A handful managed to outperform the 7.5% gains posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), while many ended the year deep in the red.

The year just past was a very different picture to what most ASX uranium shares experienced in 2023 when the uranium price rocketed to new 16-year highs.

But after uranium topped US$106 per pound in January 2024, some of the heat came out of the market over the rest of the year, with the price sliding below US$75 per pound in December.

Though it's worth noting that prior to the 2023 rally, you'd still have to go all the way back to mid-2008 to find the nuclear fuel trading above US$75 per pound.

With this picture in mind, here are five of the best-performing ASX uranium shares to have bought and held in 2024.

Five top-performing ASX uranium shares of 2024

The first ASX uranium shares that outperformed most of its peers in 2024 is Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL).

The year just past saw Deep Yellow progressing with its strategy to establish a multi-mine company with the capacity to produce more than 10 million pounds of the nuclear fuel per year. The uranium miner has two advanced projects: Tumas, located in Namibia, and Mulga Rock, in Western Australia.

Deep Yellow shares closed out 2023 trading for $1.09 apiece. On 31 December 2024, shares ended the day at $1.13, up 3.7% over the year. Longer-term, at today's intraday prices, the Deep Yellow share price has gained 369% over five years.

The second best-performing ASX uranium share on my list for 2024 is NexGen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG). The company's primary focus is its Rook I uranium project in Saskatchewan, Canada.

NexGen shares ended 2023 trading for $10.06 apiece and closed out 2024 at $10.81, up 7.5%. Longer-term, NexGen shares have gained 71% since July 2021.

Moving on to our third ASX uranium stock that outpaced the pack in 2024, we have Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN). The company's flagship Etango project, located in Namibia, has been labelled as one of the world's largest undeveloped uranium assets.

Bannerman shares ended 2023 trading for $2.69 and finished 2024 at $2.90, putting the Bannerman share price up 7.8%. Longer-term, the Bannerman share price is up 725% over five years.

Which brings us to the second best ASX uranium share on my list to have bought and held throughout 2024, Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY). Berkely Energia primary focus is bringing its Salamanca uranium project, located near Madrid, Spain, into production.

Berkley Energia shares ended 2023 trading at 28 cents apiece and closed 2024 at 32 cents each, up 14.3%. Over the past five years, shares have gained 59%.

And the winner is…

Moving on to our top-performing ASX uranium share, we have Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX).

Now, Silex Systems is not a uranium miner or explorer. Rather, the Aussie tech company focuses on commercialising its SILEX laser-based enrichment technology for the global uranium enrichment industry.

Silex shares closed out 2023 at $4.35 apiece and ended 2024 trading for $5.05, up 16.1% over the year. Longer term, the Silex Systems share price is up a whopping 1,369% over five years.

The post 5 of the best ASX uranium shares to buy and hold in 2024 revealed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY)

The Berkeley Energia share price is down 33% to 46 cents. This appears to be due to concerns over the Spanish general election. The uranium developer's shares have been rallying strongly recently amid hopes that a new uranium-friendly government would get into power. But the results are now too close to call. Berkeley Energia has been having permitting issues in the country.

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

The Core Lithium share price has sunk 14% to 74.7 cents. Investors have been hitting the sell button after this lithium miner's guidance for FY 2024 and FY 2025 disappointed. In respect to the former, Core Lithium expects spodumene production of 80,000 to 90,000 tonnes. This is lower than study estimates due mainly to lower recoveries, mine plan adjustments, and mining rates. Production is then expected to fall in FY 2025.

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

The Ioneer share price is down 6% to 31 cents. This morning, this lithium-boron developer released its quarterly update. However, the decline in its share price appears to be due largely to broad weakness in the lithium industry today. This has seen most lithium shares drop deep into the red this afternoon.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price is down almost 2.5% to $3.73. Although this mining giant reported that it had a strong fourth quarter in FY 2023, investors have been overlooking this due to a big piece of news. That news is that South32 plans to make a US$1.3 billion impairment on the Hermosa project. This reflects delays from the impact of COVID-19, significant dewatering requirements, and current inflationary market conditions.

The post Why Berkeley Energia, Core Lithium, Ioneer, and South32 shares are falling appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY) just soared 28% from 39 cents to 50 cents before slightly retreating. The company's share price is now up 20.51% and fetching 47 cents.

Let's take a look at what is going on with this ASX energy share today.

What's the deal?

Berkeley Energy shares are rising after the company's European listing charged higher overnight.

Berkeley Energia Ltd (FRA: B5R) soared 25% to 0.30 Euros on the European market.

News that Spain will be holding an election on July 23 appeared to provide this share with a boost. Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez has called a snap election following "heavy losses" in local and regional polls.

Spanish news outlet El Pais said investors believe a potential change in Government in Spain could unlock Berkeley's uranium mine project in the province of Salamanca, Spain.

Spanish authorities have so far refused to allow Berkeley to construct the uranium mine despite court challenges.

According to Berkeley, the application has been rejected "without following a legally established procedure".

Berkeley, a clean energy company, aims to bring this uranium project to production and provide more than four million pounds of uranium a year to the European market. This would be equivalent to a third of all energy produced in Spain.

Commenting on the uranium market as part of a quarterly report in April, Berkeley said:

The outlook for nuclear power and the uranium market continued to strengthen during the quarter.
Demand for nuclear power is stable to growing through life extensions and new construction…

The company reported it has $78 million in cash reserves and had no debt at 31 March.

Berkeley Energia share price snapshot

The Berkeley Energia share price has rocketed 31% higher in the last year.

This ASX energy share has a market cap of about $209.52 million based on the latest share price.

The post Why did this ASX energy share just rocket 28%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company's shares have skyrocketed nearly 157% since the market close on 24 February. The shares were swapping hands at 56 cents, up 21.74% at the close of trading today.

Let's take a look at what has been going on with this ASX uranium miner.

This ASX uranium share is surging

The Berkeley share price has soared amid rising uranium prices. Trading economics data reveals the uranium price has surged 34% in a month and 97% in a year. Uranium futures hit more than US$59 a pound amid concerns over Russian supplies.

Berkeley has also explained possible reasons for the share price gains. On 17 March, the company responded to a price and volume query from the ASX.

The company said it noted recent rises in the trading of its shares on the Spanish Stock Exchange. Berkeley explained Russia's invasion of Ukraine had led to high energy and uranium prices in Europe. Berkeley added:

There have been news articles in the Spanish and European press referring to nuclear power being assessed as a viable alternative to decrease Europe's dependence on Russian energy.

This has already seen the French government order its state energy company, EDF, to establish new reactors as part of plan to strengthen France's energy security and to sell more nuclear power into the European energy market, and other European governments commence reviews of their existing energy policies.

This has led to the significant strengthening of the uranium spot price.

Berkeley shares have surged nearly 186% since 24 February on the Spanish Stock Exchange. On the London Stock Exchange, the company's listing has soared nearly 175%.

In H1 FY22 results on 15 March, the explorer reported a net profit of more than $3 million.

This compared to a $32.6 million loss in the prior corresponding period. The outlook for nuclear power improved during the half. Berkeley noted China is planning at least 150 new nuclear reactors in the next 15 years.

The company also noted a US congress infrastructure bill including US$6 billion for existing zero-carbon nuclear facilities. France is also planning to build more nuclear reactors, Berkeley reported.

Berkeley share price snapshot

The Berkeley share price has fallen 10% in the past 12 months, while it is up 146% this year to date.

In the past month, Berkeley shares have soared 163%, including a 69% rise in just the past week.

Berkeley has a market capitalisation of about $252 million based on the current share price.

The post This ASX uranium share has rocketed 157% in a month. What's the deal? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the energy company have tumbled after the company released an announcement earlier today.

The Berkeley share price was down more than 50% after hitting an intra-day low of 31 cents. At the time of writing shares in Berkeley have recovered slightly, to be down around 41% for the day.

Lets take a look at what Berkeley announced and why investors are dumping shares in the company.

Berkeley share price tanks on Permitting Update

Earlier today, Berkeley released a permitting update regarding the company's proposed Salamanca uranium mine.

According to the release, the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (NSC) issued an unfavourable report for the construction of the uranium concentrate plant as a radioactive facility, citing safety concerns.

Berkley expressed its disappointment in not receiving any official notification from the NSC. Instead, the company highlighted that the outcomes of the NSC board meeting were published on the regulator's website.

Berkeley commenced the application process for approval of the Salamanca mine in 2016. The company highlighted that more than 120 previous permits and favourable reports have been granted for the project.

In the release, Berkeley noted that the company intends to defend its position and will immediately consider a range of legal options available.

Berkeley highlighted that the NSC is the only pending approval required to commence full construction of the Salamanca mine.  

More on Berkeley

Berkeley is a London-based, clean energy company that is listed on both the London and Australian Stock Exchange.

The company's main operations have been focused on starting production at its wholly-owned Salamanca uranium project in Spain.

As noted previously, Berkeley has submitted more than 120 permits to bring its Salamanca mine into production.

Today's permitting update was the last approval the company required to commence construction of the uranium concentrate plant and its classification as a radioactive facility.  

In 2016, a definitive feasibility study (DFS) showed that the Salamanca project had the potential for low-cost production. Production costs at Salamanca have been estimated at a total cash cost of US$15.06 per pound.

However, approval of Berkeley's Salamanca mine has been controversial in the region due to the harmful environmental impacts.

The post Here's why the Berkeley (ASX:BKY) share price is tanking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Berkely Energia is the only ASX-listed miner focusing on Spain and reports that it has invested EUR70 million over the last 10 years in the Salamanca mine, with plans to invest another EUR250 million over time if it gets the right regulatory approvals.

The project is controversial due to the harmful environmental impacts associated with uranium mining, but Berkely Energia claims the project could create up to 2,500 direct or indirect jobs over time.

As its mine is not operational the miner has no cash flow to speak of for the quarter ending September 30 2018 and posted an operating loss of $2.4 million, but it does have a very strong balance sheet with $100 million cash on hand.

The post Why the Berkeley Energia Ltd share price is soaring today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four shares that fallen more than most today are listed below. Here's why they have dropped lower:

The Bellamy's Australia Ltd (ASX: BAL) share price has fallen 7.5% to $8.48. On Wednesday the infant formula company's shares rocketed higher after rival A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) provided a positive trading update. I suspect that some traders have decided to take profit on Bellamy's shares today.

The Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY) share price has plunged 21% lower to 26.5 cents. The uranium company's shares have come under pressure this week after CNBC reported that the Spanish government planned to block its open-cast uranium mine in Salamanca. The company responded to the media reports this morning by saying that it has received no official notice from the Nuclear Safety Council nor any other government department to date. This hasn't been enough to stop some shareholders from hitting the sell button.

The Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) share price has dropped 4.5% to $6.24. Shareholders appear to be disappointed with the building materials company's decision to sell its U.S. Block business for US$156 million to Quikrete Holdings. The company's CEO and managing director, Mike Kane, defended the sale, saying that "while the Block business has performed well, Boral is focusing on its core building products and fly ash businesses in North America, its gypsum-based wall and ceilings business in USG Boral and construction materials in Australia."

The Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) share price has sunk over 4% lower to $2.23 following the release of its third quarter update. During the quarter Galaxy produced 29,555 dry metric tonnes of concentrate, down 35% on the previous quarter. Management blamed the production decline on lower feed grade and reduced recoveries arising from delays in the completion of its Yield Optimisation Project. It also reported a 23% decline in its cash margin per tonne to US$411 due to higher unit costs of production arising from its lower production.

The post Why these 4 ASX shares dropped lower today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While this is disappointing, spare a thought for the shareholders of the three shares listed below which have been thoroughly beaten down during the period. Are they in the bargain bin now?

The Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY) share price is down 66% over the last 12 months. The majority of this decline has come in recent days after reports emerged claiming that the Spanish government planned to block its open-cast uranium mine in Salamanca. According to CNBC, the Spanish government has decided not to deliver the permits necessary to open the mine. The company responded to the media reports by saying that it has received no official notice from the Nuclear Safety Council nor any other government department to date. But judging by the selloff, shareholders appear to believe it is only a matter of time before it receives notice. I would keep clear of its shares.

The Bionomics Ltd (ASX: BNO) share price has shed 62% of its value since this time last year. Like Berkeley Energia, the majority of this decline has come in recent weeks. Shareholders have been heading to the exits in their droves after Bionomics revealed disappointing results from the phase 2 clinical trial of its BNC210 novel drug candidate in patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The trial did not meet its primary endpoint of a decrease in PTSD symptoms as measured by Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) at 12 weeks. As BNC210 had enormous promise, this news has been a bitter blow to the company's prospects. I'd stay away from Bionomics following this disappointing development.

The BWX Ltd (ASX: BWX) share price is down 47% over the last 12 months. The slowing sales of its key Sukin brand and the disappointing performance of its acquisitions has weighed heavily on its shares this year. In addition to this, the withdrawal of a takeover approach from the Bain consortium has put a lot of selling pressure on its shares. I think the selloff may have been overdone, potentially making BWX a bargain buy now. However, it may be prudent to wait for a trading update at its AGM at the end of the month before investing.

The post Should you buy these beaten down ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they have tumbled lower:

The Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY) share price fell 30% to 33.5 cents before being placed in a trading halt. The trading halt was requested so that the uranium company could prepare a response to recent media articles relating to its Salamanca mine. According to CNBC, the Spanish government has decided not to deliver the permits necessary to open the European Union's only open-cast uranium mine.

The Jatenergy Ltd (ASX: JAT) share price is down over 10% to 6.2 cents. On Tuesday the infant formula company's shares doubled in value after the release of its quarterly update. According to the release, the company saw its cash receipts from sales increase from $320,000 in the June quarter to $10.7 million in the September quarter. However, product manufacturing and operating costs rocketed to $15.4 million during the quarter, leading to a net operating outflow of $5.5 million.

The Reject Shop Ltd (ASX: TRS) share price has plunged 35% lower to $2.89 following the release of a disappointing trading update. For the first 15 weeks of FY 2019, the discount retailer has seen comparable store sales fall 2.4% compared to the prior corresponding period. This follows a severe deterioration in its sales over the last 8 weeks.

The St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) share price has dropped 3% to $3.87. While most gold miners are sinking lower today as investors move back to risk on assets, St Barbara has fallen more than most following the release of its quarterly update. Investors appear disappointed that St Barbara reported consolidated quarterly gold production of 98,547 ounces in the first quarter of FY 2019 compared to 119,436 ounces in the fourth quarter of FY 2018.

The post Why these 4 ASX shares have tumbled lower today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here's a quick recap of global markets:

• FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.7%
• DAX (Germany): down 0.2%
• CAC 40 (France): down 0.3%
• Dow Jones (USA): flat
• NASDAQ (USA): up 0.4%

In London, a rising British pound weighed on blue chip stocks, with BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) shares ending 2% and 1.2% lower, respectively.

In the US, the Dow Jones finished lower, however, good reports from technology stocks pushed the NASDAQ higher. Paypal and Twitter shares rose 6% and 5%, respectively.

Closer to home the ASX 200 is expected to open slightly lower.

Shares in focus will include energy and gas companies, such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), Origin Energy Ltd and AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL). An overnight fall in oil prices together with the Australian government's decision to restrict gas exports could see each company's shares come under pressure.

Although they are not reporting today Australia's big banks, including National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), will be in focus ahead of their financial results next week.

This morning, Tatts Group Limited released an update stating that it had fully assessed the takeover proposal from Pacific Consortium, but noted that its proposed merger with Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) provides better value for shareholders.

Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY) released its quarterly report to the market saying that the development of the Salamanca mine is progressing well.

Airxpanders Inc (ASX: AXP) reported its quarterly results, showing a rise in revenue.

Finally, analysts at Macquarie raised their IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL) price target 2.4% to $8.70, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

The post S&P/ASX 200 open Friday: 10 shares to watch appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here's a quick recap of global markets:

• FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.1%
• DAX (Germany): up 0.2%
• CAC 40 (France): down 0.4%
• Dow Jones (USA): down 0.1%
• NASDAQ (USA): down 0.1%

In London, shares closed slightly lower ahead of the French election over the weekend. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended flat.

In the US, markets ended the week lower despite President Trump calling for more tax cuts.

Big TAX REFORM AND TAX REDUCTION will be announced next Wednesday.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2017

Closer to home, the ASX 200 is expected to open firmly higher.

Shares in focus will include Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY). This morning, the uranium miner announced it had commenced pre-construction activities at its Salamanca mine.

Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) has come out swinging at the potential Australian arrival of online giant Amazon. Harvey Norman is expected to be amongst the most affected by the arrival of the US online e-commerce platform.

Also in focus, small cap software company Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK) announced the acquisitions of Blip Systems A/S and CA Plus Ltd for a combined $NZ 19.8 million plus earnouts. The company said the deals expand its airport software product range and customer base and are expected to be marginally accretive to earnings per share.

Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) announced a positive property revaluation.

Sirtex Medical released the results of its 459-patient SARAH clinical study comparing its SIR-Spheres treatment to current therapies. The study did not meet the primary endpoint.

Tassal Group announced positive environmental improvement results at Macquarie Harbour. The company said that its Middle Harbour lease 214 and Gordon lease 219 are back to 100% compliance.

Finally, in broker news, Morgans analysts cut their Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) price target 6.9% to $9.65 per share while UBS analysts cut their Oz Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) price target 1% to $10.40 per share, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

The post S&P/ASX 200 to open higher Monday: 8 shares to watch appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.