EX-99.4 5 d268905dex994.htm EX-99.4 EX-99.4

Exhibit 99.4

 

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2 0 1 6    A N N U A L    R E P O R T          


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LOGO Mining

Once an orebody is discovered and defined by exploration, there are three common ways to mine uranium, depending on the depth of the orebody and the deposit’s geological characteristics:

 

    Open pit mining is used if the ore is near the surface. The ore is usually mined using drilling and blasting.

 

    Underground mining is used if the ore is too deep to make open pit mining economical. Tunnels and shafts provide access to the ore.

 

    In situ recovery (ISR) does not require large scale excavation. Instead, holes are drilled into the ore and a solution is used to dissolve the uranium. The solution is pumped to the surface where the uranium is recovered.

 

 

 

LOGO Milling

Ore from open pit and underground mines is processed to extract the uranium and package it as a powder typically referred to as uranium concentrates (U3O8) or yellowcake. The leftover processed rock and other solid waste (tailings) is placed in an engineered tailings facility.

 

 

 

LOGO Refining

Refining removes the impurities from the uranium concentrate and changes its chemical form to uranium trioxide (UO3).

 

 

 

LOGO Conversion

For light water reactors, the UO3 is converted to uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas to prepare it for enrichment. For heavy water reactors like the Candu reactor, the UO3 is converted into powdered uranium dioxide (UO2).

 

LOGO Enrichment

Uranium is made up of two main isotopes: U-238 and U-2B5. Only U-235 atoms, which make up 0.7% of natural uranium, are involved in the nuclear reaction (fission). Most of the world’s commercial nuclear reactors require uranium that has an enriched level of U-235 atoms.

The enrichment process increases the concentration of U-235 to between 3% and 5% by separating U-235 atoms from the U-238. Enriched UF6 gas is then converted to powdered UO2.

 

 

 

LOGO Fuel manufacturing

Natural or enriched UO2 is pressed into pellets, which are baked at a high temperature. These are packed into zircaloy or stainless steel tubes, sealed and then assembled into fuel bundles.

 

 

 

LOGO Generation

Nuclear reactors are used to generate electricity. U-235 atoms in the reactor fuel fission, creating heat that generates steam to drive turbines. The fuel bundles in the reactor need to be replaced as the U-235 atoms are depleted, typically after one or two years depending upon the reactor type. The used – or spent – fuel is stored or reprocessed.

 

 

Spent fuel management

The majority of spent fuel is safely stored at the reactor site. A small amount of spent fuel is reprocessed. The reprocessed fuel is used in some European and Japanese reactors.

 


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Management’s discussion and analysis

February 9, 2017

 

  6      2016 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
  9      MARKET OVERVIEW AND 2016 DEVELOPMENTS
  13      OUR STRATEGY
  20      MEASURING OUR RESULTS
  22      FINANCIAL RESULTS
  51      OUR OPERATIONS AND PROJECTS
  76      MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES
  81      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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, 2016. The information is based on what we knew as of February 8, 2017.

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, including NUKEM Energy GmbH (NUKEM), 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:

 

  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.

Examples of forward-looking information in this MD&A

  our expectations about 2017 and future global uranium supply, consumption, demand, contracting volumes, number of reactors and nuclear generating capacity, including the discussion under the headings Market overview and 2016 developments

 

  the discussion under the heading Our strategy

 

  our 2017 objectives

 

  our expectations for uranium deliveries in 2017

 

  the discussion of our expectations relating to our transfer pricing disputes, including 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)

 

  our consolidated outlook for the year and the outlook for our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments for 2017

 

  our expectations for future tax payments and rates, including effective tax rates
  our expectations for future royalty payments

 

  our price sensitivity analysis for our uranium segment

 

  our expectation that existing cash balances and operating cash flows will meet our anticipated 2017 capital requirements without the need for any significant additional funding, other than temporary drawings on short-term liquidity during the course of the year

 

  our expectations for 2017, 2018 and 2019 capital expenditures

 

  our expectation that in 2017 we will be able to comply with all the covenants in our unsecured revolving credit facility

 

  our future plans and expectations for each of our uranium operating properties and projects under evaluation, and fuel services operating sites

 

  our expectations related to annual Rabbit Lake care and maintenance costs

 

  our mineral reserve and resource estimates
 

 

Material risks

  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 or loss of market share to a competitor

 

  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 estimates of production, purchases, costs, care and maintenance, decommissioning or reclamation expenses, or our tax expense estimates 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 disputes with tax authorities or with TEPCO
  we are unsuccessful in our dispute with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and this results in significantly higher cash taxes, interest charges and penalties than the amount of our cumulative tax provision

 

  we are unable to utilize letters of credit to the extent anticipated in our dispute with CRA

 

  there are defects in, or challenges to, title to our properties

 

  our mineral reserve and resource estimates are not reliable, or we face unexpected or challenging geological, hydrological or mining conditions

 

  we are affected by environmental, safety and regulatory risks, including increased regulatory burdens or delays

 

  we cannot obtain or maintain necessary permits or approvals from government authorities, including AREVA’s renewal of the McClean Lake mill’s operating licence, and our renewal of the Port Hope conversion facility’s operating licence

 

  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
 

 

2   CAMECO CORPORATION   


  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

 

  there are changes to government regulations or policies that adversely affect us, including tax and trade laws and policies

 

  our uranium suppliers fail to fulfil delivery commitments, or our uranium purchasers fail to fulfil purchase commitments

 

  our McArthur River development, mining or production plans are delayed or do not succeed for any reason

 

  our Cigar Lake development, mining or production plans are delayed or do not succeed for any reason

 

  any difficulties with the McClean Lake mill modifications or expansion or milling of Cigar Lake ore
  our expectations relating to Rabbit Lake 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, 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
 

 

Material assumptions

  our expectations regarding sales and purchase volumes and prices for uranium and fuel services, and that the counterparties to our sales and purchase agreements will honour their commitments

 

  our expectations regarding the demand for uranium, 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 expected production level and production costs, including our expectations regarding the success of our cost reduction strategies

 

  the assumptions regarding market conditions upon which we have based our capital expenditures expectations

 

  our expectations regarding spot prices and realized prices for uranium, and other factors discussed under the heading Price sensitivity analysis: uranium segment

 

  our expectations regarding tax rates and payments, royalty rates, currency exchange rates and interest rates

 

  our expectations about the outcome of disputes with tax authorities and with TEPCO

 

  we are able to utilize letters of credit to the extent anticipated in our dispute with CRA

 

  our decommissioning and reclamation expenses

 

  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 mines
  our McArthur River development, mining and production plans succeed

 

  our Cigar Lake development, mining and production plans succeed

 

  modification and expansion of the McClean Lake mill are completed as planned and the mill is able to process Cigar Lake ore as expected

 

  that annual Rabbit Lake care and maintenance costs will be as expected

 

  our ability to continue to supply our products and services in the expected quantities and at the expected times

 

  our ability to comply with current and future environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements, and to obtain and maintain required regulatory approvals, including AREVA’s renewal of the McClean Lake mill’s operating licence, and our renewal of the Port Hope conversion facility’s operating licence

 

  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, 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


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Our business
We are one of the world’s largest uranium producers, with uranium assets on three continents. Nuclear energy plants around the world use our uranium products to generate one of the cleanest sources of electricity available today. Our operations and investments span the nuclear fuel cycle, from exploration to fuel manufacturing.
Our head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
URANIUM
Operations
We are one of the world’s largest uranium producers, and in 2016 accounted for about 17% of the world’s production. We have controlling ownership of the world’s largest high-grade reserves.
• Uranium Projects under Evaluation
We use a stage gate process to evaluate our uranium projects and will advance them at a pace aligned with market opportunities, in order to respond when the market signals a need for more uranium.
Uranium Exploration (grey shaded)
Our exploration program is directed at replacing mineral resources as they are depleted by our production. Our active programs are focused on three continents, where our land holdings total about 1.5 million hectares (areas where we hold land are highlighted).
FUEL SERVICES
We are an integrated uranium fuel supplier, offering refining, conversion and fuel manufacturing services. We control 25% of world conversion capacity.
MARKETING
We sell uranium and fuel services to nuclear utilities in 13 countries, with sales commitments to supply about 150 million pounds of U3O8 and over 50 million kilograms of UF6 conversion services.
NUKEM
NUKEM deals in the physical trading of uranium concentrates, conversion and enrichment services. Its trading strategy is nonspeculative and seeks to match quantities and pricing structures of long-term supply and delivery contracts, minimizing exposure to commodity price fluctuations and locking in profit margins.
OTHER FUEL CYCLE INVESTMENTS
ENRICHMENT
GE-Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) is testing a third-generation technology that, if successful, will use lasers to commercially enrich uranium. We have a 24% interest in GLE, which is currently undergoing restructuring. Existing partners General Electric (51%) and Hitachi Ltd. (25%) have negotiated an arrangement providing Silex Systems Ltd. (the technology’s licensor), with an exclusive option on their interests.
* Operation suspended/curtailed due to current market conditions
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Smith Ranch-Highland*
Crow Butte*
Corporate Office
Millennium
McArthur River/Key Lake
Cigar Lake
Rabbit Lake*
Cameco Inc.
Port Hope Blind River Cameco Fuel Manufacturing Inc.
NUKEM Inc.
GLE


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Advantages
We are a pure-play nuclear fuel investment with a proven track record and the strengths to take advantage of the world’s rising demand for safe, clean and reliable energy.
With our extraordinary assets, long-term contract portfolio, employee expertise, comprehensive industry knowledge and financial strength, we are confident in our ability to increase shareholder value.
NUKEM GmbH
Cameco Europe Ltd.
Inkai
Yeelirrie
Kintyre
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 5


2016 performance highlights

Our focus throughout 2016 was to lower our costs and improve efficiency amid difficult uranium market conditions. We continue to anticipate a market shift as demand increases in the form of restarts and new reactors, while current and future supply decreases through curtailments and lack of investment. However, until we see signs of that shift emerging, we will continue to take the necessary actions intended to preserve shareholder value and position the company for long term success.

Financial performance

 

HIGHLIGHTS              

DECEMBER 31 ($ MILLIONS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED)

   2016      2015      CHANGE  

Revenue

     2,431        2,754        (12 )% 

Gross profit

     463        697        (34 )% 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders

     (62      65        (195 )% 

$ per common share (diluted)

     (0.16      0.16        (194 )% 

Adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS, see page 24)

     143        344        (58 )% 

$ per common share (adjusted and diluted)

     0.36        0.87        (59 )% 

Cash provided by operations (after working capital changes)

     312        450        (31 )% 

Net earnings attributable to equity holders (net earnings) and adjusted net earnings were lower in 2016 compared to 2015. See 2016 consolidated financial results beginning on page 23 for more information.

Our uranium segment continued to outperform the market

In our uranium segment, we exceeded our annual production expectations, and realized a number of successes and new developments at our mining operations. Key highlights:

 

  annual production of 27.0 million pounds—5% higher than the guidance provided in our 2016 third quarter MD&A

 

  quarterly production of 7.1 million pounds in the fourth quarter—26% lower than in 2015 due to the suspension of production at Rabbit Lake, the curtailment of production at Cameco Resources’ US operations, and lower production at Inkai

 

  exceeded planned production at the Cigar Lake mine and AREVA’s McClean Lake mill

 

  we signed an agreement with our partner Kazatomprom and JV Inkai to restructure and enhance JV Inkai

 

  higher-cost production was suspended at our Rabbit Lake operation and curtailed at Cameco Resources’ US ISR operations; by the end of August, 2016, Rabbit Lake was in a state of safe care and maintenance

 

  we received conditional environmental approval for our Yeelirrie uranium project in Western Australia, and we were granted a 10-year extension of the requirement to provide the government with a development proposal

See Our operations and projects beginning on page 51 for more information.

Updates on our other segments and investments

Production in 2016 from our fuel services segment was 13% lower than in 2015. We continue to face weak market conditions for conversion services, and we are continuing to operate Port Hope at a reduced production level.

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

               2016      2015      CHANGE  

Uranium

  

Production volume (million lbs)

        27.0        28.4        (5 )% 
  

Sales volume (million lbs)1

        31.5        32.4        (3 )% 
  

Average realized price

   ($ US/lb      41.12        45.19        (9 )% 
      ($ Cdn/lb      54.46        57.58        (5 )% 
  

Revenue ($ millions)1

        1,718        1,866        (8 )% 
  

Gross profit ($ millions)

        444        608        (27 )% 

Fuel services

  

Production volume (million kgU)

        8.4        9.7        (13 )% 
  

Sales volume (million kgU)1

        12.7        13.6        (7 )% 
  

Average realized price

   ($ Cdn/kgU      25.37        23.37        9
  

Revenue ($ millions)1

        321        319        1
  

Gross profit ($ millions)

        63        61        3

NUKEM

  

Sales volume U3O8 (million lbs)1

        7.1        10.7        (34 )% 
  

Average realized price

   ($ Cdn/lb      47.90        48.82        (2 )% 
  

Revenue ($ millions)1

        391        554        (29 )% 
  

Gross profit (loss) ($ millions)

        (28      42        (167 )% 

 

1  Includes sales and revenue between our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments. Please see 2016 Financial results by segment beginning on page 42.

Industry prices

In 2016, the uranium spot price ranged from a high of $35 (US) per pound to a low of about $18 (US) per pound, averaging around $26 (US) for the year. Utilities continue to be well covered under existing contracts, and, given the current uncertainties in the market, we expect they and other market participants will continue to be opportunistic in their buying. As a result, contracting is expected to remain somewhat discretionary in 2017.

 

     2016      2015      CHANGE  

Uranium ($US/lb U3O8)1

        

Average annual spot market price

     25.64        36.55        (30 )% 

Average annual long-term price

     39.00        46.29        (16 )% 

Fuel services ($US/kgU as UF6)1

        

Average annual spot market price

        

North America

     6.40        7.35        (13 )% 

Europe

     6.91        7.85        (12 )% 

Average annual long-term price

        

North America

     12.58        15.33        (18 )% 

Europe

     13.56        16.38        (17 )% 

Note: the industry does not publish UO2 prices.

 

1  Average of prices reported by TradeTech and Ux Consulting (Ux)

 

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   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    7


Also of note

On January 31, 2017, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (“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” has occurred because it has 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 will pursue all its legal rights and remedies against TEPCO.

Under the agreement, TEPCO has already received and paid for 2.2 million pounds of uranium since 2014. The termination would affect approximately 9.3 million pounds of uranium deliveries through 2028, worth approximately $1.3 billion in revenue to Cameco, 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 this MD&A, our 2017 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

At February 7, 2017, we had:

 

  395,792,522 common shares and one Class B share outstanding

 

  7,969,882 stock options outstanding, with exercise prices ranging from $16.38 to $54.38

DIVIDEND

Our board of directors has established a quarterly dividend of $0.10 ($0.40 per year) per common share. The dividend is reviewed quarterly based on our cash flow, earnings, financial position, strategy and other relevant factors.

 

 

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Market overview and 2016 developments

Cautiously optimistic

Today’s uranium market is challenging, but we are cautiously optimistic that we are starting to see some of the signposts required for a market recovery. The future uncovered uranium requirements of utilities due to low levels of long-term contracting over the past four years are increasing. There have been several announcements on both the supply and demand side that are expected to have a positive impact on the challenging market, and there is renewed interest in nuclear power and uranium from non-traditional market participants. However, we believe it will ultimately be the return of term contracting in a significant way that will signal that market dynamics have turned more positive.

TODAY: A STORY OF OVERSUPPLY

The uranium market continues to be in a state of oversupply. Market recovery has taken longer than anticipated as a result of a slower than expected pace of reactor restarts in Japan, unexpected reactor shutdowns in other regions, delays in reactor construction programs, and reactors under construction not yet consuming uranium. At the same time, supply has continued to perform well, adding to the delay in market improvement.

On the supply side, secondary supplies, consisting largely of government inventories and enricher underfeeding, continue to provide the industry with an exceptionally low-cost source of uranium supply, where the economics differ considerably from mined production. Similarly, several producers, whose production drivers are not always economic, such as large diversified miners and companies mining uranium for strategic or social purposes, negatively impact the supply-demand balance. The lowest cost – tier-one – production, including our own assets, continues to perform well, with cash costs that allow them to remain economic, even at current prices. Finally, higher-cost production, though sensitive to the uranium price, continues to be supported by higher prices under long-term contracts and/or advantageous foreign exchange rates.

The excess supply has impacted the market in a significant way. Abundant spot material has been available to satisfy utilities’ appetite for low-priced pounds to meet near- to mid-term requirements. As a result, strategic inventories have grown across the industry and the need to sign significant long-term contracts has been deferred.

These industry dynamics make it difficult to predict the timing of a market recovery. However, given that Ux Consulting Company, LLC (UxC) reports that over the last four years only 245 million pounds have been locked-up in the long-term market, while over 635 million pounds have been consumed in reactors, we remain confident that utilities have a growing gap to fill. As annual supply adjusts and utilities’ uncovered requirements grow, we believe the pounds available in the spot market won’t be enough to satisfy the demand.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO CAN WAIT

 

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   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    9


Like other commodities, the uranium industry is cyclical and the low level of contracting at low prices that we’re seeing today is not new. When prices are low, there is no urgency to contract. The heavy contracting that took place during the previous price run, which drove investment in higher-cost sources of production, contributes to the perception that uranium is abundant and always will be. History demonstrates that the opposite tends to occur when prices rise. 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.

The backlog of future contracting needs created by the low-price environment presents a substantial opportunity for suppliers like us that can weather the low-price part of the cycle. As a low-cost producer, we plan our business with these price cycles in mind.

 

LOGO

In our industry, customers don’t 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.

Estimates by industry consultants show cumulative uncovered requirements to be about 800 million pounds over the next nine years. While uncovered requirements do not ramp up significantly in the near-term, the longer the delay in the recovery of the long-term market, the less certainty there is around the availability of future supply to fill growing demand. Ultimately, we expect the current price-sensitive sentiment to give way to increasing concerns about the security of future supply.

SUPPLY IS NOT GUARANTEED

Economic difficulties are beginning to take a toll on the supply side. Producers who have been protected from the low market prices under long-term contracts, are beginning to emerge from that protection. As a result, it is not just future supply that is at risk – we are seeing evidence that even existing supply is at risk:

 

  most recently, Kazatomprom announced its intention to reduce 2017 output from Kazakhstan by 10%, citing market challenges due to the current oversupply situation

 

  Paladin has announced reduced production from their 75% owned Langer Heinrich mine and modification of the mine plan to reduce costs

 

  in the conversion space, Honeywell is making permanent adjustments to its operation and lowering nameplate capacity of their facility from 15 million kgU to 7 million kgU as UF6

 

  some enrichers are retiring centrifuge capacity, reducing the excess capacity in the enrichment space that is contributing to broader oversupply via underfeeding and tails re-enrichment

 

  we have suspended and curtailed three operations in addition to taking cost-cutting measures that carry additional supply risk

Coupled with looming uncovered requirements, we expect the risks to future and existing supply could decrease the availability of spot material and increase the pressure for a return to long-term contracting.

 

10   CAMECO CORPORATION   


DEMAND SIDE CHALLENGES

There was mixed news for the broader nuclear industry in 2016. On a regional demand basis, there were significant positive and negative developments:

 

  China struggled with a lower economic growth forecast and excess capacity in the energy sector, although the country remains committed to a fast-paced and growing nuclear power program

 

  in Japan, a total of 10 reactors now meet the new regulatory standards; however, the pace of restarts continues to be slow

 

  India made strides in agreements with western nuclear vendors, including engineering and design work, and finalizing contractual arrangements, but the industry continues to face delays in achieving significant progress in nuclear power development

 

  Russia saw domestic challenges due to weaker demand for electricity, but continues to pursue an aggressive reactor export strategy

 

  US operators announced additional early reactor closures, but policy developments in some states targeted support for keeping at-risk reactors profitable

 

    A number of additional reactors remain under threat of early closure subject to political and energy policy support

 

    It remains to be seen what impact the new US administration will have on the success of their reactor program

 

  in the United Arab Emirates, construction of four units is proceeding smoothly, with the startup of the first unit expected in 2017, but continued growth remains uncertain

 

  the United Kingdom approved construction of Hinkley Point C, but the rest of Europe is expecting little to no growth in nuclear power in the next 10 years

 

  advances were also made in the potential growth of some other existing nuclear programs (South Korea, South Africa) and new nuclear programs (Bangladesh), while steps in the opposite direction occurred in other jurisdictions (Vietnam and Taiwan)

 

  in Canada, the Province of Ontario has shown a strong commitment to nuclear power for nearly 50 years, but continued support is subject to a successful refurbishment program

 

  several units in France’s nuclear fleet were taken offline due to regulatory reviews linked to technical issues, though some have been cleared for restart. France is also showing signs of reversing a previously announced intention to reduce reliance on nuclear power.

While 2016 offered some welcome progress in bringing supply and demand closer to equilibrium, uncertainty persists.

WHAT HAS TO CHANGE?

Ultimately, the industry needs to fill the demand gap left by forced and premature shut-downs since March of 2011 by continuing to safely bring reactors online. This means Japanese restarts, successful commissioning of new reactors under construction, and continued development of new construction plans. And we’re seeing positive progress on all fronts:

 

  Japanese utilities have now successfully navigated through the new, rigorous safety inspection process

 

  58 reactors are currently under construction around the world, the majority of which are expected to come online in the next three years

 

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   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    11


  the growth in nuclear power generation is real, with 10 new reactors connected to the grid in 2016

 

LOGO

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 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 falling on curtailments and lack of investment, 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 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.

 

12   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Our strategy

Tier-one focus

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 population and electricity demand.

We are a pure-play nuclear fuel supplier, 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 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. We plan to focus on our tier-one assets and manage our supply according to market conditions in order to return the best value possible. During a prolonged period of uncertainty, our tier-one strategy helps to mitigate risk. As conditions improve, we expect to meet rising demand with production from our best margin operations.

In light of today’s oversupplied market and the lingering uncertainty as to how long the weak market conditions will persist, we are focussing our resources on our lowest cost assets, on maintaining a strong balance sheet, and on efficiently managing the company in a low price environment. Consistent with this strategy, in 2016, we suspended production at our Rabbit Lake operation in northern Saskatchewan, we curtailed production at Cameco Resources’ US operations by deferring wellfield development, and we reduced the workforce in our corporate office. In addition, actions we have planned for 2017, including a 10% reduction of the workforce at our McArthur River, Key Lake and Cigar Lake operations, changes to work rotation schedules, and changes to the commuter flight services at our sites, are all expected to further reduce costs and improve efficiency at our mining operations. See Uranium – production overview on page 55 for additional details

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.

ENRICHMENT

We continue to explore opportunities in the second largest value driver of the fuel cycle. Having operational control of both uranium production and enrichment facilities would offer operational synergies that could enhance profit margins.

NUKEM

NUKEM’s activities provide a source of profit and give us insight into market dynamics.

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

 

  ensure we execute on our dividend

To deliver value, free cash flow must be productively reinvested in the business or returned to shareholders, which requires good execution and disciplined allocation. 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.

Amid the uncertain times we are facing today, the objective of our strategy is to maximize cash flow, while maintaining our investment grade rating through close management of our balance sheet metrics, allowing us to self-manage risks. Risks like:

 

  a market that remains low for longer

 

  litigation risk related to the CRA and TEPCO disputes

 

  refinancing risk

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    13


With the metrics that inform that rating in mind, we have taken steps to improve margin and cash flow by focusing on our tier-one assets, and reduce operating, capital, and general and administrative spend in this time of low uranium prices.

REINVESTMENT

Before investable capital is reinvested 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 growth prospects internally or externally, this may result in residual investable capital, which we would then consider returning directly to shareholders.

RETURN

If we determine the best use of cash is to return it to shareholders, we can do that through a share repurchase or dividend—either a one-time special dividend or a dividend growth policy. When deciding between these options, we consider a number of factors, including generation of excess cash, growth prospects for the company, growth prospects for the industry, and the nature of the excess cash.

Share buyback: If we were generating excess cash while there were little 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: We view our dividend as a priority. It is evaluated by our board of directors on a quarterly basis with careful consideration of long-term sustainability. A re-assessment of our current dividend would require a significant fact change at the industry or company level.

Marketing strategy – balanced contract portfolio

As with our corporate strategy and approach to capital allocation, the purpose of our marketing strategy 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.

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 addition, we are active in the spot market, buying and selling uranium when it is beneficial for us. Our NUKEM business segment enhances our ability to participate, as they are one of the world’s leading traders of uranium and uranium-related products. We undertake activity in the spot market prudently, looking at the spot price and other business factors to decide whether it is appropriate to purchase or sell into the spot market. Not only is this activity a source of profit, it gives us insight into underlying market fundamentals.

LONG-TERM CONTRACTING

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, geopolitical events, disruptions in planned supply and demand, and other market factors.

The objective of our contracting strategy is to:

 

  maximize realized price while reducing volatility of our future earnings and cash flow

 

  focus on meeting the nuclear industry’s growing uncovered requirements with our future uncommitted supply while ensuring adequate regional diversity

 

  establish and grow market share with strategic customers

 

14   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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 strategy 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: are typically based on the industry long-term price indicator at the time the contract is accepted and escalated over the term of the contract.

Market-related contracts: 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, all of which are 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

In today’s weak market environment, we have been working with certain 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 by blending 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.

 

CUSTOMER’S FUTURE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

UNCERTAIN

     

OPTIMISTIC

Changing   Policy   Clear pathways
Challenges   Regulatory   Established
Unregulated   Economic   Benefits recognized

Future uncertainty for

present certain value

 

Resulting trade-off

considerations

 

Relief where it

is beneficial for us

CONTRACT PORTFOLIO STATUS

Currently, our production is heavily committed under long-term uranium contracts through 2019, so we are being selective when considering new commitments and working to achieve our contracting objectives. We have commitments to sell approximately 150 million pounds of U3O8 with 40 customers worldwide in our uranium segment, and over 50 million kilograms as UF6 conversion with 31 customers worldwide in our fuel services segment.

Customers – U3O8:

Five largest customers account for 52% of commitments

COMMITTED U3O8 SALES BY REGION

 

LOGO

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    15


Customers – UF6 conversion:

Five largest customers account for 56% of commitments

COMMITTED UF6 SALES BY REGION

 

LOGO

MANAGING OUR CONTRACT COMMITMENTS

To meet our delivery commitments, we use our uranium supply, which includes uranium obtained from:

 

  our existing production

 

  purchases 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 (the annual average sales commitments over the next five years in our uranium segment is 24 million pounds, with commitment levels through 2019 higher than in 2020 and 2021)

 

  our production volumes

 

  purchases under existing and/or new arrangements

 

  discretionary use of inventories

 

  market opportunities

Focusing on cost efficiency

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.

2016 URANIUM OPERATING COSTS BY CATEGORY

 

LOGO

Operating costs in our fuel services segment are mainly fixed. In 2016, labour accounted for about 52% of the total. The largest variable operating cost is for zirconium, followed by energy (natural gas and electricity), maintenance supplies, and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride.

 

16   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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 and inventories, and we purchase material where it is beneficial to do so. 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.

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.

In addition, as we execute our strategy to focus on tier-one production, we expect to see more stability in the unit cost of sales for our uranium segment.

Sustainable development: A key part of our strategy

Social responsibility and environmental protection are top priorities for us, so much so that 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. For us, sustainability isn’t an add-on for our company; it’s 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

Because they are so important, we integrate sustainable development principles and practices at each level of our organization, from our overall corporate strategy to individual employee practice in day-to-day operations.

Consequently, we recognize that changes in our operations and support functions, including the suspension of production at Rabbit Lake, curtailment at Cameco Resources’ US operations, and the reduction of the workforce at our northern Saskatchewan operations and at our corporate office, all have a significant impact on the communities where we operate. While we regret the negative impact that these carefully deliberated decisions have on affected employees and other stakeholders, these actions are deemed necessary for the long-term health of the company in a uranium market that continues to be weak and oversupplied. 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.

2016 Highlights:

 

  several operations reached significant safety milestones, including the Blind River refinery and the Crow Butte operation passing 10 and 9 years respectively, without a lost time incident

 

  continued low average dose of radiation to workers while ramping up Cigar Lake

 

  awarded the John T Ryan National Safety award at McArthur River mine based on prior year performance for the third year in a row

 

  recognized for several top employer awards

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 move beyond requirements.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    17


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.

2016 Highlights:

 

  sustained the significantly reduced uranium-to-air emissions achieved at our Port Hope conversion facility in 2014

 

  continued to reduce low level radioactive waste stored at our Fuel Services division facilities

 

  improved effluent performance at the McArthur River mine

 

  successfully transitioned the Rabbit Lake operation into care and maintenance with no significant environmental incident

 

  continued to carry out industry leading research and innovation in groundwater restoration 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. These efforts are critical to obtaining and maintaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

2016 Highlights:

 

  over $210 million in procurement from locally owned northern Saskatchewan companies (80% of total)

 

  1,088 local personnel from northern Saskatchewan (704 Cameco employees, 384 contractors)

 

  signed a Collaboration Agreement, our third in the region, with the seven communities of the Athabasca, including three First Nations

 

  community engagement activities at all of our operations

 

  continued work on groundwater restoration with five universities, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the United States Geological Survey

OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Long-term financial stability and profitability are essential to our sustainability as a company. We firmly believe that sound governance is the foundation for strong corporate performance.

2016 Highlights:

 

  continue to achieve an average realized price that outperforms the market

 

  ranked 23rd out of 231 Canadian companies by Globe and Mail in governance practices

MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT

We take the integration of sustainable development and measurement of our performance seriously. We have been producing a Sustainable Development (SD) Report since 2005, using the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Framework (GRI). It is our report card to our stakeholders. It tells them how we’re 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’ve met, exceeded or struggled with them, and how we plan to do better. Our most recent SD Report was released in August, 2016 and we expect to release our next full report in 2018.

All of our operating sites are ISO 14001 compliant. In addition, we have now transitioned from individual site-based ISO 14001 certifications to a single corporate certification. We have begun to roll our operations into this single certification.

Achievements

We are a five-time Gold award winner through the Progressive Aboriginal Relations program as judged by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. We are also proud to have been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Saskatchewan’s Top Employers, and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for eight years running, and one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People for the seventh year. We are a leading employer of indigenous peoples in Canada, and have procured nearly $3.5 billion in services from local suppliers in northern Saskatchewan since 2004.

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.

 

18   CAMECO CORPORATION   


LOGO

A STRATEGIC FOCUS ON
TIER-ONE ASSETS
Our strategy is to focus on our tier-one assets and profitably produce at a pace aligned with market signals, while maintaining the ability to respond to market conditions as they evolve.
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.
MEASURING
THAT COMMITMENT
Measuring our performance is an integral part of achieving our goals and ensuring we’re living up to our values over the long term. We set corporate objectives each year and assess our performance under four measures of success:
A safe, healthy, rewarding workplace
A clean environment
Supportive communities
Outstanding financial performance
19 CAMECO CORPORATION


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.

 

2016 OBJECTIVES1

 

TARGET

 

RESULTS

       
OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Earnings measures   Achieve targeted adjusted net earnings and cash flow from operations (before working capital changes).   Did not achieve     adjusted net earnings was below the minimum target
        cash flow from operations was below the minimum target
Capital management measures   Execute capital projects within the approved scope, cost and schedule.   Achieved     cost performance was under budget (better than the target)
        project milestones were achieved largely on schedule
Cigar Lake measure   Average daily production rate.   Exceeded     the average daily production rate mined from Cigar Lake in 2016 was higher than the target
SAFE, HEALTHY AND REWARDING WORKPLACE
Workplace safety measures   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.   Partially Achieved     injury rates were stable but did not meet one of the two planned reduction targets for the year
        average radiation doses remained low and stable
Rewarding workplace measures   Attract and retain the employees needed to support operations.   Partially achieved     diversity and inclusion strategy development milestones were achieved on schedule
        turnover rate for new hires during the first year of employment was higher than the target (higher turnover)
CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
Environmental performance measures   Achieve divisional environmental aspect improvement targets.   Achieved     performance was within the targeted range
        there were no significant environmental incidents in 2016
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES
Stakeholder support measures   Implement Collaboration Agreements by supporting northern business development opportunities and build corporate reputation.   Exceeded     sourcing of northern services from Northern Saskatchewan vendors was above the target
        sourcing of capital projects construction services from Northern Saskatchewan vendors was above the target
        public support index scoring was slightly above our target

 

1  Detailed results for our 2016 corporate objectives and the related targets will be provided in our 2017 management proxy circular prior to our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 11, 2017.

 

20   CAMECO CORPORATION   


2017 objectives

OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

 

    Achieve targeted adjusted net earnings and cash flow from operations.

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.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    21


Financial results

This section of our MD&A discusses our performance, financial condition and outlook for the future.

 

23   

2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS

34   

OUTLOOK FOR 2017

36   

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

42   

2016 FINANCIAL RESULTS BY SEGMENT

42   

URANIUM

44   

FUEL SERVICES

44   

NUKEM

46   

FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

46   

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

48   

URANIUM

50   

FUEL SERVICES

50   

NUKEM

 

 

22   CAMECO CORPORATION   


2016 consolidated financial results

On February 1, 2017, we announced that on January 31, 2017, TEPCO, alleging force majeure, confirmed that it would not withdraw a contract termination notice it provided to Cameco Inc. with respect to a uranium supply agreement, which affects approximately 9.3 million pounds of uranium deliveries through 2028, worth approximately $1.3 billion in revenue to Cameco, including about $126 million in 2017. We see no basis for terminating the agreement. In this MD&A, our 2017 financial outlook and other disclosures relating to our contract portfolio are presented on a basis which excludes this agreement with TEPCO, which is under dispute.

 

HIGHLIGHTS                         CHANGE FROM  

DECEMBER 31 ($ MILLIONS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED)

   2016      2015      20141      2015 TO 2016  

Revenue

     2,431        2,754        2,398        (12 )% 

Gross profit

     463        697        638        (34 )% 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders

     (62      65        185        (195 )% 

$ per common share (basic)

     (0.16      0.16        0.47        (194 )% 

$ per common share (diluted)

     (0.16      0.16        0.47        (194 )% 

Adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS, see page 24)

     143        344        412        (58 )% 

$ per common share (adjusted and diluted)

     0.36        0.87        1.04        (59 )% 

Cash provided by operations (after working capital changes)

     312        450        480        (31 )% 

 

1  On January 31, 2014, we announced the sale of our 31.6% limited partnership interest in Bruce Power Limited Partnership (BPLP) and related entities for $450 million. The sale closed on March 27, 2014, and was accounted for as being completed effective January 1, 2014.

Net earnings

Our net loss attributable to equity holders (net loss) in 2016 was $62 million ($0.16 per share diluted) compared to earnings of $65 million ($0.16 per share diluted) in 2015, mainly due to:

 

  lower gross profit from our uranium and NUKEM segments

 

  higher administration costs

 

  higher impairment charges ($362 million in 2016; $215 million in 2015)

 

  higher loss on disposal of assets

 

  higher foreign exchange losses compared to gains in 2015

 

  lower tax recovery. See Income taxes on page 28 for details.

partially offset by:

 

  higher gross profit from our fuel services segment

 

  gain from remeasurement of Rabbit Lake reclamation obligation

 

  mark-to-market gains on foreign exchange derivatives compared to losses in 2015. See Foreign exchange on pages 32 and 33 for details.

 

  gain from termination of long-term contracts

THREE-YEAR TREND

Our net earnings normally trend with revenue, but, in recent years, have been significantly influenced by unusual items.

In 2015, our net earnings were $120 million lower than in 2014 primarily due to:

 

  higher administration costs

 

  higher losses on foreign exchange derivatives due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar. See Foreign exchange on pages 32 and 33 for details.

 

  lower income tax recovery

partially offset by:

 

  higher earnings from all segments

 

  a decrease in impairment charges ($215 million in 2015; $327 million in 2014)

 

  a reduction the provision related to our CRA litigation

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    23


In addition, in 2014 there were a number of one-time items that contributed to the higher net earnings in 2014 compared to 2015, including:

 

  a $127 million gain on the sale of our interest in BPLP in 2014

 

  a favourable settlement of $66 million in 2014 in a dispute regarding a long-term supply contract with a utility customer

partially offset by:

 

  payment of an early termination fee of $18 million incurred as a result of our toll conversion agreement with Springfields Fuels Limited (SFL), and settlement costs of $12 million with respect to early termination of our Series C debentures

 

  the write-off of $41 million of assets under construction in 2014 as a result of changes made to the scope of a number of projects

Impairment charges

Production was suspended at our Rabbit Lake operation in the second quarter and as a result, we recognized an impairment charge for the full carrying value of $124 million during the second quarter.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a $238 million write-down of the full carrying value of our interest in Kintyre, our uranium exploration project in Australia. Due to the weakening of the uranium market since the asset was purchased in 2008, and the budget decision not to allocate any further spend to the project, we concluded it was appropriate to recognize a further impairment charge for this asset. See note 8 to the financial statements.

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 impairment charges, the write-off of assets, NUKEM purchase price inventory recovery, Rabbit Lake reclamation provision adjustment, gain on interest in BPLP (after tax), 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 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

($ MILLIONS)

   2016      2015      2014  

Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders

     (62      65        185  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjustments

        

Adjustments on derivatives

     (130      166        47  

NUKEM purchase price inventory recovery

     (6      (3      (5

Impairment charges

     362        215        327  

Write-off of assets

     —          —          41  

Rabbit Lake reclamation provision adjustment

     (34      —          —    

Income taxes on adjustments

     13        (99      (56

Gain on interest in BPLP (after tax)

     —          —          (127
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted net earnings

     143        344        412  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

24   CAMECO CORPORATION   


The following table shows what contributed to the change in adjusted net earnings for 2016.

 

($ MILLIONS)

          

Adjusted net earnings – 2015

     344  
  

 

 

 

Change in gross profit by segment

(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

     (16
 

Lower realized prices ($US)

     (129
 

Foreign exchange impact on realized prices

     30  
 

Higher costs

     (49
    

 

 

 
 

change – uranium

     (164
    

 

 

 

Fuel services

 

Lower sales volume

     (4
 

Higher realized prices ($Cdn)

     25  
 

Higher costs

     (19
    

 

 

 
 

change – fuel services

     2  
    

 

 

 

NUKEM

 

Gross profit

     (71
    

 

 

 
 

change – NUKEM

     (71
    

 

 

 

Other changes

  

Higher administration expenditures

     (20

Higher exploration expenditures

     (2

Higher loss on disposal of assets

     (21

Lower loss on derivatives

     19  

Higher foreign exchange losses

     (65

Gain on customer contract settlements

     59  

Higher income tax recovery

     63  

Other

     (1
  

 

 

 

Adjusted net earnings – 2016

     143  
  

 

 

 

THREE-YEAR TREND

Our adjusted net earnings decreased from 2014 to 2015, and decreased again from 2015 to 2016.

The 17% decrease from 2014 to 2015 resulted from:

 

  greater losses on foreign exchange derivatives due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar, see Foreign exchange on page 32 for more information

 

  lower tax recoveries, primarily due to the write-off of our deferred tax asset in the US. See Income taxes on page 28 for details.

partially offset by:

 

  higher earnings in our uranium and fuel services segments mainly due to a higher average realized price

 

  higher earnings from our NUKEM segment mainly due to higher sales volumes and a higher average realized price

 

  a reduction of the provision related to our CRA litigation, see Income taxes on page 28 for details

In addition, in 2014 there was a favourable settlement of $66 million with respect to a dispute regarding a long-term supply contract with a utility customer that contributed to the higher adjusted net earnings in 2014 compared to 2015. The impact of the settlement was partially offset by an early termination fee of $18 million incurred as a result of the cancellation of our toll conversion agreement with SFL and settlement costs of $12 million with respect to the early redemption of our Series C debentures in 2014.

The 58% decrease from 2015 to 2016 resulted from:

 

  lower gross profit from our uranium and NUKEM segments

 

  higher administration costs

 

  higher loss on disposal of assets

 

  higher foreign exchange losses compared to gains in 2015

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    25


partially offset by:

 

  higher gross profit from our fuel services segment

 

  lower losses on foreign exchange derivatives. See Foreign exchange on page 32 for details.

 

  gain from termination of long-term contracts

 

  higher tax recovery. See Income taxes on page 28 for details.

Average realized prices

 

                              CHANGE FROM  
         2016      2015      2014      2015 TO 2016  

Uranium1

 

$US/lb

     41.12        45.19        47.53        (9 )% 
 

$Cdn/lb

     54.46        57.58        52.37        (5 )% 

Fuel services

 

$Cdn/kgU

     25.37        23.37        19.70        9

NUKEM

 

$Cdn/lb

     47.90        48.82        44.90        (2 )% 

 

1  Average realized foreign exchange rate ($US/$Cdn): 2016 – 1.32, 2015 – 1.27 and 2014 – 1.10.

Revenue

The following table shows what contributed to the change in revenue for 2016.

 

($ MILLIONS)

      

Revenue – 2015

     2,754  
  

 

 

 

Uranium

  

Lower sales volume

     (50

Lower realized prices ($Cdn)

     (98

Change in intersegment sales

     1  
  

 

 

 

Fuel services

  

Lower sales volume

     (23

Higher realized prices ($Cdn)

     25  

Change in intersegment sales

     (1
  

 

 

 

NUKEM

  

Change in revenue

     (162

Change in intersegment sales

     23  
  

 

 

 

Other

     (38
  

 

 

 

Revenue – 2016

     2,431  
  

 

 

 

See 2016 Financial results by segment on page 42 for more detailed discussion.

THREE-YEAR TREND

In 2015, revenue increased by 15% compared to 2014 due to significant weakening of the Canadian dollar during the year, which resulted in record annual consolidated revenue and record annual revenue for our uranium segment. The realized foreign exchange rate was 1.27 compared to 1.10 in 2014. In addition, we had higher revenues in our NUKEM segment as a result of higher sales volumes, which were driven by increased market activity.

In 2016, revenue decreased by 12% compared to 2015 due to lower sales revenues in all of our operating segments as a result of reduced sales volumes in response to market conditions. In addition, we had lower revenues in our uranium and NUKEM segments as a result of the lower US dollar average realized price which was due to lower prices on market-related contracts. This was partially offset by further weakening of the Canadian dollar exchange rate realized on sales during 2016. The realized foreign exchange rate was 1.32 compared to 1.27 in 2015.

Revenue Outlook for 2017

We expect consolidated revenue to decrease in 2017 (outlook of $1,950 million to $2,080 million), based on currently committed sales volumes, due to a decrease in average realized prices in our uranium segment as a result of lower prices under both fixed and market related contracts, TEPCO contract dispute, and an expected decrease in NUKEM sales volumes. If we make additional sales with deliveries in 2017, we would expect our revenue outlook to increase.

 

26   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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 2017 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.

 

LOGO

Corporate expenses

ADMINISTRATION

 

($ MILLIONS)

   2016      2015      CHANGE  

Direct administration

     195        173        13

Stock-based compensation

     12        14        (14 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total administration

     207        187        11
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Direct administration costs in 2016 were $22 million higher than in 2015 due mainly to:

 

  one-time costs related to collaboration agreements

 

  charges related to the consolidation of office space

 

  legal costs as we prepared the CRA case for trial, which began in October, 2016

 

  restructuring of our NUKEM segment, and

 

  costs related to our reduction of staffing levels at our corporate office

We recorded $12 million in stock-based compensation expenses in 2016 under our stock option, restricted share unit, deferred share unit, performance share unit and phantom stock option plans, compared to $14 million in 2015. See note 23 to the financial statements.

Administration outlook for 2017

We expect administration costs (not including stock-based compensation) to be approximately 20% lower compared to 2016 (outlook between $150 million to $160 million) due to the actions that we took during 2016 to reduce costs.

EXPLORATION

Our 2016 exploration activities remained focused on Canada and Australia. Our spend increased from $40 million in 2015 to $43 million in 2016.

Exploration outlook for 2017

We expect exploration expenses to be about $30 million in 2017 due to an overall decrease in activity on our regional exploration projects.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    27


FINANCE COSTS

Finance costs were $112 million compared to $104 million in 2015. The increase from last year was mainly a result of increased letter of credit fees. See note 18 to the financial statements.

FINANCE INCOME

Finance income was $4 million compared to $5 million in 2015, reflecting lower average cash balances in 2016.

GAINS AND LOSSES ON DERIVATIVES

In 2016, we recorded $34 million in gains on our derivatives compared to losses of $281 million in 2015. The gains reflect the strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar from the exchange rate at the end of 2015. See Foreign exchange on page 32 and note 25 to the financial statements.

INCOME TAXES

We recorded an income tax recovery of $94 million in 2016 compared to a recovery of $143 million in 2015. The decrease in recovery was primarily due to the change in the distribution of earnings between jurisdictions compared to 2015. In addition, in 2015, the tax recovery included a $73 million write-off of our deferred tax asset in the US, partially offset by a $42 million reduction in the provision related to the CRA litigation. See note 20 to the financial statements.

In 2016, we recorded losses of $464 million in Canada compared to $960 million in 2015, while earnings in foreign jurisdictions decreased to $310 million from $880 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 $107 million in 2016 compared to a recovery of $44 million in 2015. Our effective tax rate was a recovery of 282% in 2016, compared to a recovery of 15% in 2015. The table below presents our adjusted earnings and adjusted income tax expenses attributable to Canadian and foreign jurisdictions.

 

($ MILLIONS)

   2016     2015  

Pre-tax adjusted earnings1

    

Canada

     (504     (578

Foreign

     542       877  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total pre-tax adjusted earnings

     38       299  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted income taxes1

    

Canada

     (128     (177

Foreign

     21       133  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted income tax recovery

     (107     (44
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective tax rate (%)

     (282 )%      (15 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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 table in adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS measures on page 24).

TRANSFER PRICING DISPUTES

We have been reporting on our transfer pricing disputes with CRA since 2008, when it originated, and with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) since the first quarter of 2015. Below, we discuss the general nature of transfer pricing disputes and, more specifically, the ongoing disputes we have.

Transfer pricing is a complex area of tax law, and it is difficult to predict the outcome of cases like ours. However, tax authorities generally test two things:

 

  the governance (structure) of the corporate entities involved in the transactions

 

  the price at which goods and services are sold by one member of a corporate group to another

We have a global customer base and we established a marketing and trading structure involving foreign subsidiaries, including Cameco Europe Limited (CEL), which entered into various intercompany arrangements, including purchase and sale agreements, 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.

 

28   CAMECO CORPORATION   


For the years 2003 to 2011, CRA has shifted CEL’s income (as recalculated by CRA) back to Canada and applied statutory tax rates, interest and instalment penalties, and, from 2007 to 2010, transfer pricing penalties. There has not yet been a decision regarding a transfer pricing penalty for 2011. The IRS is also proposing to allocate a portion of CEL’s income for the years 2009 through 2012 to the US, resulting in such income being taxed in multiple jurisdictions. Taxes of approximately $350 million for the 2003 – 2016 years have already been paid in a jurisdiction outside Canada and the US. Bilateral international tax treaties contain provisions that generally seek to prevent taxation of the same income in both countries. As such, in connection with these disputes, we are considering our options, including remedies under international tax treaties that would limit double taxation; however, there is a risk that we will not be successful in eliminating all potential double taxation. The expected income adjustments under our tax disputes are represented by the amounts claimed by CRA and IRS and are described below.

CRA dispute

Since 2008, CRA has disputed our corporate structure and the related transfer pricing methodology we used for certain intercompany uranium sale and purchase agreements. To the end of 2015, we received notices of reassessment for our 2003 through 2010 tax returns, and, in the fourth quarter of 2016, we received a notice of reassessment for our 2011 tax year. We have recorded a cumulative tax provision of $58 million, where an argument could be made that, based on our methodology, our transfer price may have fallen outside of an appropriate range of pricing in uranium contracts for the period from 2003 through 2016. We are confident that we will be successful in our case and continue to believe the ultimate resolution of this matter will not be material to our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in the year(s) of resolution.

For the years 2003 through 2011, CRA issued notices of reassessment for approximately $4.1 billion of additional income for Canadian tax purposes, which would result in a related tax expense of about $1.2 billion. CRA has also issued notices of reassessment for transfer pricing penalties for the years 2007 through 2010 in the amount of $292 million. 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 a net amount of $264 million in cash. In addition, we have provided $420 million in letters of credit (LC) to secure 50% of the cash taxes and related interest amounts reassessed after 2014. The amounts paid or secured are shown in the table below.

 

YEAR PAID ($ MILLIONS)

   CASH TAXES      INTEREST
AND INSTALMENT
PENALTIES
     TRANSFER
PRICING
PENALTIES
     TOTAL      CASH
REMITTANCE
     SECURED BY
LC
 

Prior to 2013

     —          13        —          13        13        —    

2013

     1        9        36        46        46        —    

2014

     106        47        —          153        153        —    

2015

     202        71        79        352        20        332  

2016

     51        38        31        120        32        88  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     360        178        146        684        264        420  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Using the methodology we believe CRA will continue to apply, and including the $4.1 billion already reassessed, we expect to receive notices of reassessment for a total of approximately $8.1 billion of additional income taxable in Canada for the years 2003 through 2016, which would result in a related tax expense of approximately $2.4 billion. As well, CRA may continue to apply transfer pricing penalties to taxation years subsequent to 2010. As a result, we estimate that cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties for these years would be between $1.75 billion and $1.95 billion. In addition, we estimate there would be interest and instalment penalties applied that would be material to us. While in dispute, we would be responsible for remitting or otherwise providing security for 50% of the cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties (between $875 million and $975 million), plus related interest and instalment penalties assessed, which would be material to us.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    29


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 decided to disallow 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, beginning with the 2010 tax year, as an alternative to paying cash, we used letters of credit to satisfy our obligations related to the reassessed income tax and related interest amounts. We expect to be able to continue to provide security in the form of letters of credit to satisfy these requirements. The estimated amounts summarized in the table below reflect actual amounts paid or secured and estimated future amounts owing based on the actual and expected reassessments for the years 2003 through 2016, and include the expected timing adjustment for the inability to use any loss carry-backs starting in 2008. We will update this table annually to include the estimated impact of reassessments expected for completed years subsequent to 2016.

 

$ MILLIONS

   2003-2016      2017-2018      2019-2023      TOTAL  

50% of cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties paid, secured or owing in the period

           

Cash payments

     187        65 - 90        145 - 170        390 - 445  

Secured by letters of credit

     319        10 - 35        150 - 175        480 - 530  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total paid1

     506        75 - 125        295 - 345        875 - 975  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 These amounts do not include interest and instalment penalties, which totaled approximately $178 million to December 31, 2016.

In light of our view of the likely outcome of the case as described above, we expect to recover the amounts remitted, including the $684 million already paid or otherwise secured to date.

The trial related to the 2003, 2005 and 2006 reassessments commenced in October, 2016. Final arguments are expected in the second half of 2017. If this timing is adhered to, we expect to receive a Tax Court decision within six to 18 months after the trial is complete.

IRS dispute

We received Revenue Agents Reports (RARs) from the IRS for the 2009 though 2012 tax years, whereby the IRS has challenged the transfer pricing used under certain intercompany transactions pertaining to the above tax years for certain of our US subsidiaries. The RARs list the adjustments proposed by the IRS and calculate the tax and any penalties owing based on the proposed adjustments.

The audit position of the IRS is that a portion of the non-US income reported under our corporate structure and taxed in non-US jurisdictions should be recognized and taxed in the US on the basis that:

 

  the prices received by our US mining subsidiaries for the sale of uranium to CEL are too low

 

  the compensation earned by Cameco Inc., one of our US subsidiaries, is inadequate

The proposed adjustments result in an increase in taxable income in the US of approximately $419 million (US) and a corresponding increased income tax expense of approximately $122 million (US) for the 2009 through 2012 taxation years, with interest being charged thereon. In addition, the IRS proposed cumulative penalties of approximately $8 million (US) in respect of the adjustment.

We believe that the conclusions of the IRS in the RARs are incorrect and we are contesting them in an administrative appeal, during which we are not required to make any cash payments. Until this matter progresses further, we cannot provide an estimation of the likely timeline for a resolution of the dispute.

We believe that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not be material to our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in the year(s) of resolution.

 

30   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Overview of disputes

The table below provides an overview of some of the key points with respect to our CRA and IRS tax disputes.

 

   

CRA

 

IRS

Basis for dispute     Corporate structure/governance     Income earned on sales of uranium by the US mines to CEL is inadequate
    Transfer pricing methodology used for certain intercompany uranium sale and purchase agreements     Compensation earned by Cameco Inc., one of our US subsidiaries, is inadequate
    Allocates Cameco Europe Ltd. (CEL) income (as adjusted) for 2003 through 2011 to Canada (same income we paid tax on in foreign jurisdictions and includes income that IRS is proposing to tax)     Allocates a portion of CEL’s income for the years 2009 through 2012 to the US (a portion of the same income we paid tax on in foreign jurisdictions and which the CRA is proposing to tax)
Years under consideration  

  CRA reassessed 2003 to 2011     IRS has proposed adjustments for 2009 through 2012
    Auditing 2012 to 2014     Auditing 2013 to 2015
Timing of resolution  

  The trial related to the 2003, 2005 and 2006 reassessments commenced in October 2016, with final arguments expected in the second half of 2017  

 

 

Contesting proposed adjustments in an administrative appeal

 

We cannot yet provide an estimate as to the timeline for resolution

    Expect Tax Court decision six to 18 months after completion of trial    
Required payments     Expect to provide security in form of letters of credit and/or make cash payments for 50% of cash taxes, interest and penalties as reassessed     No security or cash payments required while under administrative appeal
    Paid $264 million in cash to date    
    Secured $420 million using letters of credit    

Caution about forward-looking information relating to our CRA and IRS tax dispute

This discussion of our expectations relating to our tax disputes with CRA and IRS and future tax reassessments by CRA and IRS 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 2012 through 2016 using a similar methodology as for the years 2003 through 2011, 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 2010) in addition to interest charges and instalment penalties

 

  we will be substantially successful in our dispute with CRA and the cumulative tax provision of $58 million to date will be adequate to satisfy any tax liability resulting from the outcome of the dispute to date

 

  IRS may propose adjustments for later years subsequent to 2012

 

  we will be substantially successful in our dispute with IRS

Material risks that could cause actual results to differ materially

 

  CRA reassesses us for years 2012 through 2016 using a different methodology than for years 2003 through 2011, 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 and the outcomes of our dispute with CRA and/or IRS result in significantly higher cash taxes, interest charges and penalties than the amount of our cumulative tax provision, 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 or IRS not related to transfer pricing

 

  IRS proposes adjustments for years 2013 through 2015 using a different methodology than for 2009 through 2012

 

  we are unable to effectively eliminate all double taxation
 

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    31


Tax outlook for 2017

On an adjusted net earnings basis, we expect a tax recovery of $10 to $20 million in 2017 from our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments.

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 2016, many of the existing intercompany purchase and sale arrangements in our portfolio expired. We have started to replace these contracts and will continue to put new intercompany arrangements in place, which, as the existing arrangements did, will reflect the market at the time they are signed.

As a result, in 2018, we expect our consolidated tax rate will transition to a modest expense, and trend toward a tax expense of approximately 20% over the next five years. 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.

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, 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 permits us to hedge 35% to 100% of our expected net exposure over a rolling 60-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 35 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 our hedging activities, so we make adjustments in calculating our ANE to better reflect the benefits 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 2017, 2018 and 2019 and we will recognize the gains or losses in ANE in those periods.

 

32   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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 24.

The table below provides a summary of our hedge portfolio at December 31, 2016. You can use this information to estimate the expected gains or losses on derivatives for 2017 on an ANE basis. However, if we add contracts to the portfolio that are designated for use in 2017 or if there are changes in the US/Cdn exchange rates in the year, those expected gains or losses could change.

HEDGE PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

 

DECEMBER 31, 2016                           AFTER        

($ MILLIONS)

        2017     2018     2019     2019     TOTAL  

US dollar forward contracts

   ($ millions)      403       290       50       —         743  

Average contract rate 1

   (US/Cdn dollar)      1.31       1.31       1.31       —         1.31  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

US dollar option contracts

   ($ millions)      50       20       40       —         110  

Average contract rate range1

   (US/Cdn dollar)      1.30 to 1.35       1.29 to 1.34       1.28 to 1.35       —         1.29 to 1.35  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total US dollar hedge contracts

   ($ millions)      453       310       90       —         853  

Effective Hedge Rate range2

   (US/Cdn dollar)      1.19 to 1.20       1.20 to 1.21       1.20 to 1.21       —         1.20 to 1.21  

Hedge ratio3

        50     32     11     0     21
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1  The average contract rate is the 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.

At December 31, 2016:

 

  The value of the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar was $1.00 (US) for $1.34 (Cdn), down from $1.00 (US) for $1.38 (Cdn) at December 31, 2015. The exchange rate averaged $1.00 (US) for $1.32 (Cdn) over the year.

 

  The mark-to-market loss on all foreign exchange contracts was $25 million compared to a $167 million loss at December 31, 2015.

We manage counterparty risk associated with hedging by dealing with highly rated counterparties and limiting our exposure. At December 31, 2016, 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 25 to the financial statements.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    33


Outlook for 2017

Our strategy is to focus on our tier-one assets and profitably produce at a pace aligned with market signals, while maintaining the ability to respond to conditions as they evolve.

Our outlook for 2017 reflects the expenditures necessary to help us achieve our strategy and is based on the assumptions found below the table, including a given uranium spot price, uranium term price, and foreign exchange rate. 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 on page 35, and Foreign exchange on page 32. Our 2017 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. We do not provide an outlook for the items in the table that are marked with a dash.

See 2016 Financial results by segment on page 42 for details.

2017 FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

 

     CONSOLIDATED     URANIUM     FUEL SERVICES     NUKEM  

EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION TO GROSS PROFIT

     100     84     15     1

Production

     —        

25.2

million lbs

 

 

   

8 to 9

million kgU

 

 

    —    

Sales volume1

     —        

30 to 32

million lbs

 

2 

   

11 to 12

million kgU

 

 

   

5 to 6

million lbs U3O8

 

 

Revenue ($ million)1

     1,950 to 2,080       1,470 to 1,570 3      300 to 330       —    

Average realized price3

     —       $ 49.00/lb 2      —         —    

Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)

     —       $ 36.00-38.00/lb 4    $ 21.60-22.60/kgU       —    

Gross profit

     —         —         —         3% to 4

Direct administration costs5

   $ 150-160 million       —         —         —    

Exploration costs

     —       $ 30 million       —         —    

Expected loss on derivatives - ANE basis3

   $ 45-50 million       —         —         —    

Tax recovery - ANE basis6

   $ 10-20 million       —         —         —    

Capital expenditures

   $ 190 million       —         —         —    

 

1  Our 2017 outlook for sales volume and revenue does not include sales between our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments.
2  Based on the volumes we currently have commitments to deliver under contract in 2017.
3  Based on a uranium spot price of $26.00 (US) per pound (the Ux spot price as of February 6, 2017), a long-term price indicator of $30.00 (US) per pound (the Ux long-term indicator on January 30, 2017) and an exchange rate of $1.00 (US) for $1.30 (Cdn).
4  Based on the expected unit cost of sales for produced material and committed long-term purchases. If we make discretionary purchases in 2017, then we expect the overall unit cost of sales may be affected.
5  Direct administration costs do not include stock-based compensation expenses. See page 27 for more information.
6  Our outlook for the tax recovery is based on adjusted net earnings and the other assumptions listed in the table. If other assumptions change then the expected recovery may be affected.

 

34   CAMECO CORPORATION   


LOGO

REVENUE, ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS, AND CASH FLOW SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

 

          IMPACT ON:  

FOR 2017 ($ MILLIONS)

  

CHANGE

   REVENUE      ANE      CASH FLOW  

Uranium spot and term price1

   $5(US)/lb increase      65        46        55  
   $5(US)/lb decrease      (43      (29      (33

Value of Canadian dollar vs US dollar

   One cent decrease in CAD      14        6        5  
   One cent increase in CAD      (14      (6      (5

 

1 Assuming change in both Ux spot price ($26.00 (US) per pound on February 6, 2017) and the Ux long-term price indicator ($30.00 (US) per pound on January 30, 2017)

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 February 1, 2017 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 February 1, 2017, 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)

   $20      $40      $60      $80      $100      $120      $140  

2017

     Provided above in financial outlook table and in revenue, adjusted net earnings, and cash flow sensitivity analysis  

2018

     37        45        57        68        78        87        95  

2019

     34        44        56        66        75        83        89  

2020

     36        45        57        66        75        82        88  

2021

     33        44        58        68        77        86        94  

The table illustrates the mix of long-term contracts in our February 1, 2017 portfolio, and is consistent with our marketing strategy. It has been updated to reflect contracts entered into up to February 1, 2017, and it excludes our contract under dispute with TEPCO.

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.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    35


 

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 24 million pounds per year, with commitment levels in 2017 through 2019 higher than in 2020 and 2021

 

  excludes sales between our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM 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 20% 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 and graph will be higher.
 

 

Liquidity and capital resources

Our financial objective is to ensure we have the cash and debt capacity to fund our operating activities, investments and growth.

At the end of 2016, we had cash and short-term investments of $320 million in a mix of short-term deposits, 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 provide a solid revenue stream for years to come.

We expect to continue investing in maintaining our tier-one production capacity and flexibility over the next several years. 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. Due to the cyclical nature of our business, we may need to temporarily draw on our short-term liquidity during the course of the year. However, apart from these short-term fluctuations, we expect our cash balances and operating cash flows to meet our capital requirements during 2017.

We have an ongoing transfer pricing dispute with CRA. See page 28 for more information. Until this dispute is resolved, we expect to pay cash or provide security in the form of letters of credit for future amounts owing to the Government of Canada for 50% of the cash taxes payable and the related interest and penalties. We have provided an estimate of the amount and timing of the expected cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties paid, secured or owing in the table on page 30.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

     2016     2015  

Cash position ($ millions)

     320       459  

(cash and cash equivalents)

    

Cash provided by operations ($ millions)

     312       450  

(net cash flow generated by our operating activities after changes in working capital)

    

Cash provided by operations/net debt

     27     44

(net debt is total consolidated debt, less cash position)

    

Net debt/total capitalization

     18     16

(total capitalization is net debt and equity)

    

CREDIT RATINGS

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. Our investment grade credit ratings reflect the current financial strength of our company.

 

36   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Third-party ratings for our commercial paper and senior debt as of February 8, 2017:

 

SECURITY

   DBRS      S&P  

Commercial paper

     R-2 (high      A-1 (low )1 

Senior unsecured debentures

     BBB (high      BBB+  

Rating trend / rating outlook

     Stable        Stable 2 

 

1  Canadian National Scale Rating. The Global Scale Rating is A-2.
2  On January 19, 2017, S&P confirmed Cameco’s outlook as stable, but placed Cameco on Credit Watch Negative.

DBRS provides guidance for the outlook of the assigned rating using the rating trend. The rating trend represents their assessment of the likelihood and direction that the rating could change in the future, should present tendencies continue, or in some cases, if challenges are not overcome.

S&P uses rating outlooks to assess the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate term. Their outlook indicates the likelihood 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)

   2016      2015  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     459        567  

Cash from operations

     312        450  

Investment activities

     

Additions to property, plant and equipment and acquisitions

     (217      (359

Other investing activities

     (1      18  

Financing activities

     

Interest paid

     (71      (70

Dividends

     (158      (158

Exchange rate on changes on foreign currency cash balances

     (4      11  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

     320        459  

CASH FROM OPERATIONS

Cash from operations was 31% lower than in 2015. This was primarily due to lower profits in our uranium and NUKEM segments partially offset by the settlement and rollover of contracts in our hedge portfolio which required less cash during 2016 compared to 2015. Not including working capital requirements, our operating cash flows in the year were down $140 million. See note 22 to the financial statements.

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    37


CAMECO’S SHARE ($ MILLIONS)

   2016 PLAN1      2016 ACTUAL      2017 PLAN  

Sustaining capital

        

McArthur River/Key Lake

     30        18        15  

Cigar Lake

     20        18        15  

Rabbit Lake

     10        12        —    

US ISR

     5        2        5  

Inkai

     5        1        5  

Fuel services

     15        12        20  

Other

     5        5        5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total sustaining capital

     90        68        65  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capacity replacement capital

        

McArthur River/Key Lake

     40        39        45  

Cigar Lake

     20        19        50  

US ISR

     5        8        —    

Inkai

     10        12        15  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capacity replacement capital

     75        78        110  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Growth capital

        

McArthur River/Key Lake

     35        29        10  

Cigar Lake

     30        35        —    

Inkai

     10        4        5  

Fuel services

     5        3        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total growth capital

     80        71        15  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total uranium & fuel services

     245  1       217        190  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1  Capital spending outlook was updated to $245 million (from $320 million) in our third quarter MD&A.

Outlook for investing activities

 

CAMECO’S SHARE ($ MILLIONS)

   2018 PLAN      2019 PLAN  

Total uranium & fuel services

     200-250        200-250  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sustaining capital

     70-90        85-105  

Capacity replacement capital

     110-125        100-115  

Growth capital

     20-35        15-30  

We expect total 2017 capital expenditures for uranium and fuel services to be about 12% lower than in 2016.

Major sustaining, capacity replacement and growth expenditures in 2017 include:

 

  McArthur River/Key Lake – the expansion of freeze capacity and mine development.

 

  Cigar Lake – work to expand freezing capacity and underground development make up the largest portion of capital at the Cigar Lake site.

Our expectation to spend between $200 million and $250 million in 2018 remains unchanged.

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.

 

38   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Long-term contractual obligations

 

DECEMBER 31 ($ MILLIONS)

   2017      2018 AND
2019
     2020 AND
2021
     2022 AND
BEYOND
     TOTAL  

Long-term debt

     —          500        —          1,000        1,500  

Interest on long-term debt

     69        139        82        185        475  

Provision for reclamation

     18        95        82        842        1,037  

Provision for waste disposal

     2        12        1        —          15  

Other liabilities

     —          —          —          70        70  

Capital commitments

     51        —          —          —          51  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     140        746        165        2,097        3,148  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We have contractual capital commitments of approximately $51 million at December 31, 2016. 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 $2.8 billion, which include the following:

 

  A $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that matures November 1, 2020. 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 and we may use it to provide liquidity for our commercial paper program, as necessary. 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, 2016, there were no amounts outstanding under this facility.

 

  At December 31, 2016, we had approximately $1.5 billion outstanding in letters of credit 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, 2016, we complied with all covenants, and we expect to continue to comply in 2017.

NUKEM financing arrangements

NUKEM enters into financing arrangements with third parties where future receivables arising from certain sales contracts are sold to financial institutions in exchange for cash. These arrangements require NUKEM to satisfy its delivery obligations under the sales contracts, which are recognized as deferred sales (see notes 7 and 14 to the financial statements for more information). In addition, NUKEM is required to pledge the underlying inventory as security against these performance obligations. As of December 31, 2016, we had $4.9 million ($3.6 million (US)) of inventory pledged as security under financing arrangements, compared with $97.9 million ($70.8 million (US)) at December 31, 2015.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    39


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We had three kinds of off-balance sheet arrangements at the end of 2016:

 

  purchase commitments

 

  financial assurances

 

  other arrangements

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. These commitments include a mix of fixed price and market-related contracts, and are with entities that buy and sell uranium and uranium-related products. 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 purchase. The table below is based on our purchase commitments at February 1, 2017. We will update this table as required in our MD&A to reflect changes to our purchase commitments and changes in the prices used to estimate our commitments under market-related contracts.

 

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 ($ MILLIONS)

   2017      2018 AND
2019
     2020 AND
2021
     2022 AND
BEYOND
     TOTAL  

Purchase commitments1

     340        436        145        70        991  

 

1 Denominated in US dollars, converted to Canadian dollars at the rate of 1.30.

As of February 1, 2017, we had committed to $991 million (Cdn) for the following:

 

  approximately 21 million pounds of U3O8 equivalent from 2017 to 2028

 

  approximately 2 million kgU as UF6 in conversion services from 2017 to 2019

 

  about 0.3 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 mainly 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, 2016 our financial assurances totaled $1.5 billion compared to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2015. The increase is mainly due to obligations relating to the CRA dispute.

Other arrangements

We use factoring arrangements where receivables arising from certain sales contracts are sold to a financial institution. Upon the sale, we assign the rights to the accounts receivable to the financial institution without recourse. This arrangement provides immediate access to cash and requires we collect payment from our customers and remit the payments to the financial institution. Expenses incurred under the arrangement are recognized within finance costs in the consolidated statement of earnings.

In addition, NUKEM enters into arrangements with third parties where receivables arising from certain sales contracts are sold to financial institutions in exchange for cash. Upon the sale, NUKEM assigns the rights to the accounts receivable to the financial institution without recourse. These arrangements require NUKEM to satisfy its delivery obligations under the sales contracts; however, the customer is responsible for making payment directly to the financial institution. The discount at which the financial institution purchases the receivable is offset against the revenue NUKEM records on delivery of the product to the customer.

 

40   CAMECO CORPORATION   


BALANCE SHEET

 

DECEMBER 31,

($ MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

   2016      2015      2014      CHANGE
2015 TO 2016
 

Inventory

     1,288        1,285        902        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     8,249        8,795        8,473        (6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term financial liabilities

     2,459        2,500        2,448        (2 )% 

Dividends per common share

     0.40        0.40        0.40        —    

Total product inventories did not change significantly from 2015. Higher levels of inventory in our uranium segment were offset by lower levels in our fuel services and NUKEM segments. In the uranium segment, the quantities sold were lower than the quantities produced and purchased for the year. In 2016, total volume of product inventories for this segment increased by 18% while the average cost of inventory decreased by 6% due to the impact of higher production rates at Cigar Lake, and curtailment of higher cost production. This was somewhat offset by material purchased during the year at rates higher than the average cost of inventory. At December 31, 2016, our average cost for uranium was $34.69 per pound, down from $36.72 per pound at December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2016, we held an inventory of 28.5 million pounds of U3O8 equivalent in our uranium segment (excluding broken ore).

At the end of 2016, our total assets amounted to $8.2 billion, a decrease of $0.5 billion compared to 2015, primarily due to a decrease in property, plant and equipment due to asset impairments. In 2015, the total asset balance increased by $0.3 billion compared to 2014, primarily due to higher inventory and an increase in our deferred tax assets.

The major components of long-term financial liabilities are long-term debt, the provision for reclamation, deferred sales and financial derivatives. Our balance did not change significantly in 2016 or 2015.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    41


2016 financial results by segment

Uranium

 

HIGHLIGHTS

        2016      2015      CHANGE  

Production volume (million lbs)

        27.0        28.4        (5 )% 

Sales volume (million lbs)1

        31.5        32.4        (3 )% 

Average spot price

   ($US/lb)      25.64        36.55        (30 )% 

Average long-term price

   ($US/lb)      39.00        46.29        (16 )% 

Average realized price

   ($US/lb)      41.12        45.19        (9 )% 
   ($Cdn/lb)      54.46        57.58        (5 )% 

Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)

   ($Cdn/lb)      40.39        38.83        4

Revenue ($ millions)1

        1,718        1,866        (8 )% 

Gross profit ($ millions)

        444        608        (27 )% 

Gross profit (%)

        26        33        (21 )% 

 

1  Includes sales and revenue between our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments (nil in 2016, 32,000 pounds in sales and revenue of $1.0 million in 2015).

Production volumes in 2016 decreased by 5% compared to 2015. Planned lower production at McArthur River/Key Lake, Rabbit Lake and our US operations was partially offset by higher than expected production at Cigar Lake and slightly higher production at Inkai. See Uranium – production overview on page 55 for more information.

Uranium revenues this year were down 8% compared to 2015 due to a decrease of 5% in the Canadian dollar average realized price and a decrease in sales volumes of 3%. The spot price for uranium averaged $25.64 (US) per pound in 2016, a decline of 30% compared to the 2015 average price of $36.55 (US) per pound. Our Canadian dollar average realized price decreased by only 5% due to our contract portfolio and the effects of foreign exchange. The realized foreign exchange rate was $1.32 compared to $1.27 in 2015. Overall prices were lower than the prior year mainly due lower prices under market related contracts.

Total cost of sales (including D&A) increased by 1% ($1.27 billion compared to $1.26 billion in 2015) due to higher unit cost of sales offset by lower sales volumes. The higher unit cost of sales was mainly the result of care and maintenance costs and severance costs related to the curtailment of production at Rabbit Lake and our US operations.

The net effect was a $164 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 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)

   2016      2015      CHANGE  

Produced

        

Cash cost

     17.01        20.62        (18 )% 

Non-cash cost

     11.81        11.51        3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production cost

     28.82        32.13        (10 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Quantity produced (million lbs)

     27.0        28.4        (5 )% 

Purchased

        

Cash cost

     49.33        46.02        7

Quantity purchased (million lbs)

     8.4        12.5        (33 )% 

Totals

        

Produced and purchased costs

     33.69        36.38        (7 )% 

Quantities produced and purchased (million lbs)

     35.4        40.9        (13 )% 

The average cash cost of production was 18% lower in the year than in 2015. The change was primarily due to the rampup of lower cost production from Cigar Lake, and the impact of our second quarter actions to curtail production from Rabbit Lake and our US operations, where production costs are higher.

 

42   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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 $49.33 (Cdn), or $36.21 (US) per pound, compared to $36.57 (US) per pound in the same period in 2015.

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 2016 and 2015 as reported in our financial statements.

CASH AND TOTAL COST PER POUND RECONCILIATION

 

($ MILLIONS)

   2016      2015  

Cost of product sold

     993.0        989.2  

Add / (subtract)

     

Royalties

     (115.3      (116.5

Other selling costs

     (8.9      (13.8

Care and maintenance and severance costs

     (69.6      —    

Change in inventories

     74.5        301.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash operating costs (a)

     873.7        1,160.7  

Add / (subtract)

     

Depreciation and amortization

     281.2        269.1  

Change in inventories

     37.7        58.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating costs (b)

     1,192.6        1,487.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Uranium produced & purchased (million lbs) (c)

     35.4        40.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash costs per pound (a ÷ c)

     24.68        28.38  

Total costs per pound (b ÷ c)

     33.69        36.38  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

URANIUM SEGMENT OUTLOOK

We expect to produce 25.2 million pounds in 2017 and have commitments under long-term contracts to purchase approximately 5.0 million pounds at an average price of $43.80/lb, based on the uranium price and foreign exchange rate assumptions used in our outlook table on page 34.

Based on the contracts we have in place, and not including sales between our segments, we expect to deliver between 30 and 32 million pounds of U3O8 in 2017. We expect the unit cost of sales to be lower than in 2016 (outlook between $36.00/lb to $38.00/lb), primarily due to decreased costs for care and maintenance, and severance. If we make additional discretionary purchases in 2017 at a cost different than our other sources of supply, then we expect the overall unit cost of sales to be affected.

We expect revenue to be lower than in 2016 as a result of lower average realized price (outlook $1,470 million to $1,570 million).

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    43


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 $22.62/kg U3O8 ($10.26/lb) and a 15% royalty is charged on profit in excess of $22.62/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.

During the period from 2013 to 2015, transitional rules for the new profit royalty regime were applied whereby only 50% of capital costs were deductible. The remaining 50% was accumulated and was deductible beginning in 2016. In addition, the capital allowance related to Cigar Lake under the previous system was grandfathered and was also deductible beginning in 2016. As a result, only the first tier of the profit royalty (10%) applied in 2016 and we expect only the first tier (10%) to apply in 2017 as well. Beyond 2017, the applicable profit royalty tier(s) will depend on both profitability and the optimal use of capital cost deductions.

Fuel services

 

(includes results for UF6, UO2 and fuel fabrication)                            

HIGHLIGHTS

          2016      2015      CHANGE  

Production volume (million kgU)

        8.4        9.7        (13 )% 

Sales volume (million kgU)1

        12.7        13.6        (7 )% 

Average realized price

     ($Cdn/kgU)        25.37        23.37        9

Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)

     ($Cdn/kgU)        20.36        18.87        8

Revenue ($ millions)1

        321        319        1

Gross profit ($ millions)

        63        61        3

Gross profit (%)

        20        19        5

 

1  Includes sales and revenue between our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments (65,000 kgU in sales and revenue of $0.5 million in 2016, 339,000 kgU in sales and revenue of $2.9 million in 2015).

Total revenue increased by 1% due to a 9% increase in the realized price, partially offset by a 7% decrease in sales volumes.

The total cost of products and services sold (including D&A) remained relatively stable compared to 2015 at $258 million, as a 7% decrease in sales volumes was offset by an 8% increase in the average unit cost of sales (including D&A). When compared to 2015, the average unit cost of sales was 8% higher due to the mix of fuel services products sold.

The net effect was a $2 million increase in gross profit.

FUEL SERVICES OUTLOOK

In 2017, we plan to produce 8 to 9 million kgU, and we expect sales volumes, not including intersegment sales, to be 11 to 12 million kgU. Overall revenue is expected to remain similar to 2016 (outlook $300 million to $330 million) with the lower sales volume offset by a higher expected average realized price. We expect the average unit cost of sales (including D&A) to increase to between $21.60/kgU and $22.60/kgU.

NUKEM

 

HIGHLIGHTS

          2016      2015      CHANGE  

Sales volume U3O8 (million lbs)1

        7.1        10.7        (34 )% 

Average realized price2

     ($Cdn/lb)        47.90        48.82        (2 )% 

Cost of product sold (including D&A)

        419        512        (18 )% 

Revenue ($ millions)1

        391        554        (29 )% 

Gross profit (loss) ($ millions)

        (28      42        (167 )% 

Gross profit (loss) (%)

        (7      8        (188 )% 

 

1  Includes sales and revenue between our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments (nil in 2016, 0.9 million pounds in sales and revenue of $19.3 million in 2015).
2  Includes U3O8, UF6, and SWU.

 

44   CAMECO CORPORATION   


During 2016, NUKEM delivered 7.1 million pounds of uranium, a decrease of 3.6 million pounds compared to the previous year due to very light market activity with a lack of profitable opportunities. Revenues from NUKEM amounted to $391 million, 29% lower than in 2015 as a result of lower sales volumes and a decline in the average realized price. Gross loss percentage was 7% for 2016, compared to a gross profit of 8% for 2015.

The net effect was a $70 million decrease in gross profit. Included in the 2016 gross loss is an $18 million net write-down of inventory compared to a $3 million net recovery in 2015. The write-down in 2016 was a result of a decline in the spot price during the year.

NUKEM OUTLOOK

For 2017, NUKEM expects to deliver between 5 and 6 million pounds of uranium. The overall gross profit percentage is expected to be higher than 2016 at 3% to 4%.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    45


Fourth quarter financial results

Consolidated results

 

HIGHLIGHTS    THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
        

($ MILLIONS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED)

   2016      2015      CHANGE  

Revenue

     887        975        (9 )% 

Gross profit

     157        282        (44 )% 

Net loss attributable to equity holders

     (144      (10      (1340 )% 

$ per common share (basic)

     (0.36      (0.03      (1100 )% 

$ per common share (diluted)

     (0.36      (0.03      (1100 )% 

Adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS, see page 24)

     90        151        (40 )% 

$ per common share (adjusted and diluted)

     0.23        0.38        (39 )% 

Cash provided by operations (after working capital changes)

     255        503        (49 )% 

NET EARNINGS

In the fourth quarter of 2016, our net loss was $144 million ($(0.36) per share diluted), a decrease of $134 million compared to a net loss of $10 million ($(0.03) per share diluted) in 2015, mainly due to:

 

  lower gross profit from all segments

 

  higher impairment charges ($238 million in 2016; $210 million in 2015)

 

  higher loss on disposal of assets

 

  lower tax recovery. See Income taxes on page 28 for details.

partially offset by:

 

  gain from remeasurement of Rabbit Lake reclamation obligation

 

  lower mark to market losses on foreign exchange derivatives compared to 2015. See Foreign exchange on page 32 for details.

 

  higher foreign exchange gains compared to gains in 2015

ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS

On an adjusted basis, our earnings this quarter were $90 million ($0.23 per share diluted) compared to $151 million ($0.38 per share diluted) (non-IFRS measure, see page 24) in 2015, mainly due to:

 

  lower gross profit from all segments

 

  higher loss on disposal of assets

 

  lower tax recovery. See Income taxes on page 28 for details.

partially offset by:

 

  higher foreign exchange gains compared to 2015.

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 24 for more information. The following table reconciles adjusted net earnings with our net earnings.

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
 

($ MILLIONS)

   2016      2015  

Net loss attributable to equity holders

     (144      (10
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjustments

     

Adjustments on derivatives

     23        10  

Impairment charges

     238        210  

Rabbit Lake reclamation provision adjustment

     (28      —    

Income taxes on adjustments

     1        (59
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted net earnings

     90        151  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

46   CAMECO CORPORATION   


ADMINISTRATION

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
        

($ MILLIONS)

   2016      2015      CHANGE  

Direct administration

     49        51        (4 )% 

Stock-based compensation

     6        4        50
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total administration

     55        55        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Direct administration costs were $49 million in the quarter, $2 million lower than the same period last year due to cost reduction actions, offset by higher legal costs related to our CRA trial, which began in October. Stock-based compensation expenses were $2 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2015. See note 23 to the financial statements.

Quarterly trends

 

HIGHLIGHTS    2016     2015  

($ MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

   Q4     Q3      Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Revenue

     887       670        466       408       975       649       565       566  

Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders

     (144     142        (137     78       (10     (4     88       (9

$ per common share (basic)

     (0.36     0.36        (0.35     0.20       (0.03     (0.01     0.22       (0.02

$ per common share (diluted)

     (0.36     0.36        (0.35     0.20       (0.03     (0.01     0.22       (0.02

Adjusted net earnings (non-IFRS, see page 24)

     90       118        (57     (7     151       78       46       69  

$ per common share (adjusted and diluted)

     0.23       0.30        (0.14     (0.02     0.38       0.20       0.12       0.18  

Cash provided by (used in) operations (after working capital changes)

     255       385        (51     (277     503       (121     (65     134  

Key things to note:

 

  Our financial results are strongly influenced by the performance of our uranium segment, which accounted for 66% of consolidated revenues in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 70% of consolidated revenues in the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

  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 24 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.

The table that follows presents the differences between net earnings and adjusted net earnings for the previous seven quarters.

 

HIGHLIGHTS    2016     2015  

($ MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

   Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders

     (144     142       (137     78       (10     (4     88       (9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments

                

Adjustments on derivatives

     23       (27     (10     (116     10       112       (57     101  

NUKEM purchase price inventory recovery

     —         —         (6     —         —         —         —         (3

Impairment charges

     238       —         124       —         210       —         —         6  

Rabbit Lake reclamation provision adjustment

     (28     (6     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Income taxes on adjustments

     1       9       (28     31       (59     (30     15       (26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net earnings (losses) (non-IFRS, see page 24)

     90       118       (57     (7     151       78       46       69  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    47


Fourth quarter financial results by segment

Uranium

 

          THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
        

HIGHLIGHTS

        2016      2015      CHANGE  

Production volume (million lbs)

        7.1        9.6        (26 )% 
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sales volume (million lbs)1

        11.7        11.2        4
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average spot price

   ($US/lb)      19.00        35.45        (46 )% 

Average long-term price

   ($US/lb)      32.83        44.00        (25 )% 

Average realized price

   ($US/lb)      38.04        46.36        (18 )% 
   ($Cdn/lb)      50.51        61.24        (18 )% 
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)

   ($Cdn/lb)      38.29        38.25        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue ($ millions)1

        589        687        (14 )% 
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit ($ millions)

        143        257        (44 )% 
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit (%)

        24        37        (35 )% 
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1  Includes sales and revenue between our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments (nil in Q4 2016, 17,000 pounds in sales and revenue of $0.5 million in Q4 2015).

Production volumes this quarter were 26% lower compared to the fourth quarter of 2015, mainly as a result of lower production at Inkai, and planned lower production at Rabbit Lake and our US operations, partially offset by an increase in Cigar Lake production. See Uranium – production overview on page 55 for more information.

Uranium revenues were down 14% due to an 18% decrease in the average realized price partially offset by a 4% increase in sales volumes. Our US and Canadian dollar average realized price decreased due to lower average spot and long term prices, which affected our market-related contracts.

Total cost of sales (including D&A) increased by 4% ($447 million compared to $429 million in 2015). This was the result of a 4% increase in sales volumes. Average unit cost of sales remained stable, as the effects of care and maintenance were offset by lower production costs related to the curtailment of higher cost production.

The net effect was a $114 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 selling costs such as royalties, transportation and commissions, nor do they reflect the impact of opening inventories on our reported cost of sales.

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
        

($/LB)

   2016      2015      CHANGE  

Produced

        

Cash cost

     15.00        16.04        (6 )% 

Non-cash cost

     10.74        10.96        (2 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production cost

     25.74        27.00        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Quantity produced (million lbs)

     7.1        9.6        (26 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Purchased

        

Cash cost

     50.49        43.65        16
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Quantity purchased (million lbs)

     2.2        3.2        (31 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

        

Produced and purchased costs

     31.59        31.16        1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Quantities produced and purchased (million lbs)

     9.3        12.8        (27 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The average cash cost of production was 6% lower for the quarter than in the comparable period in 2015.

 

48   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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 $50.49 (Cdn) per pound, or $37.61 (US) per pound in US dollar terms, compared to $33.79 (US) per pound in the fourth quarter of 2015.

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 2016 and 2015.

CASH AND TOTAL COST PER POUND RECONCILIATION

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
 

($ MILLIONS)

   2016      2015  

Cost of product sold

     338.4        328.3  

Add / (subtract)

     

Royalties

     (38.0      (49.5

Other selling costs

     (0.3      (6.7

Care and maintenance and severance costs

     (10.8      —    

Change in inventories

     (71.7      21.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash operating costs (a)

     217.6        293.6  

Add / (subtract)

     

Depreciation and amortization

     108.1        100.9  

Change in inventories

     (31.9      4.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating costs (b)

     293.8        398.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Uranium produced & purchased (million lbs) (c)

     9.3        12.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash costs per pound (a ÷ c)

     23.40        22.94  

Total costs per pound (b ÷ c)

     31.59        31.16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    49


Fuel services

(includes results for UF6, UO2 and fuel fabrication)

 

          THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
        

HIGHLIGHTS

        2016      2015      CHANGE  

Production volume (million kgU)

        1.9        3.4        (44 )% 

Sales volume (million kgU)1

        4.0        4.5        (11 )% 

Average realized price

  

($Cdn/kgU)

     26.03        21.88        19

Average unit cost of sales (including D&A)

  

($Cdn/kgU)

     21.17        17.18        23

Revenue ($ millions)1

        104        99        5

Gross profit ($ millions)

        19        21        (10 )% 

Gross profit (%)

        18        21        (14 )% 

 

1  Includes sales and revenue between our uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments (nil in Q4 2016, 339,000 kgU in sales and revenue of $2.9 million in Q4 2015).

Total revenue increased by 5% due to a 19% increase in average realized price, partially offset by an 11% decrease in sales volumes. The increase in average realized price was due to the mix of products sold.

The total cost of sales (including D&A) increased by 9% ($85 million compared to $78 million in the fourth quarter of 2015) mainly due to an increase of 23% in the average unit cost of sales, primarily as a result of the mix of products sold, partially offset by an 11% decrease in sales volumes.

The net effect was a $2 million decrease in gross profit.

NUKEM

 

          THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
        

HIGHLIGHTS

        2016      2015      CHANGE  

Uranium sales (million lbs)1

        3.1        3.7        (16 )% 

Average realized price

  

($Cdn/lb)

     46.63        52.22        (11 )% 

Cost of product sold (including D&A)2

        195        186        5

Revenue ($ millions)1,2

        194        192        1

Gross profit (loss) ($ millions)2

        (1      6        (117 )% 

Gross profit (loss) (%)2

        (1      3        (133 )% 

 

1  There were no significant intersegment transactions in the periods shown.
2  Includes U3O8, UF6, and SWU.

NUKEM delivered 3.1 million pounds of uranium, a decrease of 0.6 million pounds compared to 2015. NUKEM revenues amounted to $194 million compared to $192 million in 2015 due to sales of UF6 and SWU in the quarter, partially offset by the decrease in uranium volumes delivered and lower average realized price for uranium.

Gross profit percentage was a loss of 1% in the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to gross profit of 3% in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The net effect was a $7 million decrease in gross profit.

 

50   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Our operations and projects

This section of our MD&A is an overview of each of our operations, what we accomplished this year, our plans for the future and how we manage risk.

 

52   

MANAGING THE RISKS

55   

URANIUM – PRODUCTION OVERVIEW

55   

PRODUCTION OUTLOOK

56   

URANIUM – OPERATING PROPERTIES

56   

MCARTHUR RIVER MINE / KEY LAKE MILL

60   

CIGAR LAKE

64   

INKAI

68   

URANIUM – CURTAILED OPERATIONS

68   

RABBIT LAKE

68   

SMITH RANCH-HIGHLAND

68   

CROW BUTTE

69   

URANIUM – PROJECTS UNDER EVALUATION

69   

MILLENNIUM

69   

YEELIRRIE

69   

KINTYRE

71   

URANIUM – EXPLORATION AND CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

72   

FUEL SERVICES

72   

BLIND RIVER REFINERY

73   

PORT HOPE CONVERSION SERVICES

73   

CAMECO FUEL MANUFACTURING INC. (CFM)

75   

NUKEM GMBH

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    51


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. This includes reviews of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, along with the Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act. 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 recent 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.

 

    Environment Canada has been reviewing the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER). This review could result in new limits for existing MMER substances and proposed limits for new substances that could impact our Saskatchewan operations.

 

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed adding new health and environmental protection standards that could impact Cameco Resources. Particularly concerning is the proposed requirement that groundwater must be monitored for 30 years after restoration. In early 2017, the EPA withdrew its rule, but then proposed a new rule for public comment, which is less onerous though still has a number of problematic aspects. Ultimately, the decision on moving forward with EPA’s new proposal will be decided by the new administration.

 

    In late 2016, EPA released a proposed rule that would impose additional financial responsibility requirements on owners and operators, along with various recordkeeping and notification requirements. If finalized as proposed, it would apply to Crow Butte and Smith Ranch-Highland, and the amount of Cameco Resources’ financial responsibility could be material.

 

 

52   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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.

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 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.

At the end of 2016, our estimate of total decommissioning and reclamation costs was $1.04 billion. This is the undiscounted value of the obligation and is based on our current operations. We had accounting provisions of $894 million at the end of 2016 (the present value of the $1.04 billion). Since we expect to incur most of these expenditures at the end of the useful lives of the operations they relate to, 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 to regulatory authorities, as required. We had a total of about $1.0 billion in letters of credit supporting our reclamation liabilities at the end of 2016. All of our North American operations have letters of credit in place that provide financial assurance 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 2016, we invested:

 

  $80 million in environmental protection, monitoring and assessment programs, slightly more than in 2015

 

  $27 million in health and safety programs, or 13% less than 2015 due to major safety improvement programs being completed in 2015

Spending on environmental and health and safety programs is expected to decrease in 2017 as a result of the decisions to transition Rabbit Lake into care and maintenance, and to curtail production at our US operations.

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 disruptions

 

  electrical power interruptions

 

  equipment failures

 

  non-compliance with laws and licences

 

  catastrophic accidents

 

  fires

 

  blockades or other acts of social or political activism
 

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    53


  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.

 

54   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Uranium – production overview

Production in our uranium segment in the fourth quarter was 7.1 million pounds, 26% lower compared to the same period in 2015 due to lower production at Inkai, and planned lower production at Rabbit Lake and our US operations, partially offset by an increase in Cigar Lake production. Production for the year was 27.0 million pounds, 5% lower than in 2015 due to the strategic decisions made to suspend production at Rabbit Lake, curtail production at Cameco Resources’ US operations, and reduce production at McArthur River/Key Lake, partially offset by higher than expected production at Cigar Lake. See Uranium - operating properties starting on page 56 for more information.

Uranium production

 

CAMECO SHARE    THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31
     YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31
               

(MILLION LBS)

   2016      2015      2016      2015      2016 PLAN1      2017 PLAN  

McArthur River/Key Lake

     3.8        3.8        12.6        13.3        12.6        12.6  

Cigar Lake

     2.5        2.3        8.7        5.7        8.0        9.0  

Inkai

     0.7        1.1        3.4        3.4        3.0        3.1  

Rabbit Lake

     —          2.0        1.1        4.2        1.1        —   2 

Smith Ranch-Highland

     0.1        0.3        0.9        1.4        0.9        0.4  2 

Crow Butte

     —          0.1        0.3        0.4        0.2        0.1  2 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7.1        9.6        27.0        28.4        25.8        25.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1  We reduced our initial 2016 production plan to 25.8 million pounds (from 30.0 million pounds) when we announced our operational changes and production curtailment decisions in April, 2016.
2  The Rabbit Lake operation is 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 – curtailed operations beginning on page 68 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 increase long-term shareholder value.

We plan to:

 

  ensure continued safe, reliable, low-cost production from our tier-one assets – McArthur River/Key Lake, Cigar Lake and Inkai

 

  complete ramp up of production at Cigar Lake

 

  continue to evaluate all sources of supply and supply expansion opportunities in our portfolio, in order to retain the flexibility to respond to market signals and take advantage of value adding opportunities

 

  focus on maximizing margins through cost management, productivity improvements, and supply discipline

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    55


Uranium – operating properties

McArthur River mine / Key Lake mill

 

LOGO

 

2016 Production (our share)

12.6M lbs

2017 Production Outlook (our share)

12.6M lbs

Estimated Reserves (our share)

258.1M lbs

Estimated Mine Life

2037

 

Proportion of 2016 U production

 

LOGO

 

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 150 to 200 tonnes of ore per day. We are the operator of both the mine and mill.

McArthur River is one of our three material uranium properties.

 

Location   Saskatchewan, Canada
Ownership   McArthur River – 69.805%
  Key Lake – 83.33%
Mine type   Underground
Mining methods   Primary: raiseboring, blasthole stoping
  Secondary: boxhole boring
End product   Uranium concentrate
Certification   ISO 14001 certified
Estimated reserves   258.1 million pounds (proven and probable), average grade U3O8: 9.60%
Estimated resources   3.4 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 3.65%
  7.7 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 5.20%
Licensed capacity   Mine and mill: 25.0 million pounds per year
Licence term   Through October, 2023
Total packaged production:   2000 to 2016   309.1 million pounds (McArthur River/Key Lake) (100% basis)
  1983 to 2002   209.8 million pounds (Key Lake) (100% basis)
2016 production   12.6 million pounds (18.0 million pounds on 100% basis)
2017 production outlook   12.6 million pounds (18.0 million pounds on 100% basis)
Estimated decommissioning cost   $48 million – McArthur River (100% basis)
  $218 million – Key Lake (100% basis)

All values shown, including reserves and resources, represent our share only, unless indicated.

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). We are currently mining zone 2 and zone 4.

Zone 2 has been actively mined since production began in 1999. The ore zone was initially divided into three freeze panels (panels 1-2, 3 and 5). 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. The majority of the remaining zone 2 mineral reserves are in the upper portion of panel 5.

 

56   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Zone 4 is divided into three mining areas: north, central, and south. We are actively mining the lower central, and north areas. The upper central area is currently in the ground freezing stage, which is expected to be complete in 2017. Similar to zone 2, the inner connecting freeze walls are decommissioned as new panels are brought on line in order to maximize ore recovery.

Zone 1 is under development and freeze hole drilling is in progress. Production from zone 1 is expected to begin in 2020.

We have successfully extracted over 310 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 more 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. To date, we have isolated six mining areas with freeze walls and a seventh mining area is expected to be isolated mid-2017.

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

 

  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

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.

Similar to raiseboring, blasthole stoping requires establishing drill access above the ore and extraction access below the ore. Each stope begins with a single raisebore hole (explained above). The stope is then formed by expanding the circumference of the raise by drilling longholes around the raisebore hole and blasting the ore. The blasted material funnels into the raisebore hole and drops to the extraction level below. The broken rock is collected on the lower level and removed by line-of-sight remote-controlled scoop trams, and transported to the underground grinding circuit. Once a stope is mined out, it is backfilled with concrete to maintain ground stability and allow the next stope and/or raise to be mined. This mining method has been used extensively in the mining industry, including uranium mining.

Boxhole boring

Boxhole mining was tested at McArthur River between 2012 and 2015 and though it is approved for use as a mining method, the related costs are higher and it is not being actively used. Boxhole boring is similar to the raisebore method, but the drilling machine is located below the ore, so development is not required above the mineralization.

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

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    57


  it is blended and thickened, removing excess water

 

  the final slurry, at an average grade of 15% 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.

2016 UPDATE

Production

Production from McArthur River/Key Lake was 18.0 million pounds; our share was 12.6 million pounds. This was 6% lower than 2015 and 10% lower than our initial forecast for the year due to our decision to reduce production amid weak market conditions.

Key Lake mill upgrades

The Key Lake mill began operating in 1983 and we have continually upgraded circuits with new technology to simplify operations, improve environmental performance, and allow the mill’s nominal annual production rate to closely follow production from the McArthur River mine. As part of the mill upgrades, a new calciner was installed at the Key Lake mill to accommodate an eventual annual production increase to 25 million pounds. However, reliability issues were encountered with the new equipment during commissioning. Since market conditions do not currently support a decision to increase production, and as part of our continuing efforts to reduce costs, in 2016, we suspended the commissioning of and transition to the new calciner. We are assessing the cost to resolve the issues and expect to complete commissioning if we determine that there is financial and operational value in adding new calcining capacity. The existing calciner has sufficient capacity to meet our 2017 production target of 18 million pounds (12.6 million pounds our share).

New mining areas

We must bring on new mining zones to sustain production, and two new areas are currently under active development: the upper central portion of zone 4, and zone 1. In order to support the development of these zones, infrastructure expansions are required related to freeze capacity and ventilation. In 2016, we completed the upgrade of our surface electrical infrastructure as part of our plan to address current and future needs. We also continued construction of the next freeze plant, which is scheduled to begin freezing the south end of the orebody (zone 4) in 2017.

The mine life of McArthur River/Key Lake has been extended from 2033 to 2037 as a result of changes to the annual production assumptions in our mine plan, and the work completed to upgrade resources to reserves in zone A. See Mineral reserves and resources on page 76 for more information.

Exploration

In 2016, we began underground infill definition drilling of zone B in order to provide the information required for more detailed mining plans.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Production

Given the current state of oversupply in the uranium market, we plan to produce 18.0 million pounds in 2017; our share is 12.6 million pounds.

 

58   CAMECO CORPORATION   


In alignment with our continued efforts to reduce costs, our 2017 production plan for the McArthur River and Key Lake operations includes an extended shut-down 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, followed by a two-week maintenance period at McArthur River and a four-week maintenance period at Key Lake, with production planned to restart before the end of the third quarter.

We have also planned additional actions for 2017, including a 10% reduction of the workforce at McArthur River and Key Lake, and changes to the commuter flight services at our sites, which are expected to further reduce costs and improve efficiency at the operations.

Expansion potential

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. Once the market signals that new supply is needed and a decision is made to begin increasing annual production, we will optimize the capacity of both the McArthur River mine and Key Lake mill with a view to achieving annual licensed capacity of 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: control of groundwater, weak rock formations, radiation protection, water inflow, mine area transitioning, and regulatory approvals. Operational experience gained since the start of production has resulted in a significant reduction in risk.

Operational changes

The operational changes we have made, and plan to make in 2017, which are intended to achieve cost savings and improve efficiency, carry with them increased risk of production disruption.

Labour relations

The collective agreement with the United Steelworkers local 8914 expires in December 2017. We plan to begin contract negotiations prior to the expiration of the current agreement. There is a risk to our 2018 production 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, we must continue to successfully transition into new mining areas, which includes mine development and investment in critical support infrastructure.

Water inflow risk

The greatest risk is production interruption from water inflows. A 2003 water inflow resulted in a three-month suspension of production. We also had a small water inflow in 2008 that did not impact production.

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 52 to 54.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    59


Uranium – operating properties

Cigar Lake

 

LOGO

 

2016 Production (our share)

8.7M lbs

2017 Production Outlook (our share)

9.0M lbs

Estimated Reserves (our share)

107.6M lbs

Estimated Mine Life

2028

 

Proportion of 2016 U production

 

LOGO

 

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 AREVA’s McClean Lake mill.

Cigar Lake is one of our three material uranium properties.

 

Location    Saskatchewan, Canada
Ownership    50.025%
Mine type    Underground
Mining method    Jet boring system
End product    Uranium concentrate
Certification    ISO 14001 certified
Estimated reserves    107.6 million pounds (proven and probable), average grade U3O8: 15.90%
Estimated resources    42.3 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 16.17%
   10.4 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 7.36%
Licensed capacity    18.0 million pounds per year (our share 9.0 million pounds per year)
Licence term    Through June, 2021
Total packaged production: 2014 to 2016    28.9 million pounds (100% basis)
2016 production    8.7 million pounds (17.3 million pounds on 100% basis)
2017 production outlook    9.0 million pounds (18.0 million pounds on 100% basis)
Estimated decommissioning cost    $49 million (100% basis)

All values shown, including reserves and resources, represent our share only, unless indicated.

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 first uranium concentrate from ore mined at the Cigar Lake operation. Commercial production was declared in May 2015.

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).

 

60   CAMECO CORPORATION   


We have begun development below the mineralization and we are currently mining in the eastern part of the ore body (referred to as Phase 1), and surface delineation drilling continues for the western portion (Phase 2).

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, the ore zone and surrounding ground in the area to be mined must meet specific ground freezing requirements before we begin jet boring.

During construction, development and remediation of the underground infrastructure, we employed a hybrid ground freezing approach using a combination of underground and surface freezing. The costs related to each technique are similar; however, there are significant advantages to freezing the ground from the surface. With surface freezing, less mine development is required, which results in less waste rock and greater ground stability, since freeze tunnels are not required between production tunnels. In addition, congestion is reduced and underground development for freeze infrastructure is no longer a critical path mine activity. Based on these advantages, we have elected to proceed exclusively using surface freezing to mine current mineral reserves at Cigar Lake.

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

 

LOGO

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 can be actively mining 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 16% U3O8, is pumped into transport truck containers and shipped to McClean Lake mill on a 69 kilometre all-weather road

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    61


Water from this process, including water from underground operations, is treated on the surface. Any excess treated water is released into the environment.

Milling

All of Cigar Lake’s ore slurry is being processed at the McClean Lake mill, operated by AREVA. Given the McClean Lake mill’s capacity, it is able to:

 

  operate at Cigar Lake’s targeted annual production level of 18 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 18.0 million pounds (100% basis) per year. In 2016, AREVA’s application to increase the licensed capacity of the McClean Lake mill from 13 million to 24 million pounds of annual production was approved by the CNSC.

2016 UPDATE

Production

Total packaged production from Cigar Lake was 17.3 million pounds U3O8; our share was 8.7 million pounds. The operation exceeded our forecast of 16 million pounds (100% basis) as a result of higher productivity and our intention to adjust annual production as necessary, based on our operating experience during rampup.

During the year, we:

 

  discontinued use of the underground freeze infrastructure and backfilled two redundant crosscuts related to underground freezing

 

  completed a freeze pad extension to enable surface freeze drilling to resume in 2017

 

  advanced the freeze plant expansion project through the prefeasibility stage

Underground development

In 2016, we began advancing two new production crosscuts tunnels to ensure we maintain continuous access to frozen ore inventory once mining in the current crosscuts is complete.

McClean Lake mill update

Upgrades to the tails neutralization circuit were substantially completed in 2016, and the mill has sufficient capacity to produce 18 million pounds annually.

Exploration

In 2016, we completed 29,000 metres of diamond drilling as part of the first year of a three-year, 65,000-metre surface drilling program to confirm and upgrade mineral resources contained in the western portion of the deposit (Phase 2). The objective of the program is to complete a detailed geological and geotechnical interpretation, a mineral resource estimate, and a prefeasibility study for Phase 2.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Production

In 2017, we expect to produce 18.0 million packaged pounds at Cigar Lake; our share is 9.0 million pounds.

In alignment with our continued efforts to reduce costs, our 2017 production plan for the Cigar Lake mine includes an extended shut-down 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, followed by a two-week maintenance period with mine start-up planned before the end of the third quarter.

We have also planned additional actions for 2017, including a 10% reduction of the workforce at Cigar Lake, changes to the shift rotation schedule, and changes to the commuter flight services at the site, which are expected to further reduce costs and improve efficiency at the operation

 

62   CAMECO CORPORATION   


In 2017, we expect to:

 

  resume surface freeze drilling and advance planning for freeze plant infrastructure expansion in support of future production

 

  Complete development and outfitting of two additional production crosscuts tunnels according to the mine plan, and backfill two crosscut tunnels where production is complete

McClean Lake mill relicensing

In 2017, AREVA will begin the CNSC relicensing proceedings for its McClean Lake mill. Its existing 8-year licence term ends on June 30, 2017, and it has requested a 12-year licence term as part of its renewal process.

MANAGING OUR RISKS

Cigar Lake is a challenging deposit to develop and mine. These challenges include control of groundwater, weak rock formations, radiation protection, 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, and plan to make in 2017, which are intended to achieve cost savings and improve efficiency, carry with them increased risk of production disruption.

McClean Lake mill relicensing

The McClean Lake mill’s eight year operating licence ends on June 30, 2017, and AREVA has applied for a 12-year renewal. There is risk to our 2017 production if AREVA is unable to secure the licence renewal.

Limited mining experience of the deposit

Although we have now successfully mined a number of cavities, producing a total of 28.9 million pounds, these may not be representative of the deposit as a whole. As we ramp up production, there may be some technical challenges, which could affect our production plans, including, but not limited to, variable or unanticipated ground conditions, ground movement and cave-ins, water inflows and variable dilution, recovery values, chemical ore characteristics, and mining productivity. There is a risk that the ramp up to full production may take longer than planned and that the full production rate may not be achieved on a sustained and consistent basis. We are confident we will be able to solve challenges that may arise, but failure to do so would have a significant impact on our business.

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 new 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.

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 project 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 52 to 54.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    63


Uranium – operating properties

Inkai

 

LOGO

 

2016 Production (our share)

3.4M lbs

2017 Production Outlook (our share)

3.1M lbs

Estimated Reserves (our share)

46.3M lbs

Estimated Mine Life

20301 (based on licence term)

 

Proportion of 2016 U production

 

LOGO

 

 
Inkai is a very significant uranium deposit, located in Kazakhstan. There are two production areas (blocks 1 and 2) and an exploration area (block 3). The operator is joint venture Inkai limited liability partnership, which we jointly own (60%) with Kazatomprom
(40%)1.

Inkai is one of our three material uranium properties.

 

Location    South Kazakhstan
Ownership    60%1
Mine type    In situ recovery (ISR)
End product    Uranium concentrate
Certifications    BSI OHSAS 18001
   ISO 14001 certified
Estimated reserves    46.3 million pounds (proven and probable), average grade U3O8: 0.06%
Estimated resources    81.3 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.06%
   86.2 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 0.05%
Licensed capacity (wellfields)    5.2 million pounds per year (our share 3.0 million pounds per year)1
Licence term    Block 1: 20241, Block 2: 20301, Block 3: 20301
Total packaged production: 2009 to 2016    40.1 million pounds (100% basis)
2016 production    3.4 million pounds (6.0 million pounds on 100% basis)
2017 production outlook    3.1 million pounds (5.4 million pounds on 100% basis)
Estimated decommissioning cost (100% basis)    $10 million (US) (100% basis)

All values shown, including reserves and resources, represent our share only, unless indicated.

 

1  We signed an agreement with our partner Kazatomprom and JV Inkai to restructure and enhance JV Inkai. As part of the agreement, subject to closing, our ownership share will be gradually reduced to 40% as production increases, production is expected to increase over time, and the license term for blocks 1, 2 and 3 will be extended, giving JV Inkai the right to produce from all three blocks until 2045. See below for more information.

BACKGROUND

Mine description

The Inkai uranium deposit is a roll-front type orebody within permeable sandstones. The more porous and permeable sand and silt units host several stacked and relatively continuous, sinuous “roll-fronts” of low-grade uranium. There are several uranium deposits and active uranium mines developed along a regional system of superimposed mineralization fronts.

The property is divided into three main areas: two production areas (block 1 and block 2), and an exploration area (block 3):

 

  The mineralization in block 1 is at a depth of about 500 metres, occurring in a sandstone unit that has a surface projection of about 31 kilometres in length, with an average width of 160 metres

 

  In block 2, mineralization is mainly in a slightly shallower sandstone unit found between 350 and 420 metres below the surface, with an overall length of about 66 kilometres and an average width of 160 metres

 

  Exploration work and test wellfield development on block 3 has identified extensive mineralization hosted by several units, traced along a 25 kilometre area beyond block 2.

 

64   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Mining and milling method

Inkai uses conventional, well-established, and very efficient in-situ recovery (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 production from Inkai was 6.0 million pounds; our share was 3.4 million pounds, the same as in 2015. The subsoil use law in Kazakhstan allows producers to produce within 20% (above or below) their licensed capacity in a year and as a result, production was 13% higher than its licensed capacity.

Project funding

We are currently advancing funds for Inkai’s work on block 3 and, as of December 31, 2016, the principal and interest amounted to $168 million (US). Under the loan agreement, Inkai is to repay us from the sales proceeds from the sale of its production. On January 20, 2017, a payment of $30 million (US) was received.

2016 JV Inkai Restructuring Agreement

We signed an agreement with our partner Kazatomprom and JV Inkai to restructure and enhance JV Inkai. We currently own a 60% share of JV Inkai while Kazatomprom holds 40%. Based on previous agreements with Kazatomprom, our current interest in production from JV Inkai is 57.5%. The new agreement replaces the memorandum of agreement we signed with Kazatomprom in September 2012 and, subject to closing, provides as follows:

 

  JV Inkai will have the right to produce 4,000 tonnes of uranium (10.4 million pounds of U3O8) per year (our share 4.2 million pounds), an increase from the current 5.2 million pounds (our share 3.0 million pounds)

 

  subject to further adjustments tied to the refinery as described below, our ownership interest in JV Inkai will be adjusted to 40%, with Kazatomprom’s share increasing to 60%. However, the agreement ensures that during production rampup, our share of annual production remains at 57.5% on the first 5.2 million pounds. As annual production increases above 5.2 million pounds, we will be 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 interest in production will be adjusted to match our ownership interest at 40%.

 

  JV Inkai will have the right to produce from blocks 1, 2 and 3 until 2045 (currently, the lease terms are to 2024 for block 1 and to 2030 for blocks 2 and 3)

 

  a governance framework that provides protection for us as a minority owner

 

  the current boundaries of blocks 1, 2 and 3 will be adjusted to 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 block 3 will be restructured to provide for priority repayment

This agreement is subject to obtaining all required government approvals, including certain amendments to JV Inkai’s existing Resource Use Contract, which is expected to take 10 to 18 months. The government approvals are conditional upon submission of certain technical reports and other documents. The agreement provides for annual production at the Inkai operation to be ramped up to 10.4 million pounds U3O8 over three years following receipt of required approvals. Since signing the agreement, we have been working with Kazatomprom and JV Inkai to prepare the various documents required to obtain the necessary government approvals.

We, along with our partner Kazatomprom, will also complete a feasibility study for the purpose of evaluating the design, construction and operation of a uranium refinery in Kazakhstan. The agreement includes provisions that would make our proprietary uranium refining technology available to Kazatomprom on a royalty-free basis, and grants Kazatomprom a five-year option to license our proprietary uranium conversion technology for purposes of constructing and operating a UF6 conversion facility in Kazakhstan.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    65


If Cameco and Kazatomprom decide to build the refinery, the agreement also provides that:

 

  our respective ownership interests in the limited liability partnership that will own the refinery will be 71.67% for Kazatomprom and 28.33% for Cameco

 

  Kazatomprom will have the option to obtain UF6 conversion services at Cameco’s Port Hope facility for a period of 10 years and receive other commercial support

 

  our ownership interest in JV Inkai is increased to 42.5% upon commissioning of the refinery

Depending on the level of commercial support we provide, our interest in JV Inkai may be increased to 44% and our ownership stake in the refinery partnership would also be adjusted from 28.33% to 29.33%

 

 

Caution about forward-looking information relating to the JV Inkai Restructuring Agreement

This discussion of our expectations relating to the JV Inkai restructuring agreement 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

 

  all required governmental approvals will be received to close and give effect to the contemplated transactions, including approval of the Resource Use Contract amendments from Kazakhstan state authorities, and that these approvals will be received on a timely basis

 

  JV Inkai will be able to achieve its future annual production targets

 

  anticipated operations and planned exploration, development and production activities are achieved

Material risks that could cause actual results to differ materially

 

  all required governmental approvals to close, or give effect to, the contemplated transactions, including approval of the Resource Use Contract amendments from Kazakhstan state authorities, are not received or not received on a timely basis

 

  JV Inkai is unable to achieve its future annual production targets

 

  anticipated operations and planned exploration, development and production activities, including any ramp up of JV Inkai’s uranium production, are delayed or not achieved for any reason, including due to operating or technical difficulties, regulatory requirements, or political risk

Block 3 exploration

In 2016, Inkai continued to operate the test leach facility and test wellfields on block 3, which resulted in drummed production of 380,000 pounds (not included in Inkai’s annual production). An amendment to the Resource Use Contract was signed in November, 2016, extending the block 3 exploration period through July 13 2018. Inkai continued working on the final appraisal of the mineral potential of block 3 according to Kazakhstan standards.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Production

We expect total production from blocks 1 and 2 to be 5.4 million pounds in 2017; our share is 3.1 million pounds.

JV Inkai Restructuring

In 2017, we will continue working with Kazatomprom and JV Inkai to prepare the documents required to close the 2016 JV Inkai Restructuring Agreement. We expect to submit a request for the necessary government approvals in the second half of the year.

Block 3 exploration

In 2017, Inkai expects to continue with pilot production from the test leach facility and to continue working on a final appraisal of the mineral potential according to Kazakhstan standards.

 

66   CAMECO CORPORATION   


MANAGING OUR RISKS

Political risk

Kazakhstan declared itself independent in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Our Inkai investment and plans to increase production are subject to the 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. To maintain and increase Inkai production, we need ongoing support, agreement and co-operation from our partner and the government.

The principal legislation governing subsoil exploration and mining activity in Kazakhstan is the Subsoil Use Law dated June 24, 2010, as amended (new subsoil law). It replaces the Law on the Subsoil and Subsoil Use, dated January 27, 1996.

In general, Inkai’s licences are governed by the version of the subsoil law that was in effect when the licences were issued in April 1999, and new legislation applies to Inkai only if it does not worsen Inkai’s position. Changes to legislation related to national security, among other criteria, however, are exempt from the stabilization clause in the resource use contract. The Kazakh government interprets the national security exemption broadly.

With the new subsoil law, the government continues to weaken its stabilization guarantee. The government is broadly applying the national security exception to encompass security over strategic national resources.

The resource use contract contains significantly broader stabilization provisions than the new subsoil law, and these contract provisions currently apply to us.

To date, the new subsoil law has not had a significant impact on Inkai. We continue to assess the impact. See our annual information form for an overview of this change in law.

We also manage the risks listed on pages 52 to 54.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    67


Uranium – curtailed operations

Rabbit Lake

Located in Saskatchewan, Canada, our 100% owned Rabbit Lake operation, which opened in 1975, is the longest operating uranium production facility in North America, and the second largest uranium mill in the world. Given current market conditions, and our belief they will continue to be depressed in the near term, we suspended production at Rabbit Lake during the second quarter of 2016.

PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTION SUSPENSION

Prior to the decision to suspend production, the operation produced 1.1 million pounds in 2016. The facilities are now in a state of safe and sustainable care and maintenance.

The transition to care and maintenance was completed in August, 2016. Care and maintenance costs for the year totaled $55.4 million and related severance totaled $10.6 million, both of which are included in our cost of sales.

A workforce of 120 (down from 650) continues to maintain the facilities, manage ongoing treatment and release of site water effluent, and sustain environmental monitoring and reclamation activities.

We are continually weighing the value of maintaining the operation in standby, against the cost of doing so. However, as long as production is suspended, we expect care and maintenance costs to range between $35 million and $40 million annually for the first few years. The estimated decommissioning cost for the Rabbit Lake mine site is $203 million, based on the preliminary decommissioning cost estimate that has been accepted by the Province of Saskatchewan and the CNSC.

IMPAIRMENT

Production was suspended at our Rabbit Lake operation during the second quarter, requiring us to determine the excess carrying value of the mine and mill over the fair value less costs to sell. As a result, we have recognized an impairment charge for the full carrying value of $124 million.

Smith Ranch-Highland & Satellite Facilities, Crow Butte

We operate Crow Butte, and Smith Ranch-Highland. They each have their own processing facilities, but the Highland plant is currently idle.

PRODUCTION AND CURTAILMENT

At Smith Ranch-Highland, production for the year was 36% lower than in 2015. At Crow Butte, 2016 production was 25% lower than in 2015. Production at both operations was lower due to the decision to curtail production in 2016.

The curtailment of Cameco Resources’ US ISR operations resulted in a reduction of 85 positions, including employees and long-term contractors, with a workforce of 160 remaining to operate the sites. The severance cost was $3.6 million, which is included in our cost of sales. The estimated decommissioning costs for our ISR operations are as follows:

 

  Crow Butte - $46 million (US)

 

  Smith Ranch-Highland - $188 million (US)

 

  North Butte - $23 million (US)

The licence for Crow Butte has been renewed. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission license renewal for Smith Ranch - Highland continues.

FUTURE PRODUCTION

Although we have now taken actions to curtail production, due to the nature of ISR mining and our wellfield restoration requirements, production at Smith Ranch-Highland and at Crow Butte is expected to continue, but at a decreasing rate over time as head grade and flow rate declines. In 2017, we expect to produce 0.4 million pounds at Smith Ranch-Highland and 0.1 million pounds at Crow Butte.

MANAGING OUR RISKS

We manage the risks listed on pages 52 to 54.

 

68   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Uranium – projects under evaluation

Work on our projects under evaluation has been scaled back and will continue at a pace aligned with market signals.

Millennium

 

Location    Saskatchewan, Canada
Ownership    69.9%
End product    Uranium concentrates
Potential mine type    Underground
Estimated resources (our share)    53.0 million pounds (indicated), average grade U3O8: 2.39%
   20.2 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 3.19%

BACKGROUND

The Millennium deposit was discovered in 2000, and was delineated through geophysical survey and surface drilling work between 2000 and 2013. In 2012, we paid $150 million to acquire AREVA’s 27.94% interest in the project, bringing our interest in the project to 69.9%. We are the operator.

Yeelirrie

 

Location    Western Australia
Ownership    100%
End product    Uranium concentrates
Potential mine type    Open pit
Estimated resources    128.1 million pounds (measured and indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.15%

BACKGROUND

In 2012, we paid $430 million (US) (as well as $22 million (US) in stamp duty) to acquire the Yeelirrie uranium deposit. 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    Western Australia
Ownership    70%
End product    Uranium concentrates
Potential mine type    Open pit
Estimated resources (our share)    37.5 million pounds (indicated), average grade U3O8: 0.62%
   4.2 million pounds (inferred), average grade U3O8: 0.53%

BACKGROUND

In 2008, we paid $346 million (US) to acquire a 70% interest in Kintyre. In 2012, we recorded a $168 million write-down of the carrying value of our interest, due to a weakened uranium market. In 2016, we recorded a further write-down of $238 million for the full carrying value due to weakening of the uranium market since the asset was purchased in 2008, and due to the decision to not allocate any further spending to the project.

The Kintyre deposit is amenable to open pit mining techniques. We are the operator.

2016 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 uranium production from our tier-one assets. We continue to await a signal from the market that additional production is needed prior to making any new development decisions.

This year, on our projects under evaluation we:

 

  continued to assess the technical, environmental and financial aspects of each project

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    69


  The Western Australian government granted state environmental approval for the Yeelirrie project, subject to a range of conditions that are considered implementable. We continue to advance the project through the federal environmental assessment process.

 

  The term of the Yeelirrie State Agreement was extended for a period of 10 years. We now have until 2028 to submit the required mine development and infrastructure proposal to the Western Australian government

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

2017 Planned activity

At Yeelirrie, we will undertake efforts to engage agencies in planning research options for subterranean fauna, and implement environmental management plans related to the conditions laid out by Western Australia’s government in their environmental approval of the Yeelirrie project.

At Millennium, no work is planned, as regulatory activity related to our final environmental impact statement continues to be on hold. Further progress towards a development decision is not expected until market conditions improve.

We have no work planned at Kintyre. Although environmental approvals are in place, further progress towards a development decision is not expected until market conditions improve

MANAGING THE RISKS

For all of our projects under evaluation, we manage the risks listed on pages 52 to 54.

 

70   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Uranium – exploration and corporate development

Our exploration program is directed at replacing mineral resources as they are depleted by our production, and is key to sustaining our business. We have maintained an active program even during periods of weak uranium prices, which has helped us secure land with exploration and development prospects that are among the best in the world, mainly in Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan and the US. Globally, our land holdings total 1.5 million hectares (3.6 million acres). In northern Saskatchewan alone, we have direct interests in 650,000 hectares (1.6 million acres) of land covering many of the most prospective exploration areas of the Athabasca Basin. Many of our prospects are located close to our existing operations where we have established infrastructure and capacity to expand.

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.

In 2016, we continued our exploration strategy of focusing on the most prospective projects in our portfolio. Exploration is key to ensuring our long-term growth.

 

LOGO

2016 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 2016, we spent about $10 million on brownfields and projects under evaluation in Saskatchewan and Australia. At Inkai and our US operations we spent $2 million.

Regional exploration

We spent about $31 million on regional exploration programs (including support costs), primarily in Saskatchewan and Australia.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

We plan to reduce our regional exploration spending by over 35%. We will maintain an active uranium exploration program and continue to focus on our core projects in Saskatchewan under our long-term exploration strategy.

ACQUISITION PROGRAM

We have a dedicated team looking for acquisition opportunities within the nuclear fuel cycle that could further add to our supply, 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.

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 13. Currently, given the conditions in the uranium market, and our extensive portfolio of reserves and resources, our focus is on 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.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    71


Fuel services

Refining, conversion and fuel manufacturing

We control about 25% of world UF6 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

 

LOGO   

Licensed Capacity

 

24.0M kgU of 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    Ontario, Canada
Ownership    100%
End product    UO3
ISO certification    ISO 14001 certified
Licensed capacity    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 (this updated estimate is currently under regulatory review)

 

72   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Port Hope Conversion Services

 

LOGO   

Licensed Capacity

 

12.5M kgU of UF6

 

2.8M kgU of UO2

 

Licence renewal in

 

Feb, 2017

Port Hope is the only uranium conversion facility in Canada and a supplier of UO2 for Canadian-made CANDU reactors.

 

Location    Ontario, Canada
Ownership    100%
End product    UF6, UO2
ISO certification    ISO 14001 certified
Licensed capacity    12.5 million kgU as UF6 per year
   2.8 million kgU as UO2 per year
Licence term    Through February, 2017
Estimated decommissioning cost    $129 million (this updated estimate is currently under regulatory review)

Cameco Fuel Manufacturing Inc. (CFM)

CFM produces fuel bundles and reactor components for CANDU reactors.

 

Location    Ontario, Canada
Ownership    100%
End product    CANDU fuel bundles and components
ISO certification    ISO 9001 certified, ISO 14001 certified
Licensed capacity    1.2 million kgU as UO2 as finished bundles
Licence term    Through February, 2022
Estimated decommissioning cost    $21 million (this updated estimate is currently under regulatory review)

2016 UPDATE

Production

Fuel services produced 8.4 million kgU, 13% lower than 2015. This was a result of our decision to decrease production in response to weak market conditions.

Port Hope conversion facility cleanup and modernization (Vision in Motion)

The Vision in Motion project completed the feasibility stage and was part of the relicensing process in 2016. The project will now be undergoing detailed engineering work and some early implementation aspects of the project in 2017.

Labour relations

Approximately 230 unionized employees at the Port Hope conversion facility accepted a new collective agreement. The employees, represented by United Steelworkers locals 13173 and 8562, agreed to a three-year contract that includes a 7% wage increase over the term of the agreement. The previous contract expired on June 30, 2016.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    73


PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Production

The market continues to be weak and as a result, we plan to maintain production between 8 million and 9 million kgU in 2017.

Regulatory

The current operating licence for the Port Hope conversion facility expires in February 2017. The CNSC relicensing process was completed in 2016 and our request for a 10-year operating licence is currently under regulatory review, with the results expected before the end of the current licence term.

MANAGING OUR RISKS

Port Hope conversion facility relicensing

The Port Hope conversion facility’s operating licence ends on February 28, 2017, and we have applied for a 10-year licence renewal. There is a risk to our 2017 conversion production if we are unable to secure the licence renewal.

We also manage the risks listed on pages 52 to 54.

 

74   CAMECO CORPORATION   


NUKEM GmbH

 

Offices    Alzenau, Germany (NUKEM GmbH)
   Connecticut, US (Subsidiary, NUKEM Inc.)
Ownership    100%
Activity    Trading of uranium and uranium-related products
2016 sales1    7.1 million pounds U3O8
2017 forecast sales    5 to 6 million pounds U3O8

BACKGROUND

In 2013, we acquired NUKEM, one of the world’s leading traders of uranium and uranium-related products. On closing, we paid €107 million ($140 million (US)) and assumed NUKEM’s net debt of about €84 million ($111 million (US)).

NUKEM has access to contracted volumes and inventories in diverse geographic locations as well as scope for opportunistic trading of uranium and uranium-related products. This enables NUKEM to provide a wide range of solutions to its customers that may fall outside the scope of typical uranium sourcing and selling arrangements. Its trading strategy is nonspeculative and seeks to match quantities and pricing structures of its long-term supply and delivery contracts, minimizing exposure to commodity price fluctuations and locking in profit margins.

NUKEM’s main customers are commercial nuclear power plants using enriched uranium fuel, typically large utilities that are either government owned, or large-scale utilities with multibillion-dollar market capitalizations and strong credit ratings. NUKEM also trades with converters, enrichers, other traders and investors.

NUKEM’s business model

NUKEM’s purchase contracts are with long-standing supply partners and its sales contracts are with blue-chip utilities which have strong credit ratings.

MANAGING OUR RISKS

NUKEM manages the risks associated with trading and brokering nuclear fuels and services. It participates in the uranium spot market, making purchases to place material in higher price contracts. There are risks associated with these spot market purchases, including the risk of losses. NUKEM is also subject to counterparty risk of suppliers not meeting their delivery commitments and purchasers not paying for the product delivered. If a counterparty defaults on a payment or other obligation or becomes insolvent, this could significantly affect NUKEM’s contribution to our earnings, cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    75


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 our 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.

We estimate and disclose mineral reserves and resources in five categories, using the definitions adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, 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 demonstrated 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, except for Inkai which is based on our interest in potential production (57.5%), which differs from our ownership interest (60%). 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 pattern. 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

 

  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

We use current geological models, constant dollar average uranium prices of $40 to $50 (US) per pound U3O8, depending on the varying production schedules and the annual forecast realized prices, and current or projected operating costs and mine plans to estimate 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, except for Inkai which is based on our interest in planned production (57.5%) assuming an annual production rate of 5.2 million pounds, which differs from our ownership interest (60%).

 

76   CAMECO CORPORATION   


PROVEN AND PROBABLE (P+P) RESERVES, MEASURED AND INDICATED (M+I) RESOURCES, INFERRED RESOURCES

(SHOWING CHANGE FROM 2015)

at December 31, 2016

 

LOGO

Changes this year

Our share of proven and probable mineral reserves increased from 410 million pounds U3O8 at the end of 2015, to 415 million pounds at the end of 2016. The change was primarily the result of:

 

  new and updated mining plans for two zones at McArthur River, which contributed 8 million pounds to proven mineral reserves and 33 million pounds to probable mineral reserves

 

  revised mineral reserve and resource classifications in Kazakhstan, which resulted in an increase of 27 million pounds in proven mineral reserves, and a decrease of 20 million pounds in probable mineral reserves

partially offset by:

 

  production, which removed 28 million pounds from our mineral inventory

 

  conversion of 16 million pounds of reserves to resources, due to economic considerations related to our curtailed US and Rabbit Lake operations

Measured and indicated mineral resources increased from 377 million pounds U3O8 at the end of 2015, to 487 million pounds at the end of 2016. Our share of inferred mineral resources is 248 million pounds U3O8, a decrease of 133 million pounds from the end of 2015. The variance in mineral resources was mainly the result of:

 

  revised mineral reserve and resource classifications in Kazakhstan, which resulted in increases of 32 million pounds and 19 million pounds in measured and indicated resources respectively, and a decrease of 58 million pounds in inferred resources

 

  surface delineation drilling at Cigar Lake, resulting in the re-classification of 41 million pounds from inferred to indicated

 

  delineation drilling at McArthur River to increase geological knowledge, moving 33 million pounds from the inferred to the indicated mineral resources category, subsequently converted to probable reserves

 

  the reclassification of 16 million pounds of reserves as 18 million pounds of resources, due to economic considerations related to our curtailed US and Rabbit Lake operations

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

 

  Alain G. Mainville, director, mineral resources management, Cameco

 

  Greg Murdock, mine manager, McArthur River, Cameco

 

  Baoyao Tang, technical superintendent, McArthur River, Cameco

 

  Thomas Saruchera, technical superintendent, Key Lake, Cameco

CIGAR LAKE

 

  Alain G. Mainville, director, mineral resources management, Cameco

 

  Leslie Yesnik, general manager, McArthur River/Key Lake, Cameco

 

  Scott Bishop, manager, technical services, Cameco

INKAI

 

  Alain G. Mainville, director, mineral resources management, Cameco

 

  Robert Sumner, principal metallurgist, technical services, Cameco

 

  Bryan Soliz, principal geologist, Cameco Resources
 

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    77


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 our 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

While the terms measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources are recognized and required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not recognize them. Under US standards, mineralization may not be classified as a ‘reserve’ unless it has been determined at the time of reporting that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted. US investors should not assume that:

 

  any or all of a measured or indicated mineral resource will ever be converted into proven or probable mineral reserves

 

  any or all of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable, or will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities regulations, estimates of inferred resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies. Inferred resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and economic and legal feasibility.

The requirements of Canadian securities regulators for identification of ‘reserves’ are also not the same as those of the SEC, and mineral reserves reported by us in accordance with Canadian requirements may not qualify as reserves under SEC standards.

Other information concerning descriptions of 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 US domestic mining companies, including Industry Guide 7.

 

78   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Mineral reserves

As at December 31, 2016 (100% basis – only the shaded column shows our share)

PROVEN AND PROBABLE

(tonnes in thousands; pounds in millions)

 

          PROVEN     PROBABLE     TOTAL MINERAL RESERVES    

OUR

SHARE

RESERVES

    METALLURGICAL
RECOVERY (%)
 

PROPERTY

  MINING
METHOD
    TONNES     GRADE
% U3O8
    CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
    TONNES     GRADE
% U3O8
    CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
    TONNES     GRADE
% U3O8
    CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
    CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
   

Cigar Lake

    UG       209.6       19.86       91.8       403.8       13.84       123.2       613.4       15.90       215.0       107.6       98.5  

Key Lake

    OP       61.1       0.52       0.7       —         —         —         61.1       0.52       0.7       0.6       98.7  

McArthur River

    UG       1,184.9       9.57       250.1       562.5       9.64       119.5       1,747.4       9.60       369.7       258.1       98.7  

Crow Butte

    ISR       583.0       0.03       0.4       —         —         —         583.0       0.03       0.4       0.4       85  

Inkai

    ISR       33,193.4       0.07       48.6       30,717.0       0.05       32.0       63,910.3       0.06       80.6       46.3       85  

North Butte - Brown Ranch

    ISR       364.5       0.08       0.7       —         —         —         364.5       0.08       0.7       0.7       60  

Smith Ranch - Highland

    ISR       444.7       0.10       1.0       34.2       0.13       0.1       478.9       0.10       1.1       1.1       80  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      36,041.2       —         393.3       31,717.5       —         274.8       67,758.7       —         668.1       414.7       —    
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(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 constant dollar average uranium prices, varying over time, from $40 to $50 (US)/lb U3O8

 

  are based on an average exchange rate of $1.00 US=$1.20 to $1.25 Cdn

Our estimate of mineral reserves and mineral resources may be positively or negatively affected by the occurrence of one or more 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 - operating properties starting on page 56

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 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    79


Mineral resources

As at December 31, 2016 (100% – only the shaded columns show our share)

MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED

(tonnes in thousands; pounds in millions)

 

    MEASURED RESOURCES (M)     INDICATED RESOURCES (I)     TOTAL M+I
CONTENT
(LBS  U3O8)
    OUR
SHARE
TOTAL M+I
CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
    INFERRED RESOURCES     OUR
SHARE
INFERRED
CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
 

PROPERTY

  TONNES     GRADE
% U3O8
    CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
    TONNES     GRADE
% U3O8
    CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
        TONNES     GRADE
% U3O8
    CONTENT
(LBS U3O8)
   

Cigar Lake

    1.3       4.71       0.1       235.7       16.24       84.4       84.5       42.3       128.4       7.36       20.8       10.4  

Fox Lake

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         386.7       7.99       68.1       53.3  

Kintyre

    —         —         —         3,897.7       0.62       53.5       53.5       37.5       517.1       0.53       6.0       4.2  

McArthur River

    43.4       4.36       4.2       16.8       1.79       0.7       4.8       3.4       95.9       5.20       11.0       7.7  

Millennium

    —         —         —         1,442.6       2.39       75.9       75.9       53.0       412.4       3.19       29.0       20.2  

Wheeler River

    —         —         —         166.4       19.13       70.2       70.2       21.1       842.5       2.38       44.1       13.2  

Rabbit Lake

    —         —         —         2,281.5       0.79       39.7       39.7       39.7       2,631.4       0.58       33.6       33.6  

Tamarack

    —         —         —         183.8       4.42       17.9       17.9       10.3       45.6       1.02       1.0       0.6  

Yeelirrie

    27,172.9       0.16       95.9       12,178.3       0.12       32.2       128.1       128.1       —         —         —         —    

Crow Butte

    1,418.2       0.21       6.6       1,354.9       0.29       8.6       15.2       15.2       1,135.2       0.12       2.9       2.9  

Gas Hills-Peach

    687.2       0.11       1.7       3,626.1       0.15       11.6       13.3       13.3       3,307.5       0.08       6.0       6.0  

Inkai

    34,855.4       0.07       55.3       77,914.4       0.05       86.0       141.3       81.3       151,583.1       0.05       149.9       86.2  

North Butte-Brown Ranch

    604.2       0.08       1.1       5,530.3       0.07       8.4       9.4       9.4       294.5       0.07       0.4       0.4  

Ruby Ranch

    —         —         —         2,215.3       0.08       4.1       4.1       4.1       56.2       0.14       0.2       0.2  

Shirley Basin

    89.2       0.16       0.3       1,638.2       0.11       4.1       4.4       4.4       508.0       0.10       1.1       1.1  

Smith Ranch-Highland

    3,354.0       0.10       7.1       14,338.1       0.05       16.9       24.0       24.0       6,861.0       0.05       7.7       7.7  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    68,225.8       —         172.3       127,020.2       —         514.1       686.4       487.0       168,805.5       —         382.0       247.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

80   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    81


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, 2016, 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, 2016. We have not made any change to our internal control over financial reporting during the 2016 fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

A number of new standards and amendments to existing standards are not yet effective for the year ended December 31, 2016, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. Cameco does not intend to early adopt any of the following standards or amendments to existing standards, unless otherwise noted.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15) In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 which is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively. IFRS 15 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. Cameco does not expect the standard to have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

82   CAMECO CORPORATION   


IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9) – In July 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 9. IFRS 9 replaces the existing guidance in IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (IAS 39). IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets, a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment on financial assets and new hedge accounting requirements. It also carries forward, from IAS 39, guidance on recognition and derecognition of financial instruments.

IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with early adoption of the new standard permitted. Cameco does not intend to early adopt IFRS 9. The extent of the impact of adoption of IFRS 9 has not yet been determined.

IFRS 16, Leases (IFRS 16) – In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 which 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. The extent of the impact of adoption of IFRS 16 has not yet been determined.

In January 2017, the IASB issued Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 7). The standard applies prospectively and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017, with earlier application permitted. The amendments require disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flow and non-cash changes. Cameco does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS    83


LOGO

Cameco Corporation

2016 consolidated financial statements

February 8, 2017

 

84   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, 2016.

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    Original signed by Grant E. Isaac

President and Chief Executive Officer

February 8, 2017

  

Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

February 8, 2017

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    85


Independent auditors’ report

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Cameco Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Cameco Corporation, which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Cameco Corporation as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Original signed by KPMG LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

February 8, 2017

Saskatoon, Canada

 

86   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Consolidated statements of earnings

 

For the years ended December 31

($Cdn thousands, except per share amounts)

   Note      2016     2015  

Revenue from products and services

      $ 2,431,404     $ 2,754,378  

Cost of products and services sold

        1,596,235       1,744,815  

Depreciation and amortization

        371,689       312,518  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of sales

        1,967,924       2,057,333  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

        463,480       697,045  

Administration

        206,652       186,810  

Impairment charges

     8        361,989       215,488  

Exploration

        42,579       40,259  

Research and development

        4,952       6,587  

Other operating income

     15        (34,075     —    

Loss on disposal of assets

     8        23,168       2,326  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from operations

        (141,785     245,575  

Finance costs

     18        (111,906     (103,615

Gain (loss) on derivatives

     25        34,407       (280,610

Finance income

        4,379       5,417  

Share of loss from equity-accounted investees

        —         (758

Other income

     19        60,671       54,723  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

        (154,234     (79,268

Income tax recovery

     20        (94,355     (142,630
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

      $ (59,879   $ 63,362  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to:

       

Equity holders

        (61,611     65,286  

Non-controlling interest

        1,732       (1,924
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

      $ (59,879   $ 63,362  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to equity holders:

       

Basic

     21      $ (0.16   $ 0.16  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     21      $ (0.16   $ 0.16  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    87


Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

 

For the years ended December 31

($Cdn thousands)

   Note      2016     2015  

Net earnings (loss)

      $ (59,879   $ 63,362  

Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings:

       

Remeasurements of defined benefit liability [note 24]1

        (2,109     2,015  

Items that are or may be reclassified to net earnings:

       

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

        (77,341     182,089  

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale assets2

        3,790       22  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

        (75,660     184,126  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

      $ (135,539   $ 247,488  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:

       

Equity holders

      $ (75,826   $ 184,288  

Non-controlling interest

        166       (162
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year

      $ (75,660   $ 184,126  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:

       

Equity holders

      $ (137,437   $ 249,574  

Non-controlling interest

        1,898       (2,086
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

      $ (135,539   $ 247,488  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1  Net of tax (2016 - $834; 2015 - $(666))
2  Net of tax (2016 - $(399); 2015 - $(3))

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

88   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Consolidated statements of financial position

 

As at December 31

($Cdn thousands)

   Note      2016      2015  

Assets

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

      $ 320,278      $ 458,604  

Accounts receivable

     6        242,482        246,865  

Current tax assets

        11,552        493  

Inventories

     7        1,287,939        1,285,266  

Supplies and prepaid expenses

        169,084        180,544  

Current portion of long-term receivables, investments and other

     10        10,498        12,193  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

        2,041,833        2,183,965  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

     8        4,655,586        5,228,160  

Goodwill and intangible assets

     9        203,310        217,130  

Long-term receivables, investments and other

     10        512,484        449,236  

Investments in equity-accounted investees

        —          2,472  

Deferred tax assets

     20        835,985        713,674  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

        6,207,365        6,610,672  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

      $ 8,249,198      $ 8,794,637  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

        

Current liabilities

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     11      $ 312,900      $ 317,856  

Current tax liabilities

        36,413        56,494  

Dividends payable

        39,579        39,579  

Current portion of other liabilities

     14        60,744        241,113  

Current portion of provisions

     15        19,619        16,595  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

        469,255        671,637  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt

     13        1,493,327        1,492,237  

Other liabilities

     14        122,988        132,142  

Provisions

     15        889,163        918,163  

Deferred tax liabilities

     20        15,937        35,179  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

        2,521,415        2,577,721  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

        

Share capital

        1,862,646        1,862,646  

Contributed surplus

        216,213        209,115  

Retained earnings

        3,019,872        3,241,902  

Other components of equity

        159,640        233,357  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to equity holders

        5,258,371        5,547,020  

Non-controlling interest

        157        (1,741
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

        5,258,528        5,545,279  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

      $ 8,249,198      $ 8,794,637  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies [notes 8, 15, 20]

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    89


Consolidated statements of changes in equity

 

     Attributable to equity holders              

($Cdn thousands)

   Share
capital
     Contributed
surplus
    Retained
earnings
    Foreign
currency
translation
    Available-
for-sale
assets
    Total     Non-
controlling
interest
    Total equity  

Balance at January 1, 2016

   $ 1,862,646      $ 209,115     $ 3,241,902     $ 233,918     $ (561   $ 5,547,020     $ (1,741   $ 5,545,279  

Net earnings (loss)

     —          —         (61,611     —         —         (61,611     1,732       (59,879

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —         (2,109     (77,507     3,790       (75,826     166       (75,660
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —         (63,720     (77,507     3,790       (137,437     1,898       (135,539
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share-based compensation

     —          14,101       —         —         —         14,101       —         14,101  

Restricted and performance

     —          —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

share units released

     —          (7,003     —         —         —         (7,003     —         (7,003

Dividends

     —          —         (158,310     —         —         (158,310     —         (158,310
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

   $ 1,862,646      $ 216,213     $ 3,019,872     $ 156,411     $ 3,229     $ 5,258,371     $ 157     $ 5,258,528  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2015

   $ 1,862,646      $ 196,815     $ 3,333,099     $ 51,667     $ (583   $ 5,443,644     $ 160     $ 5,443,804  

Net earnings (loss)

     —          —         65,286       —         —         65,286       (1,924     63,362  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —         2,015       182,251       22       184,288       (162     184,126  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —         67,301       182,251       22       249,574       (2,086     247,488  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share-based compensation

     —          16,853       —         —         —         16,853       —         16,853  

Dividends

     —          —         (158,313     —         —         (158,313     —         (158,313

Restricted and performance share units released

     —          (4,553     —         —         —         (4,553     —         (4,553

Change in ownership interest in subsidiary

     —          —         (185     —         —         (185     185       —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

   $ 1,862,646      $ 209,115     $ 3,241,902     $ 233,918     $ (561   $ 5,547,020     $ (1,741   $ 5,545,279  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

90   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Consolidated statements of cash flows

 

For the years ended December 31

($Cdn thousands)

   Note      2016     2015  

Operating activities

       

Net earnings (loss)

      $ (59,879   $ 63,362  

Adjustments for:

       

Depreciation and amortization

        371,689       312,518  

Deferred charges

        (95,873     5,834  

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives

        (110,358     92,166  

Share-based compensation

     23        14,101       16,853  

Loss on sale of assets

        23,168       2,326  

Finance costs

     18        111,906       103,615  

Finance income

        (4,379     (5,417

Share of loss in equity-accounted investees

        —         758  

Impairment charges

     8        361,989       215,488  

Other income

     19        (1,630     (54,409

Other operating income

     15        (34,075     —    

Income tax recovery

     20        (94,355     (142,630

Interest received

        1,838       3,922  

Income taxes paid

        (102,628     (92,758

Other operating items

     22        (69,134     (71,618
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operations

        312,380       450,010  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

       

Additions to property, plant and equipment

        (216,908     (358,562

Decrease (increase) in long-term receivables, investments and other

        (3,080     17,557  

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

        2,168       198  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing

        (217,820     (340,807
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

       

Decrease in debt

        —         (10

Interest paid

        (70,446     (69,507

Dividends paid

        (158,310     (158,313
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing

        (228,756     (227,830
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents, during the year

        (134,196     (118,627

Exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash balances

        (4,130     10,648  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

        458,604       566,583  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

      $ 320,278     $ 458,604  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of:

       

Cash

      $ 79,730     $ 240,603  

Cash equivalents

        240,548       218,001  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

      $ 320,278     $ 458,604  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    91


Notes to consolidated financial statements

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

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, 2016 comprise Cameco Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company or Cameco) and the Company’s interests in associates and joint arrangements. The Company is primarily engaged in the exploration for and the development, mining, refining, conversion, fabrication and trading of uranium for sale as fuel for generating electricity in nuclear power reactors in Canada and other countries.

 

2. Significant accounting policies

 

A. Statement of compliance

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 8, 2017.

 

B. Basis of presentation

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:

 

Derivative financial instruments    Fair value
Available-for-sale financial assets    Fair value
Liabilities for cash-settled share-based payment arrangements    Fair value
Net defined benefit liability    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.

 

92   CAMECO CORPORATION   


C. Consolidation principles

 

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.

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.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    93


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.

 

D. Foreign currency translation

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.

 

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.

 

94   CAMECO CORPORATION   


E. Cash and cash equivalents

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.

 

F. Inventories

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.

 

G. Property, plant and equipment

 

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.

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).

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    95


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    Not depreciated
Buildings    15 - 25 years
Plant and equipment    3 - 15 years
Furniture and fixtures    3 - 10 years
Other    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.

 

H. Goodwill and intangible assets

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.

 

I. Leased assets

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.

 

96   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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.

 

J. Finance income and finance costs

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested and gains on the disposal of available-for-sale financial assets. 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.

 

K. Research and development costs

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.

 

L. Impairment

 

i. Non-derivative financial assets

Financial assets not classified as fair value through profit and loss are assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence of impairment. Objective evidence that financial assets (including equity securities) are impaired can include default or delinquency by a debtor, 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 the disappearance of an active market for a security. In addition, for an investment in an equity security, a significant or prolonged decline in its fair value below its cost is objective evidence of impairment.

Impairment losses on available-for-sale financial assets are recognized by transferring the cumulative loss that has been recognized in other comprehensive income, and presented in equity, to earnings. The cumulative loss that is removed from other comprehensive income and recognized in earnings is the difference between the acquisition cost, net of any principal payment and amortization, and the current fair value, less any impairment loss previously recognized in earnings.

If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of an impaired available-for-sale debt security increases and the increase can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in earnings, then the impairment loss is reversed through earnings, otherwise, it is reversed through other comprehensive income. Impairment losses on available-for-sale equity securities that are recognized in earnings are never reversed through earnings.

 

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.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    97


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.

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.

 

M. Exploration and evaluation expenditures

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.

 

N. Provisions

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.

 

98   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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.

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.

 

O. Employee future benefits

 

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.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    99


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.

 

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.

 

100   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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.

 

P. Revenue recognition

Cameco supplies uranium concentrates and uranium conversion services to utility customers.

Cameco recognizes revenue on the sale of its nuclear products when the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer and collection is reasonably assured. Cameco’s sales are pursuant to an enforceable contract that indicates the type of sales arrangement, pricing and delivery terms, as well as details related to the transfer of title.

Cameco has three types of sales arrangements with its customers in its uranium and fuel services businesses. These arrangements include uranium supply, toll conversion services and conversion supply (converted uranium), which is a combination of uranium supply and toll conversion services.

Uranium supply

In a uranium supply arrangement, Cameco is contractually obligated to provide uranium concentrates to its customers. Cameco-owned uranium is physically delivered to conversion facilities (Converters) where the Converter will credit Cameco’s account for the volume of accepted uranium. Based on delivery terms in a 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, the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred and Cameco invoices the customer and 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 this point, the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred and Cameco invoices the customer and recognizes revenue for the toll conversion services.

Conversion supply

In a conversion supply arrangement, Cameco is contractually obligated to provide converted uranium of acceptable origins to its customers. Based on delivery terms in a sales contract with its customer, 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 risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred and Cameco invoices the customer and recognizes revenue for both the uranium supplied and the conversion service provided.

 

Q. Financial instruments

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.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    101


i. Non-derivative financial assets and financial liabilities

At initial recognition, Cameco classifies each of its financial assets and financial liabilities into one of the following categories:

Fair value through profit or loss

A financial asset or liability is classified as at fair value through profit or loss if it is classified as held-for-trading or is designated as such on initial recognition. Cameco classifies a financial instrument as held-for-trading if it was acquired principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term, or if it is part of a portfolio with evidence of a recent pattern of short-term profit taking. Directly attributable transaction costs are recognized in earnings as incurred. These financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value, with any gains or losses on revaluation being recognized in earnings.

Held-to-maturity

Held-to-maturity investments are financial assets that an entity has the intention and ability to hold until maturity, provide fixed or determinable payments and contain a fixed maturity date. Assets in this category are initially measured at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are financial assets that provide fixed or determinable payments and are not quoted in an active market. Assets in this category are initially measured at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Available-for-sale assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are either designated in this category or not classified into any of the other categories. These assets are measured at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs with any gains or losses on re-measurement recognized in other comprehensive income. Accumulated changes in fair value are recorded as a separate component of equity until the asset is derecognized or impaired, then the cumulative gain or loss in other comprehensive income is transferred to earnings.

Other financial liabilities

This category consists of all non-derivative financial liabilities that do not meet the definition of held-for-trading liabilities, and that have not been designated as liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. These liabilities are initially recognized at fair value less any directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Transaction costs arising on the issue of equity instruments are recognized directly in equity. Transaction costs that are directly related to the probable issuance of a security that is classified as a financial liability is deducted from the amount of the financial liability when it is initially recognized, or recognized in earnings when the issuance is no longer probable.

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.

A financial liability is derecognized when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled, or expire.

 

ii. Derivative financial instruments

The Company holds derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Except for those designated as hedging instruments, all derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position, with any directly attributable transaction costs recognized in earnings as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.

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, 2016 and 2015.

 

102   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Separable embedded derivatives

Derivatives may be embedded in other financial instruments or executory contracts (the “host instrument”). Embedded derivatives are treated as separate derivatives when their economic characteristics and risks are not clearly and closely related to those of the host instrument, the terms of the embedded derivative are the same as those of a stand-alone derivative, and the combined contract is not designated at fair value. These embedded derivatives are measured at fair value with subsequent changes recognized in earnings through gains or losses on derivatives.

 

R. Income tax

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.

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.

 

S. Share capital

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.

 

T. Earnings per share

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.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    103


U. Segment reporting

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 Chief Executive Officer.

Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets other than goodwill.

 

3. Accounting standards

 

A. New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

A number of new standards and amendments to existing standards are not yet effective for the year ended December 31, 2016, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. Cameco does not intend to early adopt any of the following standards or amendments to existing standards, unless otherwise noted.

 

i. Revenue

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15). IFRS 15 is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively. IFRS 15 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. Cameco does not expect the standard to have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

ii. Financial instruments

In July 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9). IFRS 9 replaces the existing guidance in IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (IAS 39). IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets, a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment on financial assets and new hedge accounting requirements. It also carries forward, from IAS 39, guidance on recognition and derecognition of financial instruments.

IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with early adoption of the new standard permitted. Cameco does not intend to early adopt IFRS 9. The extent of the impact of adoption of IFRS 9 has not yet been determined.

 

iii. 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. The extent of the impact of adoption of IFRS 16 has not yet been determined.

 

iv. Disclosure initiative

In January 2017, the IASB issued Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 7). The standard applies prospectively and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017, with earlier application permitted. The amendments require disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flow and non-cash changes. Cameco does not expect the amendments 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.

 

104   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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.

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 23 - Share-based compensation plans

Note 25 - 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.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    105


A. Recoverability of long-lived and intangible assets

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.

 

B. Cash generating units

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.

 

C. Provisions for decommissioning and reclamation of assets

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 or mineral reserves may result in a material change in the amount charged to earnings.

 

D. Income taxes

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.

 

E. Commencement of production stage

Until a mining property is declared as being in the production stage, all costs related to its development are capitalized. The determination of the date on which a mine enters the production stage is a matter of judgment that impacts when capitalization of development costs ceases and depreciation of the mining property commences and is charged to earnings. Refer to note 2 (g)(ii) for further information on the criteria used to make this assessment.

 

F. Mineral reserves

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.

 

106   CAMECO CORPORATION   


G. 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 Cameco 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 Cameco’s reported assets and liabilities and future net earnings due to the impact on future depreciation and amortization expense and impairment tests.

 

H. Determination of joint control

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.

 

6. Accounts receivable

 

     2016      2015  

Trade receivables

   $ 236,373      $ 236,859  

HST/VAT receivables

     3,968        6,239  

Other receivables

     2,141        3,767  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 242,482      $ 246,865  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s exposure to credit and currency risks as well as impairment loss related to trade and other receivables, excluding harmonized sales tax (HST)/value added tax (VAT) receivables is disclosed in note 25.

 

7. Inventories

 

     2016      2015  

Uranium

     

Concentrate

   $ 989,202      $ 887,083  

Broken ore

     45,581        41,722  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,034,783        928,805  

NUKEM

     141,040        216,361  

Fuel services

     112,116        140,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,287,939      $ 1,285,266  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In the second quarter of 2015, the production stage was reached at Cameco’s Cigar Lake operation. Effective May 1, 2015, we commenced charging all production costs, including depreciation, to inventory and subsequently recognizing in cost of sales as the product is sold.

Cameco expensed $1,752,000,000 of inventory as cost of sales during 2016 (2015 - $1,935,000,000). Included in cost of sales is an $18,054,000 net write-down to reflect net realizable value (2015 - $3,400,000 net recovery).

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    107


NUKEM enters into financing arrangements where future receivables arising from certain sales contracts are sold to financial institutions in exchange for cash. These arrangements require NUKEM to satisfy its delivery obligations under the sales contracts, which are recognized as deferred sales (note 14). In addition, NUKEM is required to pledge the underlying inventory as security against these performance obligations. As of December 31, 2016, NUKEM had $4,884,000 ($3,637,000 (US)) of inventory pledged as security under financing arrangements ((2015 - $97,945,000 ($70,770,000 (US)).

 

8. Property, plant and equipment

At December 31, 2016

 

     Land
and
buildings
    Plant
and
equipment
    Furniture
and
fixtures
    Under
construction
    Exploration
and
evaluation
    Total  

Cost

            

Beginning of year

   $ 4,862,160     $ 2,528,488     $ 121,299     $ 512,301     $ 1,147,100     $ 9,171,348  

Additions

     25,821       29,231       9,355       150,343       2,158       216,908  

Transfers

     168,784       126,871       3,410       (305,944     6,879       —    

Change in reclamation provision

     (23,124     —         —         —         —         (23,124

Disposals

     (27,311     (34,611     (38,233     (15,490     —         (115,645

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     (26,841     (9,436     (663     (870     (35,496     (73,306
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

     4,979,489       2,640,543       95,168       340,340       1,120,641       9,176,181  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

 

Beginning of year

     2,226,202       1,353,308       110,444       88,681       164,553       3,943,188  

Depreciation charge

     196,564       129,892       6,957       —         198       333,611  

Transfers

     27,101       (26,770     (331     —         —         —    

Disposals

     (21,736     (19,794     (37,981     (10,603     —         (90,114

Impairment charges(a)(b)

     97,152       28,677       2,011       2,596       231,553       361,989  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     (17,071     (4,360     (508     —         (6,140     (28,079
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

     2,508,212       1,460,953       80,592       80,674       390,164       4,520,595  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at December 31, 2016

   $ 2,471,277     $ 1,179,590     $ 14,576     $ 259,666     $ 730,477     $ 4,655,586  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

108   CAMECO CORPORATION   


At December 31, 2015

 

     Land
and
buildings
    Plant
and
equipment
    Furniture
and
fixtures
    Under
construction
    Exploration
and
evaluation
    Total  

Cost

            

Beginning of year

   $ 3,423,736     $ 1,984,721     $ 120,072     $ 1,962,500     $ 1,084,715     $ 8,575,744  

Additions

     35,579       23,919       1,329       292,443       2,450       355,720  

Transfers

     1,245,941       508,007       5,950       (1,747,248     (12,650     —    

Change in reclamation provision

     26,348       —         —         —         —         26,348  

Disposals

     (7,491     (38,077     (9,198     (2,476     (229     (57,471

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     138,047       49,918       3,146       7,082       72,814       271,007  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

     4,862,160       2,528,488       121,299       512,301       1,147,100       9,171,348  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

 

         

Beginning of year

     1,769,526       1,164,969       104,101       91,621       154,506       3,284,723  

Depreciation charge

     232,179       133,655       12,925       —         192       378,951  

Transfers

     21,368       94       —         (21,462     —         —    

Disposals

     (2,296     (37,530     (9,168     —         —         (48,994

Impairment charge(c)

     120,343       70,827       108       18,522       —         209,800  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     85,082       21,293       2,478       —         9,855       118,708  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

     2,226,202       1,353,308       110,444       88,681       164,553       3,943,188  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at December 31, 2015

   $ 2,635,958     $ 1,175,180     $ 10,855     $ 423,620     $ 982,547     $ 5,228,160  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cameco has contractual capital commitments of approximately $51,000,000 at December 31, 2016. 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 2017.

(a) In the fourth quarter of 2016, Cameco recognized a $237,621,000 impairment charge relating to Kintyre, its uranium exploration project in Australia. Due to the weakening of the uranium market and the budget decision not to commit further expenditures to the project, the Company concluded it was appropriate to recognize an impairment charge. The charge was for the full carrying value of the CGU.

(b) In the second quarter of 2016, production was suspended at our Rabbit Lake operation in northern Saskatchewan. In accordance with the provisions of IAS 36, Impairment of Assets, Cameco considered this to be an indicator that the assets of the cash generating unit could potentially be impaired and accordingly, we were required to estimate the recoverable amount of these assets.

An impairment charge of $124,368,000 was recognized as part of the uranium segment. The charge was for the full carrying value of this cash generating unit. The recoverable amount of the mine and mill was based on a fair value less costs to sell model, which incorporated the future cash flows, including care and maintenance costs, expected to be derived from the operation. It was categorized as a non-recurring level 3 fair value measurement.

The discount rate used in the fair value less costs to sell calculation was 8% and was determined based on a market participant’s incremental borrowing cost, adjusted for the marginal return that the participant would expect to use on an investment in the mine and mill. Other key assumptions included uranium price forecasts and operating and capital cost forecasts. Uranium prices applied in the calculation were based on approved internal price forecasts, which reflect management’s expectation of prices that a market participant would use. Operating and capital cost forecasts were determined based on management’s internal cost estimates.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    109


(c) During 2015, Cameco recognized a $209,800,000 impairment charge relating to its Rabbit Lake mill in northern Saskatchewan, which is part of its uranium segment. Due to increased uncertainty around future production sources for the Rabbit Lake mill as a result of ongoing economic conditions, the Company concluded it was appropriate to recognize an impairment charge. The amount of the charge was determined as the excess of the carrying value over the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of the mill was determined to be $68,971,000 based on a fair value less costs to sell model, which incorporated the future cash flows expected to be derived from the mill. It is categorized as a non-recurring level 3 fair value measurement.

The discount rate used in the fair value less costs to sell calculation was 8% and was determined based on a market participant’s incremental borrowing cost, adjusted for the marginal return that the participant would expect to use on an investment in the mill. The recoverable amount is not sensitive to changes in the discount rate. Other key assumptions include operating and capital cost forecasts and the margin applied. Operating and capital cost forecasts have been determined based on management’s internal cost estimates. A 10% increase in these cost assumptions decreases the recoverable amount by $7,900,000.

 

9. Goodwill and intangible assets

 

A. Reconciliation of carrying amount

At December 31, 2016

 

     Goodwill     Contracts     Intellectual
property
     Patents     Total  

Cost

           

Beginning of year

   $ 122,314     $ 121,148     $ 118,819      $ 12,098     $ 374,379  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     (3,650     (3,615     —          (361     (7,626
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

     118,664       117,533       118,819        11,737       366,753  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization

           

Beginning of year

     —         108,809       45,430        3,010       157,249  

Amortization charge

     —         4,613       4,159        642       9,414  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     —         (3,138     —          (82     (3,220
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

     —         110,284       49,589        3,570       163,443  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at December 31, 2016

   $ 118,664     $ 7,249     $ 69,230      $ 8,167     $ 203,310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

110   CAMECO CORPORATION   


At December 31, 2015

 

     Goodwill      Contracts      Intellectual
property
     Patents      Total  

Cost

              

Beginning of year

   $ 102,526      $ 101,549      $ 118,819      $ 10,141      $ 333,035  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     19,788        19,599        —          1,957        41,344  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year

     122,314        121,148        118,819        12,098        374,379  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization

              

Beginning of year

     —          88,978        40,992        1,963        131,933  

Amortization charge

     —          2,458        4,438        609        7,505  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     —          17,373        —          438        17,811  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year

     —          108,809        45,430        3,010        157,249  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net book value at December 31, 2015

   $ 122,314      $ 12,339      $ 73,389      $ 9,088      $ 217,130  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

B. Amortization

The intangible asset values relate to intellectual property acquired with Cameco Fuel Manufacturing Inc. (CFM), patents acquired with UFP Investments LLC (UFP) 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 patents acquired with UFP are being amortized to cost of products and services sold on a straight-line basis over their remaining life which expires in July 2029. 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. Approximately $640,000 of pre-tax earnings (in USD) relating to the amortization of the fair value allocated to the NUKEM contracts will be amortized in 2017 with the remaining balance being recognized fairly evenly each year through 2022.

 

C. Impairment test

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is attributable to NUKEM, which is considered to be a CGU.

The recoverable amount of NUKEM was estimated based on a fair value less costs of disposal calculation, which involved discounting the future cash flows expected to be generated by the CGU. It is categorized as a non-recurring level 3 fair value measurement. The recoverable amount exceeded its carrying value by $34,000,000 (US) and therefore no impairment loss was recognized.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    111


Five years of cash flows were included in the discounted cash flow model. Any cash flows expected to be generated beyond the initial five-year period were extrapolated using a terminal value growth rate. The projected cash flows included in the calculation were based upon NUKEM’s approved financial forecasts and strategic plan, which incorporate NUKEM’s current contract portfolio as well as sales volumes that a market participant could expect. The key assumptions used in the estimation of the value in use were as follows:

 

     2016  

Discount rate

     10.0

Terminal value growth rate

     1.6

The discount rate was determined based on a market participant’s incremental borrowing cost, adjusted for the marginal return that the participant would expect to earn on an investment in the entity. It represents a nominal, post-tax figure. The terminal value growth rate was determined based on management’s expected average annual long-term growth in the uranium industry.

Other key assumptions include uranium price forecasts and perpetual cash flows. Uranium prices applied in the calculation were based on approved internal price forecasts, which reflect management’s experience and industry expertise. These prices are consistent with expected long-term prices observed in the market. Perpetual cash flows have been determined based on the future business activity that a market participant could expect.

Cameco has validated the results of the fair value less costs of disposal calculation by performing sensitivity tests on its key assumptions. Holding all other variables constant, the decreases in recoverable amount created by marginal changes in each of the key assumptions are as follows:

 

     Change in assumption    Amount of decrease  

Discount rate

   1% increase    $ 20,364  

Terminal value growth rate

   1% decrease      15,304  

Uranium prices

   $1/lb decrease      3,881  

Perpetual annual cash flow

   $1 million (US) decrease      7,877  

As a result of these tests, the Company believes that any reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions would not result in NUKEM’s carrying amount exceeding its recoverable amount.

 

10. Long-term receivables, investments and other

 

     2016      2015  

Investments in equity securities [note 25]

   $ 14,807      $ 938  

Derivatives [note 25]

     10,612        11,143  

Advances receivable from JV Inkai LLP [note 30]

     90,095        87,188  

Investment tax credits

     93,920        93,972  

Amounts receivable related to tax dispute [note 20]

     264,042        232,614  

Other

     49,506        35,574  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     522,982        461,429  

Less current portion

     (10,498      (12,193
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net

   $ 512,484      $ 449,236  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

112   CAMECO CORPORATION   


11. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

     2016      2015  

Trade payables

   $ 213,481      $ 199,084  

Non-trade payables

     85,632        107,731  

Payables due to related parties

     13,787        11,041  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 312,900      $ 317,856  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s exposure to currency and liquidity risk related to trade and other payables is disclosed in note 25.

 

12. Short-term debt

Cameco borrows directly in the commercial paper market. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was no commercial paper outstanding.

NUKEM has a multicurrency revolving loan facility that is available until October 1, 2020. Total funds of € 75,000,000 are available under the facility, with the option to increase the facility by an additional € 25,000,000. Amounts can be drawn in either Euros or US dollars in the form of bank overdrafts, letters of credit, short-term loans or foreign exchange facilities. Any amounts drawn in Euros bear interest at a rate equal to the comparable EURIBOR on the draw date plus 0.6%, while amounts drawn in US dollars bear interest at a rate equal to the comparable LIBOR on the draw date plus 0.6%.

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no amounts withdrawn against the facility. As of December 31, 2016, NUKEM has $107,000 (US) in letters of credit outstanding against the facility (2015 - $406,000 (US)).

The terms of the facility contain a financial covenant that requires NUKEM to maintain a minimum working capital to debt ratio of 1.35. The facility also stipulates Cameco as a guarantor for NUKEM’s withdrawals and requires the Company to maintain a credit rating of at least BBB-. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in cancellation of the facility and accelerated payment of any outstanding amounts. As of December 31, 2016, NUKEM and Cameco were in compliance with the covenants and the Company does not expect its operating and investing activities in 2017 to be constrained by them.

 

13. Long-term debt

 

     2016      2015  

Unsecured debentures

     

Series D - 5.67% debentures due September 2, 2019

   $ 498,472      $ 497,954  

Series E - 3.75% debentures due November 14, 2022

     398,346        398,097  

Series F - 5.09% debentures due November 14, 2042

     99,256        99,243  

Series G - 4.19% debentures due June 24, 2024

     497,253        496,943  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,493,327      $ 1,492,237  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cameco has a $1,250,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility that is available until November 1, 2020. 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, 2016 and 2015, there were no amounts outstanding under this facility.

Cameco has $1,658,727,000 (2015 - $1,490,809,000) in letter of credit facilities. Outstanding and committed letters of credit at December 31, 2016 amounted to $1,470,435,000 (2015 - $1,384,061,000), the majority of which relate to future decommissioning and reclamation liabilities (note 15).

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    113


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, 2016, Cameco was in compliance with the covenant and does not expect its operating and investing activities in 2017 to be constrained by it.

The table below represents currently scheduled maturities of long-term debt:

 

2017     2018     2019     2020     2021     Thereafter     Total  
$ —         —         498,472       —         —         994,855     $ 1,493,327  

 

14. Other liabilities

 

     2016      2015  

Deferred sales

   $ 29,423      $ 132,904  

Derivatives [note 25]

     58,885        168,236  

Accrued pension and post-retirement benefit liability [note 24]

     69,699        64,135  

Other

     25,725        7,980  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     183,732        373,255  

Less current portion

     (60,744      (241,113
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net

   $ 122,988      $ 132,142  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred sales includes $6,143,000 ($4,575,000 (US)) of performance obligations relating to financing arrangements entered into by NUKEM (2015 - $110,749,000 ($80,021,000 (US))) (note 7).

 

15. Provisions

 

     Reclamation      Waste disposal      Total  

Beginning of year

   $ 917,034      $ 17,724      $ 934,758  

Changes in estimates and discount rates

        

Capitalized in property, plant and equipment

     10,950        —          10,950  

Recognized in earnings

     (34,075      (265      (34,340

Provisions used during the period

     (11,117      (2,391      (13,508

Unwinding of discount [note 18]

     20,636        97        20,733  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     (9,811      —          (9,811
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 893,617      $ 15,165      $ 908,782  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

   $ 18,020      $ 1,599      $ 19,619  

Non-current

     875,597        13,566        889,163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 893,617      $ 15,165      $ 908,782  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

A. Reclamation provision

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.

 

114   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Cameco estimates total future decommissioning and reclamation costs for its existing operating assets to be $1,037,302,000 (2015 - $974,785,000). The expected timing of these outflows is based on life-of-mine plans with the majority of expenditures expected to occur after 2022. 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 $998,207,000 (2015 - $1,010,784,000) in the form of letters of credit to satisfy current regulatory requirements.

The reclamation provision relates to the following segments:

 

     2016      2015  

Uranium

   $ 645,219      $ 741,561  

Fuel services

     248,398        175,473  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 893,617      $ 917,034  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

B. Waste disposal

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 future costs related to existing waste disposal to be $14,930,000 (2015 - $17,158,000). The majority of these expenditures are expected to occur within the next three years.

 

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, and

 

    One Class B share

 

A. Common Shares

 

Number issued (number of shares)

   2016      2015  

Beginning of year

     395,792,522        395,792,522  

Issued:

     

Stock option plan [note 23]

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     395,792,522        395,792,522  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

All issued shares are fully paid.

 

B. Class B share

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.

 

C. Dividends

Dividends on Cameco Corporation common shares are declared in Canadian dollars. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the dividend declared per share was $0.40 (December 31, 2015 - $0.40).

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    115


17. 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:

 

     2016      2015  

Wages and salaries

   $ 379,620      $ 397,730  

Statutory and company benefits

     66,402        65,936  

Expenses related to defined benefit plans [note 24]

     5,128        5,003  

Expenses related to defined contribution plans [note 24]

     17,716        17,961  

Equity-settled share-based compensation [note 23]

     19,305        22,148  

Cash-settled share-based compensation [note 23]

     (822      (1,011
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 487,349      $ 507,767  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

18. Finance costs

 

     2016      2015  

Interest on long-term debt

   $ 73,434      $ 74,969  

Unwinding of discount on provisions [15]

     20,733        21,428  

Other charges

     16,860        7,101  

Interest on short-term debt

     879        117  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 111,906      $ 103,615  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

No borrowing costs were determined to be eligible for capitalization during the year.

 

19. Other income (expense)

 

     2016      2015  

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

   $ (5,935    $ 59,323  

Contract settlements

     59,027        —    

Gain on change in investment accounting

     7,032        —    

Other

     547        (4,600
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 60,671      $ 54,723  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the year, Cameco agreed to terminate two long-term supply contracts with two of its utility customers that were effective for the years 2016 through 2020 and 2016 through 2021. The resulting gain on contract settlements was $59,027,000.

Also during the year, Cameco’s share in one of its associates decreased such that equity accounting was no longer appropriate. As a result, the difference between its carrying value and fair value was recognized in other income. As an available-for-sale investment, future changes in fair value are being recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

116   CAMECO CORPORATION   


20. Income taxes

 

A. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities

 

     Recognized in earnings      As at December 31  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Assets

           

Property, plant and equipment

   $ 118,853      $ —        $ 118,853      $ —    

Provision for reclamation

     (11,001      1,572        244,012        253,821  

Foreign exploration and development

     (43      (782      5,279        5,322  

Income tax losses

     (22,093      88,186        402,550        424,344  

Defined benefit plan actuarial losses

     —          —          5,691        5,184  

Long-term investments and other

     (25,589      15,316        56,093        82,273  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

     60,127        104,292        832,478        770,944  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Property, plant and equipment

     (68,385      (111,080      —          69,875  

Inventories

     (10,144      1,984        12,430        22,574  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

     (78,529      (109,096      12,430        92,449  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 138,656      $ 213,388      $ 820,048      $ 678,495  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax allocated as

   2016      2015  

Deferred tax assets

   $ 835,985      $ 713,674  

Deferred tax liabilities

     (15,937      (35,179
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 820,048      $ 678,495  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on projections of future income, realization of these deferred tax assets is probable and consequently a deferred tax asset has been recorded.

 

B. Movement in net deferred tax assets and liabilities

 

     2016      2015  

Net deferred tax asset at beginning of year

   $ 678,495      $ 462,446  

Recovery for the year in net earnings(a)

     138,656        213,388  

Recovery (expense) for the year in other comprehensive income

     435        (669

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     2,462        3,330  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 820,048      $ 678,495  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) In 2015, we reversed amounts related to our deferred tax asset in the US totalling $72,600,000. We determined that it was no longer probable that there would be sufficient taxable profit in the future against which the operating losses and other tax deductions could be used.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    117


C. Significant components of unrecognized deferred tax assets

 

     2016      2015  

Income tax losses

   $ 284,338      $ 194,045  

Property, plant and equipment

     3,789        1,904  

Provision for reclamation

     40,749        25,952  

Long-term investments and other

     107,096        107,305  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 435,972      $ 329,206  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

D. Tax rate reconciliation

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:

 

     2016     2015  

Loss before income taxes and non-controlling interest

   $ (154,234   $ (79,268

Combined federal and provincial tax rate

     26.9     26.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Computed income tax recovery

     (41,489     (21,323

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

    

Difference between Canadian rates and rates applicable to subsidiaries in other countries

     (175,092     (197,967

Change in unrecognized deferred tax assets

     106,766       111,575  

Other taxes

     (2,278     2,172  

Share-based compensation plans

     1,221       1,528  

Change in tax provision related to transfer pricing

     8,000       (35,000

Non-deductible (non-taxable) capital amounts

     —         (2,362

Other permanent differences

     8,517       (1,253
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax recovery

   $ (94,355   $ (142,630
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

E. Earnings and income taxes by jurisdiction

 

     2016      2015  

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     

Canada

   $ (463,946    $ (959,661

Foreign

     309,712        880,393  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (154,234    $ (79,268
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current income taxes

     

Canada

   $ 3,454      $ 14,617  

Foreign

     40,847        56,141  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 44,301      $ 70,758  

Deferred income taxes (recovery)

     

Canada

   $ (120,519    $ (291,363

Foreign

     (18,137      77,975  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (138,656    $ (213,388
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax recovery

   $ (94,355    $ (142,630
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

118   CAMECO CORPORATION   


F. Reassessments

Canada

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 2011, which in aggregate have increased Cameco’s income for Canadian tax purposes by approximately $4,100,000,000. CRA has also issued notices of reassessment for transfer pricing penalties for the years 2007 through 2010 in the amount of $292,400,000. Cameco believes it is likely that CRA will reassess Cameco’s tax returns for subsequent years on a similar basis and that these will require Cameco to make future remittances or provide security on receipt of the reassessments.

Using the methodology we believe that CRA will continue to apply and including the $4,100,000,000 already reassessed, we expect to receive notices of reassessment for a total of approximately $8,100,000,000 for the years 2003 through 2016, which would increase Cameco’s income for Canadian tax purposes and result in a related tax expense of approximately $2,400,000,000. In addition to penalties already imposed, CRA may continue to apply penalties to taxation years subsequent to 2010. As a result, we estimate that cash taxes and transfer pricing penalties would be between $1,750,000,000 and $1,950,000,000. 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 $875,000,000 and $975,000,000), 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. Recently, the 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 $264,042,000 already paid as at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 - $232,614,000) (note 10). In addition to the cash remitted, we have provided $420,000,000 in letters of credit to secure 50% of the cash taxes and related interest.

The trial related to the 2003, 2005 and 2006 reassessments commenced in October, 2016. Final arguments are expected in the second half of 2017. If this timing is adhered to, we expect to have a Tax Court decision within six to 18 months after the trial is complete.

Having regard to advice from its external advisors, Cameco’s opinion is that CRA’s position is incorrect and Cameco is contesting CRA’s position and expects to recover any amounts remitted or secured as a result of the reassessments. However, to reflect the uncertainties of CRA’s appeals process and litigation, Cameco has recorded a cumulative tax provision related to this matter for the years 2003 through the current period in the amount of $58,000,000. While the resolution of this matter may result in liabilities that are higher or lower than the reserve, 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.

Further to Cameco’s decision to contest CRA’s reassessments, Cameco is pursuing its appeal rights under Canadian federal and provincial tax rules.

United States

We have received Revenue Agent’s Reports (RARs) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the taxation years 2009 to 2012, challenging the transfer pricing used under certain intercompany transactions. The RARs list the IRS’ proposed adjustments to taxable income and calculate the tax and penalties owing based on the proposed adjustments.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    119


The proposed adjustments reflected in the RARs are focused on transfer pricing in respect of certain intercompany transactions within our corporate structure. The IRS asserts that a portion of the non-US income reported under our corporate structure and taxed outside the US should be recognized and taxed in the US.

The proposed adjustments result in an increase in taxable income in the US of approximately $419,000,000 (US) and a corresponding increased income tax expense of approximately $122,000,000 (US) for the 2009 through 2012 taxation years, with interest being charged thereon. In addition, the IRS proposed cumulative penalties of approximately $8,000,000 (US) in respect of the adjustment. Having regard to advice from its external advisors, management believes that the conclusions of the IRS in the RARs are incorrect and is contesting them in an administrative appeal of the proposed adjustments. No cash payments are required while pursuing an administrative appeal. Management believes that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or liquidity in the year(s) of resolution.

 

G. Income tax losses

At December 31, 2016, income tax losses carried forward of $2,432,772,000 (2015 - $2,177,332,000) are available to reduce taxable income. These losses expire as follows:

 

Date of expiry

   Canada      US      Other      Total  

2020

   $ —        $ —        $ 1,194      $ 1,194  

2023

     —          —          9,236        9,236  

2028

     95,102        —          —          95,102  

2029

     —          27,591        —          27,591  

2030

     —          1,612        —          1,612  

2031

     101,572        23,532        —          125,104  

2032

     236,107        23,224        —          259,331  

2033

     282,856        39,590        —          322,446  

2034

     300,317        21,839        —          322,156  

2035

     332,826        15,196        —          348,022  

2036

     131,891        74,371        —          206,262  

No expiry

     —          —          714,716        714,716  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,480,671      $ 226,955      $ 725,146      $ 2,432,772  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in the table above is $912,916,000 (2015 - $615,412,000) of temporary differences related to loss carry forwards where no future benefit has been recognized.

 

120   CAMECO CORPORATION   


21. 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 2016 was 395,792,522 (2015 - 395,792,522).

 

     2016      2015  

Basic earnings (loss) per share computation

     

Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders

   $ (61,611    $ 65,286  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     395,793        395,793  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

   $ (0.16    $ 0.16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation

     

Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders

   $ (61,611    $ 65,286  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     395,793        395,793  

Dilutive effect of stock options

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution

     395,793        395,793  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

   $ (0.16    $ 0.16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

22. Statements of cash flows

 

     2016      2015  

Changes in non-cash working capital:

     

Accounts receivable

   $ 1,529      $ 216,266  

Inventories

     (73,833 )       (238,549

Supplies and prepaid expenses

     10,867        (46,620

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (17,989 )       (12,225

Reclamation payments

     (13,507      (11,807

Amortization of purchase price allocation

     27,848        16,005  

Other

     (4,049      5,312  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other operating items

   $ (69,134    $ (71,618 ) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

23. Share-based compensation plans

The Company has the following equity-settled plans:

 

A. Stock option plan

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 27,870,079 shares have been issued.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    121


Stock option transactions for the respective years were as follows:

 

(Number of options)

   2016      2015  

Beginning of year

     8,503,238        8,353,006  

Options granted

     1,273,340        965,823  

Options forfeited

     (1,156,737      (297,461

Options expired

     (599,530      (518,130
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year

     8,020,311        8,503,238  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable

     5,929,550        6,475,811  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercise prices were as follows:

 

     2016      2015  

Beginning of year

   $ 26.04      $ 28.22  

Options granted

     16.38        19.30  

Options forfeited

     25.70        29.60  

Options expired

     38.81        46.48  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 23.61      $ 26.04  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable

   $ 25.46      $ 27.34  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

            Options outstanding      Options exercisable  

Option price per share

   Number      Weighted
average
remaining
life
     Weighted
average
exercisable
price
     Number      Weighted
average
exercisable
price
 

$16.38 - 21.57  

     4,216,686        4.7      $ 19.11        2,356,058      $ 20.53  

$21.58 - 54.38  

     3,803,625        3.2      $ 28.59        3,573,492      $ 28.71  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 
     8,020,311              5,929,550     
  

 

 

             

The foregoing options have expiry dates ranging from March 15, 2017 to February 29, 2024.

Non-vested stock option transactions for the respective years were as follows:

 

(Number of options)

   2016      2015  

Beginning of year

     2,027,427        2,533,754  

Options granted

     1,273,340        965,823  

Options forfeited

     (143,719      (17,320

Options vested

     (1,066,287      (1,454,830
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year

     2,090,761        2,027,427  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

122   CAMECO CORPORATION   


B. Executive performance share unit (PSU)

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. 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, 2016, the total number of PSUs held by the participants, after adjusting for forfeitures on retirement, was 892,895 (2015 - 791,071).

 

C. Restricted share unit (RSU)

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. As of December 31, 2016, the total number of RSUs held by the participants was 557,957 (2015 - 479,320).

 

D. Employee share ownership plan

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, 2016, there were 3,356 participants in the plan (2015 - 3,659). The total number of shares purchased in 2016 with Company contributions was 404,550 (2015 - 309,251). In 2016, the Company’s contributions totalled $5,204,000 (2015 - $5,295,000).

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:

 

     2016      2015  

Stock option plan

   $ 4,588      $ 5,610  

Performance share unit plan

     5,572        6,574  

Restricted share unit plan

     3,941        4,669  

Employee share ownership plan

     5,204        5,295  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 19,305      $ 22,148  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    123


The inputs used in the measurement of the fair values at grant date of the equity-settled share-based payment plans were as follows:

 

     Stock option plan     PSU     RSU  

Number of options granted

     1,273,340       411,490       329,422  

Average strike price

   $ 16.38       —       $ 16.46  

Expected dividend

   $ 0.40       —         —    

Expected volatility

     32     31     —    

Risk-free interest rate

     0.7     0.5     —    

Expected life of option

     4.7 years       3 years       —    

Expected forfeitures

     7     5     8

Weighted average grant date fair values

   $ 3.49     $ 16.35     $ 16.46  

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:

 

A. Deferred share unit (DSU)

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. 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, 2016, the total number of DSUs held by participating directors was 514,352 (2015 - 623,534).

 

B. Phantom stock option

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, 2016, the number of options held by participating employees was 347,858 (2015 - 290,833) with exercise prices ranging from $16.38 to $39.53 per share (2015 - $19.30 to $39.53) and a weighted average exercise price of $24.13 (2015 - $26.05).

Cameco has recognized the following expenses (recoveries) under its cash-settled plans:

 

     2016      2015  

Deferred share unit plan

   $ (739    $ (1,088

Phantom stock option plan

     (83      77  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (822    $ (1,011 ) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2016, a liability of $7,558,000 (2015 - $11,063,000) was included in the consolidated statements of financial position to recognize accrued but unpaid expenses for cash-settled plans.

 

124   CAMECO CORPORATION   


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:

 

     Grant date     Reporting date  
     March 1, 2016     December 31, 2016  

Number of units

     93,655       347,858  

Average strike price

   $ 16.38     $ 24.13  

Expected dividend

   $ 0.40     $ 0.40  

Expected volatility

     32     33

Risk-free interest rate

     0.6     0.9

Expected life of option

     4.5 years       3.4 years  

Expected forfeitures

     7     7

Weighted average measurement date fair values

   $ 3.61     $ 1.06  

 

24. 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.

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 $1,671,000 in contributions and letter of credit fees to its defined benefit plans in 2017.

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 valuations for funding purposes on the registered defined benefit pension plans is January 1, 2015. The next planned effective date for valuations is January 1, 2018.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    125


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      Other benefit plans  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

   $ 10,632      $ 10,877      $ —        $ —    

Interest income on plan assets

     403        406        —          —    

Return on assets excluding interest income

     (127      1,960        —          —    

Benefits paid

     (2,254      (2,581      —          —    

Administrative costs paid

     (2      (30      —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets, end of year

   $ 8,652      $ 10,632      $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Defined benefit obligation, beginning of year

   $ 52,996      $ 52,440      $ 21,771      $ 20,107  

Current service cost

     1,634        1,744        1,153        1,195  

Interest cost

     1,842        1,627        900        813  

Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:

           

- demographic assumptions

     —          —          —          38  

- financial assumptions

     677        (1,007      373        (1,228

- experience adjustment

     1,605        (195      161        1,671  

Benefits paid

     (2,970      (3,175      (937      (825

Foreign exchange

     (854      1,562        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Defined benefit obligation, end of year

   $ 54,930      $ 52,996      $ 23,421      $ 21,771  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Defined benefit liability [note 14]

   $ (46,278    $ (42,364    $ (23,421    $ (21,771
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The percentages of the total fair value of assets in the pension plans for each asset category at December 31 were as follows:

 

     Pension benefit plans  
     2016     2015  

Asset category(a)

    

Canadian equity securities

     8 %      8

Global equity securities

     15 %      16

Canadian fixed income

     26 %      25

Other(b)

     51 %      51
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) The defined benefit plan assets contain no material amounts of related party assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 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.

 

126   CAMECO CORPORATION   


The following represents the components of net pension and other benefit expense included primarily as part of administration:

 

     Pension benefit plans      Other benefit plans  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Current service cost

   $ 1,634      $ 1,744      $ 1,153      $ 1,195  

Net interest cost

     1,439        1,221        900        813  

Administration cost

     2        30        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Defined benefit expense [note 17]

     3,075        2,995        2,053        2,008  

Defined contribution pension expense [note 17]

     17,716        17,961        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net pension and other benefit expense

   $ 20,791      $ 20,956      $ 2,053      $ 2,008  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The total amount of actuarial losses (gains) recognized in other comprehensive income is:

 

     Pension benefit plans      Other benefit plans  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Actuarial loss (gain)

   $ 2,282      $ (1,202    $ 534      $ 481  

Return on plan assets excluding interest income

     127        (1,960      —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,409      $ (3,162    $ 534      $ 481  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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):

 

     Pension benefit plans     Other benefit plans  
     2016     2015     2016     2015  

Discount rate - obligation

     3.9     3.9     3.9     4.0

Discount rate - expense

     3.9     3.4     4.0     3.9

Rate of compensation increase

     3.0     3.0     —         —    

Initial health care cost trend rate

     —         —         7.0     7.0

Cost trend rate declines to

     —         —         5.0     5.0

Year the rate reaches its final level

     —         —         2021       2021  

Dental care cost trend rate

     —         —         5.0     5.0

At December 31, 2016, the weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation for the pension plans was 19.6 years (2015 - 19.6 years) and for the other benefit plans was 15.2 years (2015 - 15.0 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      Other benefit plans  
     Increase      Decrease      Increase      Decrease  

Discount rate

   $ (6,748    $ 8,782      $ (3,213    $ 4,080  

Rate of compensation increase

     2,624        (2,379      n/a        n/a  

A 1% change in any of the other assumptions would not have a significant impact on the defined benefit obligation.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    127


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, 2016. 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 $1,294,000.

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.

 

25. 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.

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:

 

A. Commodity price risk

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 $9,907,000 ($7,379,000 (US)). A 30% increase would have an equal but opposite impact.

 

128   CAMECO CORPORATION   


B. Foreign exchange risk

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.

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:

 

            Carrying value         
     Currency      (Cdn)      Gain (loss)  

Cash and cash equivalents

     USD      $ 41,733      $ 2,087  

Accounts receivable

     USD        222,627        11,131  

Long-term receivables, investments and other

     USD        95,061        4,753  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     USD        (137,324      (6,866

Net foreign currency derivatives

     USD        (25,166      (57,266

A 5% strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the currencies above at December 31, 2016 would have had an equal but opposite effect on the amounts shown above, assuming all other variables remained constant.

 

C. Interest rate risk

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, 2016, the proportion of Cameco’s outstanding debt that carries fixed interest rates is 80% (2015 - 80%).

Cameco is exposed to interest rate risk through its interest rate swap contracts whereby fixed rate payments on a notional amount of $300,000,000 of the Series D senior unsecured debentures were swapped for variable rate payments. The 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 3.7% and receives fixed interest payments of 5.67%. At December 31, 2016, the fair value of Cameco’s interest rate swap assets was $6,547,000 (2015 - $10,783,000).

Cameco is also exposed to interest rate risk on its loan facility with Inkai and on NUKEM’s multicurrency revolving loan facility due to the variable nature of the interest rates contained in the terms therein.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    129


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:

 

     Gain (loss)  

Interest rate contracts

   $ (3,021

Advances receivable from Inkai

     892  

No amounts were drawn against NUKEM’s revolving loan facility as of December 31, 2016.

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. 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. To mitigate risks associated with certain financial assets, Cameco will hold positions with a variety of large creditworthy institutions.

The maximum exposure to credit risk, as represented by the carrying amount of the financial assets, at December 31 was:

 

     2016      2015  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 320,278      $ 458,604  

Accounts receivable [note 6]

     238,514        240,626  

Advances receivable from Inkai [note 30]

     90,095        87,188  

Derivative assets [note 10]

     10,612        11,143  

Other

     4,966        3,446  

At December 31, 2016, 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. All accounts receivable at the reporting date are neither past due nor impaired.

Cameco has established programs for sales without recourse of trade accounts receivable to financial institutions. Through these programs, the Company surrenders the control, risks and benefits associated with the accounts receivable sold. The amount of receivables sold is recorded as a sale of financial assets and the balances are removed from the consolidated statement of financial position at the time of sale. The total amount of receivables sold under these programs and derecognized in accordance with IAS 39 during 2016 was $214,428,000 ($159,551,000 (USD)) (2015 - $201,992,000 ($152,410,000 (USD))).

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.

 

130   CAMECO CORPORATION   


The table below outlines the Company’s available debt facilities at December 31, 2016:

 

     Total amount      Outstanding and
committed
     Amount available  

Unsecured revolving credit facility

   $ 1,250,000      $ —        $ 1,250,000  

Letter of credit facilities

     1,658,727        1,470,435        188,292  

NUKEM multicurrency revolving loan facility

     106,268        143        106,125  

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
     Due in
less than
1 year
     Due in 1-3
years
     Due in 3-5
years
     Due after 5
years
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 312,900      $ 312,900      $ 312,900      $ —        $ —        $ —    

Dividends payable

     39,579        39,579        39,579        —          —          —    

Long-term debt

     1,493,327        1,500,000        —          500,000        —          1,000,000  

Foreign currency contracts

     29,231        29,231        15,548        13,683        —          —    

Other derivative liabilities

     29,654        29,654        9,418        20,236        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual repayments

   $ 1,904,691      $ 1,911,364      $ 377,445      $ 533,919      $ —        $ 1,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Total      Due in
less than
1 year
     Due in 1-3
years
     Due in 3-5
years
     Due after 5
years
 

Total interest payments on long-term debt

   $ 474,990      $ 69,390      $ 138,780      $ 82,080      $ 184,740  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    131


Measurement of fair values

 

A. Accounting classifications and fair values

The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and accounting classifications of Cameco’s financial instruments at the reporting date:

 

At December 31, 2016

 

     Fair value
through
profit or loss
    Loans and
receivables
     Available for
sale
     Other
financial
liabilities
    Total  

Financial assets

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —       $ 320,278      $ —        $ —       $ 320,278  

Accounts receivable [note 6]

     —         242,482        —          —         242,482  

Derivative assets [note 10]

            

Foreign currency contracts

     4,065       —          —          —         4,065  

Interest rate contracts

     6,547       —          —          —         6,547  

Investments in equity securities [note 10]

     —         —          14,807        —         14,807  

Advances receivable from Inkai [note 30]

     —         90,095        —          —         90,095  

Other

     —         4,966        —          —         4,966  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 10,612     $ 657,821      $ 14,807      $ —       $ 683,240  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

            

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities [note 11]

   $ —       $ —        $ —        $ 312,900     $ 312,900  

Dividends payable

     —         —          —          39,579       39,579  

Derivative liabilities [note 14]

            

Foreign currency contracts

     29,231       —          —          —         29,231  

Uranium contracts

     29,654       —          —          —         29,654  

Long-term debt [note 13]

     —         —          —          1,493,327       1,493,327  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     58,885       —          —          1,845,806       1,904,691  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net

   $ (48,273   $ 657,821      $ 14,807      $ (1,845,806   $ (1,221,451
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2015

            
     Fair value
through
profit or loss
    Loans and
receivables
     Available for
sale
     Other
financial
liabilities
    Total  

Financial assets

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —       $ 458,604      $ —        $ —       $ 458,604  

Accounts receivable [note 6]

     —         246,865        —          —         246,865  

Derivative assets [note 10]

            

Foreign currency contracts

     360       —          —          —         360  

Interest rate contracts

     10,783       —          —          —         10,783  

Investments in equity securities [note 10]

     —         —          938        —         938  

Advances receivable from Inkai [note 30]

     —         87,188        —          —         87,188  

Other

     —         3,446        —          —         3,446  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 11,143     $ 796,103      $ 938      $ —       $ 808,184  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

            

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities [note 11]

   $ —       $ —        $ —        $ 317,856     $ 317,856  

Dividends payable

     —         —          —          39,579       39,579  

Derivative liabilities [note 14]

            

Foreign currency contracts

     167,420       —          —          —         167,420  

Other

     816       —          —          —         816  

Long-term debt [note 13]

     —         —          —          1,492,237       1,492,237  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     168,236       —          —          1,849,672       2,017,908  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net

   $ (157,093   $ 796,103      $ 938      $ (1,849,672   $ (1,209,724
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

132   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Cameco does not have any financial instruments classified as held-for-trading, or held-to-maturity as of the reporting date.

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, 2016

 

            Fair value  
     Carrying value      Level 1      Level 2      Total  

Derivative assets [note 10]

           

Foreign currency contracts

   $ 4,065      $ —        $ 4,065      $ 4,065  

Interest rate contracts

     6,547        —          6,547        6,547  

Investments in equity securities [note 10]

     14,807        14,807        —          14,807  

Derivative liabilities [note 14]

           

Foreign currency contracts

     (29,231      —          (29,231      (29,231

Uranium contracts

     (29,654      —          (29,654      (29,654

Long-term debt [note 13]

     (1,493,327      —          (1,721,805      (1,721,805
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net

   $ (1,526,793    $ 14,807      $ (1,770,078    $ (1,755,271
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2015

 

            Fair value  
     Carrying value      Level 1      Level 2      Total  

Derivative assets [note 10]

           

Foreign currency contracts

   $ 360      $ —        $ 360      $ 360  

Interest rate contracts

     10,783        —          10,783        10,783  

Investments in equity securities [note 10]

     938        938        —          938  

Derivative liabilities [note 14]

           

Foreign currency contracts

     (167,420      —          (167,420      (167,420

Share purchase options

     (816      —          (816      (816

Long-term debt [note 13]

     (1,492,237      —          (1,786,567      (1,786,567
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net

   $ (1,648,392    $ 938      $ (1,943,660    $ (1,942,722
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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, 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.

 

B. Financial instruments measured at fair value

Cameco measures its derivative financial instruments, material investments in equity securities 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 long-term debt is determined using quoted market yields as of the reporting date, which ranged from 0.8% to 2.3% (2015 - 0.6% to 2.2%).

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    133


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.

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:

 

     2016      2015  

Non-hedge derivatives:

     

Foreign currency contracts

   $ (25,166    $ (167,060

Interest rate contracts

     6,547        10,783  

Contract derivatives

     (29,654      (816
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net

   $ (48,273    $ (157,093
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Classification:

     

Current portion of long-term receivables, investments and other [note 10]

   $ 4,119      $ 3,823  

Long-term receivables, investments and other [note 10]

     6,493        7,320  

Current portion of other liabilities [note 14]

     (24,966      (168,236

Other liabilities [note 14]

     (33,919      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net

   $ (48,273    $ (157,093
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

134   CAMECO CORPORATION   


The following table summarizes the different components of the gains (losses) on derivatives included in net earnings:

 

     2016      2015  

Non-hedge derivatives:

     

Foreign currency contracts

   $ 59,398      $ (292,039

Interest rate contracts

     (1,016      10,708  

Uranium contracts

     (23,975      721  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net

   $ 34,407      $ (280,610
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

26. Capital management

Cameco’s capital structure reflects our vision and the environment in which we operate. We seek growth through development and expansion of existing assets by acquisition. Our capital resources are managed to support achievement of our goals. The overall objectives for managing capital in 2016 remained unchanged from the prior comparative period.

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.

The capital structure at December 31 was as follows:

 

     2016      2015  

Long-term debt [note 13]

   $ 1,493,327      $ 1,492,237  

Cash and cash equivalents

     (320,278      (458,604
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net debt

     1,173,049        1,033,633  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

     157        (1,741

Shareholders’ equity

     5,258,371        5,547,020  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

     5,258,528        5,545,279  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capital

   $ 6,431,577      $ 6,578,912  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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, 2016, Cameco met these requirements.

The terms of NUKEM’s revolving loan facility contain a financial covenant that places restrictions on total debt and working capital balances. The facility also requires Cameco, as guarantor, to maintain a minimum credit rating. As of December 31, 2016 the Company is in compliance with all requirements under this facility.

 

27. Segmented information

Cameco has three reportable segments: uranium, fuel services and NUKEM. The uranium segment involves the exploration for, mining, milling, purchase and sale of uranium concentrate. The fuel services segment involves the refining, conversion and fabrication of uranium concentrate and the purchase and sale of conversion services. The NUKEM segment acts as a market intermediary between uranium producers and nuclear-electric utilities.

Cameco’s reportable segments are strategic business units with different products, processes and marketing strategies.

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.

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    135


A. Business segments - 2016

For the year ended December 31, 2016

 

     Uranium     Fuel
services
    NUKEM     Other     Total  

Revenue

   $ 1,717,896     $ 321,374     $ 391,402     $ 732     $ 2,431,404  

Expenses

          

Cost of products and services sold

     993,012       223,991       380,695       (1,463     1,596,235  

Depreciation and amortization

     281,159       33,951       38,273       18,306       371,689  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of sales

     1,274,171       257,942       418,968       16,843       1,967,924  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss)

     443,725       63,432       (27,566     (16,111     463,480  

Administration

     —         —         20,088       186,564       206,652  

Impairment charges

     361,989       —         —         —         361,989  

Exploration

     42,579       —         —         —         42,579  

Research and development

     —         —         —         4,952       4,952  

Other operating income

     (34,075     —         —         —         (34,075

Loss on disposal of assets

     22,787       221       160       —         23,168  

Finance costs

     —         —         4,056       107,850       111,906  

Gain on derivatives

     —         —         (6,530     (27,877     (34,407

Finance income

     —         —         (396     (3,983     (4,379

Other expense (income)

     (56,219     (10,372     329       5,591       (60,671
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     106,664       73,583       (45,273     (289,208     (154,234

Income tax recovery

             (94,355
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

             (59,879
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital expenditures for the year

   $ 201,722     $ 13,983     $ 1,203     $ —       $ 216,908  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

136   CAMECO CORPORATION   


For the year ended December 31, 2015

 

     Uranium      Fuel
services
     NUKEM     Other     Total  

Revenue

   $ 1,866,198      $ 318,999      $ 553,665     $ 15,516     $ 2,754,378  

Expenses

            

Cost of products and services sold

     989,239        226,854        516,880       11,842       1,744,815  

Depreciation and amortization

     269,084        30,670        (5,103     17,867       312,518  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of sales

     1,258,323        257,524        511,777       29,709       2,057,333  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss)

     607,875        61,475        41,888       (14,193     697,045  

Administration

     —          —          18,130       168,680       186,810  

Impairment charges

     215,488        —          —         —         215,488  

Exploration

     40,259        —          —         —         40,259  

Research and development

     —          —          —         6,587       6,587  

Loss on disposal of assets

     1,753        564        9       —         2,326  

Finance costs

     —          —          4,593       99,022       103,615  

Loss (gain) on derivatives

     —          —          (587     281,197       280,610  

Finance income

     —          —          (3     (5,414     (5,417

Share of loss from equity-accounted investees

     758        —          —         —         758  

Other expense (income)

     4,600        —          1,899       (61,222     (54,723
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     345,017        60,911        17,847       (503,043     (79,268

Income tax recovery

               (142,630
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

               63,362  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital expenditures for the year

   $ 344,610      $ 13,952      $ —       $ —       $ 358,562  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

B. Geographic segments

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:

 

     2016      2015  

United States

   $ 1,902,679      $ 2,135,977  

Canada

     347,536        341,568  

Germany

     181,189        276,833  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,431,404      $ 2,754,378  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s non-current assets, excluding deferred tax assets and financial instruments, by geographic location are as follows:

 

     2016      2015  

Canada

   $ 3,665,558      $ 3,867,740  

Australia

     420,448        684,261  

United States

     327,266        429,815  

Kazakhstan

     318,006        327,847  

Germany

     127,618        135,627  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 4,858,896      $ 5,445,290  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    137


C. Major customers

Cameco relies on a small number of customers to purchase a significant portion of its uranium concentrates and uranium conversion services. During 2016, revenues from one customer of Cameco’s uranium, fuel services and NUKEM segments represented approximately $223,268,000 (2015 - $320,312,000), approximately 9% (2015 - 12%) 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.

 

28. Group entities

The following are the principal subsidiaries and associates of the Company:

 

     Principal place    Ownership interest  
    

of business

   2016     2015  

Subsidiaries:

       

Cameco Fuel Manufacturing Inc.

   Canada      100     100

Cameco Inc.

   US      100     100

Power Resources, Inc.

   US      100     100

Crow Butte Resources, Inc.

   US      100     100

NUKEM Investments GmbH

   Germany      100     100

Cameco Australia Pty. Ltd.

   Australia      100     100

Cameco Europe Ltd.

   Switzerland      100     100

Associate

       

GE-Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment LLC

   US      24.00     24.00

 

29. 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. The participants in the Inkai joint operation purchase uranium from Inkai and, in turn, derive revenue directly from the sale of such product to third-party customers. Mining and milling expenses incurred by joint operations are included in the cost of inventory.

 

138   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Cameco reflects its proportionate interest in these assets and liabilities as follows:

 

     Principal place
of business
     Ownership     2016      2015  

Total assets

          

McArthur River

     Canada        69.81   $ 1,093,254      $ 1,107,017  

Key Lake

     Canada        83.33     571,183        629,075  

Cigar Lake

     Canada        50.03     1,591,489        1,674,805  

Inkai

     Kazakhstan        60.00     408,077        436,611  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
        $ 3,664,003      $ 3,847,508  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

          

McArthur River

        69.81   $ 43,189      $ 49,986  

Key Lake

        83.33     150,847        174,654  

Cigar Lake

        50.03     37,888        39,201  

Inkai

        60.00     175,725        176,163  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
        $ 407,649      $ 440,004  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Through unsecured shareholder loans, Cameco has agreed to fund the development of the Inkai project. Cameco eliminates the loan balances recorded by Inkai and records advances receivable (notes 10 and 30) representing its 40% share.

 

30. Related parties

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%.

Transactions with key management personnel

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 24). Senior management and directors also participate in the Company’s share-based compensation plans (note 23).

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:

 

     2016      2015  

Short-term employee benefits

   $ 17,673      $ 20,271  

Share-based compensation

     10,464        12,749  

Post-employment benefits

     5,910        5,787  

Termination benefits

     608        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 34,655      $ 38,807  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Excludes deferred share units held by directors (see note 23).

 

   2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES    139


Other related party transactions

Through unsecured shareholder loans, Cameco has agreed to fund Inkai’s project development costs as well as further evaluation on block 3. The limits of the loan facilities are $175,000,000 (US) and advances under these facilities bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2%. At December 31, 2016, $167,750,000 (US) of principal and interest was outstanding (2015 - $157,492,000 (US)).

Cameco’s share of outstanding principal and interest was $90,095,000 at December 31, 2016 (2015 - $87,188,000) (note 10). For the year ended December 31, 2016, Cameco recorded interest income of $2,155,000 relating to this balance (2015 - $2,007,000).

 

140   CAMECO CORPORATION   


Investor Information   

Common Shares

Toronto (CCO) I New York (CCJ)

Transfer Agents and Registrars

The registrar and transfer agent for Cameco’s common shares is CST Trust Company. For information on common shareholdings, dividend cheques, lost share certificates and address changes, contact:

 

 Canada

CST Trust Company

P.O. Box 700, Station B

Montreal, Quebec H3B 3K3

  

USA

American Stock Transfer &

Trust Company, LLC

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11219

 Telephone

1-800-387-0825 or

1-416-682-3860 (outside of North America)

 

www.canstockta.com

  

 

  

Inquiries

  

Cameco Corporation

  

2121 - 11th Street West

  

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7M 1J3

  

For comprehensive

  

financial information, visit:

Phone: 306-956-6200

  

Fax: 306-956-6201

   cameco.com
  

 

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of shareholders of

Cameco Corporation is scheduled to

be held on May 11, 2017 at Cameco’s head

office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

  

Dividends

The board of directors has established a quarterly

dividend of $0.10 ($0.40 per year) per common

share. The dividend is reviewed quarterly based on

our cash flow, earnings, financial position and

other relevant factors.