Capital management

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of objectives policies and processes for managing capital abstract

27. Capital management

Cameco’s management considers its capital structure to consist of bank overdrafts, long-term debt, short-term debt (net of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments), non-controlling interest and shareholders’ equity.

Despite the impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy, Cameco’s approach to capital management has remained consistent. Cameco’s capital structure reflects its strategy and the environment in which it operates. Delivering returns to long-term shareholders is a top priority. The Company’s objective is to maximize cash flow while maintaining its investment grade rating through close capital management of our balance sheet metrics. Capital resources are managed to allow it to support achievement of its goals while managing financial risks such as the continued weakness in the market, litigation risk and refinancing risk. The overall objectives for managing capital in 2020 reflect the environment that the Company is operating in, similar to the prior comparative period.

The capital structure at December 31 was as follows:


		2020		2019


Long-term debt [note 13]		995,541		996,718
Cash and cash equivalents		(918,382)		(1,062,431)
Short-term investments		(24,985)		-

Net debt		52,174		(65,713)


Non-controlling interest		206		238
Shareholders' equity		4,958,355		4,994,725

Total equity		4,958,561		4,994,963


Total capital	$	5,010,735	$	4,929,250

Cameco is bound by certain covenants in its general credit facilities. These covenants place restrictions on total debt, including guarantees and set minimum levels for net worth. As of December 31, 2020, Cameco met these requirements.