RESTON, Va., Nov. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (Nasdaq: LTBR), a leader in advanced nuclear fuel technology, today announced the start of irradiation testing of its enriched uranium-zirconium alloy fuel material samples in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This milestone represents a significant step forward in the Company’s fuel development and testing program conducted under its Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with INL. Imag ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of September 30, 2025, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $153.3 million and working capital of approximately $153.1 million, providing a multi-year cash runway for ongoing R&D and operational needs [22] - Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $2.1 million, up from $1 million for the same period last year, reflecting higher average cash balances [23] - Net cash used in operating activities increased to $8.1 million from $5.7 million in the prior period, primarily due to higher R&D spending [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total R&D expenses amounted to $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $3.2 million for the same period in 2024, an increase of $2.1 million [25] - General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2024, reflecting a $3.5 million increase [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company’s inclusion in the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indexes signifies recognition of its expanding market presence and increased visibility among institutional investors [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing its collaboration with Oklo to evaluate co-location opportunities for manufacturing advanced fuels, aligning with U.S. government priorities for nuclear energy deployment [5][6] - The political and industrial landscape is increasingly supportive of nuclear energy, with significant policy shifts and partnerships indicating a commitment to domestic nuclear resurgence [16][18] - The company aims to enable power upgrades of up to 17% in existing reactors, positioning itself to benefit from supportive government policies and industry demand [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the favorable political and regulatory environment, including executive orders prioritizing nuclear energy deployment and partnerships with major industry players [16][20] - The company believes it is strategically positioned at the forefront of fuel innovation, contributing to global energy security and the clean energy transition [21] Other Important Information - The company successfully loaded capsules containing enriched uranium zirconium alloy samples into an experimental assembly for upcoming irradiation testing, which is expected to yield critical performance data for regulatory licensing [10][19] - The company presented three peer-reviewed papers at the Top Fuel 2025 conference, demonstrating the safety and economic benefits of its fuel technology [12][14] Summary of Q&A Session - No questions were submitted for this call, and the management expressed gratitude for the support of shareholders and the dedication of the team and partners [28]

Core Viewpoint - Lightbridge Corporation has received a Notice of Allowance from the Eurasian Patent Office for its innovative multi-zone nuclear fuel rod design, which enhances the performance of nuclear reactors through additive manufacturing techniques [1][2][3] Group 1: Patent and Technology - The patent covers methods and apparatus for fabricating fuel rods with distinct radial and axial zones, optimizing performance in nuclear reactors [2] - The multi-zone fuel element structure allows for varying material properties and thicknesses, which can improve reactor economics, safety, and fuel utilization [3] Group 2: Market and Strategic Importance - The Notice of Allowance strengthens Lightbridge's intellectual property portfolio in Eurasia, a region with over 40 operating reactors and significant expansion plans for nuclear energy [3] - Lightbridge's patented technology is positioned to enhance the safety and efficiency of both existing light-water reactors and emerging small modular reactors (SMRs) [4] Group 3: Collaborations and Support - Lightbridge has established long-term agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance LLC and has received support from the U.S. Department of Energy for the development of Lightbridge Fuel [5] - The company is involved in university-led studies through the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program, collaborating with institutions like MIT and Texas A&M University [5]

Core Viewpoint - Lightbridge Corporation, an advanced nuclear fuel technology company, is set to announce its financial results for Q3 2025 on November 5, with a conference call scheduled for November 6 to discuss these results and updates on fuel development activities [1][2]. Company Overview - Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR) focuses on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology aimed at providing abundant, zero-emission clean energy and enhancing global energy security [4]. - The company is working on Lightbridge Fuel™, a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology designed for existing light water reactors and pressurized heavy water reactors, which improves reactor safety, economics, and proliferation resistance [4]. - Lightbridge is also developing fuel for new small modular reactors (SMRs) to offer 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 contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory, which is the leading nuclear energy research and development facility 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 its fuel technology multiple times over recent years [5]. - Lightbridge is involved in two university-led studies through the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Texas A&M University [5]. Market Position - Lightbridge holds an extensive worldwide patent portfolio that supports its innovative fuel technology [5]. - The company is included in the Russell 2000® Index and the Russell 3000® Index, indicating its significant presence in the market [5].

Core Insights - Lightbridge Corporation has successfully completed the loading of capsules containing enriched uranium-zirconium alloy fuel material samples into an experiment assembly, which is now ready for irradiation testing at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) later this year [1][5]. Group 1: Achievement Highlights - The loading of capsules into the experiment assembly is a significant milestone for Lightbridge Fuel development, bringing the company closer to obtaining critical irradiation testing data necessary for regulatory approval and commercialization [3][5]. - The enriched uranium-zirconium alloy samples were manufactured under stringent quality control and process validation protocols at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) [5]. - The irradiation testing will be conducted in accordance with a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Lightbridge and INL [5]. Group 2: Future Plans and Implications - The planned irradiation testing program, along with post-irradiation examination activities, will provide essential performance data to support Lightbridge's regulatory licensing activities and advance its commercialization efforts [5]. - Lightbridge is focused on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology that enhances reactor safety, economics, and proliferation resistance, aiming to deliver clean energy solutions [15][16].

Core Insights - Lightbridge Corporation's CEO Seth Grae will participate in a panel discussion at the Nuclear Energy Policy Summit 2025, focusing on the nuclear energy sector's infrastructure and workforce needs as it experiences significant growth [1][2][3] Company Overview - Lightbridge Corporation is an advanced nuclear fuel technology company developing Lightbridge Fuel™, a next-generation nuclear fuel technology aimed at enhancing safety, economics, and proliferation resistance for existing and new reactors [5][6] - The company has established long-term agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance and has received support from the U.S. Department of Energy for the development of its fuel technology [6] Industry Context - The Nuclear Energy Policy Summit will address the interconnected challenges of reactor deployment, fuel innovation, and workforce development necessary for achieving global nuclear energy goals [3] - The event will gather senior government officials, industry executives, and policy experts to discuss pathways for accelerating nuclear energy deployment worldwide [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $97.9 million at the end of Q2 2025 from $40 million at the end of 2024, indicating a significant strengthening of the financial position [20] - Working capital rose to $97.2 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $39.9 million at December 31, 2024, highlighting improved liquidity [20] - Net loss for Q2 2025 was $3.5 million, up from $2.4 million in Q2 2024, reflecting increased operational costs [22] - Total R&D expenses increased to $1.6 million in Q2 2025 from $900,000 in Q2 2024, driven by heightened R&D activities [22] - General and administrative expenses rose to $2.5 million in Q2 2025 from $1.8 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to increased IT services and professional fees [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant milestones achieved in the fuel development program, including the co-extrusion of an eight-foot rod and successful fabrication of enriched uranium zirconium alloy coupon samples [5][10] - Collaboration with Ocla to explore co-location of commercial fuel fabrication facilities and advanced fuel recycling [6][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inclusion in the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indexes enhances visibility among institutional investors, reflecting the company's growing market presence [7] - The political landscape has become supportive of nuclear energy, with executive orders prioritizing nuclear energy deployment and efficiency [15][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to advance its technology through rigorous testing and demonstration, focusing on maximizing the potential of existing nuclear fleets and next-generation reactors [19] - Plans to complete site selection and begin deployment of a Lightbridge fuel fabrication facility to produce various fuel components [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted a favorable political and regulatory environment that may facilitate the development of advanced nuclear fuel designs [5] - The company believes it is well-positioned to benefit from supportive government policies and increasing global demand for nuclear energy [18] Other Important Information - The company is strategically positioned at the forefront of fuel innovation, with a focus on developing technology to meet evolving global energy demands [19] Q&A Session Summary - No questions were submitted for this call, indicating a lack of immediate inquiries from stakeholders [24]

Core Insights - Lightbridge Corporation reported significant advancements in its nuclear fuel technology during the first half of 2025, achieving critical milestones that enhance its future prospects [2][12] - The political climate is increasingly supportive of nuclear energy, bolstered by recent executive orders from President Trump aimed at promoting advanced nuclear technologies [2] - The company has a robust financial position with $97.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $97.2 million in working capital as of June 30, 2025, marking a substantial increase from the previous year [3][4] Financial Highlights - Cash and cash equivalents increased by $57.9 million from $40.0 million at December 31, 2024, to $97.9 million as of June 30, 2025 [4] - Working capital rose from $39.9 million at December 31, 2024, to $97.2 million at June 30, 2025 [3] - Total assets were reported at $99.0 million, with total liabilities at $1.2 million, resulting in stockholders' equity of $97.8 million [4][16] Operational Summary - General and administrative expenses for Q2 2025 were $2.5 million, up from $1.8 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to increased professional fees and stock-based compensation [5][11] - Research and development expenses for Q2 2025 totaled $1.6 million, compared to $0.9 million in Q2 2024, reflecting heightened R&D activities [11] - The net loss for Q2 2025 was $3.5 million, compared to a net loss of $2.4 million in Q2 2024 [11][18] Cash Flow Summary - Cash used in operating activities for the first half of 2025 was $5.6 million, an increase from $3.7 million in the same period of 2024, driven by higher R&D and administrative expenses [6][19] - Cash provided by financing activities surged to $63.5 million in the first half of 2025, compared to $2.2 million in the same period of 2024, largely due to common stock issuance [6][19] Strategic Partnerships and Developments - Lightbridge has established long-term agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance LLC to support the development of its nuclear fuel technology [12] - The company is involved in university-led studies through the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program, enhancing its research capabilities [12]

Core Insights - Lightbridge Corporation will announce its financial results for Q2 FY2025 on August 11, 2025, after market close, followed by a conference call on August 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET to discuss these results and fuel development activities [1][2]. Company Overview - Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR) focuses on advanced nuclear fuel technology aimed at providing abundant, zero-emission clean energy and enhancing global energy security [4]. - The company is developing Lightbridge Fuel™, a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology for existing light water reactors and pressurized heavy water reactors, which improves reactor safety, economics, and proliferation resistance [4]. - Lightbridge is also working on Lightbridge Fuel for new small modular reactors (SMRs), which will offer 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 contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy's 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 for the development of Lightbridge Fuel over the past several years [5]. - Lightbridge is involved in two university-led studies through the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Texas A&M University [5]. Market Position - Lightbridge holds an extensive worldwide patent portfolio that supports its innovative fuel technology [5]. - The company is included in the Russell 2000® Index and the Russell 3000® Index, indicating its significant presence in the market [5].

Core Insights - Lightbridge Corporation has successfully fabricated coupon samples using enriched uranium-zirconium alloy, marking a significant advancement in the development of its next-generation Lightbridge Fuel™ product [1][4][10] Group 1: Achievement Highlights - Successful extrusion of enriched uranium-zirconium alloy samples that align with the intended fuel material composition for future commercial products [4] - Utilization of a proven fabrication process previously demonstrated at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for the extrusion of depleted uranium samples [4] - Collaboration with INL for irradiation testing of the enriched coupon samples, which will be conducted as part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) [4][10] Group 2: Testing and Regulatory Support - The irradiation testing program aims to generate critical performance data for Lightbridge's advanced fuel, which will support regulatory licensing and commercialization efforts [4][10] - Post-irradiation examination activities will be detailed in a future Project Task Statement, further contributing to the regulatory approval process [4][10] Group 3: Company Background - Lightbridge Corporation focuses on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology to provide clean energy and enhance energy security globally [12] - The company is developing Lightbridge Fuel™ for existing light water reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), aiming to improve reactor safety and economics [12][13]