Cameco Reports Lower Net Earnings in First Quarter

    News Editors

    SASKATOON, Saskatchewan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2005--

    Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2005. All numbers in this release are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated.

    While revenue increased 64% to $216 million in the quarter over the same period a year ago, net earnings declined 33% to $26 million or $0.15 per share. Revenue was boosted by the full consolidation of the Kumtor mine and a full quarter of production at the Boroo mine, both owned by Centerra Gold Inc. Higher realized prices in Cameco's uranium, conversion and gold businesses were more than offset by a decline in earnings from Bruce Power due to increased amortization and higher costs from scheduled outages. Corporate administration and exploration costs also increased, year over year. Cash from operations in the first quarter of 2005 was $84 million compared to $46 million in the first quarter of 2004.

    Quarterly results are not necessarily a good indicator of annual results because of a number of factors including the uneven timing of uranium deliveries and scheduled outages at Bruce Power.

    "The nuclear energy business is expanding globally and we continue to see positive long-term pricing trends for uranium and a bright future for all our nuclear businesses," said Jerry Grandey, Cameco's president and chief executive officer. "We are solidly positioning the company to take advantage of the significant opportunities available to us."

    In the uranium business, Cameco began construction at the Cigar Lake uranium mine in Saskatchewan and continued to make progress at the Inkai project in Kazakhstan in the first quarter. Together the two new mines will add more than 40% to Cameco's current uranium production capacity by the end of the decade.

    In the conversion business, Cameco signed a deal with British Nuclear Fuels plc that increases our UF6 conversion capacity by 40%.

    In the nuclear generation business, Bruce Power reached a tentative agreement with the Ontario provincial negotiator for the restart of its remaining two reactors, which is currently under consideration by the Ontario government. This transaction will increase Bruce Power's capacity by more than 30% if approved by the province and final agreements are completed.

    First Quarter 2005

-------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Months Months Ended Ended % Financial Highlights Mar. 31/05 Mar. 31/04 Change -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue ($ millions) 216 132 64 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings from operations ($ millions) 15 8 88 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash provided by operations ($ millions) 84 46 83 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings ($ millions) 26 39 (33) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share ($) basic 0.15 0.23 (35) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share ($) diluted 0.15 0.22 (32) --------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total costs for administration, exploration, interest and other were about $34 million in the first quarter of 2005, $13 million higher than in the same period a year earlier. Administration costs increased by $9 million due to higher costs in operating Centerra as an independent entity, higher charges for stock compensation due to higher share prices and higher expenditures for regulatory compliance, particularly with regard to internal controls.

    Exploration expenditures rose by $6 million to $11 million, as there was increased exploration activity in the gold and uranium businesses.

    The effective tax rate decreased to 22% in the first quarter from 28% in the same period of 2004 due to a higher proportion of income being earned in jurisdictions with favourable tax rates relative to Canada.

    Earnings from operations were $15 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared to $8 million in 2004. The aggregate gross profit margin increased to 22% from 21% in 2004.

    Uranium revenue rose by 7% to $78 million, as improving prices were partially offset by a 7% decline in deliveries. The timing of deliveries can vary significantly from quarter to quarter. Cameco's average realized price for uranium increased 15% to $18.18 per pound of uranium compared to the first quarter of 2004. Spot prices ended the quarter at a 22-year high of $22.50 (US) per pound and are currently at $24.00 (US).

    Conversion revenue was steady at $26 million in the quarter while earnings before taxes increased to $9 million from $7 million in the period one year ago. Most conversion sales are at fixed prices under older contracts which were signed when prices were much lower. The company has not yet fully benefited from the significant increase in UF6 spot prices that has occurred during 2004 and 2005.

    At Bruce Power, pre-tax earnings attributable to Cameco were $29 million in the first quarter compared to $46 million in the same period last year. Output increased slightly to 8.2 terawatt hours while the capacity factor edged higher to 81% from 80%. Operating costs were $63 million higher at $313 million in the quarter, primarily due to maintenance costs related to planned shutdowns and higher amortization costs following the restart of two A reactors.

    Revenue from Centerra rose sharply to $113 million in the quarter compared to the same period in 2004 while gross profit more than doubled to $27 million. The increase was due to the full consolidation of Kumtor's results and to a full quarter of production from the Boroo mine. With its 53% interest in Centerra, Cameco fully consolidates the results of Centerra's Kumtor and Boroo mines. Previously, Cameco proportionately consolidated its one-third interest in Kumtor, while Boroo did not begin commercial production until March 1, 2004. Gross profit benefited from an increase in realized price of 14% to $417 (US) per ounce in the first quarter due to greater exposure to increased spot prices. This was offset by less production at Kumtor as lower grade ore was processed.

    Outlook for 2005

    In 2005, consolidated revenue is expected to grow by about 15% over 2004 due to increases in the uranium and gold businesses. On a consolidated basis, the gross profit margin is projected to improve from the 23% reported in 2004.

    In the uranium business, revenue is likely to be significantly higher due to a stronger realized price and increased volumes. About 45% of the uranium sales deliveries are expected to occur in the fourth quarter. Revenue from the conversion business is likely to be marginally higher than in 2004 due to an expected 5% increase in the average realized selling price, largely offset by lower deliveries.

    Bruce Power results in 2005 are anticipated to decline moderately from 2004 due to increased costs related to higher depreciation and amortization on the recently restarted A units, higher outage costs and higher fuel costs.

    Revenue in the gold business is expected to be higher due primarily to a full year of consolidating the results from Kumtor. In 2005, gross profits from gold are projected to be similar to 2004. The benefit of the increase in revenue is likely to be offset by a reduced gross profit margin as a result of lower grades at Kumtor.

    Administration and exploration costs are projected to be about 35% greater than in 2004. The increase in administration costs reflects higher charges for stock compensation, Centerra and regulatory compliance. Exploration costs will increase due to greater activity in both the uranium and gold businesses.

    For 2005, the effective consolidated tax rate is expected to be in the range of 15% to 20%.

    Outlook for Second Quarter 2005

    Consolidated revenue in the second quarter of 2005 is expected to be about 50% higher than in the first quarter of 2005 due primarily to increased deliveries in the uranium business. Earnings from Bruce Power are expected to be significantly lower than in the first quarter of 2005 as the result of higher costs caused by outages and an expected lower realized price. Consequently, consolidated earnings for the second quarter of 2005 are expected to be only moderately higher than those of the first quarter.

    Conference Call

    Cameco invites you to join its first quarter conference call on Monday, May 2, 2005 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern time (8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saskatoon time).

    The call will be open to all investors and the media. Members of the media will be invited to ask questions at the end of the call. To join the conference call please dial (416) 695-6120 or (800) 766-6630 (Canada and US). An audio feed of the call will be available on the Web site at www.cameco.com. See the link on the home page on the day of the call.

    A recorded version of the proceedings will be available:

    - on our Web site, www.cameco.com, shortly after the call, and

    - on post view until midnight on Monday, May 16, 2005 by calling (416) 695-5275 or (888) 509-0082.

    Additional Information

    Additional information on Cameco, including its annual information form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the company's Web site at www.cameco.com.

    Profile

    Cameco, with its head office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is the world's largest uranium producer as well as a significant supplier of conversion services. The company's competitive position is based upon its controlling ownership of the world's largest high-grade reserves and low-cost operations. Cameco's uranium products are used to generate clean electricity in nuclear power plants around the world including Ontario where the company is a partner in North America's largest nuclear electricity generating facility. The company also explores for uranium in North America, Australia and Asia, and holds a majority interest in Centerra Gold Inc., a leading North American-based gold producer.

    For a more detailed discussion of Cameco's first quarter results, see the management's discussion and analysis following this news release.

    First Quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis

    The following discussion of the financial condition and operating results of Cameco Corporation should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes for the period ending March 31, 2005, as well the audited consolidated financial statements for the company for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and management's discussion and analysis of the audited financial statements, both of which are included in the 2004 annual report and annual information form. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The 2004 annual report and annual information form are available at www.cameco.com.

    The following is a summary of the key sections of this MD&A:

    - Highlights of the quarter

    - Consolidated financial results

    - Consolidated outlook for 2005 and the second quarter

    - Business segment results and outlook (uranium, conversion, nuclear electricity and gold)

    - Nuclear industry developments

    - Liquidity and capital resources

    - Other items

    HIGHLIGHTS

    - Net earnings down due to reduced Bruce Power earnings and higher administration and exploration costs

    - Cameco adds 40% in UF6 conversion capacity with British Nuclear Fuels agreement

    - Cameco and its two major partners agree in principle to restart Bruce A1 and A2

    - Increased activity in uranium and gold exploration

    - Uranium and conversion prices continue to increase

-------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Months Months Ended Ended Change Financial Highlights March 31/05 March 31/04 % -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue ($ millions) 216 132 64 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings from operations ($ millions) 15 8 88 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash provided by operations ($ millions) 84 46 83 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings ($ millions) 26 39 (33) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share - basic ($) 0.15 0.23 (35) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share - diluted ($) 0.15 0.22 (32) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Average uranium spot price for the period ($US/lb U3O8) 21.80 16.54 32 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Average realized uranium price for the period - $US/lb U3O8 13.52 11.61 16 - $Cdn/lb U3O8 18.18 15.79 15 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Average realized electricity price ($/MWh) 50 49 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Ontario electricity spot price ($/MWh) 56 56 - -------------------------------------------------------------------- Average realized gold price for the period ($US/ounce) 417 365 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Average spot market gold price for the period ($US/ounce) 427 408 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: All Dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS

    Consolidated Earnings

    For the three months ended March 31, 2005, net earnings were $26 million ($0.15 per share), $13 million lower than $39 million ($0.23 per share) in 2004 due to reduced earnings from Bruce Power and higher charges for administration and exploration. These decreases were partially offset by improved results in the uranium, conversion and gold businesses where higher realized prices had a positive impact on gross profits.

    For details on the uranium, conversion services, electricity and gold businesses, see "Business Segment Results" later in this report.

    In the first quarter of 2005, total costs for administration, exploration, interest and other were about $34 million, $13 million higher than 2004. Administration costs increased by $9 million due to a combination of higher costs for operating Centerra ($3 million), higher stock compensation charges due to increased share prices ($2 million) and higher expenditures for regulatory compliance. In the first quarter, Cameco and its subsidiaries incurred costs of $2 million related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

    Exploration expenditures rose by $6 million to $11 million due to increased exploration activity in both the gold and uranium businesses. In uranium exploration, a $1 million increase in expenditures was related to programs around existing mines in the Athabasca basin in northern Saskatchewan. In the gold business, Cameco's 53% owned gold subsidiary, Centerra, has increased its exploration expenditures by $5 million compared to 2004. The higher charges reflect increased exploration activity in Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia.

    The effective tax rate decreased to 22% in the first quarter from 28% in the same period of 2004 due to a higher proportion of income being earned in jurisdictions with favourable tax rates relative to Canada.

    Earnings from operations were $15 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared to $8 million in 2004. The aggregate gross profit margin increased to 22% from 21% in 2004.

    Quarterly Consolidated Financial Results ($ millions except per share amounts)

-------------------------------------------------------------------- Highlights 2005 2004 2003 ------ -------------------------- ------------------ Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue 216 361 313 242 132 272 232 220 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings 26 37 52 151 39 34 33 104 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share ($) 0.15 0.21 0.30 0.89 0.23 0.20 0.20 0.62 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash from operations 84 59 140 (21) 46 79 77 38 --------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cash Flow

    In the first three months of 2005, Cameco generated cash from operations of $84 million compared to $46 million in 2004. This increase of $38 million was primarily due to higher gold sales compared to the previous year, partially offset by higher expenditures for administration and exploration.

    Cameco's cash from operations does not include its pro rata interest in Bruce Power's operating cash flow. The pro rata share was $38 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared to $33 million in 2004. Cameco accounts for this investment using the equity method and thus Bruce Power's operating cash flows are not consolidated with Cameco's. For further information, refer to note 2 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes for the period ending March 31, 2005.

    Balance Sheet

    At March 31, 2005, total long-term debt was $545 million, an increase of $26 million compared to December 31, 2004. At March 31, 2005, Cameco's consolidated net debt to capitalization ratio was 12%, down marginally from 13% at the end of 2004.

    Compared to the end of 2004, product inventories increased by $45 million as production and purchases of uranium and conversion services exceeded sales during the first quarter of 2005. Of this increase, about $31 million was related to higher uranium inventory levels and about $13 million was due to higher conversion inventories. Substantially all of the increase in inventory was attributable to greater volumes. Timing of deliveries can vary significantly from quarter to quarter. In 2005, 45% of the uranium sales deliveries will occur in the fourth quarter.

    At March 31, 2005, the consolidated cash balance totalled $235 million and Centerra held substantially the entire amount.

    Cameco has a number of investments in publicly traded entities. The following table illustrates the book and market values for its more significant holdings.

-------------------------------------------------------------------- Book Value Market Value Investment ($ millions) Mar. 31/05 Mar. 31/05 Dec. 31/04 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Centerra Gold Inc. $ 455 $ 731 $ 845 UEX Corporation 7 83 81 Energy Resources of Australia Ltd. 18 113 79 --------------------------------------------------------------------

Total $ 480 $ 927 $ 1,005 --------------------------------------------------------------------

    Foreign Exchange Update

    Cameco sells most of its uranium and conversion services in US dollars while most of its uranium and conversion services are produced in Canada. As such, uranium and conversion services revenue is denominated mostly in US dollars, while production costs are denominated primarily in Canadian dollars.

    We attempt to provide some protection against exchange rate fluctuations by planned hedging activity designed to smooth volatility. Therefore, our uranium and conversion revenues are partly sheltered against declines in the US dollar in the shorter term.

    In addition, Cameco has a portion of its annual cash outlays denominated in US dollars, including uranium and conversion services purchases, which provide a natural hedge against US currency fluctuations. While natural hedges provide this protection, the influence on earnings from purchased material that has been inventoried may be dispersed over several fiscal periods and is more difficult to identify.

    During the quarter, the Canadian dollar declined against the US dollar from $1.20 ($0.83 (US) equals $1.00 (Cdn)) at December 31, 2004 to $1.21 at March 31, 2005.

    At March 31, 2005, Cameco had a foreign currency hedge portfolio of $856 million (US). The schedule of designations, by year, is as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------- Designations 2005 2006 2007 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------- $US millions 316 275 160 105 -------------------------------------------------------------------

    These hedges are expected to yield an average exchange rate of $1.25. The net mark-to-market gain on these hedge positions was $48 million at March 31, 2005.

    Timing differences between the maturity dates and designation dates for hedge contracts may result in deferred revenue or deferred charges. At March 31, 2005, deferred revenue totalled $34 million. The schedule for deferred revenue to be released to earnings, by year, is as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred revenue 2005 2006 2007 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------- $Cdn millions 33 11 (3) (7) -------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the remainder of 2005, approximately 76% of the net inflows of US dollars are hedged with currency derivatives. Net inflows represent forecast uranium and conversion sales less expected outlays (denominated in US dollars). For the uranium and conversion services businesses in the first quarter of 2005, the effective exchange rate, after allowing for hedging, was about $1.34 compared to $1.36 in the first and fourth quarters of 2004. Results from the gold business are translated into Canadian dollars at prevailing exchange rates.

    For the remainder of 2005, every one-cent change in the US to Canadian dollar exchange rate would change net earnings by about $2 million (Cdn).

    Consolidated Outlook for the Year

    In 2005, consolidated revenue is expected to grow by about 15% over 2004 due to increases in the uranium and gold businesses. On a consolidated basis, the gross profit margin is projected to improve from the 23% reported in 2004.

    In the uranium business, revenue is expected to be significantly higher due to a stronger realized price and increased volumes. About 45% of the uranium sales deliveries occur in the fourth quarter. Revenue from the conversion business is expected to be marginally higher than in 2004 due to an anticipated 5% increase in the average realized selling price, largely offset by lower deliveries.

    Bruce Power results in 2005 are anticipated to decline moderately from 2004 due to increased costs related to higher depreciation and amortization on the A units, higher outage costs and higher fuel costs.

    Revenue in the gold business is expected to be higher due primarily to a full year of consolidating the results from Kumtor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centerra. In 2005, gross profits from gold are projected to be similar to 2004. The benefit of the increase in revenue is likely to be offset by a reduced gross profit margin as a result of expected lower grades at Kumtor.

    Administration and exploration costs are projected to be about 35% greater than in 2004. The increase in administration reflects higher charges for stock compensation, Centerra and regulatory compliance. Exploration costs will increase due to greater activity in both the uranium and gold business.

    For 2005, the effective tax rate is expected to be in the range of 15% to 20%.

    For additional discussion, see outlook section under each business segment.

    Consolidated Outlook for Second Quarter 2005

    Consolidated revenue in the second quarter of 2005 is expected to be about 50% higher than in the first quarter of 2005 due primarily to increased deliveries in the uranium business. Earnings from Bruce Power are expected to be significantly lower than in the first quarter of 2005 as the result of higher costs caused by planned outages and an expected lower realized price. Consequently, consolidated earnings for the second quarter of 2005 are expected to be only moderately higher than those of the first quarter.

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS

Cameco's results come from four business segments:

- Uranium - Conversion services - Nuclear electricity generation - Gold

URANIUM

Highlights

---------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Months Months Ended Ended March 31/05 March 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue ($ millions) 78 73 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit ($ millions) 12 8 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit % 15 12 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before taxes ($ millions) 7 7 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Average realized price ($US/lb) 13.52 11.61 ($Cdn/lb) 18.18 15.79 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sales volume (million lbs) 4.3 4.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Production volume (million lbs) 4.8 5.2 ----------------------------------------------------------------

    Uranium Earnings

    Revenue from the uranium business increased by 7% to $78 million in the first quarter of 2005 due to an increase in the average realized selling price, which rose 16% in US dollar terms over the first quarter of 2004. The increase in the average realized price was mainly the result of higher realized prices on fixed-price contracts and a higher uranium spot price, which averaged $21.80 (US) per pound in the first quarter of 2005 compared to $16.54 (US) in the first quarter of 2004.

    The benefit of the improved price was partially offset by a 7% reduction in deliveries. As the timing of deliveries of nuclear products within a calendar year is at the discretion of customers, Cameco's quarterly delivery patterns can vary significantly.

    The total cost of products and services sold, including depreciation, depletion and reclamation (DDR) was $66 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared to $64 million in 2004. This increase was attributable to a 10% increase in the unit cost of product sold which more than offset the 7% decline in volume. This increase in the unit cost for uranium was primarily due to higher costs for purchased material. The unit cost of produced material was also slightly higher than in the first quarter of 2004, reflecting reduced production at McArthur River as a result of mill maintenance scheduling and the sequencing of mining. We expect McArthur River to achieve its planned production target for the year.

    Earnings before taxes from the uranium business stayed the same in the first quarter of 2005, while the profit margin improved to 15% from 12% in 2004 due to the higher realized selling price.

    Uranium Outlook for the Year

    In 2005, Cameco's uranium revenue is expected to be about 10% higher than in 2004 due to a projected 8% improvement in the Canadian dollar selling price and a 4% increase in deliveries. Uranium sales volume is expected to total more than 33 million pounds in 2005. About 45% of uranium deliveries are expected to occur in the last quarter of the year compared to 2004 when 33% of the sales were delivered in the fourth quarter. In 2005, Cameco's share of uranium production is projected to increase to 21.2 million pounds of uranium from 20.5 million in 2004.

    Uranium margins are expected to improve to about 26% compared to 19% in 2004.

    Uranium Outlook for Second Quarter 2005

    Earnings from the uranium segment are expected to be significantly greater than in the first quarter of 2005 due to higher volumes and realized prices. Deliveries are expected to be about double those of the first quarter while the realized price is expected to improve by about 5%.

    Uranium Price Sensitivity 2005

    For deliveries during the remainder of 2005, a $1.00 (US) per pound change in the uranium spot price from $23 (US) per pound would change revenue by about $3 million (Cdn), net earnings by about $2 million (Cdn) and cash flows by about $2 million (Cdn). This sensitivity is based on an expected effective exchange rate of $1.00 (US) being equivalent to about $1.30 (Cdn). See uranium price sensitivity discussion below.

    Uranium Price Sensitivity Analysis 2005 to 2008

    Over the past several years, Cameco's strategy was to ensure adequate cash flow in the near term, while preserving upside potential with a mix of spot price related and fixed-price (escalated by inflation) contracts. Many of our existing contracts' sensitivity to rising prices is limited by both fixed and ceiling prices that were negotiated when uranium prices were significantly lower.

    Given the level of sales targeted each year (more than 33 million pounds in 2005) we are continually in the market signing new contracts for deliveries beginning in two to four years. About 25% to 30% of the current contract portfolio expires each year, and is therefore replaced in large part with contracts that were entered into in the previous two to three years.

    During this period of rapidly increasing spot and long-term prices, Cameco has continued to enter into new multi-year contracts. For the time being we continue to target our traditional blend of pricing mechanisms, which is 40% of sales volume with fixed pricing escalated by inflation and 60% with pricing related to market prices. As a result, the evolving contract portfolio will reflect a mix of fixed and market-related prices.

    In the past, the majority of market-related contracts typically referenced only spot price indicators reported near the time of delivery. A new trend is emerging for our contracting activity whereby these types of contracts are referencing the spot and/or long-term price indicators quoted near the time of delivery. In addition, Cameco is securing more favorable terms in market price related contracts, including firm floor prices (escalated by inflation) in line with current spot prices.

    The fixed-price (escalated by inflation) contracts will have prices that were fixed at the time of contract signing. This means the company has contracts at fixed prices below and above the current spot market prices and they fall into the category of "insensitive" to market price, as noted below.

    During the past period of low prices, we attempted to keep the term of contracts as short as possible (three to five years). In the current market environment we are committing to longer-term contracts (up to 10 years or more) where the pricing terms provide downside protection (floor prices) and retain upside potential.

    The following table indicates the approximate percentage of targeted sales volume that will be impacted by further increases in the spot price above $23.00 (US) per pound U3O8. As shown in the table below, the proportion of targeted sales that is sensitive to further increases in the market price grows significantly in 2006 and continues in 2007 and 2008.

-------------------------------------------------------------------- % Sales Target --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2006 2007 2008 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Price Insensitive (1) 95% 67% 61% 41% --------------------------------------------------------------------- Price Sensitive (2) 5% 33% 39% 59% --------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) fixed-price contracts and market-related contracts not sensitive to increases in the spot price above $23.00 (US) per pound - contracts under the insensitive category would have prices below and above the spot price of $23.00 (US) (2) market-related contracts plus uncommitted volumes

    Uranium Market Update

    Uranium Spot Market

    The industry average spot price (TradeTech and UxC Consulting Company, LLC (Ux)) on March 31, 2005 was $22.55 (US) per pound U3O8, up 9% from $20.60 (US) at December 31, 2004.

    Total spot market volume reported for the first quarter of 2005 was 9.7 million pounds U3O8, much higher than the 5.3 million pounds for the first quarter of 2004. In response to the increased spot market activity, spot sellers increased offer prices resulting in spot price strengthening throughout the quarter.

    The increased activity in the spot market has been largely as a result of inventory building and discretionary purchases due to expectations of higher prices in the future. A number of utilities have been attempting to take advantage of the differential between spot and long-term prices by completing buy and hold transactions. Recently, purchases by investment firms have added to spot market demand as investors with the expectation of higher uranium prices have begun to purchase uranium.

    Uranium Long-Term Market

    The long-term market continued to be active in the first quarter. Long-term contracting in 2005 is expected to exceed the estimated 90 million pounds U3O8 contracted in 2004.

    The industry average long-term price (TradeTech and Ux) on March 31, 2005 was $27.25 (US) per pound U3O8, up from $25.00 (US) at the end of 2004.

    Uranium Operations Update

    Uranium Production

-------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Cameco's Share Months Months 2005 of Production Ended Ended Planned (million lbs U3O8) March 31/05 March 31/04 Production -------------------------------------------------------------------- McArthur River/Key Lake 2.8 3.5 13.1 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Rabbit Lake 1.5 1.2 5.8 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Smith Ranch/Highland 0.3 0.3 1.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Crow Butte 0.2 0.2 0.8 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 4.8 5.2 21.2 --------------------------------------------------------------------

    McArthur River/Key Lake

    Production at McArthur River/Key Lake totalled 4.0 million pounds for the first quarter of 2005. Cameco's share was 2.8 million pounds. Production was less than in the first quarter of 2004. This was primarily as a result of a slightly longer than anticipated maintenance shutdown at Key Lake and mining sequencing which reduced the available production at McArthur River.

    Production is expected to increase in the second quarter of 2005 as compared to the first quarter. Production plans remain on track to achieve production of 18.7 million pounds (Cameco's share 13.1 million pounds) of U3O8 in 2005.

    Cameco has applied for an increase in the annual licensed capacity at McArthur River and Key Lake to 22 million pounds per year compared to 18.7 million pounds currently. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has indicated that the application will require a screening-level environmental assessment (EA) under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. We anticipate a decision from the CNSC late in 2005 or early in 2006. If approval is received, we expect it will take about two years to ramp up production. We are developing a plan to determine the optimal sustainable production rate, which may be less than the new licensed capacity.

    Rabbit Lake

    Rabbit Lake produced 1.5 million pounds of U3O8 during the first quarter of 2005. A planned two-week mill maintenance shutdown was also completed during the period. Production for the second quarter of 2005 is expected to be similar to the first quarter and remains on track to achieve planned production of 5.8 million pounds of U3O8 in 2005.

    Development of a new mining area commenced during the period. This area was identified through an intensive exploration and delineation-drilling program over the past two years. The exploration program continued during the first quarter of 2005, with over 21,000 metres drilled. In total, more than 52,000 metres of exploration and delineation drilling are planned for 2005.

    Smith Ranch-Highland and Crow Butte

    Smith Ranch-Highland and Crow Butte ISL mines produced 0.5 million pounds U3O8 in the first quarter of 2005. The operations are on track to produce 2.3 million pounds in 2005.

    Uranium Projects Update

    Cigar Lake

    Construction began on January 1, 2005 and is currently on schedule for completion in the first half of 2007. Once production begins, there will be a rampup period of up to three years before the mine reaches expected full production of 18 million pounds per year.

    Inkai

    The ISL test mine at Inkai in Kazakhstan produced about 0.1 million pounds U3O8 during the first quarter of 2005. The test mine at Inkai is projected to produce 0.5 million pounds U3O8 in 2005.

    The Inkai Joint Venture partners have decided to proceed with construction of the Inkai in situ leach mine. The Inkai Joint Venture will submit an environmental assessment and a design plan for the commercial facility to Kazakh regulatory authorities in the coming months, with approval expected by third quarter 2005. Following approval, construction will begin with commercial production scheduled for 2007. The costs, net of sales proceeds from Inkai production, are capitalized until commercial production is achieved. Inkai is expected to produce 5.2 million pounds per year at full capacity.

    Uranium Exploration Update

    Winter exploration programs were completed on many of Cameco's Saskatchewan projects between January and March. In total, six diamond drills were active on six projects operated by Cameco. A total of 15,000 metres were completed in 53 holes. The larger drilling programs included work on the two most advanced projects, the Eagle Point mine area drilling and the Cree-Extension (Millennium zone) delineation, as well as the mid-stage Dawn Lake project. Poor ice conditions combined with heavy snow hindered many programs and, while drilling on many programs will continue until mid April, some work is being deferred until summer.

    CONVERSION SERVICES

    Highlights

---------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Months Months Ended Ended March 31/05 March 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue ($ millions) 26 26 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit ($ millions) 9 8 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit % 36 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before taxes ($ millions) 9 7 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sales volume (million kgU) 2.4 2.8 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Production volume (million kgU) 3.6 4.1 ----------------------------------------------------------------

    Conversion Services Earnings

    In the first quarter of 2005, revenue from the conversion business was unchanged at $26 million compared to the same period in 2004 as a 13% decline in sales volume was offset by an improvement in the realized price. Most conversion sales are at fixed prices, as noted later in this report, and have not yet fully benefited from the significant increase in UF6 spot prices.

    The total cost of products and services sold, including depreciation, depletion and reclamation (DDR) was $17 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared to $18 million in 2004. This decrease reflects the 13% decline in deliveries, largely offset by a higher unit cost of product sold. The unit cost rose by 6% compared to the first quarter of 2004 due to marginally higher costs for transportation and production.

    In the first quarter of 2005, earnings before taxes from the conversion business improved to $9 million from $7 million in the first quarter of 2004. The gross profit margin increased to 36% from 30% due to the higher realized selling price.

    Conversion Services Outlook for the Year

    Revenue from the conversion business is expected to be marginally higher than in 2004 due to an expected 7% increase in the average realized selling price partially offset by a forecast 4% reduction in deliveries. Conversion sales volume is expected to total about 16.2 million kilograms of uranium (kgU) in 2005 compared to 16.9 million kgU in 2004. Production for 2005 is projected to be about 13.4 million kgU, up from 9.5 million kgU in 2004. As a result, unit costs are expected to be lower than in 2004, improving the profit margin for conversion services.

    Conversion Services Outlook for Second Quarter 2005

    For the second quarter of 2005, conversion revenue is projected to be about 15% higher than in the first quarter of 2005 due to increased deliveries. However, the level of profit is expected to be similar to that of the first quarter due to more deliveries under older, lower-priced contracts.

    Conversion Services Price Sensitivity Analysis

    The majority of conversion sales are at fixed prices with inflation escalators. In the short term, Cameco's financial results are relatively insensitive to changes in the spot price for conversion. The new fixed-price contracts generally reflect longer-term prices at the time of contract award. Therefore, in the coming years, Cameco's contract portfolio will be positively impacted by these higher fixed-price contracts.

    UF6 Conversion Market Update

    The industry average spot market price (TradeTech and Ux) for North American uranium conversion services at March 31, 2005 was $12.00 (US) per kgU, up from $9.00 (US) at the end of 2004. In Europe, the industry average spot conversion price was also $12.00 (US) per kgU, up from $10.00 (US) at the end of 2004.

    Conversion Services Operations Update

    Production

    Production for the first quarter was 3.6 million kgU of uranium, which is 11% lower than the 4.1 million kgU in the first quarter in 2004 mainly as a result of some production rescheduling. Production in the second quarter is expected to total 2.7 million kgU, down from the first quarter due to the annual maintenance shutdown being scheduled earlier in 2005 than in 2004.

    The outlook for the year is 13.4 million kgU compared to 9.5 million kgU in 2004 which had a production loss due to a strike. This increase is due to a longer production period of 11 months rather than 10 months.

    Additional UF6 Production Capacity Secured

    During the quarter, Cameco signed a toll-conversion agreement with British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL) to acquire uranium UF6 conversion services from BNFL's Springfields plant in Lancashire, United Kingdom. Under the 10-year agreement, BNFL will annually convert a base quantity of 5 million kgU as UO3 to UF6 for Cameco.

    Cameco currently refines uranium concentrates to UO3 at the Blind River refinery and ships this material to the Port Hope conversion facility. Under the agreement with BNFL, Cameco will also ship UO3 from its Blind River refinery to BNFL's conversion plant where it will be converted to UF6. UO3 shipments from Blind River are expected to begin later this year with UF6 conversion shipments from BNFL starting in mid-2006. (For more details, see Cameco news release issued March 16, 2005).

    It is our intent to seek an increase in the annual licensed capacity of the Blind River refinery from 18 to 24 million kgU as UO3 over the next few years. This will give us sufficient capacity to supply UO3 to BNFL, Port Hope and other customers.

    Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) Project Update

    The CNSC requested additional information following their review of the environmental assessment study report (EASR) in order to allow them to proceed with the preparation of the draft screening report. These items were completed and an addendum to the EASR was submitted. We expect the CNSC will issue its draft screening report in the second quarter for a 45-day public review and comment period. Following that review period we expect there will be a one-day hearing before the commission to consider the EASR.

    Engineering work continued on the detailed design of the SEU blending facility. Subject to regulatory approval, production is expected in the latter part of 2007.

    Nuclear Electricity Generation

    Highlights

    Bruce Power Limited Partnership (100% basis)

---------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Months Months Ended Ended March 31/05 March 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Output (terawatt hours) 8.2 8.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Capacity factor (%)(i) 81 80 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Realized price ($ per MWh) 50 49 ---------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue 418 399 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Operating costs 313 250 ---------------------------- - cash costs (materials, labour, services & fuel) 265 219 - non cash costs (amortization) 48 31 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest and taxes 105 149 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Interest and finance charges 17 18 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before taxes 88 131 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Cash from operations 121 104 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Capital expenditures 53 106 ---------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Capacity factor for a given period represents the amount of electricity actually produced for sale as a percentage of the amount of electricity the plants are capable of producing for sale.

    In the first quarter of 2005, Bruce Power generated cash from operations of $121 million compared to $104 million in the first quarter of 2004.

    Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2005 totalled $53 million compared to $106 million during the same period in 2004.

    Cameco's Earnings from Bruce Power

---------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Months Months Ended Ended ($ millions) March 31/05 March 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce Power's earnings before taxes (100%) 88 131 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Cameco's share of pre-tax earnings before adjustments 28 41 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Adjustments: Sales contract valuation 3 3 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Interest capitalization - 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Interest income on loan to Bruce Power 2 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Fair value increments on assets (4) (1) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax earnings from Bruce Power 29 46 ----------------------------------------------------------------

    Earnings

    In the first quarter, Bruce Power recorded earnings of $88 million before taxes, down from $131 million for the first quarter of 2004. The decrease reflects higher costs associated with the planned maintenance outages of units A3 and A4 and amortization costs. Cameco's pre-tax earnings from Bruce Power amounted to $29 million compared to $46 million in 2004.

    Output

    Bruce Power achieved a capacity factor of 81% in the first quarter of 2005 compared to 80% in the same period of 2004. During the first quarter of 2005, the Bruce Power units generated 8.2 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity compared to 8.0 TWh in 2004.

    Outlined below are the maintenance activities that occurred during the first quarter of 2005.

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Planned Outages --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce A Unit 3 - Began a planned inspection on January 8 and returned to service on March 8 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce A Unit 4 - Began a planned inspection on March 12 and will return to service in the second quarter --------------------------------------------------------------------- Unplanned Outages --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce B Unit 5 - Began a five-day outage on March 30 to repair bearings on its primary heat transport pump --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce B Unit 6 - Returned to service on February 2 following 11-day outage to repair a heat transport leak --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce B Unit 7 - Returned to service on February 12 following three-day outage due to a power supply interruption to a pressure alarm ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    During the first quarter, the Bruce reactors were offline for a total of 96 days (79 planned, 17 unplanned). In the first quarter of 2004, Bruce Power experienced 49 reactor days of unplanned outages and unit 3 was unavailable for 60 days due to completion of initial restart activities.

    During April, there were a number of unplanned outages:

--------------------------------------------------------------------- April Outages --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce A Unit 3 - Offline from April 2 to 11 to repair a valve in one of its reactor regulating systems --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce B Unit 5 - Temporarily returned to service following repairs to the bearings on its primary heat transport pump, but was taken offline again from April 6 to 12 for additional maintenance. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce B Unit 6 - Offline from April 7 to 11 to perform maintenance on its heat transport system. - Shut down on April 15 to begin repairs on transformer and is expected to return to service in late May. ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    Price

    For the first quarter of 2005, Bruce Power's revenue increased to $418 million from $399 million over the same period in 2004.

    The realized price achieved from a mix of contract and spot sales averaged $50 per megawatt hour (MWh) in the first quarter, slightly higher than the $49 per MWh realized in 2004.

    During the quarter, the Ontario electricity spot price averaged about $56 per MWh, the same as it was in the first quarter of 2004.

    To reduce its exposure to spot market prices, Bruce Power has a portfolio of fixed-price sales contracts. During the first quarter of 2005, about 50% of Bruce Power's output was sold under fixed-price contracts compared to 51% in the same period in 2004.

    Costs

    Output was up marginally to 8.2 TWh from 8.0 TWh for the same period in 2004 while operating costs (including amortization) of $313 million were higher by almost 25% on a quarter-over-quarter basis.

    Cash operating costs were impacted by outage expenses incurred during the first quarter of 2005. Amortization expense was up 55% compared to the first quarter of 2004 primarily due to the amortization of capital costs related to the restart of units A3 and A4.

    About 95% of Bruce Power's operating costs are fixed. As such, most of the costs are incurred whether the plant is operating or not. On a per MWh basis, the operating cost in the first quarter of 2005 was $38 per MWh, 22% higher than in the first quarter of 2004.

    Bruce Power Outlook for 2005

    The targeted average capacity factor for 2005 has been revised to 83% from 85%, due primarily to the unplanned outage at unit 6.

    The planned outages for Bruce Power's reactors are outlined below.

--------------------------------------------------------------------- A Units - A3 began its first planned outage on January 8, 2005 and was offline for approximately two months. - A4 was taken offline on March 12 for a similar outage that is expected to last up to two months and return to service in the second quarter. --------------------------------------------------------------------- B Units - B7 is scheduled to go offline in the second quarter. It is expected to last up to three months and return in the third quarter after low-pressure turbine rotors have been replaced. - B5 has a scheduled outage in the third quarter to replace the low-pressure turbines and clean the steam generator tubes. It is expected to last up to two months and return to service in the fourth quarter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    Bruce Power's results in 2005 are anticipated to decline moderately from 2004 due to increased costs related to higher depreciation and amortization on the A units, higher outage costs and higher fuel costs. Results, however, are sensitive to the Ontario electricity price and the operating performance of the Bruce Power units.

    Bruce Power Outlook for Second Quarter 2005

    Earnings from Bruce Power are expected to be significantly lower than in the first quarter of 2005 due to an expected decline in the realized price and higher costs caused by planned outages and the impact of the unplanned outage at unit 6. Planned outages in the second quarter are expected to total about 100 days, 21 days more than in the first quarter of 2005.

    Electricity Price Sensitivity Analysis

    For the remainder of 2005, about 40% of Bruce Power's planned output will be under fixed-price contracts. A $1.00 per MWh change in the spot price for electricity in Ontario would change Cameco's after-tax earnings from Bruce Power by about $3 million.

    Nuclear Electricity Update

    Bruce A1 and A2 Restart

    Bruce Power and the Ontario provincial negotiator reached a tentative agreement on restarting the two reactors. This tentative agreement is being considered by the Ontario government. Cameco has approved, in principle, this tentative agreement, which requires final government approval. The process of reaching a mutually acceptable binding agreement continues.

    GOLD

    Cameco owns about 53% of Centerra, which is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Centerra began trading on the TSX under the symbol CG in June 2004. We transferred substantially all of our gold assets to Centerra as part of our strategy to unlock the value contained in these gold properties.

    The operating results of the Kumtor Gold Company (Kumtor) have been fully consolidated as of June 22, 2004. Prior to that, we proportionately consolidated our interest in Kumtor. We also fully consolidate the results of Boroo, Centerra's gold mine in Mongolia. We adjust for a 47% minority interest in Centerra, which reflects that share of earnings attributable to shareholders other than Cameco.

    Financial Highlights

---------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Months Months Ended Ended March 31/05 March 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue ($ millions) 113 34 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit ($ millions) 27 12 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit % 24 36 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Realized price (US$/ounce) 417 365 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sales volume (ounces)(1) 220,000 68,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Comprising one-third of Kumtor to June 22, 2004 and 100% thereafter.

Production Highlights

---------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Months Months Ended Ended March 31/05 March 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Kumtor (100%) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Production (ounces) 142,000 173,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total cash cost (1)($US/ounce) 235 181 ----------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------- Boroo (100%)(2) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Production (ounces) 72,000 19,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total cash cost (1)($US/ounce) 165 184 ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Total cash cost is a non-GAAP measure and is discussed under "Non-GAAP measures - Total cash costs" (2) Commercial operations commenced March 1, 2004.

    Gold Earnings

    In the first quarter of 2005, revenue from the gold business rose by $79 million to $113 million compared to the first quarter of 2004. This increase was due to the full consolidation of Kumtor's results and to a full quarter of production from the Boroo mine, which was commissioned late in the first quarter of 2004. The realized price for gold increased to $417 (US) in the quarter compared to $365 (US) per ounce in the first quarter of 2004, due to higher spot prices.

    While Centerra's 2005 gold sales are unhedged, gold revenue includes proceeds from the sale of gold in the current period as well as deferred charges related to closed hedge contracts. The recognition of the deferred charges causes the realized gold price to vary relative to the average spot price for the period. In 2005, the deferred charges amounted to $10 per ounce compared to $36 per ounce in 2004.

    For the quarter, the gross profit margin for gold declined to 24% from 36% in 2004 due to higher cash costs at Kumtor, largely the result of lower production. On a 100% basis, Kumtor's production was 18% lower at 142,000 ounces compared to 173,000 ounces in the first quarter of 2004.

    Production at the Kumtor mine decreased 18% due to a lower mill head grade that averaged 3.7 grams per tonne (g/t) compared to 4.7 g/t in 2004. Accordingly, Kumtor's total cash cost per ounce increased to $235 (US) compared to $181 (US) in 2004.

    Production at Boroo exceeded forecast at 72,000 ounces due to higher recoveries. The average head grade of ore feed to the mill was 5.0 g/t. Boroo's total cash cost per ounce was $165 (US) for the first quarter of 2005.

    Gold Market Update

    The average spot market gold price during the first quarter of 2005 was $427 (US) per ounce, the same as the closing at the end of the quarter. The average spot market gold price during the first quarter of 2004 was $408 (US) per ounce.

    Timing differences between the settlement and designation of hedge contracts have resulted in deferred charges. At March 31, 2005, these deferred charges to be recognized in future periods totalled $6.0 million (US), including $3.2 million (US) in the remaining nine months of 2005.

    Gold Outlook for the Year

    Based on Centerra's current operations, total production for the year is forecast at 790,000 ounces, a decline of almost 13% from 2004 primarily as a result of lower grades at the Kumtor mine. However, Centerra's beneficial production is expected to increase to 780,000 ounces from 610,000 in 2004 due to the increased ownership level in both mines and a full year of operation at Boroo.

    At Kumtor, production in 2005 is expected to decline to 520,000 ounces from 657,000 ounces in 2004, due to a lower mill head grade that is expected to average 3.5 g/t compared to 4.4 g/t in 2004. Cash costs at Kumtor are expected to be higher at $258 (US) per ounce due to the reduced production thereby causing gross profits to decline relative to 2004.

    For Boroo, the outlook for 2005 calls for production to increase to 270,000 ounces from 246,000 ounces in 2004 due to higher throughput level and comparable grades to 2004 of 4.5 g/t. Total cash cost is forecast to be $174 (US) per ounce.

    Overall, gold results are expected to decline in 2005 from 2004 due to higher costs as a result of lower grades at Kumtor and the higher cost of consumable items.

    Centerra has announced a new resources estimate for its Gatsuurt property in an April 29, 2005 press release. Based upon this new estimate, Centerra's board of directors approved the commencement of a feasibility study on the project's development. See Centerra's press release for further details taking into account Cameco's 53% shareholding in Centerra.

    Gold Outlook for Second Quarter 2005

    Gold gross profits in the second quarter 2005 are projected to decline compared to the first quarter of 2005 due to higher cash costs resulting from the higher cost of consumable items and less production at Kumtor where ore grades are expected to be lower. Exploration expenses are also projected to be higher than in the first quarter.

    Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

    For 2005, gold sales are unhedged. For the remainder of 2005, a $10.00 (US) per ounce change in the gold spot price would change Cameco revenue by about $7 million (Cdn), cash flow by about $7 million (Cdn) and net earnings by about $3 million (Cdn).

    Political Update

    Parliamentary elections held in the Kyrgyz Republic on February 28, 2005 precipitated a number of political events. As a result, the then President, Mr. A. Akayev, submitted his resignation under allegations of election fraud and Presidential elections have been scheduled for July 10, 2005. During this period of political unrest, the Kumtor operation did not experience any adverse effect.

    On April 18, 2005, the acting President and Prime Minister Mr. K. Bakiev, issued a decree to establish a special commission to inquire into former President Akayev's assets. Centerra's Kyrgyz subsidiary, Kumtor Gold Company, is included on the list of assets subject to the decree. According to an Associated Press story dated April 27, 2005, Deputy Prime Minister D. Usenov, the head of the special commission, stated that Kumtor "is currently under a scheduled tax inspection and will be dropped from the list after the inspection is over." Mr. Bakiev has publicly stated on several occasions that the Kyrgyz Republic will honour its agreements with foreign investors. We do not believe that the activities of the special commission or the routine tax inspection will have a material effect on our assets.

    On April 20, 2005, the Kumtor Gold company received a request from the State Auditing Chamber of the Kyrgyz Republic to provide information about the 2004 Kumtor restructuring. This restructuring involved the issuance of shares in Cameco's then wholly owned subsidiary, Centerra, in exchange for the interests in Kumtor held by Cameco, Kyrgyzaltyn JSC (a wholly owned Kyrgyz government company), EBRD and IFC. Centerra has agreed to assist the Chamber with its review. We do not believe the activities of the State Auditing Chamber will have a material effect on our assets.

    The political situation in the Kyrgyz Republic continues to evolve. Cameco will comment further as developments warrant.

    NUCLEAR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

    Europe

    The Finnish government has granted a construction licence to TVO for the country's fifth nuclear unit, a 1,600 MWe European Pressurized Water Reactor (EPR). Construction work will start in the spring of this year with commercial operation scheduled for 2009.

    The Bulgarian government has plans to proceed with the country's second nuclear power plant. The Belene plant will consist of two 1,000 MWe Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) with the first unit scheduled for operation by 2011 and the second by 2013. A tender for the project is expected to be launched within the next month.

    Electricite de France (EDF) plans to offer other utilities the opportunity to invest in the new 1,600 MWe European pressurized water reactor (EPR) to be built at Flamanville and several European utilities have formed a group to study the possibility of investing. The press has reported that utilities from Germany, Spain, Belgium, and Italy will each be allowed to hold 5% to 10% of the project, with EDF maintaining the controlling share. The companies are expected to form a joint venture to manage the project in the next few weeks.

    United States

    In the United States, the operators of 74 reactors have been granted, applied for, or have indicated they will apply for 20-year life extensions from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, representing over 70% of US generating capacity. A total of 30 reactors have already been granted life extensions, another 18 units are currently under review and operators of 26 more units have indicated they intend to apply for extensions.

    Nuclear Performance

    World nuclear generation rose almost 4% in 2004, with preliminary generation estimates of 2.7 billion MWh. World average gross capacity factors also increased from 2003 by about 3% to almost 79%.

    The US nuclear industry generated 789 million MWh of electricity in 2004, almost 1% higher than the previous record of 780 million in 2002, and over 3% higher than in 2003. Average net capacity factor was 90.5% in 2004, an increase over the 2003 average of 87.9%.

    LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

    Changes in liquidity and capital resources during the first quarter included the following:

    Commercial Commitments

    Commercial commitments were unchanged from $341 million at December 31, 2004. At March 31, 2005, commercial commitments included standby letters of credit of $204 million, financial guarantees for Bruce Power operations of $130 million and a financial commitment for Cameco's investment in Bruce Power of $7 million.

    Credit Ratings

    There were no changes to Cameco's credit ratings during the quarter. As of March 31, 2005, Cameco had the following ratings for its senior debt from third-party rating agencies:

    - Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (DBRS) - "A (low)" with a stable outlook

    - Moody's Investors Service - "Baa1" with a stable outlook

    - Standard & Poor's (S&P) - "BBB+" with a stable outlook

    SHARE CAPITAL

    At March 31, 2005, there were 173.5 million common shares and one Class B share outstanding. In addition, there were 5.7 million stock options outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $5.00 to $54.08 per share. Cameco also had convertible debentures in the amount of $230 million outstanding. This issue may be converted into a total of 10.6 million common shares at a conversion price of $21.67 per share.

    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

    Cameco buys a significant amount of goods and services for its Saskatchewan mining operations from northern Saskatchewan suppliers to support economic development in the region. One such supplier is Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership. During the first quarter, Harry Cook, a director of Cameco, was the chair of this company and was also the chief of Lac LaRonge Indian Band, which owns Kitsaki. In the first quarter of 2005, Cameco had paid Kitsaki subsidiary companies $7 million for transportation and catering services. Chief Cook retired as chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and chair of Kitsaki as of March 31, 2005. Mr. Cook may continue to be affiliated with the Band and Kitsaki.

    NON-GAAP MEASURES

    In addition to disclosing results in accordance with the Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Cameco also provides supplementary non-GAAP measures as a method to evaluate the company's operating performance.

    Total Cash Cost

    This MD&A presents information about total cash cost of production of an ounce of gold for the operating properties of Centerra. Except as otherwise noted, total cash cost per ounce is calculated by using the Gold Institute Production Cost Standard.

    Total cash costs, as defined in the Gold Institute Production Cost Standard, include mine operating costs such as mining, processing, administration, royalties and production taxes, but exclude amortization, reclamation costs, financing costs and capital, development and exploration.

    Total cash cost per ounce has been included because certain investors use this information to assess performance and also determine the ability of Centerra to generate cash flow for use in investing and other activities. The inclusion of total cash cost per ounce enables investors to better understand year-on-year changes in production costs, which in turn affect profitability and cash flow.

    Reconciliation of Cash cost per ounce to Cost of Sales

---------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions unless otherwise noted) $US $Cdn ---------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of sales as reported 51.7 64.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Adjust for: --------------------------- - Refining Costs 0.7 0.95 --------------------------- - By Product (0.6) (0.7) --------------------------- - Non-operating Costs (1.3) (1.7) --------------------------- - Inventory Movement (5.3) (6.6) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total Cash Costs 45.1 56.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ounces poured (000s ounces) 213.5 213.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total Cash cost per ounce ($/ounce) 211 265 ----------------------------------------------------------------

    CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    Statements contained in this news release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences, without limiting the generality of the following, include: volatility and sensitivity to market prices for uranium, electricity in Ontario and gold; the impact of the sales volume of uranium, conversion services, electricity generated and gold; competition; the impact of change in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates; imprecision in reserve estimates; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory burdens; unexpected geological or hydrological conditions; adverse mining conditions; political risks arising from operating in certain developing countries; a possible deterioration in political support for nuclear energy; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; demand for nuclear power; replacement of production and failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation, regulation or restructuring of the electric utility industry in Ontario; Ontario electricity rate regulations; weather and other natural phenomena; ability to maintain and further improve positive labour relations; operating performance of the facilities; decrease in electrical production due to planned outages extending beyond their scheduled periods or unplanned outages; success of planned development projects; terrorism; sabotage; and other development and operating risks.

    Although Cameco believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this report. Cameco disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

INVESTOR INFORMATION

Common Shares CCO Toronto Stock Exchange

CCJ New York Stock Exchange

Convertible Debentures CCO.DB Toronto Stock Exchange

Inquiries Cameco Corporation 2121 - 11th Street West Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7M 1J3

Phone: 306-956-6200 Fax: 306-956-6318 Web: www.cameco.com

Transfer Agent CIBC Mellon Trust Company 320 Bay Street, P.O. Box 1 Toronto, Ontario M5H 4A6

Phone: 800-387-0825 (North America) Phone: 416-643-5500 (outside North America)

Cameco Corporation Highlights (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Financial (in millions) Revenue $ 216 $ 132 Earnings from operations 15 8 Net earnings 26 39 Cash provided by operations 84 46 Working capital (end of period) 597 468 Net debt to capitalization 12% 20%

Per common share Net earnings - Basic $ 0.15 $ 0.23 - Diluted 0.15 0.22 Dividend 0.06 0.05

Weighted average number of paid common shares outstanding (in thousands) 173,215 170,331

Average uranium spot price for the period (US$/lb) $ 21.80 $ 16.54

Sales volumes Uranium (in thousands lbs U3O8) 4,265 4,586 Uranium conversion (tU) 2,445 2,813 Gold (troy ounces) 220,000 68,000 Electricity (TWh) 2.6 2.5

Note: Currency amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless stated otherwise.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Cameco's Three Months Ended Cameco Production Share Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Uranium production (in thousands lbs U3O8) McArthur River 69.8% 2,775 3,516 Rabbit Lake 100.0% 1,475 1,217 Crow Butte 100.0% 220 204 Smith Ranch Highland 100.0% 283 286 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 4,753 5,223 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Uranium conversion (tU) 100.0% 3,609 4,065

Gold (troy ounces) Kumtor (i) 100.0% 142,000 58,000 Boroo (ii) 100.0% 72,000 19,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 214,000 77,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Cameco's effective ownership interest in Kumtor was 33.3% for the first three months of 2004.

(ii) Quantity reported for Boroo in 2004 excludes 28,000 ounces produced prior to declaration of commercial production. Cameco's effective ownership interest in Boroo was 53% for the first three months of 2005.

Cameco Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (In Thousands)

As At ------------------------ Mar 31/05 Dec 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets Current assets Cash $ 234,516 $ 189,532 Accounts receivable 60,485 182,951 Inventories 431,792 386,936 Supplies and prepaid expenses 89,823 90,923 Current portion of long-term receivables, investments and other 1,003 898 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 817,619 851,240

Property, plant and equipment 2,285,995 2,281,418 Long-term receivables, investments and other 758,217 732,262 Goodwill (note 10) 188,117 187,184 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3,232,329 3,200,864 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $ 4,049,948 $ 4,052,104 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 192,036 $ 231,697 Dividends payable 10,410 8,652 Current portion of other liabilities 4,184 17,317 Future income taxes 13,982 38,653 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 220,612 296,319

Long-term debt 544,964 518,603 Provision for reclamation 168,158 166,941 Other liabilities 41,534 31,086 Future income taxes 528,487 533,024 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,503,755 1,545,973

Minority interest 355,147 345,611

Shareholders' equity Share capital 758,095 750,559 Contributed surplus 513,643 511,674 Retained earnings 954,688 938,809 Cumulative translation account (35,380) (40,522) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2,191,046 2,160,520 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 4,049,948 $ 4,052,104 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

Cameco Corporation Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) (In Thousands)

Three Months Ended Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue from Products and services $ 216,233 $ 132,407 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Expenses Products and services sold 130,885 86,775 Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 37,070 17,345 Administration 23,303 14,132 Exploration 11,171 4,749 Research and development 641 480 Interest and other (note 5) (587) 1,811 Gain on sale of assets (1,201) (1,000) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 201,282 124,292 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings from operations 14,951 8,115

Earnings from Bruce Power 29,436 45,903 Other income (expense) (note 6) (423) 1,277 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes and minority interest 43,964 55,295 Income tax expense (note 7) 9,461 15,664 Minority interest 8,214 513 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings $ 26,289 $ 39,118 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic earnings per common share (note 8) $ 0.15 $ 0.23 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted earnings per common share (note 8) $ 0.15 $ 0.22 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Cameco Corporation Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings (Unaudited) (In Thousands)

Three Months Ended Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Retained earnings at beginning of period $ 938,809 $ 694,423 Net earnings 26,289 39,118 Dividends on common shares (10,410) (8,544) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Retained earnings at end of period $ 954,688 $ 724,997 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

Cameco Corporation Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In Thousands)

Three Months Ended Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating activities Net earnings $ 26,289 $ 39,118 Items not requiring (providing) cash: Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 37,070 17,345 Provision for future taxes (note 7) 3,335 14,089 Deferred charges (revenues) recognized (7,362) 1,789 Unrealized gains on derivatives (359) (1,401) Stock-based compensation (note 9) 2,791 942 Gain on sale of assets (1,201) (1,000) Earnings from Bruce Power (29,436) (45,903) Equity in loss (earnings) from associated companies 1,740 (620) Minority interest 8,214 513 Other operating items (note 11) 42,739 21,380 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash provided by operations 83,820 46,252 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Investing activities Additions to property, plant and equipment (46,488) (15,396) Increase in long-term receivables, investments and other (2,624) - Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 1,117 1,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash used in investing (47,995) (14,396) ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Financing activities Decrease in debt - (72,658) Increase in debt 25,832 - Issue of shares 6,697 7,209 Short-term financing (14,544) - Dividends (8,646) (8,516) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash provided by (used in) financing 9,339 (73,965) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) in cash during the period 45,164 (42,109) Exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash balances (180) 2,846 Cash at beginning of period 189,532 84,069 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash at end of period $ 234,516 $ 44,806 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Supplemental cash flow disclosure Interest paid $ 6,121 $ 7,970 Income taxes paid $ 25,380 $ 7,149 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

Cameco Corporation Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

    1. Accounting Policies

    These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and follow the same accounting principles and methods of application as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with Cameco's annual consolidated financial statements included in the 2004 annual report. Certain comparative figures for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.

    2. Bruce Power

    (a) Summary Financial Information - Bruce Power Limited Partnership (100% basis)

(i) Income Statements --------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended (millions) Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenue $ 418 $ 399 Operating costs 313 250 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings before interest and taxes 105 149 Interest 17 18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings before taxes 88 131 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Cameco's share (a) 28 41 Adjustments (b) 1 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Cameco's share of earnings before taxes $ 29 $ 46 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) Cameco's interest in Bruce Power earnings is 31.6%.

(b) In addition to its proportionate share of earnings from Bruce Power, Cameco records certain adjustments to account for any differences in accounting policy and to amortize fair values assigned to assets and liabilities at the time of acquisition.

(ii) Balance Sheets

--------------------------------------------------------------------- (millions) Mar 31/05 Dec 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets Current assets $ 429 $ 390 Property, plant and equipment 2,247 2,233 Long-term receivables and investments 149 172 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

$ 2,825 $ 2,795 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Liabilities and Partners' Capital Current liabilities $ 188 $ 246 Long-term debt 1,125 1,126 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,313 1,372

Partners' capital 1,512 1,423 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

$ 2,825 $ 2,795 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

(iii) Cash Flows --------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended (millions) Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash provided by operations $ 121 $ 104 Cash used in investing (61) (91) Cash provided by (used in) financing (7) (35) ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Financial Assurances

    Cameco has provided the following financial assurances on behalf of the partnership, with varying terms that range from 2004 to 2018:

    (i) Licensing assurances to Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission of $24,000,000.

    (ii) Guarantees to customers under power sale agreements of up to $113,000,000. At March 31, 2005, Cameco's actual exposure under these guarantees was $48,000,000.

    (iii) Termination payments to Ontario Power Generation Inc. pursuant to the lease agreement of $58,000,000.

    3. Long-Term Debt

    The fair value of the outstanding convertible debentures based on the quoted market price of the debentures at March 31, 2005 was approximately $578,000,000.

    4. Share Capital

    (a) At March 31, 2005, there were 173,498,121 common shares outstanding.

    (b) Options in respect of 5,668,140 shares are outstanding under the stock option plan and are exercisable up to 2014. Upon exercise of certain existing options, additional options in respect of 115,400 shares would be granted.

5. Interest and Other --------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended (thousands) Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Interest on long-term debt $ 7,154 $ 9,410 Other interest and financing charges 455 530 Interest income (1,313) (382) Foreign exchange gains (612) (329) Gains on derivatives (751) (1,401) Capitalized interest (5,520) (6,017) ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Net $ (587) $ 1,811 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Other Income (Expense) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended (thousands) Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dividends on portfolio investments $ 1,317 $ 657 Equity in earnings (loss) of associated companies (1,740) 620 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Net $ (423) $ 1,277 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Income Tax Expense --------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended (thousands) Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Current income taxes $ 6,126 $ 1,575 Future income taxes 3,335 14,089 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Income tax expense $ 9,461 $ 15,664 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

8. Per Share Amounts --------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended (thousands) Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic earnings per share computation

Net earnings $ 26,289 $ 39,118

Weighted average common shares outstanding 173,215 170,331 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic earnings per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.23 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Diluted earnings per share computation

Net earnings $ 26,289 $ 39,118 Dilutive effect of: Convertible debentures (a) 2,039 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings, assuming dilution $ 26,289 $ 41,157 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Weighted average common shares outstanding 173,215 170,331 Dilutive effect of: Convertible debentures (a) 10,578 Stock options 3,173 2,283 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution 176,388 183,192 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) Excluded from the calculation, as the instrument was not potentially dilutive to earnings during the period.

    Options whose exercise price was greater than the average market price were excluded from the calculation.

    9. Stock-Based Compensation

    Stock Option Plan

    Cameco has established a stock option plan under which options to purchase common shares may be granted to directors, officers and other 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 vest over three years and expire eight years from the date granted. Options granted prior to 1999 expire 10 years from the date of the grant of the option.

    The aggregate number of common shares that may be issued pursuant to the Cameco stock option plan shall not exceed 15,730,209, of which 8,526,767 shares have been issued.

    For the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Cameco has recorded compensation expense of $2,791,000 (2004- $942,000) with an offsetting credit to contributed surplus to reflect the estimated fair value of stock options granted to employees in 2005.

    Cameco has applied the pro forma disclosure provisions of the standard to awards granted on or after January 1, 2002 but prior to January 1, 2003. The pro forma effect of awards granted prior to January 1, 2002 has not been included. The pro forma net earnings, basic and diluted earnings per share after giving effect to the grant of these options in 2002 are:

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended (thousands) Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings - as reported $26,289 $39,118 Add: Stock option employee compensation expense included in reported net earnings 2,791 942 Deduct: Total stock option employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards (2,868) (1,093) ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings - pro forma $26,212 $38,967

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Pro forma basic earnings per share $ 0.15 $ 0.23 Pro forma diluted earnings per share $ 0.15 $ 0.21

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The fair value of the options issued was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Number of options granted 1,292,550 1,683,300 Average strike price $ 53.99 $ 21.03 Expected dividend $ 0.24 $ 0.20 Expected volatility 34% 37% Risk-free interest rate 3.5% 3.3% Expected life of option 4 years 4 years Expected forfeitures 15% 15% Weighted average grant date fair values $ 16.64 $ 6.52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    Executive Performance Share Unit (PSU), Deferred Share Unit (DSU), and Other Plans

    Commencing in 2005, Cameco provides each executive officer 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 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 cash flow from operations targets and whether the participating executive remains employed by Cameco at the end of the three-year vesting period. As of March 31, 2005, the total PSUs held by the executive was 98,100.

    Cameco offers a deferred share unit plan to non-employee directors. A DSU is a notional unit that reflects the market value of a single common share of Cameco. In the first quarter of 2005, sixty percent of each director's annual retainer was paid in DSUs. In addition, on an annual basis directors can elect to receive the remaining forty percent of their annual retainer and any additional fees in the form of 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 twenty trading days prior to the redemption date multiplied by the number of DSUs held by the director. As of March 31, 2005, the total DSUs held by participating directors was 126,740 (March 31, 2004 - 106,026).

    Cameco makes annual grants of bonuses to eligible non-North American employees in the form of phantom stock options. Options under this plan are not physically granted; rather 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 March 31, 2005, the number of options held by participating employees was 288,710 (March 31, 2004 - 425,100) with exercise prices ranging from $9.61 to $54.08 per share (March 31, 2004 - $9.61 to $21.03) and a weighted average exercise price of $22.25 (March 31, 2004 - $15.69).

    10. Goodwill

    The acquisitions undertaken as part of the 2004 gold restructuring were accounted for using the purchase method whereby assets and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair market value as of the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over such fair value was recorded as goodwill. The change in goodwill is due to the following:

---------------------------------------------------------------------

(thousands) ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance, beginning of period $187,184 Change in foreign exchange rate 933

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance, end of period $188,117

---------------------------------------------------------------------

11. Statements of Cash Flows

Other Operating Items --------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended (thousands) Mar 31/05 Mar 31/04 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Inventories $(37,965) $(38,753) Accounts receivable 120,668 86,802 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (71,051) (37,214) Other 31,087 10,545 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Total $ 42,739 $ 21,380

---------------------------------------------------------------------

    12. Commitments and Contingencies

    (a) A jury action was commenced by Oren Benton on November 28, 2000 in the State of Colorado, USA, against Cameco. The action claims in excess of $200,000,000 (US) for breach of contract, breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing, and tortious interference with contractual relations and/or business expectations. Cameco's motion to dismiss the claim was granted by Senior Judge Daniel B. Sparr by order filed November 15, 2002 and Mr. Benton's claim was dismissed. Mr. Benton has unsuccessfully appealed this decision and his appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States was also denied.

    Management is of the opinion that this action has concluded.

    (b) During the quarter, Cameco signed a toll-conversion agreement with British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL) to acquire uranium UF6 conversion services from BNFL's Springfields plant in Lancashire, United Kingdom. Under the 10-year agreement, BNFL will annually convert a base quantity of 5 million kgU as UO3 to UF6 for Cameco.

    13. Related Party Transactions

    The company purchases a significant amount of goods and services for its Saskatchewan mining operations from northern Saskatchewan suppliers to support economic development in the region. One such supplier is Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership (Kitsaki). Harry Cook, a director of Cameco, was the chair of the company and was also the chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, which owns Kitsaki. In the first quarter of 2005, Cameco has paid Kitsaki subsidiary companies $7,400,000 (2004 - $5,600,000) for transportation and catering services. The transactions were conducted in the normal course of business and were accounted for at the exchange amount. Accounts payable include a balance of $975,000 (2004 - $795,000) resulting from these transactions.

    14. Subsequent Events

    On April 18, 2005, the acting President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. K. Bakiev, issued a decree to establish a special commission to inquire into former President Akayev's assets. Kumtor Gold Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centerra Gold Inc. (Centerra), is included on the list subject to the decree. According to an Associated Press story dated April 27, 2005, Deputy Prime Minister D. Usenov, the head of the special commission, stated that Kumtor "... is currently under a scheduled tax inspection and will be dropped from the list after the inspection is over." President Bakiev has publicly stated on several occasions that the Kyrgyz Republic will honour its agreements with foreign investors. We do not believe that the activities of the special commission or the routine tax inspection will have a material effect on our assets.

    On April 20, 2005, Kumtor Gold Company received a letter from the State Auditing Chamber of the Kyrgyz Republic requesting information about the Kumtor restructuring in 2004. This restructuring involved the issuance of shares in Cameco's then wholly owned subsidiary, Centerra, in exchange for the interests in Kumtor held by Cameco, Kyrgyzaltyn JSC (a company wholly owned by the Kyrgyz government), EBRD and IFC. Centerra has agreed to assist the Chamber with its review. We do not believe the activities of the State Auditing Chamber will have a material effect on our assets.

15. Segmented Information

For the three months (a) ended March 31, 2005 Uranium Conversion Power Gold ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenue $ 77,822 $ 25,793 $ 135,529 $ 112,618 Expenses Products and services sold 51,040 15,152 83,274 64,693 Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 14,930 1,468 18,645 20,672 Exploration 4,476 - - 6,695 Research and development - 641 - - Other 88 - 4,174 - Gain on sale of assets (42) - - (1,159) Earnings from Bruce Power Non-segmented expenses --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes 7,330 8,532 29,436 21,717 Income taxes Minority interest --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

For the three months (a) ended March 31, 2005 Subtotal Adjustments Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenue $351,762 ($135,529) $216,233 Expenses Products and services sold 214,159 (83,274) 130,885 Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 55,715 (18,645) 37,070 Exploration 11,171 - 11,171 Research and development 641 - 641 Other 4,262 (4,174) 88 Gain on sale of assets (1,201) - (1,201) Earnings from Bruce Power (29,436) (29,436) Non-segmented expenses - 23,051 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes 67,015 - 43,964 Income taxes 9,461 Minority interest 8,214 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings $ 26,289 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

For the three months (a) ended March 31, 2004 Uranium Conversion Power Gold ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenue $ 72,707 $ 25,798 $ 130,890 $ 33,902 Expenses Products and services sold 54,701 16,607 69,240 15,467 Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 9,581 1,446 13,097 6,318 Exploration 3,115 - - 1,634 Research and development - 480 - - Other (612) - 2,650 (711) Gain on sale of assets (1,000) - - - Earnings from Bruce Power Non-segmented expenses --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes 6,922 7,265 45,903 11,194 Income taxes Minority interest --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

For the three months (a) ended March 31, 2004 Subtotal Adjustments Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenue $263,297 ($130,890) $132,407 Expenses Products and services sold 156,015 (69,240) 86,775 Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 30,442 (13,097) 17,345 Exploration 4,749 - 4,749 Research and development 480 - 480 Other 1,327 (2,650) (1,323) Gain on sale of assets (1,000) - (1,000) Earnings from Bruce Power (45,903) (45,903) Non-segmented expenses - 15,989 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes 71,284 - 55,295 Income taxes 15,664 Minority interest 513 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings $39,118 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) Consistent with the presentation of financial information for internal management purposes, Cameco's pro rata share of Bruce Power's financial results have been presented as a separate segment. In accordance with GAAP, this investment is accounted for by the equity method of accounting in these consolidated financial statements and the associated revenues and expenses are eliminated in the adjustments column.

    Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO) (NYSE:CCJ)

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CONTACT: Cameco Corporation Investor & media inquiries: Alice Wong (306) 956-6337 OR Investor inquiries: Bob Lillie (306) 956-6639 OR Media inquiries: Lyle Krahn (306) 956-6316 Website: www.cameco.com

KEYWORD: NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MINING/METALS EARNINGS SOURCE: Cameco Corporation

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