Small modular reactors (SMRs)

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Rolls Royce Ramps Up US MTU Engine Build: Worth Buying the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-16 13:26
Core Insights - Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc is investing $75 million to expand its Aiken, SC facility to increase production of MTU Series 4000 engines, addressing rising U.S. demand for high-power backup generators [1][9] - The company previously announced a $24 million investment in its Mankato, MN facility, which is expected to boost production of MTU Series 4000 generator sets by over 120% by 2026 [2][9] - The MTU Series 4000 engines are crucial for powering essential infrastructures such as hospitals, airports, and data centers [3] Company Performance - Rolls-Royce shares have increased by 88.8% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Aerospace-Defense Equipment industry's growth of 25.7% and the broader Zacks Aerospace sector's gain of 25.9% [5][9] - The stock is currently trading at a forward P/E of 34.93X, which is a discount compared to the industry average of 49.12X, indicating a favorable valuation for investors [19][20] Industry Context - The expansion of manufacturing capacity for MTU engines is timely given the increasing energy demand in the U.S., which may present investment opportunities in Rolls-Royce [4][9] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from rising global air traffic, which is driving demand for commercial jets and aircraft engines [10] - The Defence segment is gaining traction due to increased global defense spending amid geopolitical tensions, with recent contract wins expected to bolster long-term revenue growth [11] Future Growth Prospects - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a 24.4% year-over-year growth in sales for 2025 and an 8.5% improvement for 2026, reflecting positive growth expectations [15] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 also show an upward trend, indicating growing analyst confidence in the company's earnings potential [15][17] Technological Advancements - Rolls-Royce is advancing in clean energy technologies, including hydrogen-powered engines and sustainable aviation fuel, which are expected to enhance its market position [12][13] - The company has made significant improvements to its Trent 1000 and Trent 7000 engines, which are anticipated to extend engine life by 30% by the end of 2025, potentially unlocking new contracts [10]
What's Behind Oklo's Stock Spike?
Forbes· 2025-07-16 12:35
Core Insights - Oklo Inc. has seen a significant stock increase due to being awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force to build a small nuclear reactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, which enhances its credibility in the small modular reactor (SMR) market [3][4] - The company announced a $400 million stock offering, which may lead to dilution of existing shares, causing some volatility in stock performance [4][6] - Oklo aims to replace diesel generators with clean nuclear energy, but has faced regulatory challenges, including a previous denial for reactor design licensing in 2022 [5][6] Company Developments - The U.S. Air Force contract serves as a significant endorsement of Oklo's technology, indicating government confidence in its capabilities [4][6] - The stock surged nearly 30% following the announcement of the Air Force deal, reflecting investor optimism [3] - The planned issuance of $400 million in new shares has raised concerns about dilution, impacting investor sentiment and stock performance [4][6] Industry Context - Oklo is positioned in the growing market for small modular reactors, which are seen as a solution for providing clean energy in remote or high-demand areas [3][5] - The company’s focus on clean energy alternatives aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainable energy solutions [5] - Future success will depend on regulatory approvals and the ability to leverage government contracts for further opportunities [6]
3 Nuclear Stocks Powering the AI Revolution
The Motley Fool· 2025-07-16 09:00
The artificial intelligence (AI) boom has a dirty little secret: The technology is an energy hog of epic proportions. Training an advanced frontier large language model can consume as much electricity as 1,000 U.S. homes use in a year, depending on model size and run time. As Microsoft (MSFT 0.62%), Amazon (AMZN 0.38%), and Alphabet (GOOGL 0.35%) race to build ever-larger AI systems, they're hitting a wall that has nothing to do with computing power -- it's the electrical grid. The math is brutal. Data cent ...
Why Sam Altman-Backed Oklo Stock Soared Today
The Motley Fool· 2025-07-14 22:11
Shares of Oklo (OKLO 11.62%) jumped on Monday, finishing the day up 11.4%. The jump comes as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indexes both moved slightly higher.The U.K. and the Czech Republic are teaming up to explore opportunities to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) in the central European country. The news helped boost SMR stocks like Oklo's and added to growing momentum in the nuclear industry.A new partnershipThe possible deal was announced on Monday and would include up to six SMRs made by Rolls-R ...
Why Nano Nuclear Energy Powered 14.5% Higher in June
The Motley Fool· 2025-07-06 10:12
Core Viewpoint - The stock of Nano Nuclear Energy experienced a significant rise of 14.5% in June, following a strong performance in May, driven by political support and favorable legislation for the nuclear energy sector [1][2][5]. Group 1: Political Support and Legislation - President Trump's support for the nuclear energy industry has positively influenced investor sentiment, particularly with the development of micro-small modular reactors (SMRs) [2][4]. - An executive order signed by Trump in late May aims to promote the domestic nuclear energy industry by reducing regulatory hurdles for SMR companies like Nano Nuclear [4]. - The Senate's approval of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which extends the nuclear power production tax credit through 2032 and new nuclear generation tax credits through 2033, has been well received by the nuclear energy industry [5]. Group 2: Market Position and Future Prospects - Despite the positive market sentiment and political backing, Nano Nuclear is still far from bringing its SMRs to market and is unlikely to generate revenue in the near future [7]. - Investors seeking exposure to nuclear energy may consider other leading SMR companies or nuclear energy ETFs for reduced risk [8].
NANO Nuclear Announces Platinum Sponsorship and Participation in Panel Discussion at the Defense Strategies Institute's 7th Annual DoD Energy & Power Summit.
Globenewswire· 2025-07-03 12:30
Core Viewpoint - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. is positioned as a leader in advanced nuclear energy solutions, emphasizing its role as the Platinum Sponsor of the upcoming DoD Energy & Power Summit, highlighting its commitment to clean energy and defense applications [1][6]. Company Overview - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. focuses on developing clean energy solutions through advanced nuclear technologies, aiming to become a diversified and vertically integrated company across five business lines, including portable microreactor technologies and nuclear fuel fabrication [9][10]. - The company is recognized as the first publicly listed portable nuclear microreactor company in the U.S. [10]. Event Participation - CEO James Walker will participate in a panel discussion at the DoD Energy & Power Summit, addressing the potential of nuclear energy technologies in enhancing defense capabilities [2][4]. - The panel will include prominent figures from U.S. nuclear research and oversight organizations, indicating the significance of the discussions [3]. Industry Context - The Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest energy consumer in the U.S., accounting for approximately 76% of federal energy consumption, underscoring the importance of energy efficiency and security in defense operations [7]. - The summit aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including military services, federal government, and industry leaders, to enhance energy resilience and affordability [7]. Strategic Goals - NANO Nuclear aims to support the DoD and Department of Energy (DOE) in their energy transition efforts, emphasizing the efficiency, safety, and reliability of its advanced reactor designs [8]. - The company has engaged former military and government experts to strengthen its position in the energy sector [8]. Technological Developments - NANO Nuclear is developing several advanced reactor products, including the KRONOS MMR™ Energy System and the portable LOKI MMR™, which represent significant advancements in clean energy solutions [11]. - The company’s subsidiary, Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc., is focused on establishing a transportation network for High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel, aiming to create a vertically integrated nuclear fuel business in North America [12]. Future Applications - NANO Nuclear Space Inc. is exploring commercial applications of its micronuclear reactor technology for space missions, indicating the potential for nuclear energy in extraterrestrial environments [14].
Surging Clean Energy Demand Sparks Renewed Focus on Nuclear Stocks
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:25
Industry Overview - Nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a vital solution for meeting the rising global electricity demand while facilitating the transition to cleaner energy sources, providing a reliable supply of clean energy unlike solar and wind [1] - The U.S. aims to expand its nuclear energy capacity from nearly 100 gigawatts (GW) in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050, supported by executive orders to modernize regulations and accelerate reactor approvals [2] - The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects annual investment in nuclear energy to exceed $150 billion by 2030, up from $65 billion, with installed nuclear capacity potentially surpassing 1,000 GW by 2050 [4] Investment Opportunities - Nuclear energy-related stocks, such as Entergy Corporation, Dominion Energy, and Constellation Energy Corporation, are becoming attractive investment options due to their stable output and growth potential [3] - Entergy Corporation's nuclear plants generate nearly 8 GW, accounting for about 27% of its total capacity, and the company plans to invest $37 billion from 2025 to 2029 to enhance its generation fleet and expand its zero-carbon portfolio [9][12] - Dominion Energy operates four nuclear power stations that produce nearly 40% of its total energy output, focusing on next-generation technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet future electricity demand [13][14] Company Strategies - Entergy is exploring next-generation nuclear technologies and has secured a permit for a new reactor site, aiming to partner with tech firms to address financial and regulatory challenges [10][11] - Dominion Energy is committed to achieving a net-zero carbon target by 2050, leveraging nuclear power to provide a consistent, emission-free energy foundation [15] - Constellation Energy, the largest nuclear power plant operator in the U.S., accounts for around 10% of the nation's clean energy production and is investing in expanding its nuclear capacity to meet rising demand [16][18] Market Demand - The demand for clean electricity is driven by industrial expansion, urbanization, rising temperatures, AI-powered data centers, and the adoption of electric vehicles, with nuclear power requiring significantly less land compared to other clean energy sources [5] - Tech companies like Meta and Amazon are increasingly turning to nuclear energy as a reliable, low-emission power source, entering long-term agreements with Entergy [11] - Constellation Energy has secured uranium supply contracts extending through the 2030s to ensure long-term fuel security amid geopolitical uncertainties [17]
NuScale Power vs. Centrus Energy: Which Nuclear Stock Has an Edge Now?
ZACKS· 2025-06-25 16:35
Core Insights - NuScale Power and Centrus Energy are significant contributors to the advanced nuclear technology sector, with NuScale focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs) and Centrus specializing in High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) enrichment [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 [2] NuScale Power Insights - NuScale Power is experiencing growth due to advancements in SMR technology and an expanding partner base, including major tech companies and financial institutions [4][7] - The increasing energy demand, particularly from data centers, is a significant growth driver for NuScale Power, as these centers are expected to triple their energy use over the next three years [5][6] - NuScale Power's technology is well-positioned to meet the energy needs of hyperscale data centers, which are projected to account for 12% of U.S. electricity consumption by 2028 [6] Centrus Energy Insights - Centrus Energy is benefiting from rising demand for nuclear fuel, especially HALEU, and has secured a contract extension with the U.S. Department of Energy for HALEU production through June 30, 2026 [8][9] - The Department of Energy's support for HALEU highlights the growing demand for this type of uranium, which is crucial for advanced reactors [8] Financial Performance - Centrus Energy's 2025 EPS estimate increased by 9.2% to $3.53, while NuScale Power's estimate reflects a loss of 41 cents [11] - Year-to-date, NuScale Power's shares have appreciated by 141.2%, while Centrus Energy shares surged by 188.2% [12] - Valuation metrics indicate that both SMR and LEU shares are currently overvalued, with SMR trading at a Price/Sales ratio of 119.46X compared to LEU's 7.23X [15] Conclusion - Both NuScale Power and Centrus Energy are positioned to benefit from the nuclear energy boom, but Centrus Energy appears to have a stronger earnings potential and demand for nuclear fuel, particularly HALEU [19]
Here Are My Top 5 Energy Stocks to Buy Now
The Motley Fool· 2025-06-25 08:15
Core Insights - The global energy landscape is evolving, with a focus on a diverse mix of energy sources including oil, gas, nuclear, and renewables, driven by the demand from advanced AI operations [1][2] Group 1: Company Summaries - **Chevron**: An oil and gas giant with upstream and downstream operations, providing resilience across oil price cycles. The company has returned $11.8 billion in dividends and $16.1 billion in stock buybacks over the past year, with a yield of 4.6% and a history of 38 consecutive years of dividend increases [4][5][6] - **Enterprise Products Partners**: A midstream master limited partnership with a strong network of pipelines and processing assets. It has a distribution yield of over 6.9%, supported by conservative payout ratios and ongoing expansion projects [7][9] - **Cameco**: One of the largest uranium producers, benefiting from rising nuclear energy demand and long-term contracts with utility companies. It has arrangements to supply an average of 28 million pounds of uranium annually through 2029, with significant properties in Saskatchewan and Australia [10][12][13] - **Constellation Energy**: The largest U.S. producer of carbon-free electricity, primarily from nuclear facilities. It has predictable earnings through long-term contracts and is exploring hydrogen and storage as growth avenues. Recent agreements with Microsoft and Meta Platforms highlight its position in the clean energy market [14][16] - **NuScale Power**: A speculative play on nuclear energy through small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer lower costs and faster build times. The company is developing an SMR power station in Romania, with design approvals from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, but faces risks related to project delays and cash burn [17][18][19]
Here's Why NuScale Power Stock Is a Buy Before August
The Motley Fool· 2025-06-22 08:20
Core Viewpoint - NuScale Power has experienced significant stock price volatility but has seen a substantial increase in value over the past year due to several catalysts that could drive future growth in the small modular reactor (SMR) market [2][12]. Group 1: Company Developments - NuScale's stock price has more than quadrupled in the last 12 months, indicating a strong recovery and investor interest [2]. - The company received a Standard Design Approval (SDA) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its SMRs, making it the only SMR manufacturer with such approval [5]. - After canceling its Idaho project due to rising costs, NuScale submitted a new application for a 77 MWe design, which was approved in early June, paving the way for its first firm orders in the U.S. market [6][7]. Group 2: Market Opportunities - NuScale generates most of its revenue from a project in Romania, where it is subcontracting for Fluor in the development of a 462-MWe VOYGR-6 SMR, with a final investment decision expected in 2026 [8]. - The company is in discussions with five hyperscale data center operators in the U.S., which could drive growth in its U.S. business [9]. - The ADVANCE Act, passed in July 2024, and the Department of Energy's $900 million funding for SMR development are expected to support NuScale's growth [9]. Group 3: Industry Outlook - The global SMR market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2025 to 2034, indicating a favorable environment for NuScale's business [11]. - Analysts expect NuScale's revenue to surge at a CAGR of 118% from $37 million to $384 million between 2024 and 2027 as its business matures [11]. Group 4: Financial Position - NuScale has a market cap of $5.2 billion and is currently valued at 14 times its projected sales for 2027, indicating a high valuation relative to its current financial performance [12]. - The company held $521 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at the end of its latest quarter, providing a solid financial foundation for future growth [12].