Financial Performance - Revenue for the quarter was $3.2 billion, reflecting normalized growth of 3% year-over-year [7][20] - Adjusted EBITDA was $263 million, with margins of 8.1%, representing a 40 basis points year-over-year increase [20] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 6% year-over-year to $0.54 [20] Business Line Performance - Digital Solutions segment generated revenue of $1.34 billion, a 4% increase, with adjusted EBITDA of $103 million and margins of 7.7% [20] - Global Engineering Solutions reported revenue of $1.9 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $160 million and margins of 8.4% [20] Market Performance - The company secured $3.3 billion in net bookings, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1x for the quarter and 1.1x for the last 12 months [8] - The backlog grew by 4% to over $47 billion, with $23 billion in proposals awaiting award [8] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - Amentum is focused on three accelerating growth markets: space systems and technologies, critical digital infrastructure, and global nuclear energy [12] - The company aims to prioritize higher-margin work and has seen robust demand in nuclear energy, with nearly $1 billion in awards in the first quarter [9][39] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving fiscal year 2026 outlook and long-term strategic growth objectives despite challenges from the government shutdown [5][16] - The company anticipates strong free cash flow in the second quarter and reaffirms full-year guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA [24][25] Other Important Information - The company has a healthy liquidity position with $247 million in cash and an undrawn $850 million revolver [22] - Amentum received a credit rating upgrade from Moody's, reducing interest expenses and enhancing financial flexibility [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Free cash flow progression and potential receivables sales - Management noted that Q1 cash performance was impacted by timing-related factors, with expectations for strong free cash flow in the second quarter [28][29] Question: Award outlook by end market - Management highlighted an increase in funded backlog and expressed confidence in achieving a full-year book-to-bill greater than one [33][34] Question: Nuclear business impact on revenue and profit growth - Management indicated that while nuclear contracts will take time to significantly impact quarterly results, they expect positive contributions on a year-over-year basis [38][39] Question: Impact of joint ventures on cash flow - Management clarified that the large contributions to equity method investments in Q1 were due to initial capital contributions for joint ventures, which are expected to normalize [45] Question: Opportunities and challenges in NASA contracts - Management expressed excitement about supporting NASA's Artemis II mission and emphasized alignment with new leadership's goals for cost and schedule efficiency [81][84]

Group 1 - The U.K. is advancing its nuclear capabilities with the construction of Hinkley Point C and planning for Sizewell C, as part of a global nuclear renaissance [1] - The U.K. has introduced the Advanced Nuclear Framework to expedite the development of advanced reactor technology, learning from past experiences with large reactors [1] - Rolls-Royce has won a competition to be the first to construct a small modular reactor in the U.K., benefiting from the new regulatory framework [1] Group 2 - The U.K. government has made a £300 million investment to establish a High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) supply chain, which is essential for advanced reactors requiring higher enrichment levels [1] - Westinghouse, owned by Cameco, is working to reopen the Springfields conversion facility in the U.K. to enhance the nuclear fuel supply chain capacity [1] - The VettaFi Nuclear Renaissance Index includes companies across the nuclear value chain, such as Rolls-Royce, Jacobs Solutions, Amentum, and Cameco, providing investment opportunities in the nuclear sector [1]

Core Insights - The Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ) is outperforming its competitors, establishing itself as a valuable investment option in the nuclear energy sector [4][6]. Group 1: ETF Performance and Composition - The Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF has over $808 million in assets under management (AUM) despite being less than two years old [5]. - The ETF has a significant overweight in energy stocks at 13.20% compared to the category average of 2.14%, and nearly 55% weight in industrial stocks, which is more than double the category average [9]. - Notable holdings include GE Vernova and Lockheed Martin, which contribute positively to the ETF's performance [10]. Group 2: Geographic and Sector Diversification - The ETF offers geographic diversification, with over a third of its 45 holdings in companies outside the U.S., appealing to investors seeking international exposure [12]. - The fund has a defensive posture with an almost 28% allocation to the utilities sector, more than double that of competing funds, potentially providing protection during market downturns [13]. Group 3: Cost Considerations - The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.85%, which is considered moderate in the ETF space, but may be justified if the nuclear renaissance continues to grow [14].

Industry Overview - The nuclear energy sector is experiencing significant capital deployment as nations shift towards carbon-free baseload power to meet rising electricity demand and enhance energy security [1] - The nuclear reactor construction market is projected to grow by $13.25 billion between 2026 and 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% [2] Investment Opportunities - The Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ) serves as a primary vehicle for investors seeking exposure to the nuclear sector, focusing on infrastructure and service providers [3] - Key holdings in NUKZ, including Jacobs Engineering Group, Fluor Corporation, and Amentum Holdings, are well-positioned to benefit from the current spending cycle [3] Market Segments - The global nuclear decommissioning market is expected to reach $8.04 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.49% through 2032, indicating diversified revenue streams for industry leaders [4] - Fluor and Jacobs have established long-term positions in high-margin decommissioning and waste management segments, while Amentum has a substantial backlog of $47 billion as of late 2025 [10] Performance Metrics - NUKZ has surged 42% over the past year as of February 4, and has continued to perform well in 2026, up 7.3% year to date compared to a 0.6% increase in the S&P 500 [5] - The investment case for nuclear energy is supported by long-cycle utility and sovereign commitments, with national energy security mandates acting as a catalyst for NUKZ [6] Geographic Insights - The U.K. market presents a significant opportunity, with government commitments to new gigawatt-scale projects like Sizewell C, estimated at $51 billion, benefiting companies like Jacobs and Amentum through recent contract awards [10]

Group 1 - The U.S. government is increasing support for the nuclear industry through funding for advanced reactor development, fuel production capacity, and expedited licensing processes [1] - A new Department of Energy (DOE) funding bill allocates $49 billion to the Office of Nuclear Energy, redirecting over $3 billion from other DOE offices [1] - The funding will support the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program and provide $800 million to GE Vernova and Holtec for small modular reactors [1] Group 2 - The DOE has issued a request for information (RFI) for states to express interest in hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, which will support activities across the nuclear fuel life cycle [1] - States such as Wyoming, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Idaho are competing to host these campuses, which could attract $50 billion in private sector capital investments [1] - Hosting these campuses may provide significant ongoing revenue for the states and localities, along with the potential for advanced reactor deployment [1] Group 3 - BWX Technologies and GE Vernova are part of the VettaFi Nuclear Renaissance Index, which includes a diversified group of companies across the nuclear value chain [1] - The index serves as the underlying index for the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF, providing investors with exposure to the global growth opportunity in nuclear power [1]

Core Insights - Utilities are fundamentally changing their approach to nuclear power, indicating a long-term commitment to this carbon-free energy source [1] - Uranium prices have reached a 17-year high of $86 per pound, but actual market demand reflects prices around $100 to $115 per pound due to 70% of current contracts being market-related [1] - There is strong sovereign demand for uranium, with India being a notable example, which is a leading indicator for a robust contracting environment [1] Uranium Market Dynamics - Utilities are prioritizing security of supply over spot exposure, accepting higher incentive prices and longer contract durations [1] - The electricity demands from generative AI and data centers are further increasing the need for uranium [1] - The U.S. government is stimulating the uranium supply chain by partnering with Brookfield and Cameco to support the deployment of Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, targeting at least $80 billion in new reactors across the U.S. [1] Investment Opportunities - The structural shift in the nuclear sector is captured by the Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ), which tracks the VettaFi Nuclear Renaissance Index, providing exposure to Cameco and other companies involved in the nuclear renaissance [1] - Financial advisors are encouraged to stay informed on the nuclear sector for potential investment opportunities [1]

Industry Overview - Nuclear energy is experiencing a renaissance in the U.S. after years of neglect from politicians and green energy advocates [1] - The energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) necessitate a reliable, safe, and clean power source, which nuclear energy provides [3] Safety and Environmental Impact - Nuclear energy results in only 0.03 deaths per terawatt hour produced, significantly lower than coal (24.6) and oil (18.4) [4] - Over its lifetime, a nuclear plant produces just 6 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, compared to 53 tons for solar and 11 tons for wind [5] Operational Efficiency - Nuclear plants can operate at peak output 92% of the time, while wind and solar can only manage 35% and 24%, respectively [6] Company Profile: BWX Technologies - BWX Technologies specializes in nautical nuclear propulsion systems and has built over 400 nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy since the 1950s [8] - The company is developing small modular reactors (SMRs), with its BANR microreactor capable of generating 50 megawatts of power [9][10] Government Collaboration - The U.S. government is collaborating with BWX on Project Pele, aimed at creating a mobile microreactor for military use [11] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, BWX reported revenue of $866 million, a 29% increase from Q3 2024, with a 20% rise in earnings per share [13] - BWX has shown a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6% over the past three years and consistently beats earnings expectations [13] Dividend and Investment Potential - BWX pays an annual dividend of $1 per share, yielding nearly 0.5%, and has increased its dividend for 10 consecutive years at a rate of 5.6% over the past five years [14] - BWX Technologies is positioned as a compelling investment in the nuclear sector due to its expertise, military relationships, and strong financials [15]

Summary of Nuclear Renaissance – Key Questions For 2026 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the nuclear energy sector, highlighting the potential for a nuclear renaissance in 2026 and the investment opportunities within the nuclear value chain [2][12]. Key Questions and Insights 1. **Conventional Nuclear Supply** - Incremental nuclear supply is expected in the US, Japan, and China, with a more positive outlook for the US and Japan. The fastest pathways to add capacity are restarts and life extensions of existing reactors [13][14]. - Japan's nuclear policy is supportive, with recent approvals for reactor restarts, while the US has several plant restarts underway, including Palisades and Crane Clean Energy Center [15][16]. 2. **Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)** - The SMR market is becoming selective, with only projects that have clear regulatory pathways and credible financing likely to succeed. Demand from hyperscalers is strong, but execution risks remain [3][17]. - Currently, only four SMRs are operational globally, with many still in the design phase [20]. 3. **Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain** - Uranium is highlighted as a preferred commodity for 2026, with utilities returning to the market and spot buying remaining robust. The expected price is projected to reach US$90/lb by Q3 2026 [4][23]. - The supply chain is constrained, with long-term contracting activity improving as US utilities re-engage in the uranium market [24][30]. 4. **Fusion and Thorium Technologies** - Fusion and thorium remain long-term technologies with limited near-term impact on power supply. However, they are gaining attention and funding, indicating potential future relevance [5][31]. - China is advancing thorium technology with active projects, while the US is restarting research on molten salt reactors [33][36]. Investment Opportunities - The report identifies 26 Overweight-rated stocks across the nuclear value chain, including: - **Nuclear Power Generation**: Talen Energy, Public Service Enterprise Group, Hokkaido Electric Power [2][11]. - **Uranium Mining**: CGN Mining, Paladin Energy [4][11]. - **Equipment & Plant**: Curtiss-Wright, GE Vernova, Rolls-Royce [3][11]. Market Performance - Uranium mining stocks have shown significant outperformance, indicating strong investor interest and potential for growth in this sector [6][11]. Monitoring Signals for 2026 - Key signals to watch include: - Japan's safety review processes and government support for nuclear projects [16]. - Progress on US nuclear plant restarts and regulatory streamlining [16]. - Long-term uranium contracting trends and advancements in enrichment capacity [30][31]. Conclusion - The nuclear sector is poised for growth, driven by increasing demand for clean energy and supportive policies in key markets. Investors are encouraged to focus on companies with strong fundamentals and clear pathways to capitalize on the nuclear renaissance [2][12].

Summary of NANO Nuclear Energy FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: NANO Nuclear Energy (NasdaqCM:NNE) - **Focus**: Development of next-generation micro-reactors, nuclear fuel fabrication, and transportation technology aimed at providing smaller, simpler, and safer clean energy solutions [1] Key Areas of Focus - **Micro-Reactors**: The company is concentrating on micro-reactors, particularly the Kronos MMR, which has a capacity of approximately 15 megawatts electric [2] - **Market Applications**: Potential applications include data centers, industrial power needs, military bases, remote communities, and various process heat applications like desalination [2] Industry Dynamics - **Nuclear Renaissance**: The company is benefiting from a global nuclear renaissance driven by strong demand for clean, reliable base load energy, climate mandates, and bipartisan government support [3][4] - **Corporate Interest**: Major tech companies (Microsoft, Amazon, Google, etc.) are expanding their nuclear capabilities, indicating a growing reliance on nuclear energy for data centers [4] Value Proposition of Nuclear Energy - **Base Load Power**: Nuclear energy is recognized as the ideal source for base load power due to its reliability, zero emissions, and high capacity factor [5] - **Growth Commitment**: Countries and major companies are committing to significantly increase nuclear capacity by 2050, with the U.S. aiming to quadruple its capacity [5] Micro-Reactor Advantages - **Cost and Safety**: Micro-reactors are designed to address challenges faced by traditional reactors, such as long approval times and high construction costs, while enhancing safety through factory fabrication and modular assembly [8][9] - **Economies of Scale**: The design allows for cost-effective scaling and reduced initial capital expenditures, which is attractive to potential customers [9] Kronos MMR Specifics - **Design and Technology**: The Kronos MMR utilizes TRISO fuel and is nearing the formal licensing process in the U.S. and Canada, with significant prior investment and historical deployment data supporting its design [12][11] - **Licensing Timeline**: The company plans to submit a construction permit application in early 2026, aiming for operational status by 2029 or 2030 [21][36] Strategic Partnerships and Projects - **University of Illinois**: A prototype project is planned at the University of Illinois, with strong support from the university and state incentives [22][21] - **Chalk River Project**: A potential second prototype in Ontario, Canada, is being explored, which could benefit from the licensing progress made in the U.S. [23] Fuel Supply Chain and Vertical Integration - **Self-Sufficient Supply Chain**: The company is focused on vertical integration to ensure a self-sufficient nuclear fuel supply chain, including partnerships for enrichment and fuel transportation [25][26] - **LIS Technologies**: Collaboration with LIS Technologies aims to address enrichment bottlenecks, leveraging advanced laser-based enrichment technology [27][29] Financial Outlook and Valuation - **Market Valuation**: NANO Nuclear Energy's current valuation is approximately $1.7 billion, significantly lower than peers valued at $6 billion to $16 billion, indicating a potential valuation disconnect [32] Conclusion - **Growth Potential**: The company is optimistic about its growth trajectory, with a strong pipeline of commercial opportunities and plans for significant progress in licensing and project development in 2026 [32][19]

Core Insights - The global shift towards decarbonization and the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) have made nuclear energy a vital part of the future energy landscape [1] - Financial advisors face challenges in accessing the nuclear value chain due to its global nature and the complexities of international markets [2][3] Investment Opportunities - The Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) offers a U.S.-listed solution for investors to gain exposure to the entire nuclear lifecycle, including advanced reactor developers and utilities, without the need for foreign currency conversions [4] - The demand for power from AI data centers has accelerated the need for nuclear infrastructure, positioning nuclear energy as a high-growth sector [5] Performance Metrics - NUKZ has shown strong performance, returning approximately 60% over the trailing one-year period as of January 9, driven by a diversified portfolio that includes industry leaders and emerging innovators in the small modular reactor (SMR) space [6]