Nuclear power is having a pop culture moment, but history suggests it won’t pan out, writes @SMihm (via @opinion) https://t.co/3BKjusfguX ...

Nuclear power is essential to the future of America.We are WAY behind, but thankfully American entrepreneurs are working to solve the problem. https://t.co/b8lonqhAxr ...

BWX Technologies (BWXT 3.50%), a key supplier of nuclear components to the U.S. government and commercial markets, reported its Q2 2025 results on August 4, 2025. Revenue (GAAP) was $764.0 million, handily beating analysts' GAAP estimates of $711.1 million. Non-GAAP earnings per share reached $1.02, outperforming the $0.79 non-GAAP consensus. The company's backlog grew sharply, reaching $6.0 billion, supporting a raised revenue and non-GAAP earnings forecast for 2025. Overall, the quarter delivered strong g ...

Core Insights - The utility industry is poised for growth, particularly in nuclear power, as AI and cloud computing drive increased electricity demand in the U.S. [1][4] - Southern Company, with a market capitalization of over $100 billion, is a significant player in the utility sector, providing a range of services including electric and gas utilities, telecommunications, and wholesale energy [2][10]. Nuclear Power Positioning - Southern Company is well-positioned in the nuclear sector, operating eight nuclear units across three plants, including the recently completed Vogtle Units 3 and 4, which are the first new commercial units built in the U.S. in nearly 30 years [6][7]. - The Vogtle Units took approximately 15 years to build and cost over $36 billion, positioning Southern Company advantageously as nuclear demand is expected to rise [7]. Financial Performance and Growth - Southern Company anticipates an 8% annualized load growth through 2029, translating to 5% to 7% annualized long-term earnings-per-share growth [10]. - The company has a strong dividend history, with 24 consecutive annual increases and a current dividend yield of 3.2% [11]. Investment Considerations - The stock's annualized investment returns could reach 8% to 10%, supported by its stable dividend and low beta of 0.38, indicating resilience during market downturns [12]. - Despite a recent stock price increase of about 16% over the past year, the current price-to-earnings ratio of 21 may not represent a bargain, suggesting a more attractive valuation could be around 17 to 18 times earnings [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - Oklo, Inc. is expected to report a significant improvement in its first-quarter 2025 results, with a projected loss of 11 cents per share compared to a loss of $4.79 in the same quarter last year, although the earnings estimate has deteriorated over the past 60 days [1][2]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Oklo's first-quarter bottom line is a loss of 11 cents per share, improving from a loss of $4.79 in the prior-year quarter [1]. - The earnings estimate has seen a downward revision of 22.22% over the last 60 days [1]. - Oklo's earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last reported quarter, with a reported loss of $4.79 [2]. Strategic Developments - In March 2025, Oklo acquired Atomic Alchemy, enhancing its capabilities in radioisotope production, which is crucial for healthcare, research, and defense [4][5]. - The company entered into an Interface Agreement with Idaho National Laboratory to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and finalized a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for deploying its first commercial powerhouse [6]. - Oklo joined the DOE's Voucher Program to evaluate advanced structural materials for its Aurora powerhouse, strengthening its path to commercial deployment [7]. - A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Lightbridge Corporation to explore co-locating a fuel fabrication facility, enhancing fuel recycling capabilities [8]. - Oklo partnered with RPower to transition data centers from diesel to natural gas, ultimately aiming for clean energy from its Aurora powerhouses [9]. Market Performance - Oklo's shares have surged 48.8% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Alternative-Energy industry's return of 32.2% and the broader Zacks Oils-Energy sector's decline of 13.5% [11]. - The company is trading at a premium with a trailing 12-month Price/Book (P/B) ratio higher than its industry peers, indicating investor expectations for higher profit generation [12][15]. Industry Context - The global electricity demand is rising, particularly in emerging economies, driven by economic growth, with the U.S. being the largest producer of nuclear power, contributing nearly 30% to global nuclear electricity generation [16]. - Oklo is positioned for long-term growth in the nuclear power sector with its next-generation fast-fission power plants, designed to generate 15-50 megawatts electric (MWe) from recycled and fresh nuclear fuel [17]. Future Outlook - Despite the positive developments, Oklo has yet to generate revenues, with its first Aurora powerhouse expected to be deployed in 2027, indicating limited top-line performance in the near term [18]. - The company is likely to disappoint investors with its first-quarter results due to a negative earnings ESP and downward revisions in earnings estimates [19].

Company Overview - Cameco is a supplier to the nuclear power industry, mining uranium and processing it into fuel for nuclear power plants [1] - The company has invested alongside Brookfield Asset Management to acquire Westinghouse, holding a 49% stake, which expands its services into nuclear power plant design and maintenance [1] Market Dynamics - The demand for nuclear power is expected to grow due to its low carbon emissions, ability to provide base load power, and the development of new, safer, and more cost-effective nuclear plants [2][3] - As global demand for nuclear power increases, the demand for uranium and related services provided by Cameco and Westinghouse is likely to rise [3] Historical Context - Cameco's stock has experienced significant volatility, particularly following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which led to a 70% decline in stock price by the end of 2015 due to a drop in uranium prices [6][8] - The past decade has seen Cameco's stock transition from stagnation to a general upward trend, although it remains sensitive to commodity price fluctuations [6] Investment Considerations - Despite the growth potential in the nuclear sector, Cameco's performance is heavily influenced by uranium prices, which can be volatile [5][6] - For conservative investors, utilities with nuclear power exposure may be a more stable investment option compared to Cameco, which is more of a speculative play on nuclear power [11][12] - Cameco may be a worthwhile investment below $45 per share for those who believe in long-term uranium demand growth and can withstand periods of weak commodity prices [12]