The Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ) is a specialized exchange-traded fund that focuses on small-cap companies engaged in uranium mining and related activities. Launched on February 1, 2023, URNJ aims to provide investors with exposure to the junior segment of the uranium mining industry.

Investment Objective and Strategy

URNJ seeks to replicate the performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners™ Index (NSURNJ). This index is designed to track mid-, small-, and micro-cap companies that derive at least 50% of their revenue or assets from uranium mining-related businesses. The fund offers investors targeted exposure to companies with potential for significant revenue and asset growth within the uranium sector.

Key Facts

  • Ticker: URNJ
  • Listing Exchange: Nasdaq
  • Inception Date: February 1, 2023
  • Total Net Assets (as of February 7, 2025): $252 million
  • Net Total Expense Ratio: 0.80%
  • Number of Holdings: 32
  • Shares Outstanding: 13,090,000
  • Median 30-Day Bid-Ask Spread (as of February 6, 2025): 0.51%

Performance Overview

As of December 31, 2024, URNJ’s performance is as follows:

  • 1-Month Return: -17.44%
  • 3-Month Return: -14.36%
  • Year-to-Date Return: -17.40%
  • Since Inception: -0.44%

These returns reflect a challenging period for the fund, with negative performance across all reported time frames.

Dividend Information

URNJ has a dividend yield of 4.03% and paid $0.81 per share in the past year. The dividend is distributed annually, with the last ex-dividend date on December 12, 2024.

Analyst Ratings and Price Targets

According to TipRanks, URNJ has an average 12-month price target of $30.32, based on analyses from 32 Wall Street analysts. The consensus rating is “Moderate Buy,” with 17 analysts recommending a “Buy” and 15 suggesting a “Hold.” The highest price target is $35.34, while the lowest is $25.66.

Top Holdings

As of the latest available data, URNJ’s top holdings include:

  1. Paladin Energy Ltd (PDN): 13.41%
  2. Uranium Energy Corp (UEC): 11.33%
  3. Denison Mines Corp (DNN): 11.15%
  4. Nexgen Energy Ltd (NXE): 11.00%
  5. Deep Yellow Limited (DYL): 5.34%

These top five holdings constitute approximately 52.23% of the fund’s total assets, indicating a relatively concentrated portfolio.

Conclusion

URNJ offers investors targeted exposure to junior uranium mining companies, a sector with potential growth driven by increasing global demand for nuclear energy. However, the fund has experienced recent performance challenges, and its concentrated holdings may result in higher volatility. Investors should carefully consider these factors, along with their individual risk tolerance and investment objectives, before making investment decisions related to URNJ.