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Oklo CEO on partnership with Liberty Energy: We're bringing gas as a bridge to nuclear energy
CNBC Television· 2025-07-23 15:35
Partnership & Strategy - Oklo and Liberty Energy are partnering to provide energy to large-scale customers, targeting data centers due to increasing AI energy demand [1] - The partnership aims to offer a comprehensive power solution, using natural gas as a bridging solution to nuclear energy [4] - The collaboration allows for a faster market entry for power solutions, with a long-term focus on sustainability [13] - Liberty Energy made a strategic investment in Oklo in early 2023, recognizing the potential for integrating their field operations expertise with Oklo's power solutions [9][10] Energy Solutions & Market Opportunities - Natural gas can provide immediate power, but the partnership offers a path to a lower carbon intensive power generation mix with nuclear as baseload [5][6] - The combined solution provides flexibility, allowing customers to leverage low-priced grid power when available and switch to gas and nuclear when grid prices are less attractive [7] - Oklo is also partnering with Diamondback Energy to electrify their operations in the Permian Basin, indicating broader opportunities in the oil and gas sector [11] - The industry is seeing a trend towards combined solutions, integrating nuclear baseload with the flexibility of natural gas [6][8]
Is Oklo Stock's Sky-High Valuation Justified or Simply Driven by Hype?
ZACKS· 2025-07-23 14:56
Company Overview - Oklo Inc. (OKLO) is currently trading at a trailing 12-month price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 31.77x, significantly higher than the industry average of 5.58x and competitors like Talen Energy Corporation (TLN) at 12.09x and Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) at 7.47x [1][4][8] Financial Performance - As of early 2025, Oklo reported no revenues despite years of development, with an operating loss of $17.9 million and a cash outflow of $12.2 million from operating activities during the March quarter, indicating high operational costs [4][5] - The company has not yet brought a commercial product to market, with its first nuclear plant expected to operate only by late 2027 or early 2028 [4][5] Regulatory Environment - Oklo's business model heavily relies on U.S. government support, requiring favorable policies, contracts from the Department of Defense (DOD), and approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) [5] - The NRC's approval process is known to be slow and complex, and Oklo is still in the early pre-application stage for its first plant, indicating a long path ahead before construction or power generation can commence [5] Market Sentiment - Despite the lack of current revenue and commercial products, Oklo's stock has surged 551% over the past year, outperforming the industry's composite growth of 56.2%, driven by investor optimism regarding the future operation of its Aurora plant [6][8] - The stock's high valuation appears to be based on future potential rather than current business fundamentals, as there have been no earnings estimate revisions for 2025 [12] Competitive Landscape - In contrast to Oklo, Talen Energy is generating revenues through its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), supplying electricity to AWS data centers [10] - Constellation Energy is expanding its nuclear offerings to meet the growing demand for power from AI and cloud computing, positioning its nuclear fleet as a stable long-term solution for hyperscale data centers [11]
NANO Nuclear Completes Assembly of Its Proprietary Annular Linear Induction Pump Technology Prototype for Critical Test Loop Validation In SBIR Phase III Program
Newsfile· 2025-07-23 10:00
Core Viewpoint - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. has successfully assembled its proprietary Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP) technology prototype, marking a significant milestone in the development of advanced nuclear technology and demonstrating the company's capability to transition from design to construction and demonstration [1][2][3]. Group 1: Technology Development - The ALIP technology has been integrated into a controllable test setup for variable design validation at NANO Nuclear's Demonstration Facility in Westchester County, New York [1][2]. - ALIP is designed to operate using electromagnetic pumps instead of mechanical ones, which enhances efficiency and reduces maintenance requirements [3][7]. - The technology is expected to play a critical role in the development of next-generation reactors that utilize molten salts or liquid metals [3][4]. Group 2: Commercialization Plans - NANO Nuclear aims to initiate commercial sales activities for the ALIP technology by the end of this year or next year [2]. - The company is collaborating with aRobotics Company to support the ongoing SBIR Phase III program for ALIP, which has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy [3][4]. Group 3: Future Work and Applications - Future work will focus on testing and characterizing pump performance with various working fluids, simulating component failure scenarios, and conducting material testing [8]. - The ALIP technology is anticipated to have applications in sectors such as space and defense, expanding its potential market reach [7]. Group 4: Company Overview - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. is positioned as a technology-driven nuclear energy company with a focus on developing portable microreactor technologies, nuclear fuel fabrication, transportation, and consulting services [9][10]. - The company is led by a team of experts in nuclear engineering and is actively engaged in the construction of various advanced reactor products [10][11].
Mirion's Focus on Digital Innovation: Is it a Sign for Further Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-07-21 15:31
Core Insights - Mirion Technologies (MIR) is focusing on digital innovation in the nuclear and radiation safety sectors, particularly through a partnership with Westinghouse Electric Company to enhance nuclear instrumentation with digital solutions [1][2]. Digital Innovation and Upgrades - The collaboration aims to upgrade analog systems to modern digital Ex-core Nuclear Instrumentation Systems, utilizing the Mirion proTK product line to improve existing analog neutron flux systems, thereby reducing operational burdens and enhancing performance in nuclear power plants [2]. - Digital equipment from Mirion provides precise measurements and is less affected by environmental temperature variations, ensuring high-quality data collection and reducing troubleshooting time [3]. Data Management and Remote Monitoring - Transitioning to digital systems allows for quick data recording and storage in a standardized format, ensuring data integrity and reproducibility [4]. - The Mirion Lynx II system enables real-time remote monitoring and control of germanium and neutron detectors, facilitating continuous observation over extended periods [4]. Industry Context - Constellation Energy (CEG) operates nuclear plants with a capacity factor of 94.6% in 2024, indicating strong production [5]. - CEG's acquisition of NRG Energy's 44% stake in the South Texas Project Electric Generating Station, a two-unit nuclear plant with a total capacity of 2,645 MW, is expected to expand its operations [6]. - BWX Technologies (BWXT) is involved in manufacturing nuclear components and has secured partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense for developing micro-nuclear reactors [7]. Financial Performance - Mirion's shares have increased by 24.8% this year, outperforming the Zacks Technology-Services sector's 13.2% growth [8]. - Mirion is trading at a premium with a 12-month forward price-to-sales ratio of 5.6X, compared to the industry average of 3.29X [11]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MIR's earnings for the second quarter, third quarter, and full year 2025 has remained stable over the past 60 days, with estimates at $0.11 for Q1 and Q2, and $0.47 for the full year [12][13].
NuScale Power vs. BWXT: Which Nuclear Energy Stock Has an Edge Now?
ZACKS· 2025-07-21 15:05
Core Insights - NuScale Power and BWX Technologies are significant contributors to the advanced nuclear technology sector, with NuScale focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs) and BWX supplying nuclear components and fuel to the U.S. government [1][2] Market Overview - The global SMR market was valued at $5.81 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $8.37 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.98% from 2025 to 2032, indicating substantial growth opportunities for both companies [2] NuScale Power Insights - NuScale Power is experiencing momentum due to advancements in SMR technology and a growing partner base, including major tech firms and financial institutions, enhancing its market position in sustainable energy [4][7] - The increasing energy demand, particularly from data centers, is a significant growth driver, with data centers expected to triple their energy use over the next three years, accounting for 12% of U.S. electricity consumption by 2028 [5][6] - NuScale Power's shares have appreciated 180.3% year-to-date, attributed to its technological advancements and partnerships [12] BWX Technologies Insights - BWX Technologies is expanding its presence in the SMR market and has secured significant contracts, including $2.6 billion for U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program components, which will bolster its position in the nuclear energy sector [9][10] - The company is also preparing for future growth in the SMR market, reflecting the increasing global demand for clean energy solutions [11] - BWX Technologies' shares have increased 28.4% year-to-date, benefiting from strong bookings and government contracts [12] Financial Performance and Valuation - Both companies are currently considered overvalued, with NuScale trading at a forward Price/Sales multiple of 128.86X compared to BWX's 4.08X [15] - For 2025, the earnings estimate for NuScale Power is a loss of 45 cents per share, while BWX Technologies is expected to earn $3.55 per share, indicating a stronger earnings potential for BWX [17] Conclusion - While both companies are positioned to benefit from the nuclear energy boom, BWX Technologies has a stronger earnings outlook and established government contracts, whereas NuScale Power faces challenges in a competitive energy market [20][21]
NANO Nuclear Announces Date for Third Fiscal Quarter Financial Results and Business Update Call
Globenewswire· 2025-07-21 12:30
Core Viewpoint - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. will host a webcast on August 14, 2025, to discuss its third fiscal quarter financial results and business updates, focusing on its lead microreactor project, the KRONOS MMR Energy System [1][2]. Company Overview - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company aiming to be a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated entity across five business lines: portable microreactor technologies, nuclear fuel fabrication, nuclear fuel transportation, nuclear applications for space, and nuclear industry consulting services [4]. - The company claims to be the first portable nuclear microreactor company publicly listed in the U.S. [4]. Upcoming Event - The webcast for the third fiscal quarter financial results will take place on August 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET, with a live call option available for participants [3]. Project Updates - The management will provide updates on the company's progress, particularly regarding the KRONOS MMR Energy System, which is a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor currently in the pre-application phase with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission [2][5]. - Other reactor products in development include "ZEUS," a solid core battery reactor, "ODIN," a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the portable LOKI MMR, all representing advancements in clean energy solutions [5]. Subsidiaries and Focus Areas - Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a subsidiary, aims to build a North American transportation company for HALEU fuel, with exclusive licensing of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket [6]. - HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF) is focused on developing a domestic source for HALEU fuel fabrication for NANO Nuclear's microreactors and the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry [7]. - NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS) is exploring commercial applications of micronuclear reactor technology in space, focusing on systems like the LOKI MMR for extraterrestrial projects [8].
HCM II Acquisition Corp. and Terrestrial Energy Announce Filing of Draft Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC
Globenewswire· 2025-07-18 11:30
Core Viewpoint - HCM II Acquisition Corp. and Terrestrial Energy Inc. are moving forward with a proposed business combination, which will lead to the listing of the combined company on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "IMSR" [3][6]. Company Overview - HCM II Acquisition Corp. is a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) focused on merging with established businesses poised for growth [8]. - Terrestrial Energy Inc. is developing small modular nuclear plants utilizing proprietary Generation IV Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology, aimed at providing clean and flexible energy solutions [4][7]. Business Combination Details - The business combination agreement was entered into on March 26, 2025, and is subject to stockholder approval and SEC clearance [3]. - The registration statement filed with the SEC includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus related to the business combination [2][11]. Financial Aspects - The transaction is expected to generate approximately $280 million in gross proceeds, including $50 million from common stock PIPE commitments and about $230 million from HCM II's trust account [5]. - Proceeds will be allocated to accelerate the commercial deployment of Terrestrial Energy's IMSR technology and cover transaction expenses [5]. Timeline - The completion of the proposed business combination is anticipated in the third or fourth quarter of 2025 [6].
New US assessment reveals strike on Iran’s Fordo set back enrichment capabilities by about two years
NBC News· 2025-07-17 22:01
Welcome back now to an NBC News exclusive, raising new questions about the claimed effectiveness of last month's US air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Five current and former US officials tell NBC News that the American strikes destroyed only one of the three nuclear sites targeted, according to a new assessment. Two current officials say that US authorities believe the attack on Fordo set back enrichment capabilities at the crucial facility by as much as 2 years.But according to this new assessment, ...
Why Oklo Stock Popped on Thursday
The Motley Fool· 2025-07-17 18:07
Core Viewpoint - Oklo has made progress towards building its small modular reactor, with its stock rising 4% after completing a key regulatory assessment, indicating a step closer to applying for construction permission [1][3]. Regulatory Progress - The completion of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) "pre-application readiness assessment" is a significant milestone for Oklo, as it prepares to submit its combined license application (COLA) for the "Aurora powerhouse" [1][3]. - The NRC's assessment suggests that Oklo is on track to file an application that has a reasonable chance of approval, although the final decision remains uncertain [3]. Future Steps - The next step for Oklo is to submit its COLA application, which is expected to occur later this year, continuing a nearly decade-long journey towards regulatory approval [4]. Business Model and Timeline - Oklo aims to build and operate reactors in-house, supplying power to customers similarly to traditional electric utilities [5]. - If all goes according to plan, Oklo's first reactor is projected to go online in 2027, with revenue generation expected to start that year, although profitability is not anticipated until 2030 [6]. Market Considerations - The current market cap of Oklo is approximately $10 billion, and the potential for the stock to be considered a "buy" heavily depends on the profitability generated in 2030 and subsequent years [6].
SMR Benefits From Expanding Partner Base: A Sign for More Upside?
ZACKS· 2025-07-17 16:51
Core Insights - NuScale Power (SMR) is emerging as a significant player in sustainable, carbon-free energy due to an expanding partner base that includes major technology companies and financial institutions [1] - Major tech companies like Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Oracle are committing to nuclear energy, particularly SMR technology, to achieve their sustainability goals, enhancing NuScale Power's market position [2][4] - Microsoft plans an $80 billion investment in fiscal 2025 for AI-enabled data centers, which is expected to drive a six-fold increase in U.S. power demand over the next 20 years, validating the demand for SMR technology [3][11] Company Developments - NuScale Power has made significant progress in the manufacturing and commercialization of its SMR technology, collaborating with key partners such as Doosan Interability and ENTRA1 Energy [5] - SMR faces competition from companies like Oklo and Constellation Energy, which are also advancing their nuclear energy solutions [6][11] Competitive Landscape - Oklo has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to develop and deploy its advanced nuclear technology, strengthening its market position [7] - Constellation Energy has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement with Meta to supply 1,121 MW of emissions-free nuclear energy, ensuring the continued operation of the Clinton Clean Energy Center [8] Stock Performance and Valuation - SMR shares have increased by 157.1% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Computer & Technology sector's 8.4% and the Zacks Electronics-Power Generation industry's 132.6% [9][11] - SMR is trading at a premium with a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 119.52X compared to the sector's 6.64X, indicating a high valuation [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SMR's loss in 2025 is 45 cents per share, which has widened by 3 cents over the past month [14]