Lightbridge(LTBR)
Search documents
Lightbridge President and CEO Seth Grae Highlights Nuclear Energy's Critical Role in Meeting Global Energy Demands on Schwab Network's “Morning Trade Live” with Nicole Petallides
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-04-28 17:00
Core Insights - Lightbridge Corporation emphasizes the growing importance of nuclear energy in meeting global power demands, particularly due to the reliability of nuclear power compared to renewable sources like solar and wind [2] - The company is focused on developing innovative fuel technology that can enhance the economic viability of nuclear power plants and increase their output [2][4] - The U.S. aims to triple its nuclear power capacity by 2050, potentially increasing nuclear's share of electricity from 19% to over 50% [2] Company Overview - Lightbridge Corporation is dedicated to developing advanced nuclear fuel technology that provides abundant, zero-emission, clean energy and enhances energy security [4] - The company is working on Lightbridge Fuel™, a next-generation nuclear fuel technology designed for existing and new reactors, improving safety, economics, and proliferation resistance [4] - Lightbridge has established long-term agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance and is involved in university-led studies to support its fuel technology development [5]
Lightbridge(LTBR) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report
2025-03-03 22:00
Nuclear Fuel Development - Lightbridge Corporation is developing next-generation nuclear fuel that could improve the economics and safety of nuclear power plants, aiming to meet the growing global energy and climate needs[21]. - The company projects that its metallic fuel can provide a potential power uprate of up to 30% in new-build pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and 17% or more in existing PWRs[32][34]. - Lightbridge Fuel™ is expected to operate at lower temperatures than conventional nuclear fuel, enhancing safety margins during off-normal events and reducing the risk of hydrogen gas generation in loss-of-coolant accidents[40][42]. - Lightbridge aims to address the increasing demand for electricity production by enabling longer operating cycles and higher reactor power outputs for current and future reactor fleets[28]. - Lightbridge Fuel™ can operate in various water-cooled commercial power reactors, including pressurized water reactors and CANDU reactors[44]. - The feasibility study indicates that Lightbridge Fuel™ can double the discharged burnup in CANDU reactors at U-235 enrichment levels of less than 3% compared to conventional uranium dioxide fuel[57]. - The company anticipates beginning demonstration of lead test rods in commercial reactors in the 2030s, with initial fuel reload orders expected 15-20 years from now[65]. - The company has successfully demonstrated the extrusion of unclad cylindrical rods made of depleted uranium and zirconium alloy[50]. - The company plans to conduct loop irradiation testing of metallic fuel samples in the ATR at INL to confirm fuel performance under various reactor conditions[74]. - Future milestones for Lightbridge Fuel™ development include irradiating nuclear material samples and conducting post-irradiation examinations over the next 2-3 years[211]. Market Opportunities and Economic Impact - The global nuclear power industry, which provided approximately 4% of total energy consumption and 9% of global electricity generation in 2023, represents a substantial market opportunity for Lightbridge[29]. - The company believes that integrating nuclear power can enhance operational efficiency and energy security for data centers and other energy-intensive industries[23]. - The company aims to extend the fuel cycle length from 18 to 24 months in existing large PWRs using its Lightbridge Fuel™ technology[82]. - The company anticipates needing to raise several hundred million dollars over the next 10-15 years to support R&D activities and operations[100]. - Production costs for the nuclear fuel are estimated to be between $5,000 to $10,000 per kilogram, with potential future government-funded R&D programs required to lower costs[123]. Research and Development Collaborations - The company has built a significant portfolio of patents and is conducting R&D activities in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratories[25]. - Lightbridge has received $1 million from the DOE's Nuclear Energy University Program for a study on the performance of Lightbridge Fuel™ in small modular reactors[58]. - The company has entered into agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance to support the development of Lightbridge Fuel™, with an initial duration of seven years[198]. - The initial phase of work under the agreements will involve casting and extrusion of fuel material samples for irradiation testing, aimed at generating performance data for regulatory licensing[199]. - The Company engaged RATEN ICN in Romania for a feasibility study of Lightbridge Fuel™ for CANDU reactors, with a total fee of approximately $0.2 million paid for the study[206][207]. Financial Challenges and Funding Needs - The company has approximately $40.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, with an accumulated deficit of $164.2 million[99]. - The company has experienced substantial and recurring losses from operations, indicating ongoing financial challenges as it develops its nuclear fuel technology[99]. - The company is dependent on significant U.S. government funding and political support for nuclear power to complete fuel development efforts and commercialize nuclear fuel technology[104]. - The projected timeline for the metallic fuel development program is estimated to take 15-20 years and cost several hundred million U.S. dollars before securing the initial commercial order[106]. - The company may face significant delays and cost overruns due to uncertainties in R&D funding levels and regulatory licensing timelines[106]. Regulatory and Market Risks - The regulatory licensing process for the company’s nuclear fuels may be delayed and made more costly due to differences from currently licensed fuels[124]. - Successful execution of the business model is dependent on public support for nuclear power, which has faced increased opposition since the Fukushima accident in 2011[125]. - The company may face increased competition from renewable energy sources due to government subsidies, which could affect customer demand for nuclear products[131]. - The company’s nuclear fuel technology has not been tested in existing commercial reactors, leading to uncertainty in performance and market acceptance[116]. - Competitors developing new nuclear fuel designs could limit the company's market opportunities and commercialization potential[136]. Cybersecurity and Operational Risks - The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors conducts an annual review of the company's cybersecurity posture and risk management strategies[179]. - The company has established an incident response plan to address potential cybersecurity incidents, including engaging third-party experts and law enforcement as necessary[177]. - Cybersecurity incidents could disrupt operations and compromise confidential information, negatively impacting financial results[140]. - Labor shortages and supply chain disruptions are expected to negatively impact R&D timelines and financial results due to high material and equipment prices[129]. Intellectual Property and Competitive Landscape - The company holds 11 U.S. patents and more than 146 foreign patents, with one new patent received in 2024 and 22 pending applications[89]. - Intellectual property rights are crucial for the company's technology, and failure to maintain these rights could negatively impact business and financial condition[149]. - Technological advancements by competitors may render the company's fuel technologies obsolete, affecting market share and sales[144]. Shareholder and Management Considerations - The company has identified material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting, which could lead to inaccuracies in financial statements[157]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company remediated a previously identified material weakness in internal controls[159]. - The company has 3.1 million authorized but unissued common stock shares as of February 27, 2025, with a proposal to increase authorized shares to 100 million[162]. - The issuance of preferred stock could create different interests between preferred and common stockholders, potentially diluting common stock value[163]. - Shareholder activism may incur significant expenses and divert management's attention, potentially impacting stock price and relationships with employees[167].
Lightbridge(LTBR) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-02-27 16:07
Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ:LTBR) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 27, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Matthew Abenante - Director of Investor Relations Seth Grae - Chief Executive Officer Andrey Mushakov - Executive Vice President, Nuclear Operations Scott Holcombe - Vice President, Engineering Larry Goldman - Chief Financial Officer Sherrie Holloway - Controller Conference Call Participants Operator Thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Lightbridge Corporation business update an ...
Lightbridge(LTBR) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Results
2025-02-26 21:30
Financial Performance - Lightbridge Corporation reported a net loss of $11.8 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $7.9 million for the previous year, representing a 49% increase in losses[8]. - The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $11,787,066, compared to a net loss of $7,908,646 in 2023, representing an increase in losses of approximately 49%[24]. - Net cash used in operating activities increased to $9,493,696 in 2024 from $6,484,733 in 2023, reflecting a rise of about 46%[24]. Cash and Liquidity - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $40.0 million at December 31, 2024, up from $28.6 million at the end of 2023, marking an increase of $11.4 million[4]. - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2024 were $39,990,827, up from $28,598,445 at the end of 2023, indicating an increase of about 40%[24]. - Working capital improved to $39.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $28.3 million at the end of 2023, indicating a 41% increase[3]. Research and Development - Research and development expenses rose to $4.6 million in 2024, compared to $1.9 million in 2023, reflecting a 142% increase due to heightened R&D activities related to Lightbridge Fuel™[11]. - Lightbridge anticipates investing approximately $17 million in capital and operating expenditures for R&D in 2025[11]. - The company successfully co-extruded a sample of depleted uranium and zirconium alloy with nuclear-grade zirconium cladding, demonstrating advancements in its fuel technology[2]. - Lightbridge Fuel™ is designed to enhance heat transfer capabilities, resulting in lower operating temperatures and improved economic and safety benefits for reactors[2]. Equity and Liabilities - The company reported total assets of $41.0 million and total liabilities of $0.4 million at December 31, 2024[11]. - Lightbridge's stockholders' equity increased to $40.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $28.9 million at the end of 2023, reflecting a 40% increase[11]. Financing Activities - The company raised $21,412,505 from the issuance of common stock in 2024, significantly higher than the $6,405,431 raised in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 234%[24]. - The net cash provided by financing activities was $20,886,078 in 2024, compared to $6,183,821 in 2023, indicating an increase of about 237%[24]. - The company made a non-cash financing activity payment of accrued liabilities with common stock amounting to $255,000 in 2024, compared to $215,000 in 2023[24]. Expenses - General and administrative expenses increased to $8.5 million in 2024, up from $7.1 million in 2023, a rise of 19.0% primarily due to higher employee compensation and consulting fees[11]. - The company reported stock-based compensation of $2,038,231 in 2024, compared to $1,257,717 in 2023, which is an increase of approximately 62%[24]. - Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards were $568,348 in 2024, up from $221,610 in 2023, reflecting an increase of about 157%[24]. - The common stock issued for services increased to $110,806 in 2024 from $45,000 in 2023, representing an increase of approximately 146%[24]. - The company reported a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, which amounted to $193,259 in 2024, down from $350,995 in 2023, a decrease of approximately 45%[24].
Lightbridge Provides Business Update and Announces Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results
Globenewswire· 2025-02-26 21:05
RESTON, Va., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (“Lightbridge” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LTBR), an advanced nuclear fuel technology company, announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and provided an update on the Company’s continued progress. Seth Grae, President & Chief Executive Officer of Lightbridge Corporation, commented, “We believe 2024 was a transformative year for the nuclear industry as we saw unprecedented momentum in the adoption and dev ...
Lightbridge to Hold Business Update & Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings Conference Call on Thursday, February 27 at 10 a.m. ET
Globenewswire· 2025-02-18 13:00
Core Viewpoint - Lightbridge Corporation will announce its financial results for the fiscal year 2024 on February 26, 2025, and will host a conference call on February 27, 2025, to discuss these results and provide updates on its fuel development activities [1][2]. Company Overview - Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR) focuses on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology aimed at delivering abundant, zero-emission clean energy and enhancing global energy security [4]. - The company is developing Lightbridge Fuel™, a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology designed for existing light water reactors and pressurized heavy water reactors, which significantly improves reactor safety, economics, and proliferation resistance [4]. - Lightbridge is also working on Lightbridge Fuel for new small modular reactors (SMRs), which will provide similar benefits while enabling load-following with renewables on a zero-carbon electric grid [4]. Strategic Partnerships and Research - Lightbridge has established two long-term framework agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance LLC, the operating contractor for the Idaho National Laboratory, which is the leading nuclear energy research and development laboratory in the U.S. [5]. - The company has received support from the DOE's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program, which has awarded Lightbridge funding for the development of Lightbridge Fuel over the past several years [5]. - Lightbridge is participating in two university-led studies through the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Texas A&M University [5]. Communication and Accessibility - Investors can submit questions via email by February 21, 2025, and the conference call will be led by the President and CEO, Seth Grae, with other executives available for questions [2]. - The conference call can be accessed by phone or through a webcast, with a replay available for a limited time [3].
Lightbridge Successfully Co-Extrudes a Demonstration Coupon Sample with Uranium-Zirconium Alloy and Cladding
Globenewswire· 2025-02-12 12:00
Core Viewpoint - Lightbridge Corporation has achieved a significant milestone in advanced nuclear fuel technology by successfully demonstrating a co-extrusion process for a uranium-zirconium alloy at Idaho National Laboratory, moving closer to the commercialization of its Lightbridge Fuel™ product designed to enhance reactor safety and performance [1][2][8] Group 1: Co-Extrusion Process - The co-extrusion demonstration involved pressing a metallic alloy billet encased in zirconium alloy cladding to produce an 8-foot cylindrical rod [3][6] - This process represents a key fabrication milestone under a Strategic Partnership Project Agreement with Battelle Energy Alliance LLC, the U.S. Department of Energy's contractor for INL [5][11] - The uranium-zirconium alloy used in the demonstration is the same composition planned for future commercial Lightbridge Fuel™ products [6] Group 2: Future Development and Testing - Lightbridge and INL will analyze the co-extruded sample to confirm extrusion process parameters, paving the way for future production using enriched uranium [7] - Planned capsule irradiation testing in INL's Advanced Test Reactor aims to generate critical performance data for Lightbridge's advanced fuel and support regulatory licensing efforts [7] - The successful demonstration is seen as a testament to the collaboration and innovation driving the advancement of Lightbridge Fuel, with a focus on enhancing safety, efficiency, and performance [8][10] Group 3: Company Background and Goals - Lightbridge Corporation is focused on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology essential for delivering clean energy and energy security [10] - The company is developing Lightbridge Fuel™ for existing light water reactors and new small modular reactors (SMRs), aiming to enhance reactor safety and economics [10][11] - Lightbridge has entered into long-term agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance and has received support from the DOE's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program [11]
Lightbridge CEO Seth Grae to Participate in Key Nuclear Industry Events in February
Newsfilter· 2025-02-06 12:00
RESTON, Va., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation ("Lightbridge" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:LTBR), an advanced nuclear fuel technology company, today announced that President and CEO Seth Grae will serve as a moderator and panelist at two major nuclear industry events in February. Mr. Grae will participate in the Nuclear Energy Institute's Nuclear Financing Summit on February 11-12, 2025, in New York City, NY. He will serve as a panelist in the "Strategic Partnerships for Nuclear Success ...
Lightbridge Corporation: Secular And Short-Term Tailwinds Make It A Strong Buy
Seeking Alpha· 2025-02-01 11:06
Lightbirdge (NASDAQ: LTBR ) is a company focused on developing the next generation of uranium fuel rods. Its patented technology offers superior performance and enhanced security features that could benefit both current and next-generation reactors. We believe the stock is veryAnalyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my ...
Lightbridge and Oklo Sign MOU to Explore Co-Location of Commercial Fuel Fabrication Facilities and Collaboration on Advanced Fuel Recycling
Globenewswire· 2025-01-28 11:46
RESTON, Va., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (“Lightbridge”) (Nasdaq: LTBR), an advanced nuclear fuel technology company, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) (“Oklo”), an advanced nuclear power and fuel recycling company. The MOU outlines plans to conduct a feasibility study for co-locating a Lightbridge Commercial-scale Fuel Fabrication Facility at Oklo’s proposed commercial fuel fabrication facility and to explore oppor ...