1,501,000,000 of inventory as cost of sales during 2018 (2017 - $1,601,000,000). Included in cost of sales
is a $29,296,000 net write-down to reflect net realizable value (2017 - $8,662,000 net write-down).
8. Property, plant and equipment
At December 31, 2018
Land
and
buildings
Plant
and
equipment
Furniture
and
fixtures
Under
construction
Exploration
and
evaluation
Total
Cost
Beginning of year
Additions
Transfers
Change in reclamation provision [note 15]
Disposals
JV Inkai restructuring(a)
Effect of movements in exchange rates
$ 5,045,112 $ 2,729,635 $
90,817 $
154,731 $ 1,120,280 $ 9,140,575
1,944
104,760
132,317
7,274
20,044
-
(186)
(7,355)
(245,882)
(109,748)
51,843
15,094
-
288
-
(4,714)
(6,624)
316
45,516
(129,436)
-
(1,663)
(5,739)
56
628
4,344
-
(414)
55,362
-
132,317
(14,332)
-
(367,993)
(3,777)
63,532
End of year
5,089,908
2,654,944
80,083
63,465
1,121,061
9,009,461
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Beginning of year
Depreciation charge
Transfers
Change in reclamation provision [note 15]
Disposals
JV Inkai restructuring(a)
Effect of movements in exchange rates
2,717,249
1,611,460
80,752
55,832
483,390
4,948,683
120,754
111,465
13,036
59,616
(185)
(123,919)
48,486
6,333
-
(5,853)
(38,783)
12,556
3,217
(322)
-
(4,647)
(4,441)
301
-
(19,047)
-
-
-
14
-
-
-
-
-
271
235,436
-
59,616
(10,685)
(167,143)
61,628
End of year
2,835,037
1,697,178
74,860
36,799
483,661
5,127,535
Net book value at December 31, 2018
$ 2,254,871 $
957,766 $
5,223 $
26,666 $
637,400 $ 3,881,926
112 CAMECO CORPORATION
At December 31, 2017
Cost
Beginning of year
Additions
Transfers
Land
and
buildings
Plant
and
equipment
Furniture
and
fixtures
Under
construction
Exploration
and
evaluation
Total
$ 4,979,489 $ 2,640,543 $
95,168 $
340,340 $ 1,120,641 $ 9,176,181
27,343
13,649
3,521
97,729
1,091
143,333
104,134
106,669
(2,455)
(208,359)
Change in reclamation provision
Disposals
Pre-commercial production revenue(b)
Effect of movements in exchange rates
17,541
(4,610)
(22,818)
(55,967)
-
(4,803)
(6,487)
-
-
(4,578)
(74,482)
-
-
(19,936)
(839)
(497)
(1,463)
11
-
-
-
-
17,541
(88,473)
(29,305)
(78,702)
End of year
5,045,112
2,729,635
90,817
154,731
1,120,280
9,140,575
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Beginning of year
Depreciation charge
Transfers
2,508,212
1,460,953
80,592
80,674
390,164
4,520,595
137,853
175,811
6,490
-
48,209
(35,243)
(2,451)
(10,515)
Change in reclamation provision
Disposals
Impairment charge(c)(d)
Effect of movements in exchange rates
43
(2,393)
67,535
(42,210)
-
-
(4,130)
(3,269)
25,359
(11,290)
-
(610)
-
(70,159)
55,841
-
-
-
-
320,154
-
43
(79,951)
91,046
239,781
(9)
2,180
(51,939)
End of year
2,717,249
1,611,460
80,752
55,832
483,390
4,948,683
Net book value at December 31, 2017
$ 2,327,863 $ 1,118,175 $
10,065 $
98,899 $
636,890 $ 4,191,892
Cameco has contractual capital commitments of approximately $16,000,000 at December 31, 2018. Certain of the contractual
commitments may contain cancellation clauses, however the Company discloses the commitments based on management’s
intent to fulfill the contract. The majority of this amount is expected to be incurred in 2019.
(a) Effective January 1, 2018, Cameco’s ownership interest in JV Inkai was reduced to 40% resulting in JV Inkai being
accounted for on an equity basis instead of proportionate consolidation (see note 11).
(b) During 2017, revenues of $29,305,000 from the sales of inventories before the commencement of commercial production
of JV Inkai Block 3 were recorded as a reduction of the respective mining assets.
(c) In the fourth quarter of 2017, all remaining proven and probable reserves of our US operations were reclassified to
resources, indicating that the mineable remaining pounds of U3O8 no longer had demonstrated economic viability, but had
reasonable prospects for economic extraction. In accordance with the provisions of IAS 36, Impairment of Assets, Cameco
considered this to be an indicator that the assets of the two cash generating units in the US could potentially be impaired and
accordingly, we were required to estimate the recoverable amount of these assets.
An impairment charge of $184,448,000 ($144,450,000 (USD)) was recognized as part of the uranium segment. The amount of
the charge was determined as the excess of the carrying value over the recoverable amount which was based on a fair value
less costs to sell model and categorized as a non-recurring level 3 fair value measurement. The recoverable amount was
determined to be $133,228,000 ($106,200,000 (USD)) based on the fair value of resources in place using comparable market
metrics.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 113
(d) Also in the fourth quarter of 2017, Cameco announced the planned temporary suspension of production at the McArthur
River/Key Lake operation. Due to this announcement, the Key Lake calciner project, which is part of the uranium segment and
was initially undertaken to allow for an increase in annual production, was re-evaluated. As a result, the Company wrote off
$55,333,000 of assets under construction on this project.
9. Goodwill and intangible assets
At December 31, 2018
Goodwill
Contracts
Intellectual
property
Patents
Total
Cost
Beginning of year
Effect of movements in exchange rates
$
111,399 $
-
109,812 $
9,559
118,819 $
10,966 $
-
-
350,996
9,559
End of year
111,399
119,371
118,819
10,966
360,555
Accumulated amortization and impairment
Beginning of year
Amortization charge
Effect of movements in exchange rates
End of year
111,399
-
-
104,939
1,325
9,170
111,399
115,434
53,680
3,474
-
57,154
10,966
-
-
280,984
4,799
9,170
10,966
294,953
Net book value at December 31, 2018
$
- $
3,937 $
61,665 $
- $
65,602
At December 31, 2017
Goodwill
Contracts
property
Patents
Total
Intellectual
Cost
Beginning of year
Effect of movements in exchange rates
$
118,664 $
(7,265)
117,533 $
(7,721)
118,819 $
-
11,737 $
(771)
366,753
(15,757)
End of year
111,399
109,812
118,819
10,966
350,996
Accumulated amortization and impairment
Beginning of year
Amortization charge
Impairment charge
Effect of movements in exchange rates
End of year
-
-
111,399
-
110,284
2,002
-
(7,347)
111,399
104,939
49,589
4,091
-
-
53,680
3,570
630
7,150
(384)
163,443
6,723
118,549
(7,731)
10,966
280,984
Net book value at December 31, 2017
$
- $
4,873 $
65,139 $
- $
70,012
114 CAMECO CORPORATION
The intangible asset values relate to intellectual property acquired with Cameco Fuel Manufacturing Inc. (CFM) and purchase
and sales contracts acquired with NUKEM. The CFM intellectual property is being amortized on a unit-of-production basis over
its remaining life. Amortization is allocated to the cost of inventory and is recognized in cost of products and services sold as
inventory is sold. The NUKEM purchase and sales contracts will be amortized to earnings over the remaining terms of the
underlying contracts, which extend to 2022. Amortization of the purchase contracts is allocated to the cost of inventory and is
included in cost of products and services sold as inventory is sold. Sales contracts are amortized to revenue.
Patents acquired with UFP Investments LLC (UFP) were being amortized to cost of products and services sold on a straight-
line basis over their remaining life which expires in July 2029. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Cameco recorded an impairment
charge of $7,150,000 on these assets due to continuing weakness in the uranium market and limited budget allocated to this
project.
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is attributable to NUKEM, which is considered to be a CGU.
In the third quarter of 2017, Cameco restructured its global marketing organization in response to the changing business
environment. The restructuring significantly impacted the marketing activities historically performed by NUKEM. In accordance
with the provisions of IAS 36, Impairment of Assets, Cameco considered this to be an indicator that the assets of the CGU
could potentially be impaired and accordingly, we were required to estimate the recoverable amount of these assets.
The recoverable amount of NUKEM was estimated based on a fair value less costs to sell calculation and was concluded to be
equal to the carrying value of its inventory and existing contracts. A change in the previous assumption, that there would be
cash flows generated beyond a five-year period, resulted in the elimination of the terminal value. Accordingly, an impairment
charge of $111,399,000 ($88,377,000 (US)) was recorded, representing the full carrying value of NUKEM goodwill.
10. Long-term receivables, investments and other
Investments in equity securities [note 26](a)
Derivatives [note 26]
Advances receivable from JV Inkai [note 31]
Investment tax credits
Amounts receivable related to tax dispute [note 21]
Product loan(b)
Other
Less current portion
Net
2018
2017
$
28,916
3,881
124,533
95,246
303,222
176,904
32,992
765,694
(13,826)
$
21,417
40,804
58,820
92,846
303,222
-
39,053
556,162
(36,089)
$
751,868
$
520,073
(a) At January 1, 2018, Cameco designated the investments shown below as equity securities at FVOCI because these equity
securities represent investments that the Company intends to hold for the long term for strategic purposes. In 2017, these
investments were classified as available-for-sale and measured through OCI under IAS 39 (see note 3). There were no
dividends recognized on any of these investments during the year.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 115
Investment in Denison Mines Corp.
Investment in UEX Corporation
Investment in GoviEx
Other
Fair value
Dec 31/18
$
15,507
8,754
2,313
2,342
$
28,916
(b) As a result of the decision to temporarily suspend production at the McArthur River mine, Cameco has entered into an
agreement with its joint venture partner, Orano Canada Inc., (Orano) to provide them with up to 5,400,000 pounds of uranium
concentrate through 2018. The product is deliverable in 12 equal monthly instalments of 450,000 pounds. Orano is not
obligated to take delivery but must provide 30 days’ notice prior to the upcoming delivery date if they do not wish to take that
delivery. Orano is obligated to repay us in kind with uranium concentrate no later than December 31, 2023. At December 31,
2018, Cameco had provided the maximum amount of 5,400,000 pounds under this agreement. The loan is recorded at
Cameco’s weighted average cost of inventory.
11. Equity-accounted investee
On December 11, 2017, the Company announced that the restructuring of JV Inkai outlined in the implementation agreement
dated May 27, 2016 with Kazatomprom and JV Inkai closed and would take effect January 1, 2018. As a result of the
restructuring, Cameco’s ownership interest was adjusted to 40% (previously 60%) and Cameco began accounting for JV Inkai
on an equity basis, prospectively, as of January 1, 2018 as it was concluded Cameco no longer has joint control over the joint
venture.
JV Inkai is the operator of the Inkai uranium deposit located in Kazakhstan. Cameco holds a 40% interest and Kazatomprom
holds a 60% interest in JV Inkai. JV Inkai is a uranium mining and milling operation that utilizes in-situ recovery (ISR)
technology to extract uranium. The participants in JV Inkai purchase uranium from Inkai and, in turn, derive revenue directly
from the sale of such product to third-party customers.
The following tables summarize the financial information of JV Inkai (100%) at December 31, 2018:
$
2018
41,717
160,784
407,816
(151,728)
(41,746)
$
416,843
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
116 CAMECO CORPORATION
Revenue from products and services
Cost of products and services sold
Depreciation and amortization
Finance income
Finance costs
Other expense
Income tax expense
Net earnings
Cameco's share
Adjustments(a)
$
2018
203,359
(52,172)
(27,504)
160
(6,251)
(30,419)
(20,860)
66,313
26,525
5,796
Cameco's share of net earnings
$
32,321
The following table reconciles the summarized financial information to the carrying amount of Cameco’s interest in JV Inkai:
Cameco's share of net assets, beginning of year before restructuring
Adjustments(a)
Carrying amount in the statement of financial position, beginning of year before restructuring
Share of net earnings
Gain on restructuring [note 20]
Impact of foreign exchange
Adjustments(b)
$
2018
236,857
(75,257)
161,600
26,525
43,120
(6,539)
5,796
Carrying amount in the statement of financial position at December 31, 2018
$
230,502
(a) In addition to its proportionate share of earnings from JV Inkai, Cameco records certain consolidating adjustments to
eliminate unrealized profit and amortize historical differences in accounting policies. This amount is amortized to earnings over
units of production.
(b) Following the restructuring, in addition to the adjustments noted in (a), Cameco also amortizes the fair values assigned to
assets and liabilities at the time of the restructuring over units of production.
12. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Trade payables
Non-trade payables
Payables due to related parties
Total
2018
2017
$
124,390
92,183
8,181
$
177,040
75,784
5,581
$
224,754
$
258,405
The Company’s exposure to currency and liquidity risk related to trade and other payables is disclosed in note 26.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 117
13. Long-term debt
Unsecured debentures
Series D - 5.67% debentures due September 2, 2019 [note 26]
Series E - 3.75% debentures due November 14, 2022
Series F - 5.09% debentures due November 14, 2042
Series G - 4.19% debentures due June 24, 2024
Less current portion
Total
2018
2017
$
499,599
398,873
99,286
497,913
1,495,671
(499,599)
$
499,020
398,604
99,271
497,576
1,494,471
-
$
996,072
$ 1,494,471
Cameco has a $1,250,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility that is available until November 1, 2022. Upon mutual
agreement, the facility can be extended for an additional year on the anniversary date. In addition to direct borrowings under
the facility, up to $100,000,000 can be used for the issuance of letters of credit and, to the extent necessary, it may be used to
provide liquidity support for the Company’s commercial paper program. The agreement also provides the ability to increase the
revolving credit facility above $1,250,000,000 by increments no less than $50,000,000, to a total of $1,750,000,000. The
facility ranks equally with all of Cameco’s other senior debt. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no amounts
outstanding under this facility.
Cameco has $1,716,473,000 (2017 - $1,667,932,000) in letter of credit facilities. Outstanding and committed letters of credit at
December 31, 2018 amounted to $1,572,984,000 (2017 - $1,474,155,000), the majority of which relate to future
decommissioning and reclamation liabilities (note 15).
Cameco is bound by a covenant in its revolving credit facility. The covenant requires a funded debt to tangible net worth ratio
equal to or less than 1:1. Non-compliance with this covenant could result in accelerated payment and termination of the
revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2018, Cameco was in compliance with the covenant and does not expect its
operating and investing activities in 2019 to be constrained by it.
The table below represents currently scheduled maturities of long-term debt:
2019
$ 499,599
2020
-
14. Other liabilities
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
Total
-
398,873
-
597,199 $
1,495,671
Deferred sales [note 17]
Derivatives [note 26]
Accrued pension and post-retirement benefit liability [note 25]
Other
Less: current portion
Net
2018
2017
$
30,727
61,387
68,255
61,265
221,634
(79,573)
$
29,148
23,414
74,804
53,107
180,473
(54,370)
$
142,061
$
126,103
118 CAMECO CORPORATION
15. Provisions
Beginning of year
Changes in estimates and discount rates [note 8]
Capitalized in property, plant and equipment
Recognized in earnings
Change to equity accounting [note 11]
Provisions used during the period
Unwinding of discount [note 19]
Effect of movements in exchange rates
End of period
Current
Non-current
Reclamation Waste disposal
Total
$
905,400
$
8,140
$
913,540
72,701
59,616
(3,049)
(30,771)
23,511
26,484
-
1,690
-
(540)
170
-
72,701
61,306
(3,049)
(31,311)
23,681
26,484
$ 1,053,892
$
51,171
1,002,721
$ 1,053,892
$
$
$
9,460
$ 1,063,352
1,145
8,315
$
52,316
1,011,036
9,460
$ 1,063,352
Cameco's estimates of future decommissioning obligations are based on reclamation standards that satisfy regulatory
requirements. Elements of uncertainty in estimating these amounts include potential changes in regulatory requirements,
decommissioning and reclamation alternatives and amounts to be recovered from other parties.
Cameco estimates total undiscounted future decommissioning and reclamation costs for its existing operating assets to be
$1,157,208,000 (2017 - $1,051,746,000). The expected timing of these outflows is based on life-of-mine plans with the
majority of expenditures expected to occur after 2023. These estimates are reviewed by Cameco technical personnel as
required by regulatory agencies or more frequently as circumstances warrant. In connection with future decommissioning and
reclamation costs, Cameco has provided financial assurances of $1,050,546,000 (2017 - $1,011,613,000) in the form of letters
of credit to satisfy current regulatory requirements.
The reclamation provision relates to the following segments:
Uranium
Fuel services
Total
2018
2017
$
828,781
225,111
$
669,835
235,565
$ 1,053,892
$
905,400
The fuel services segment consists of the Blind River refinery, Port Hope conversion facility and Cameco Fuel Manufacturing
Inc.. The refining, conversion and manufacturing processes generate certain uranium contaminated waste. These include
contaminated combustible material (paper, rags, gloves, etc.) and contaminated non-combustible material (metal parts, soil
from excavations, building and roofing materials, spent uranium concentrate drums, etc.). These materials can in some
instances be recycled or reprocessed. A provision for waste disposal costs in respect of these materials is recognized when
they are generated.
Cameco estimates total undiscounted future costs related to existing waste disposal to be $9,617,000 (2017 - $8,239,000).
The majority of these expenditures are expected to occur within the next six years.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 119
16. Share capital
Authorized share capital:
• Unlimited number of first preferred shares
• Unlimited number of second preferred shares
• Unlimited number of voting common shares, no stated par value, not convertible or redeemable, and
• One Class B share
Number issued (number of shares)
Beginning of year
Issued:
Stock option plan [note 24]
End of year
2018
2017
395,792,732
395,792,522
-
210
395,792,732
395,792,732
All issued shares are fully paid. Holders of the common shares are entitled to exercise one vote per share at meetings of
shareholders, are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by our Board of Directors and are entitled to
participate in any distribution of remaining assets following a liquidation.
The shares of Cameco are widely held and no shareholder, resident in Canada, is allowed to own more than 25% of the
Company’s outstanding common shares, either individually or together with associates. A non-resident of Canada is not
allowed to own more than 15%. In addition, no more than 25% of total shareholder votes cast may be cast by non-resident
shareholders.
One Class B share issued during 1988 and assigned $1 of share capital entitles the shareholder to vote separately as a class
in respect of any proposal to locate the head office of Cameco to a place not in the province of Saskatchewan.
Dividends on Cameco Corporation common shares are declared in Canadian dollars. For the year ended December 31, 2018,
the dividend declared per share was $0.08 (December 31, 2017 - $0.40).
17. Revenue
Cameco’s sales contracts with customers contain both fixed and market-related pricing. Fixed-price contracts are typically
based on a term-price indicator at the time the contract is accepted and escalated over the term of the contract. Market-related
contracts are based on either the spot price or long-term price, and the price is quoted at the time of delivery rather than at the
time the contract is accepted. These contracts often include a floor and/or ceiling prices, which are usually escalated over the
term of the contract. Escalation is generally based on a consumer price index. The Company’s contracts contain either one of
these pricing mechanisms or a combination of the two. There is no variable consideration in the contracts and therefore no
revenue is considered constrained at the time of delivery. Cameco expenses the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as
incurred as the amortization period is less than a year.
The following table summarizes Cameco’s sales disaggregated by geographical region and contract type and includes a
reconciliation to the Company’s reportable segments (note 28):
120 CAMECO CORPORATION
For the year ended December 31, 2018
Customer geographical region
Americas
Europe
Asia
Contract type
Fixed-price
Market-related
For the year ended December 31, 2017
Customer geographical region
Americas
Europe
Asia
Contract type
Fixed-price
Market-related
Deferred revenue
Uranium
Fuel services
Other
Total
$
695,678
275,096
713,282
$
191,791
50,000
72,198
$
69,012
10,693
13,911
$
956,481
335,789
799,391
$ 1,684,056
$
313,989
$
93,616
$ 2,091,661
$
577,143
1,106,913
$
293,400
20,589
$ 1,684,056
$
313,989
$
$
83,706
9,910
$
954,249
1,137,412
93,616
$ 2,091,661
Uranium
Fuel services
Other
Total
$
737,095
318,446
518,527
$
209,285
52,642
50,961
$
105,673
101,592
62,631
$ 1,052,053
472,680
632,119
$ 1,574,068
$
312,888
$
269,896
$ 2,156,852
$
502,437
1,071,631
$
287,104
25,784
$
252,702
17,194
$ 1,042,243
1,114,609
$ 1,574,068
$
312,888
$
269,896
$ 2,156,852
The following table provides information about contract liabilities (note 14) from contracts with customers:
Beginning of year
Additions
Recognized in revenue
Effect of movements in exchange rates
End of year
2018
2017
$
$
29,148
25,695
(24,025)
(91)
29,423
31,405
(31,499)
(181)
$
30,727
$
29,148
Deferred revenue primarily relates to advance consideration received from customers for future conversion deliveries and fuel
fabrication services as well as revenue related to the storage of uranium and converted uranium held at Cameco facilities. The
revenue related to the fuel fabrication services and storage is recognized over time while the revenue related to future
conversion deliveries is expected to be recognized between 2020 and 2025.
Cameco recognized $5,468,000 (2017 - $4,392,000) as a reduction of revenue during 2018 from performance obligations
satisfied (or partially satisfied) in previous periods. This is due to the difference between actual pricing indices and the
estimates at the time of invoicing.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 121
Future sales commitments
Cameco’s sales portfolio consists of short and long-term sales commitments. The contracts can be executed well in advance
of a delivery and include both fixed and market-related pricing. The following table summarizes the expected future revenue,
by segment, related to only fixed-price contracts with remaining future deliveries as follows:
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023 Thereafter
Total
Uranium
Fuel services
Other
Total
$ 277,396 $ 182,711 $ 110,353 $ 112,459 $ 107,362 $ 166,615 $
240,551
32,161
215,851
4,030
236,993
4,212
199,815
-
139,731
-
714,893
-
956,896
1,747,834
40,403
$ 550,108 $ 402,592 $ 351,558 $ 312,274 $ 247,093 $ 881,508 $ 2,745,133
The sales contracts are denominated largely in US dollars and converted from US to Canadian dollars at a rate of $1.30.
The amounts in the table represent the consideration the Company will be entitled to receive when it satisfies the remaining
performance obligations in the contracts. The amounts include assumptions about volumes for contracts that have volume
flexibility. Cameco’s total revenue that will be earned will also include revenue from contracts with market-related pricing. The
Company has elected to exclude these amounts from the table as the transaction price will not be known until the time of
delivery. Contracts with an original duration of one year or less have been included in the table.
18. Employee benefit expense
The following employee benefit expenses are included in cost of products and services sold, administration, exploration,
research and development and property, plant and equipment:
Wages and salaries
Statutory and company benefits
Expenses related to defined benefit plans [note 25]
Expenses related to defined contribution plans [note 25]
Equity-settled share-based compensation [note 24]
Cash-settled share-based compensation [note 24]
Total
19. Finance costs
Interest on long-term debt
Unwinding of discount on provisions [note 15]
Other charges
Total
No borrowing costs were determined to be eligible for capitalization during the year.
2018
2017
$
305,367
50,477
3,527
13,431
18,821
3,597
$
331,521
60,334
5,208
15,929
18,433
134
$
395,220
$
431,559
2018
2017
$
73,039
23,681
15,059
$
73,211
22,020
15,377
$
111,779
$
110,608
122 CAMECO CORPORATION
20. Other income (expense)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
Gain on restructuring of JV Inkai(a)
Sale of exploration interests(b)
Contract restructuring
Write-off of long-term receivables
Other
Total
$
2018
2017
26,205
48,570
25,027
6,201
-
2,157
$
(23,168)
-
-
-
(5,926)
(1,316)
$
108,160
$
(30,410)
(a) Effective January 1, 2018, Cameco’s ownership interest in JV Inkai was reduced from 60% to 40% based on an
implementation agreement with Kazatomprom. Cameco recognized a gain on the change in ownership interests of
$48,570,000. Included in this gain is $5,450,000 which has been reclassified from the foreign currency translation reserve to
net earnings.
(b) In the fourth quarter of 2018, Cameco sold its interest in the Wheeler River Joint Venture to Denison Mines Corp. in
exchange for 24,615,000 common shares (note 10). Cameco recorded a gain of $17,231,000 on the transaction.
21. Income taxes
Recognized in earnings
2018
2017
As at December 31
2018
2017
Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Provision for reclamation
Inventories
Foreign exploration and development
Income tax losses
Defined benefit plan actuarial losses
Long-term investments and other
Deferred tax assets
Liabilities
Inventories
Deferred tax liabilities
$
$
119,132
(36,622)
1,137
(14)
39,289
-
24,169
147,091
$
(4,325)
(16,760)
1,027
16
57,203
-
(27,166)
$
245,206
191,189
2,163
5,281
499,180
5,646
57,347
9,995
1,006,012
-
-
(12,430)
(12,430)
-
-
115,193
227,785
1,027
5,295
459,885
7,845
31,674
848,704
-
-
Net deferred tax asset
$
147,091
$
22,425
$ 1,006,012
$
848,704
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 123
Deferred tax allocated as
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax asset
2018
$ 1,006,012
$
-
2017
861,171
(12,467)
$ 1,006,012
$
848,704
Cameco has recorded a net deferred tax asset of $1,006,012,000 (December 31, 2017 - $861,171,000). The realization of this
deferred tax asset is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in certain jurisdictions during the periods in
which the Company’s deferred tax assets are available. The Company considers whether it is probable that all or a portion of
the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making this assessment, management considers all available evidence,
including recent financial operations, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Based on projections of
future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are available, realization of these deferred tax assets
is probable and consequently the deferred tax assets have been recorded.
Net deferred tax asset at beginning of year
Recovery for the year in net earnings
Recovery (expense) for the year in other comprehensive income
Change to equity accounting - JV Inkai
Effect of movements in exchange rates
End of year
Income tax losses
Property, plant and equipment
Provision for reclamation
Long-term investments and other
Total
2018
2017
$
848,704
147,091
(851)
10,849
219
$
820,048
22,425
1,490
-
4,741
$ 1,006,012
$
848,704
2018
2017
$
270,154
2,344
88,036
72,500
$
259,770
2,076
71,463
68,544
$
433,034
$
401,853
124 CAMECO CORPORATION
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the combined expected federal and provincial
income tax rate to earnings before income taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows:
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest
Combined federal and provincial tax rate
$
Computed income tax expense (recovery)
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
Difference between Canadian rates and rates
applicable to subsidiaries in other countries
Change in unrecognized deferred tax assets
Share-based compensation plans
Change in tax provision related to transfer pricing
Non-deductible (non-taxable) capital amounts
Change in legislation
Non-deductible goodwill impairment
Change in uncertain tax positions
Other permanent differences
2018
39,929
26.9%
10,741
(78,138)
18,027
1,292
(61,000)
(13,249)
-
-
(3,517)
(462)
2017
$
(207,237)
26.7%
(55,332)
(51,526)
70,353
1,349
3,000
3,034
(12,199)
35,520
-
3,282
Income tax recovery
$
(126,306)
$
(2,519)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Canada
Foreign
Current income taxes
Canada
Foreign
Deferred income taxes (recovery)
Canada
Foreign
Income tax recovery
2018
2017
(257,291)
297,220
$
(53,521)
(153,716)
39,929
$
(207,237)
5,913
14,872
20,785
(149,284)
2,193
(147,091)
(126,306)
$
$
$
$
$
5,221
14,685
19,906
(18,272)
(4,153)
(22,425)
(2,519)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 125
In 2008, as part of the ongoing annual audits of Cameco's Canadian tax returns, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) disputed the
transfer pricing structure and methodology used by Cameco and its wholly owned Swiss subsidiary, Cameco Europe Ltd., in
respect of sale and purchase agreements for uranium products. From December 2008 to date, CRA issued notices of
reassessment for the taxation years 2003 through 2012, which in aggregate have increased Cameco's income for Canadian
tax purposes by approximately $4,900,000,000. CRA has also issued notices of reassessment for transfer pricing penalties for
the years 2007 through 2011 in the amount of $371,000,000. It is uncertain whether CRA will reassess Cameco's tax returns
for subsequent years on a similar basis and if these will require Cameco to make future remittances or provide security on
receipt of the reassessments.
On September 26, the Tax Court of Canada (Tax Court) ruled in our favour in our case with the Canada Revenue Agency
(CRA) for the 2003, 2005 and 2006 tax years.
The Tax Court ruled that our marketing and trading structure involving foreign subsidiaries and the related transfer pricing
methodology used for certain intercompany uranium purchase and sale agreements were in full compliance with Canadian
laws for the three tax years in question. While the decision applies only to the three tax years in question, we believe there is
nothing in the decision that would warrant a materially different outcome for subsequent tax years. Given the ruling in our
favor, and the endorsement by the Tax Court of our transfer pricing methodology, we have reversed the cumulative tax
provision related to this matter for the years 2003 through the current period in the amount of $61,000,000. We expect to
recover any amounts remitted or secured as a result of the reassessments.
On October 25, 2018, CRA filed a notice of appeal with the Federal Court of Appeal. We anticipate that it will take about two
years from the start of the appeal process to receive a decision from the Federal Court of Appeal.
We expect the Tax Court’s decision to be upheld on appeal. We expect any further actions regarding the tax years 2007
through 2012 will be suspended until the three years covered in the decision are finally resolved. Despite the fact that we
believe there is no basis to do so, and it is not our view of the likely outcome, CRA may continue to reassess us using the
methodology it used to reassess the 2003 through 2012 tax years. In that scenario, and including the $4,900,000,000 already
reassessed, we expect to receive notices of reassessment for a total of approximately $8,700,000,000 for the years 2003
through 2018, which would increase Cameco’s income for Canadian tax purposes and result in a related tax expense of
approximately $2,600,000,000. In addition to penalties already imposed, CRA may continue to apply penalties to taxation
years subsequent to 2011. In that case, we estimate that cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties would be between
$1,950,000,000 and $2,150,000,000. In addition, we estimate there would be interest and instalment penalties applied that
would be material to Cameco. While in dispute, we would be responsible for remitting or otherwise securing 50% of the cash
taxes and transfer pricing penalties (between $970,000,000 and $1,070,000,000), plus related interest and instalment
penalties assessed, which would be material to Cameco.
Under Canadian federal and provincial tax rules, the amount required to be remitted each year will depend on the amount of
income reassessed in that year and the availability of elective deductions. CRA disallowed the use of any loss carry-backs to
be applied to any transfer pricing adjustment, starting with the 2008 tax year. In light of our view of the likely outcome of the
case, we expect to recover the amounts remitted to CRA, including cash taxes, interest and penalties totalling $303,222,000
already paid as at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 - $303,222,000) (note 10). In addition to the cash remitted, we
have provided $478,000,000 in letters of credit to secure 50% of the cash taxes and related interest.
Management believes that the ultimate resolution will not be material to Cameco's financial position, results of operations or
liquidity in the year(s) of resolution. Resolution of this matter as stipulated by CRA would be material to Cameco’s financial
position, results of operations or liquidity in the year(s) of resolution and other unfavourable outcomes for the years 2003 to
date could be material to Cameco's financial position, results of operations and cash flows in the year(s) of resolution.
126 CAMECO CORPORATION
Further to Cameco's decision to contest CRA's reassessments, Cameco is pursuing its appeal rights under Canadian federal
and provincial tax rules.
At December 31, 2018, income tax losses carried forward of $2,809,926,000 (2017 - $2,609,070,000) are available to reduce
taxable income. These losses expire as follows:
Date of expiry
Canada
US
Other
Total
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2038
2039
2040
No expiry
$
$
47
-
236,484
299,692
322,021
363,569
209,178
143
5,731
-
-
-
-
21,909
23,596
40,224
22,189
15,439
46,923
35,147
66,115
-
-
-
$
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,101,519
$
47
21,909
260,080
339,916
344,210
379,008
256,101
35,290
71,846
-
-
1,101,519
$ 1,436,865
$
271,542
$ 1,101,519
$ 2,809,926
Included in the table above is $987,639,000 (2017 - $958,417,000) of temporary differences related to loss carry forwards
where no future benefit has been recognized.
22. Per share amounts
Per share amounts have been calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the
period. The weighted average number of paid shares outstanding in 2018 was 395,792,732 (2017 - 395,792,686).
Basic earnings (loss) per share computation
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of stock options
Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution
2018
2017
$
166,323
$
(204,942)
395,793
395,793
$
0.42
$
(0.52)
$
166,323
$
(204,942)
395,793
257
396,050
395,793
-
395,793
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
$
0.42
$
(0.52)
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 127
23. Supplemental cash flow information
Other operating items included in the statements of cash flows are as follows:
Changes in non-cash working capital:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Supplies and prepaid expenses
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Reclamation payments
Other
Total
2018
2017
$
(44,353)
241,496
52,192
(39,616)
(31,311)
4,654
$
(174,613)
299,980
15,436
(64,689)
(14,334)
25,277
$
183,062
$
87,057
The changes in liabilities arising from financing activities were as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2018
Changes from financing cash flows:
Dividends paid
Interest paid
Total cash changes
Non-cash changes:
Amorization of issue costs
Dividends declared
Interest expense
Foreign exchange
Total non-cash changes
Long-term
debt(a)
Interest
payable
Dividends
payable
Share
capital
Total
$ 1,494,471
$
14,970
$
39,579
$ 1,862,652
$ 3,411,672
-
-
-
-
(72,976)
(71,224)
-
(72,976)
(71,224)
1,200
-
-
-
1,200
-
-
71,839
(294)
71,545
-
31,645
-
-
31,645
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(71,224)
(72,976)
(144,200)
1,200
31,645
71,839
(294)
104,390
Balance at December 31, 2018
$ 1,495,671
$
13,539
$
-
$ 1,862,652
$ 3,371,862
(a) Includes current portion of long-term debt
24. Share-based compensation plans
The Company has the following equity-settled plans:
The Company has established a stock option plan under which options to purchase common shares may be granted to
employees of Cameco. Options granted under the stock option plan have an exercise price of not less than the closing price
quoted on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for the common shares of Cameco on the trading day prior to the date on which
the option is granted. The options carry vesting periods of one to three years, and expire eight years from the date granted.
The aggregate number of common shares that may be issued pursuant to the Cameco stock option plan shall not exceed
43,017,198 of which 27,870,289 shares have been issued.
128 CAMECO CORPORATION
Stock option transactions for the respective years were as follows:
(Number of options)
Beginning of year
Options granted
Options forfeited
Options expired
Options exercised [note 16]
End of year
Exercisable
Weighted average exercise prices were as follows:
Beginning of year
Options granted
Options forfeited
Options expired
Options exercised
End of year
Exercisable
2018
2017
8,324,666
1,473,430
(315,340)
(661,951)
-
8,020,311
1,373,040
(564,423)
(504,052)
(210)
8,820,805
8,324,666
6,007,557
5,809,077
2018
2017
$22.19
11.32
25.43
28.90
-
$19.75
$22.83
$23.61
14.70
26.49
19.50
19.37
$22.19
$24.95
Total options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2018 were as follows:
Option price per share
Number
$11.32 - 17.84
$17.85 - 39.53
4,119,810
4,700,995
8,820,805
Options outstanding
Options exercisable
Weighted
average
remaining
life
Weighted
average
exercisable
price
5.8
2
$14.01
$24.79
Weighted
average
exercisable
price
$15.79
$24.79
Number
1,306,562
4,700,995
6,007,557
The foregoing options have expiry dates ranging from February 28, 2019 to February 28, 2026.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 129
The Company has established a PSU plan whereby it provides each plan participant an annual grant of PSUs in an amount
determined by the board. Each PSU represents one phantom common share that entitles the participant to a payment of one
Cameco common share purchased on the open market, or cash with an equivalent market value, at the board’s discretion, at
the end of each three-year period if certain performance and vesting criteria have been met. The final value of the PSUs will
be based on the value of Cameco common shares at the end of the three-year period and the number of PSUs that ultimately
vest. During the vesting period, dividend equivalents accrue to the participants in the form of additional share units as of each
normal cash dividend payment date of Cameco’s common shares. Vesting of PSUs at the end of the three-year period will be
based on total shareholder return over the three years, Cameco’s ability to meet its annual operating targets and whether the
participating executive remains employed by Cameco at the end of the three-year vesting period. As of December 31, 2018,
the total number of PSUs held by the participants, after adjusting for forfeitures on retirement, was 1,343,971 (2017 -
1,070,997).
The Company has established an RSU plan whereby it provides each plan participant an annual grant of RSUs in an amount
determined by the board. Each RSU represents one phantom common share that entitles the participant to a payment of one
Cameco common share purchased on the open market, or cash with an equivalent market value, at the board’s discretion.
The RSUs carry vesting periods of one to three years, and the final value of the units will be based on the value of Cameco
common shares at the end of the vesting periods. During the vesting period, dividend equivalents accrue to the participants in
the form of additional share units as of each normal cash dividend payment date of Cameco’s common shares. As of
December 31, 2018, the total number of RSUs held by the participants was 456,704, (2017 - 463,151).
Cameco also has an employee share ownership plan, whereby both employee and Company contributions are used to
purchase shares on the open market for employees. The Company’s contributions are expensed during the year of
contribution. Under the plan, employees have the opportunity to participate in the program to a maximum of 6% of eligible
earnings each year with Cameco matching the first 3% of employee-paid shares by 50%. Cameco contributes $1,000 of
shares annually to each employee that is enrolled in the plan. Shares purchased with Company contributions and with
dividends paid on such shares become unrestricted 12 months from the date on which such shares were purchased. At
December 31, 2018, there were 2,317 participants in the plan (2017 - 2,979). The total number of shares purchased in 2018
with Company contributions was 304,147 (2017 - 370,381). In 2018, the Company’s contributions totaled $3,845,000 (2017 -
$4,473,000).
Cameco records compensation expense under its equity-settled plans with an offsetting credit to contributed surplus, to reflect
the estimated fair value of units granted to employees. During the year, the Company recognized the following expenses
under these plans:
Stock option plan
Performance share unit plan
Restricted share unit plan
Employee share ownership plan
Total
130 CAMECO CORPORATION
$
2018
4,744
7,690
2,542
3,845
$
2017
4,941
6,186
2,833
4,473
$
18,821
$
18,433
Fair value measurement of equity-settled plans
The fair value of the units granted through the PSU plan was determined based on Monte Carlo simulation and the fair value
of options granted under the stock option plan was measured based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value
of RSUs granted was determined based on their intrinsic value on the date of grant. Expected volatility was estimated by
considering historic average share price volatility.
The inputs used in the measurement of the fair values at grant date of the equity-settled share-based payment plans were as
follows:
Number of options granted
Average strike price
Expected dividend
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life of option
Expected forfeitures
Weighted average grant date fair values
Stock option plan
PSU
RSU
1,473,430
$11.32
$0.08
35%
2.0%
4.8 years
7%
$3.48
602,530
-
-
37%
1.9%
3 years
9%
$11.43
377,021
$11.46
-
-
-
-
13%
$11.46
In addition to these inputs, other features of the PSU grant were incorporated into the measurement of fair value. The market
condition based on total shareholder return was incorporated by utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation. The non-market criteria
relating to realized selling prices and operating targets have been incorporated into the valuation at grant date by reviewing
prior history and corporate budgets.
The Company has the following cash-settled plans:
Cameco offers a DSU plan to non-employee directors. A DSU is a notional unit that reflects the market value of a single
common share of Cameco. 60% of each director’s annual retainer is paid in DSUs. In addition, on an annual basis, directors
can elect to receive 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the remaining 40% of their annual retainer and any additional fees in the form
of DSUs. If a director meets their ownership requirements, the director may elect to take 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of their
annual retainer and any fees in cash, with the balance, if any, to be paid in DSUs. Each DSU fully vests upon award. Dividend
equivalents accrue to the participants in the form of additional share units as of each normal cash dividend payment date of
Cameco’s common shares. The DSUs will be redeemed for cash upon a director leaving the board. The redemption amount
will be based upon the weighted average of the closing prices of the common shares of Cameco on the TSX for the last 20
trading days prior to the redemption date multiplied by the number of DSUs held by the director. As of December 31, 2018, the
total number of DSUs held by participating directors was 528,483 (2017 - 452,981).
Cameco makes annual grants of bonuses to eligible non-North American employees in the form of phantom stock options.
Employees receive the equivalent value of shares in cash when exercised. Options granted under the phantom stock option
plan have an award value equal to the closing price quoted on the TSX for the common shares of Cameco on the trading day
prior to the date on which the option is granted. The options vest over three years and expire eight years from the date
granted. As of December 31, 2018, the number of options held by participating employees was 353,580 (2017 - 391,714) with
exercise prices ranging from $11.32 to $39.53 per share (2017 - $14.70. to $39.53) and a weighted average exercise price of
$17.74 (2017 - $22.13).
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 131
Cameco has recognized the following expenses (recoveries) under its cash-settled plans:
Deferred share unit plan
Phantom stock option plan
Total
2018
2,922
675
$
3,597
$
$
$
2017
(42)
176
134
At December 31, 2018, a liability of $9,352,000 (2017 - $5,771,000) was included in the consolidated statements of financial
position to recognize accrued but unpaid expenses for cash-settled plans.
Fair value measurement of cash-settled plans
The fair value of the phantom stock option plan was measured based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected
volatility is estimated by considering historic average share price volatility. The inputs used in the measurement of the fair
values of the phantom stock option plan at the grant and reporting dates were as follows:
Number of units
Average strike price
Expected dividend
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life of option
Expected forfeitures
Weighted average measurement date fair values
Grant date
March 1, 2018
Reporting date
December 31, 2018
101,895
$11.32
$0.08
35%
1.9%
4.5 years
7%
$3.68
353,580
$17.74
$0.08
37%
1.9%
3.7 years
8%
$4.21
25. Pension and other post-retirement benefits
Cameco maintains both defined benefit and defined contribution plans providing pension benefits to substantially all of its
employees. All regular and temporary employees participate in a registered defined contribution plan. This plan is registered
under the Pension Benefits Standard Act, 1985. In addition, all Canadian-based executives participate in a non-registered
supplemental executive pension plan which is a defined benefit plan.
Under the supplemental executive pension plan (SEPP), Cameco provides a lump sum benefit equal to the present value of a
lifetime pension benefit based on the executive’s length of service and final average earnings. The plan provides for
unreduced benefits to be paid at the normal retirement age of 65, however unreduced benefits could be paid if the executive
was at least 60 years of age and had 20 years of service at retirement. This program provides for a benefit determined by a
formula based on earnings and service, reduced by the benefits payable under the registered base plan. Security is provided
for the SEPP benefits through a letter of credit held by the plan’s trustee. The face amount of the letter of credit is determined
each year based on the wind-up liabilities of the supplemental plan, less any plan assets currently held with the trustee. A
valuation is required annually to determine the letter of credit amount. Benefits will continue to be paid from plan assets until
the fund is exhausted, at which time Cameco will begin paying benefits from corporate assets.
Cameco also maintains non-pension post-retirement plans (“other benefit plans”) which are defined benefit plans that cover
such benefits as group life insurance and supplemental health and dental coverage to eligible employees and their
dependents. The costs related to these plans are charged to earnings in the period during which the employment services are
rendered. These plans are funded by Cameco as benefit claims are made.
132 CAMECO CORPORATION
The board of directors of Cameco has final responsibility and accountability for the Cameco retirement programs. The board is
ultimately responsible for managing the programs to comply with applicable legislation, providing oversight over the general
functions and setting certain policies.
Cameco expects to pay $1,044,000 in contributions and letter of credit fees to its defined benefit plans in 2019.
The post-retirement plans expose Cameco to actuarial risks, such as longevity risk, market risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk
and foreign currency risk. The other benefit plans expose Cameco to risks of higher supplemental health and dental utilization
than expected. However, the other benefit plans have limits on Cameco’s annual benefits payable.
The effective date of the most recent valuation for funding purposes on the registered defined benefit pension plans is January
1, 2018. The next planned effective date for valuations is January 1, 2021.
Cameco has more than one defined benefit plan and has generally provided aggregated disclosures in respect of these plans,
on the basis that these plans are not exposed to materially different risks. Information relating to Cameco’s defined benefit
plans is shown in the following table:
Pension benefit plans
2018
2017
Other benefit plans
2018
2017
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year
Interest income on plan assets
Return on assets excluding interest income
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Administrative costs paid
Fair value of plan assets, end of year
Defined benefit obligation, beginning of year
Current service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
- demographic assumptions
- financial assumptions
- experience adjustment
Past service cost
Benefits paid
Foreign exchange
Defined benefit obligation, end of year
Defined benefit liability [note 14]
$
8,061
$
8,652
$
259
(292)
61
(910)
(2)
7,177
55,972
1,670
1,668
-
(3,776)
56
-
(2,028)
709
54,271
(47,094)
$
$
$
$
320
(2)
-
(907)
(2)
8,061
54,930
1,544
1,810
-
3,840
2,403
-
(9,095)
540
55,972
(47,911)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
26,893
1,429
946
(192)
(1,887)
(2,919)
(1,929)
(1,180)
-
21,161
(21,161)
$
$
$
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
23,421
1,227
945
-
2,076
50
-
(826)
-
$
$
26,893
(26,893)
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 133
The percentages of the total fair value of assets in the pension plans for each asset category at December 31 were as follows:
Asset category(a)
Canadian equity securities
Global equity securities
Canadian fixed income
Other(b)
Total
Pension benefit plans
2017
2018
9%
21%
29%
41%
100%
8%
16%
27%
49%
100%
(a) The defined benefit plan assets contain no material amounts of related party assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017
respectively.
(b) Relates to the value of the refundable tax account held by the Canada Revenue Agency. The refundable total is
approximately equal to half of the sum of the realized investment income plus employer contributions less half of the benefits
paid by the plan.
The following represents the components of net pension and other benefit expense included primarily as part of
administration:
Pension benefit plans
Other benefit plans
2018
2017
2018
2017
Current service cost
Net interest cost
Past service cost
Administration cost
Defined benefit expense [note 18]
Defined contribution pension expense [note 18]
$
$
1,670
1,409
-
2
3,081
13,431
1,544
1,490
-
2
3,036
15,929
$
1,429
$
946
(1,929)
-
446
-
Net pension and other benefit expense
$
16,512
$
18,965
$
446
$
1,227
945
-
-
2,172
-
2,172
The total amount of actuarial losses (gains) recognized in other comprehensive income is:
Actuarial loss (gain)
Return on plan assets excluding
interest income
Pension benefit plans
Other benefit plans
2018
2017
2018
2017
$
(3,720)
$
6,243
$
(4,998)
$
2,126
292
2
-
-
$
(3,428)
$
6,245
$
(4,998)
$
2,126
134 CAMECO CORPORATION
The assumptions used to determine the Company’s defined benefit obligation and net pension and other benefit expense
were as follows at December 31 (expressed as weighted averages):
Discount rate - obligation
Discount rate - expense
Rate of compensation increase
Initial health care cost trend rate
Cost trend rate declines to
Year the rate reaches its final level
Dental care cost trend rate
Pension benefit plans
Other benefit plans
2018
3.7%
3.4%
3.0%
-
-
-
-
2017
3.4%
3.9%
3.0%
-
-
-
-
2018
3.9%
3.4%
-
6.0%
5.0%
2022
5.0%
2017
3.4%
3.9%
-
7.0%
5.0%
2021
5.0%
At December 31, 2018, the weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation for the pension plans was 19.4 years
(2017 - 20.3 years) and for the other benefit plans was 14.3 years (2017 - 15.7 years).
A 1% change at the reporting date to one of the relevant actuarial assumptions, holding other assumptions constant, would
have affected the defined benefit obligation by the following:
Pension benefit plans
Increase
Decrease
Other benefit plans
Increase
Decrease
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
$
(6,548)
2,481
$
8,475
(2,281)
$
(2,784)
n/a
$
3,503
n/a
A 1% change in any of the other assumptions would not have a significant impact on the defined benefit obligation.
The methods and assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analyses are the same as the methods and assumptions used
in determining the financial position of Cameco’s plans as at December 31, 2018. The sensitivity analyses are determined by
varying the sensitivity assumption and leaving all other assumptions unchanged. Therefore, the sensitivity analyses do not
recognize any interdependence in the assumptions. The methods and assumptions used in determining the above sensitivity
are consistent with the methods and assumptions used in the previous year.
In addition, an increase of one year in the expected lifetime of plan participants in the pension benefit plans would increase the
defined benefit obligation by $1,245,000.
To measure the longevity risk for these plans, the mortality rates were reduced such that the average life expectancy for all
members increased by one year. The reduced mortality rates were subsequently used to re-measure the defined benefit
obligation of the entire plan.
26. Financial instruments and related risk management
Cameco is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of risks from its use of financial instruments. Management and the board of
directors, both separately and together, discuss the principal risks of our businesses. The board sets policies for the
implementation of systems to manage, monitor and mitigate identifiable risks. Cameco’s risk management objective in relation
to these instruments is to protect and minimize volatility in cash flow. The types of risks Cameco is exposed to, the source of
risk exposure and how each is managed is outlined below.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 135
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest
rates, will affect the Company’s earnings or the fair value of its financial instruments. Cameco engages in various business
activities which expose the Company to market risk. As part of its overall risk management strategy, Cameco uses derivatives
to manage some of its exposures to market risk that result from these activities.
Derivative instruments may include financial and physical forward contracts. Such contracts may be used to establish a fixed
price for a commodity, an interest-bearing obligation or a cash flow denominated in a foreign currency. Market risks are
monitored regularly against defined risk limits and tolerances.
Cameco’s actual exposure to these market risks is constantly changing as the Company’s portfolios of foreign currency,
interest rate and commodity contracts change.
The types of market risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed are as follows:
As a significant producer and supplier of uranium and nuclear fuel processing services, Cameco bears significant exposure to
changes in prices for these products. A substantial change in prices will affect the Company’s net earnings and operating cash
flows. Prices for Cameco’s products are volatile and are influenced by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control, such
as supply and demand fundamentals and geopolitical events.
Cameco’s sales contracting strategy focuses on reducing the volatility in future earnings and cash flow, while providing both
protection against decreases in market price and retention of exposure to future market price increases. To mitigate the risks
associated with the fluctuations in the market price for uranium products, Cameco seeks to maintain a portfolio of uranium
product sales contracts with a variety of delivery dates and pricing mechanisms that provide a degree of protection from
pricing volatility.
Cameco is exposed to commodity price risk through its use of a uranium contract derivative. As of the reporting date, a 30%
decrease in the price of uranium based on the Numerco forward uranium price curve, would result in a loss on this derivative
of $3,103,000 ($2,404,000 (US)). A 30% increase would have an equal but opposite impact.
The relationship between the Canadian and US dollar affects financial results of the uranium business as well as the fuel
services business. Sales of uranium product, conversion and fuel manufacturing services are routinely denominated in US
dollars while production costs are largely denominated in Canadian dollars.
Cameco attempts to provide some protection against exchange rate fluctuations by planned hedging activity designed to
smooth volatility. To mitigate risks associated with foreign currency, Cameco enters into forward sales and option contracts to
establish a price for future delivery of the foreign currency. These foreign currency contracts are not designated as hedges and
are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Cameco also has a natural hedge against US
currency fluctuations because a portion of its annual cash outlays, including purchases of uranium and conversion services, is
denominated in US dollars.
136 CAMECO CORPORATION
Cameco holds a number of financial instruments denominated in foreign currencies that expose the Company to foreign
exchange risk. Cameco measures its exposure to foreign exchange risk on financial instruments as the change in carrying
values that would occur as a result of reasonably possible changes in foreign exchange rates, holding all other variables
constant. As of the reporting date, the Company has determined its pre-tax exposure to foreign currency exchange risk on
financial instruments to be as follows based on a 5% weakening of the Canadian dollar:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Long-term receivables, investments and other
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Net foreign currency derivatives
Currency
Carrying value
(Cdn)
Gain (loss)
$
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
$
105,463
358,904
124,533
(45,474)
(52,665)
5,273
17,945
6,227
(2,274)
(48,923)
A 5% strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the currencies above at December 31, 2018 would have had an equal but
opposite effect on the amounts shown above, assuming all other variables remained constant.
The Company has a strategy of minimizing its exposure to interest rate risk by maintaining target levels of fixed and variable
rate borrowings. The proportions of outstanding debt carrying fixed and variable interest rates are reviewed by senior
management to ensure that these levels are within approved policy limits. At December 31, 2018, the proportion of Cameco’s
outstanding debt that carries fixed interest rates is 67% (2017 - 80%).
Cameco is exposed to interest rate risk through its interest rate swap contracts whereby fixed rate payments on a notional
amount of $350,000,000 of the Series D senior unsecured debentures and $150,000,000 of the Series E senior unsecured
debentures were swapped for variable rate payments. The Series D swaps terminate on September 2, 2019. Under the terms
of the swaps, Cameco makes interest payments based on the three-month Canada Dealer Offered Rate plus an average
margin of 3.6% and receives fixed interest payments of 5.67%. The Series E swaps terminate on November 14, 2022. Under
the terms of the swaps, Cameco makes interest payments based on the three-month Canada Dealer Offered Rate plus an
average margin of 1.2% and receives fixed interest payments of 3.75%. At December 31, 2018, the fair value of Cameco’s
interest rate swap net asset was $856,000 (2017 - net liability of $150,000).
Cameco is also exposed to interest rate risk on its loan facility with Inkai due to the variable nature of the interest rate
contained in the terms therein (note 31).
Cameco measures its exposure to interest rate risk as the change in cash flows that would occur as a result of reasonably
possible changes in interest rates, holding all other variables constant. As of the reporting date, the Company has determined
the impact on earnings of a 1% increase in interest rate on variable rate financial instruments to be as follows:
Interest rate contracts
Advances receivable from JV Inkai
Gain (loss)
$
(4,173)
1,179
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 137
Counterparty credit risk
Counterparty credit risk is associated with the ability of counterparties to satisfy their contractual obligations to Cameco,
including both payment and performance. The maximum exposure to credit risk, as represented by the carrying amount of the
financial assets, at December 31 was:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable [note 6]
Advances receivable from JV Inkai [note 31]
Derivative assets [note 10]
Cash and cash equivalents
2018
2017
$
$
711,528
391,025
398,639
124,533
3,881
591,620
-
393,213
58,820
40,804
Cameco held cash and cash equivalents of $712,000,000 at December 31, 2018 (2017 - $592,000,000). Cameco mitigates its
credit risk by ensuring that balances are held with counterparties with high credit ratings. The Company monitors the credit
rating of its counterparties on a monthly basis and has controls in place to ensure prescribed exposure limits with each
counterparty are adhered to.
Impairment on cash and cash equivalents has been measured on a 12-month ECL basis and reflects the short maturities of
the exposures. The Company considers that its cash and cash equivalents have low credit risk based on the external credit
ratings of the counterparties. Cameco has assessed its counterparty credit risk on cash and cash equivalents by applying
historic global default rates to outstanding cash balances based on S&P rating. The conclusion of this assessment is that the
loss allowance is insignificant.
Short-term investments
Cameco held short-term investments of $391,000,000 at December 31, 2018 (2017 - $nil). The Company mitigates its credit
risk by requiring that the issuer/guarantor of the investment have a minimum short-term credit rating and/or a long-term debt
rating at the time of purchase, according to the investment credit ratings as issued by DBRS or S&P, or the equivalent of the
DBRS or S&P rating at another reputable rating agency.
In addition to the credit-rating requirement, Cameco also mitigates risk by prescribing limits by counterparty and types of
investment products.
Cameco has assessed its counterparty credit risk related to short-term investments by applying historic default rates to
outstanding investment balances based on S&P rating. The conclusion of this assessment is that the loss allowance is
insignificant.
Accounts receivable
Cameco’s sales of uranium product, conversion and fuel manufacturing services expose the Company to the risk of non-
payment. Cameco manages the risk of non-payment by monitoring the credit-worthiness of its customers and seeking pre-
payment or other forms of payment security from customers with an unacceptable level of credit risk.
138 CAMECO CORPORATION
A summary of the Company’s exposure to credit risk for trade receivables is as follows:
Investment grade credit rating
Non-investment grade credit rating
Total gross carrying amount
Loss allowance
Net
Carrying
value
$ 327,682
65,183
$ 392,865
-
$ 392,865
At December 31, 2018, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk and no amounts were held as collateral.
Historically, Cameco has experienced minimal customer defaults and, as a result, considers the credit quality of its accounts
receivable to be high.
Cameco uses customer credit rating data, historic default rates and aged receivable analysis to measure the ECLs of trade
receivables from corporate customers, which comprise a small number of large balances. Since the Company has not
experienced customer defaults in the past, applying historic default rates in calculating ECLs, as well as considering forward-
looking information, resulted in an insignificant allowance for losses.
The following table provides information about Cameco’s aged trade receivables as at December 31, 2018:
Current (not past due)
1-30 days past due
More than 30 days past due
Total
Corporate
customers
Other
customers
$
$
389,012
273
96
$
389,381
$
1,269
1,833
382
3,484
Total
390,281
2,106
478
392,865
Cameco had programs for sales without recourse of trade accounts receivable to financial institutions. Through these
programs, the Company surrendered the control, risks and benefits associated with the accounts receivable sold. The amount
of receivables sold was recorded as a sale of financial assets and the balances were removed from the consolidated
statement of financial position at the time of sale. These programs were terminated in 2018 and as such, the total amount of
receivables sold under these programs and derecognized in accordance with IFRS 9 during 2018 was nil (2017 -
$120,470,000 ($92,805,000 (USD))).
Advances receivable from JV Inkai
Impairment on Cameco’s unsecured shareholder loan to JV Inkai (note 31) was measured by applying the general approach of
IFRS 9. In doing so, Cameco determined that the credit risk on the loan had not increased significantly since initial recognition
based on a low risk of default and the borrower’s strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the near term.
It was also concluded that adverse changes in economic and business conditions may, but will not necessarily, reduce the
ability of the borrower to fulfill its contractual cash flow obligations. As a result, the loan was classified as stage one and the
12-month expected credit losses were analyzed. The Company concluded that the likelihood of a default event occurring in the
next 12 months was very low and no allowance for ECLs was recorded.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 139
Liquidity risk
Financial liquidity represents Cameco’s ability to fund future operating activities and investments. Cameco ensures that there
is sufficient capital in order to meet short-term business requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and
the Company’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents. The Company believes that these sources will be sufficient to cover the
likely short-term and long-term cash requirements.
The table below outlines the Company’s available debt facilities at December 31, 2018:
Total amount
Outstanding and
committed
Amount available
Unsecured revolving credit facility
Letter of credit facilities
$
1,250,000
1,716,473
$
-
1,572,984
$
1,250,000
143,489
The tables below present a maturity analysis of Cameco’s financial liabilities, including principal and interest, based on the
expected cash flows from the reporting date to the contractual maturity date:
Carrying
amount
Contractual
cash flows
less than Due in 1-3 Due in 3-5 Due after 5
1 year
years
years
years
Due in
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 224,754 $ 224,754 $ 224,754 $
Long-term debt
Foreign currency contracts
Other derivative liabilities
1,500,000
54,866
6,521
1,495,671
54,866
6,521
500,000
29,013
6,521
- $
-
25,853
-
- $
400,000
-
-
-
600,000
-
-
Total contractual repayments
$ 1,781,812 $ 1,786,141 $ 760,288 $ 25,853 $ 400,000 $ 600,000
Due in
less than Due in 1-3 Due in 3-5 Due after 5
Total
1 year
years
years
years
Total interest payments on long-term debt
$ 336,210 $ 69,390 $ 82,080 $ 67,080 $ 117,660
Measurement of fair values
The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and accounting classifications of Cameco’s financial instruments at the
reporting date:
140 CAMECO CORPORATION
At December 31, 2018
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable [note 6]
Derivative assets [note 10]
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Investments in equity securities [note 10]
Advances receivable from Inkai [note 31]
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities [note 12]
Current portion of long-term debt [note 13]
Derivative liabilities [note 14]
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Uranium contracts
Long-term debt [note 13]
FVTPL
Amortized
cost
FVOCI -
designated
Total
$
$
$
- $
-
-
711,528 $
391,025
402,350
- $
-
-
711,528
391,025
402,350
2,201
1,680
-
-
-
-
-
124,533
-
-
28,916
-
2,201
1,680
28,916
124,533
3,881 $ 1,629,436 $
28,916 $ 1,662,233
- $
-
224,754 $
499,599
- $
-
224,754
499,599
54,866
823
5,698
-
-
-
-
996,072
61,387
1,720,425
-
-
-
-
-
54,866
823
5,698
996,072
1,781,812
Net
$
(57,506) $
(90,989) $
28,916 $
(119,579)
At December 31, 2017
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable [note 6]
Derivative assets [note 10]
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Investments in equity securities [note 10]
Advances receivable from Inkai [note 31]
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities [note 12]
Dividends payable
Derivative liabilities [note 14]
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Uranium contracts
Long-term debt [note 13]
FVTPL
Loans and
receivables
Available for
sale
Other
financial
liabilities
Total
$
$
$
- $
-
591,620 $
396,824
- $
-
- $
-
591,620
396,824
39,984
820
-
-
-
-
-
58,820
-
-
21,417
-
-
-
-
-
39,984
820
21,417
58,820
40,804 $ 1,047,264 $
21,417 $
- $ 1,109,485
- $
-
- $
-
- $
-
258,405 $
39,579
258,405
39,579
5,624
970
16,820
-
23,414
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,494,471
5,624
970
16,820
1,494,471
1,792,455
1,815,869
Net
$
17,390 $ 1,047,264 $
21,417 $ (1,792,455) $
(706,384)
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 141
Cameco has pledged $191,188,000 of cash as security against certain of its letter of credit facilities. This cash is being used
as collateral for an interest rate reduction on the letter of credit facilities. The collateral account has a term of five years
effective July 1, 2018. Cameco retains full access to this cash.
The investments in equity securities represent investments that Cameco intends to hold for the long-term for strategic
purposes. As permitted by IFRS 9, these investments have been designated at the date of initial application as measured at
FVOCI. The accumulated fair value reserve related to these investments will never be reclassified to profit or loss.
Cameco has not irrevocably designated a financial asset that would otherwise meet the requirements to be measured at
amortized cost at FVOCI or FVTPL to eliminate or significantly reduce an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.
The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and fair values of Cameco’s financial instruments, including their levels
in the fair value hierarchy:
As at December 31, 2018
Derivative assets [note 10]
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Investments in equity securities [note 10]
Current portion of long-term debt [note 13]
Derivative liabilities [note 14]
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Uranium contracts
Long-term debt [note 13]
Net
Carrying value
Level 1
Level 2
Total
Fair value
$
2,201
1,680
28,916
(499,599)
(54,866)
(823)
(5,698)
(996,072)
$
-
-
28,916
-
$
$
2,201
1,680
-
(511,210)
2,201
1,680
28,916
(511,210)
-
-
-
-
(54,866)
(823)
(5,698)
(1,111,782)
(54,866)
(823)
(5,698)
(1,111,782)
$ (1,524,261)
$
28,916
$ (1,680,498)
$ (1,651,582)
142 CAMECO CORPORATION
As at December 31, 2017
Derivative assets [note 10]
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Investments in equity securities [note 10]
Derivative liabilities [note 14]
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Uranium contracts
Long-term debt [note 13]
Net
Carrying value
Level 1
Level 2
Total
Fair value
$
$
39,984
820
21,417
-
-
21,417
$
39,984
$
820
-
39,984
820
21,417
(5,624)
(970)
(16,820)
(1,494,471)
-
-
-
-
(5,624)
(970)
(16,820)
(1,652,230)
(5,624)
(970)
(16,820)
(1,652,230)
$ (1,455,664)
$
21,417
$ (1,634,840)
$ (1,613,423)
The preceding tables exclude fair value information for financial instruments whose carrying amounts are a reasonable
approximation of fair value. The carrying value of Cameco’s cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts
receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates its fair value as a result of the short-term nature of the
instruments.
There were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 during the period. Cameco does not have any financial instruments that
are classified as level 3 as of the reporting date.
Cameco measures its derivative financial instruments, material investments in equity securities, current portion of long-term
debt and long-term debt at fair value. Investments in publicly held equity securities are classified as a recurring level 1 fair
value measurement while derivative financial instruments and long-term debt are classified as a recurring level 2 fair value
measurement.
The fair value of investments in equity securities is determined using quoted share prices observed in the principal market for
the securities as of the reporting date. The fair value of Cameco’s current portion of long-term debt is determined using a
quoted market yield of 1.7% as of the reporting date. The fair value of Cameco’s long-term debt is determined using quoted
market yields as of the reporting date, which ranged from 1.9% to 2.2.% (2017 - 1.6% to 2.3%).
Foreign currency derivatives consist of foreign currency forward contracts, options and swaps. The fair value of foreign
currency options is measured based on the Black Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of foreign currency forward
contracts and swaps is measured using a market approach, based on the difference between contracted foreign exchange
rates and quoted forward exchange rates as of the reporting date.
Interest rate derivatives consist of interest rate swap contracts. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined by
discounting expected future cash flows from the contracts. The future cash flows are determined by measuring the difference
between fixed interest payments to be received and floating interest payments to be made to the counterparty based on
Canada Dealer Offer Rate forward interest rate curves.
Uranium contract derivatives consist of written options and price swaps. The fair value of uranium options is measured based
on the Black Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of uranium price swaps is determined by discounting expected future
cash flows from the contracts. The future cash flows are determined by measuring the difference between fixed purchases or
sales under contracted prices, and floating purchases or sales based on Numerco forward uranium price curves.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 143
Where applicable, the fair value of the derivatives reflects the credit risk of the instrument and includes adjustments to take
into account the credit risk of the Company and counterparty. These adjustments are based on credit ratings and yield curves
observed in active markets at the reporting date.
Derivatives
The following table summarizes the fair value of derivatives and classification on the consolidated statements of financial
position:
Non-hedge derivatives:
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Uranium contracts
Net
Classification:
Current portion of long-term receivables, investments and other [note 10]
Long-term receivables, investments and other [note 10]
Current portion of other liabilities [note 14]
Other liabilities [note 14]
Net
2018
2017
$
$
(52,665)
857
(5,698)
34,360
(150)
(16,820)
$
(57,506)
$
17,390
$
$
1,028
2,853
(35,534)
(25,853)
25,948
14,856
(11,249)
(12,165)
$
(57,506)
$
17,390
The following table summarizes the different components of the gains (losses) on derivatives included in net earnings:
Non-hedge derivatives:
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Uranium contracts
Net
27. Capital management
2018
2017
$
$
(85,967)
2,032
2,854
58,983
(4,014)
1,281
$
(81,081)
$
56,250
Cameco’s management considers its capital structure to consist of bank overdrafts, long-term debt, short-term debt (net of
cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments), non-controlling interest and shareholders’ equity.
Cameco’s capital structure reflects its strategy and the environment in which it operates. Delivering returns to long-term
shareholders is a top priority. The Company’s objective is to maximize cash flow while maintaining its investment grade rating
through close capital management of our balance sheet metrics. Capital resources are managed to allow it to support
achievement of its goals while managing financial risks such as the continued weakness in the market, litigation risk and
refinancing risk. The overall objectives for managing capital in 2018 reflect the environment that the Company is operating in,
similar to the prior comparative period.
144 CAMECO CORPORATION
The capital structure at December 31 was as follows:
Current portion of long-term debt [note 13]
Long-term debt [note 13]
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Net debt
Non-controlling interest
Shareholders' equity
Total equity
Total capital
2018
2017
$
499,599
996,072
(711,528)
(391,025)
$
-
1,494,471
(591,620)
-
393,118
902,851
310
4,993,282
371
4,859,288
4,993,592
4,859,659
$ 5,386,710
$ 5,762,510
Cameco is bound by certain covenants in its general credit facilities. These covenants place restrictions on total debt, including
guarantees and set minimum levels for net worth. As of December 31, 2018, Cameco met these requirements.
28. Segmented information
As a result of a change to the way its global marketing activities are organized, during 2018, Cameco discontinued the
reporting of NUKEM as a reportable segment. The consolidation of Canadian and international marketing activities in
Saskatoon has resulted in NUKEM’s activities no longer meeting the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure. Its results
are now included in the “other” column and comparative information has been adjusted.
Cameco now has two reportable segments: uranium and fuel services. Cameco's reportable segments are strategic business
units with different products, processes and marketing strategies. 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.
Cost of sales in the uranium segment includes care and maintenance costs for our operations that currently have production
suspensions. Cameco expensed $212,511,000 (2017 - $38,311,000) of care and maintenance costs during the year, including
$32,111,000 (2017 - $1,200,000) of severance costs. This had a negative impact on gross profit in the uranium segment.
Accounting policies used in each segment are consistent with the policies outlined in the summary of significant accounting
policies. Segment revenues, expenses and results include transactions between segments incurred in the ordinary course of
business. These transactions are priced on an arm’s length basis, are eliminated on consolidation and are reflected in the
“other” column.
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 145
A. Business segments - 2018
For the year ended December 31, 2018
Revenue
$ 1,684,056
$
313,989
$
93,616
$ 2,091,661
Uranium
Fuel
services
Other
Total
Expenses
Cost of products and services sold
Depreciation and amortization
Cost of sales
Gross profit (loss)
Administration
Exploration
Research and development
Other operating expense
Loss on disposal of assets
Finance costs
Loss on derivatives
Finance income
Share of earnings from equity-accounted investee
Other income
1,138,940
277,171
1,416,111
219,240
35,977
255,217
109,760
14,825
1,467,940
327,973
124,585
1,795,913
267,945
58,772
(30,969)
295,748
-
20,283
-
59,616
1,008
-
-
-
(32,321)
(81,955)
-
-
-
-
1,264
-
-
-
-
-
141,552
-
1,757
-
31
111,779
81,081
(22,071)
-
(26,205)
141,552
20,283
1,757
59,616
2,303
111,779
81,081
(22,071)
(32,321)
(108,160)
39,929
(126,306)
166,235
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
301,314
57,508
(318,893)
Income tax recovery
Net earnings
Capital expenditures for the year
$
44,114
$
11,226
$
22
$
55,362
146 CAMECO CORPORATION
For the year ended December 31, 2017
Revenue
$ 1,574,068
$
312,888
$
269,896
$ 2,156,852
Uranium
Fuel
services
Other
Total
Expenses
Cost of products and services sold
Depreciation and amortization
Cost of sales
Gross profit (loss)
Administration
Impairment charges
Exploration
Research and development
Other operating expense
Loss on disposal of assets
Finance costs
Gain on derivatives
Finance income
Other expense
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Income tax recovery
Net loss
910,685
267,931
1,178,616
212,035
37,093
249,128
267,513
25,321
1,390,233
330,345
292,834
1,720,578
395,452
-
246,931
29,933
-
43
5,901
-
-
-
7,193
105,451
63,760
(22,938)
436,274
-
-
-
-
-
247
-
-
-
-
163,095
111,399
-
5,660
-
799
110,608
(56,250)
(5,265)
23,217
63,513
(376,201)
163,095
358,330
29,933
5,660
43
6,947
110,608
(56,250)
(5,265)
30,410
(207,237)
(2,519)
(204,718)
Capital expenditures for the year
$
132,073
$
11,237
$
23
$
143,333
Revenue is attributed to the geographic location based on the location of the entity providing the services. The Company’s
revenue from external customers is as follows:
United States
Canada
Germany
Switzerland
2018
2017
$ 1,660,727
424,079
2,817
4,038
$ 1,692,936
316,611
147,305
-
$ 2,091,661
$ 2,156,852
The Company’s non-current assets, excluding deferred tax assets and financial instruments, by geographic location
are as follows:
Canada
Australia
United States
Kazakhstan
Germany
2018
2017
$ 3,401,828
414,084
131,526
49
41
$ 3,417,254
422,400
138,455
283,562
233
$ 3,947,528
$ 4,261,904
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 147
Cameco relies on a small number of customers to purchase a significant portion of its uranium concentrates and uranium
conversion services. During 2018, revenues from one customer of Cameco’s uranium and fuel services segments represented
approximately $204,594,000 (2017 - $197,847,000), approximately 10% (2017 - 9%) of Cameco’s total revenues from these
segments. As customers are relatively few in number, accounts receivable from any individual customer may periodically
exceed 10% of accounts receivable depending on delivery schedule.
29. Group entities
The following are the principal subsidiaries and associates of the Company:
Subsidiaries:
Cameco Fuel Manufacturing Inc.
Cameco Marketing Inc.
Cameco Inc.
Power Resources, Inc.
Crow Butte Resources, Inc.
NUKEM, Inc.
NUKEM Investments GmbH
Cameco Australia Pty. Ltd.
Cameco Europe Ltd.
Associates:
JV Inkai
Principal place
of business
Ownership interest
2018
2017
Canada
Canada
US
US
US
US
Germany
Australia
Switzerland
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
-
100%
100%
100%
-
100%
100%
100%
Kazakhstan
40%
60%
30. Joint operations
Cameco conducts a portion of its exploration, development, mining and milling activities through joint operations located
around the world. Operations are governed by agreements that provide for joint control of the strategic operating, investing
and financing activities among the partners. These agreements were considered in the determination of joint control.
Cameco’s significant Canadian uranium joint operation interests are McArthur River, Key Lake and Cigar Lake. The Canadian
uranium joint operations allocate uranium production to each joint operation participant and the joint operation participant
derives revenue directly from the sale of such product. Mining and milling expenses incurred by joint operations are included in
the cost of inventory.
As a result of the restructuring of JV Inkai, effective January 1, 2018 Cameco’s ownership interest was reduced to 40%
(previously 60%) and Cameco began accounting for JV Inkai on an equity basis. In 2017, the participants in the Inkai joint
operation purchased uranium from JV Inkai and, in turn, derived revenue directly from the sale of such product to third party
customers.
148 CAMECO CORPORATION
Cameco reflects its proportionate interest in these assets and liabilities as follows:
Total assets
McArthur River
Key Lake
Cigar Lake
Inkai
Total liabilities
McArthur River
Key Lake
Cigar Lake
Inkai
Principal place
of business
Ownership
2018
2017
Canada
Canada
Canada
Kazakhstan
69.81%
83.33%
50.03%
40.00%
$ 1,065,562
537,233
1,503,863
-
$ 1,121,509
482,879
1,531,150
230,280
$ 3,106,658
$ 3,365,818
$
69.81%
83.33%
50.03%
40.00%
32,829
222,369
38,478
-
$
38,896
140,214
40,687
119,998
$
293,676
$
339,795
Through unsecured shareholder loans, Cameco has agreed to fund the development of the Inkai project. While proportionately
consolidating JV Inkai, in 2017 Cameco eliminated the loan balances recorded by Inkai and recorded advances receivable
(notes 10 and 31) representing its 40% share.
31. Related parties
Key management personnel are those persons that have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling
the activities of the Company, directly or indirectly. Key management personnel of the Company include executive officers,
vice-presidents, other senior managers and members of the board of directors.
In addition to their salaries, Cameco also provides non-cash benefits to executive officers and vice-presidents and contributes
to pension plans on their behalf (note 25). Senior management and directors also participate in the Company’s share-based
compensation plans (note 24).
Executive officers are subject to terms of notice ranging from three to six months. Upon resignation at the Company’s request,
they are entitled to termination benefits of up to the lesser of 18 to 24 months or the period remaining until age 65. The
termination benefits include gross salary plus the target short-term incentive bonus for the year in which termination occurs.
Compensation for key management personnel was comprised of:
Short-term employee benefits
Share-based compensation
Post-employment benefits
Termination benefits
Total
(a) Excludes deferred share units held by directors (see note 24).
2018
2017
$
$
24,821
12,796
4,323
860
26,569
11,525
5,914
916
$
42,800
$
44,924
2018 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES 149
B. Other related party transactions
Cameco funded JV Inkai’s project development costs through an unsecured shareholder loan. The limit of the loan facility is
$175,000,000 (US) and advances under the facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2%. At December 31, 2018,
$124,533,000 ($91,320,000 (US)) of principal and interest was outstanding (2017 - $117,218,000 (US) with Cameco’s share,
representing the 40% owed to it, being $58,820,000) (notes 10 and 30).
Effective January 1, 2018 due to a change in its ownership interest, Cameco now accounts for its interest in JV Inkai under the
equity method. As a result, the full amount of the outstanding loan is reflected on the balance sheet as opposed to the 40%
owed to it as was reflected at December 31, 2017.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, Cameco recorded interest income of $5,603,000 relating to this balance (2017 -
$2,182,000 which related to the 40% owed to it).
As a result of the change to the equity method of accounting, Cameco no longer eliminates its uranium concentrate purchases
from JV Inkai. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Cameco had purchases of $94,063,000 ($72,007,000 (US)).
150 CAMECO CORPORATION