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NuScale(SMR) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - NuScale reported revenue of $13.4 million for Q1 2025, a significant increase from $1.4 million in the same period last year, driven by fees from engineering and licensing work related to the Row Power project [20] - Operating expenses decreased to $42.3 million in Q1 2025 from $44.6 million in the prior year, and are significantly lower than the average of $69.9 million per quarter in 2023, indicating improved operational efficiency [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Row Power project in Romania is progressing well, with a Class three estimate expected to be delivered by fall 2025, which will facilitate the submission of a final investment decision application to the Romanian government by early Q2 2026 [7][9] - NuScale is the only near-term deployable Small Modular Reactor (SMR) company, having achieved U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) design approval, which positions it ahead of competitors still in the demonstration phase [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NuScale is engaged in discussions with potential customers in the U.S. and internationally, including data centers, utilities, and energy companies, with approximately 10 advanced customer discussions ongoing [12][14] - The company is also exploring applications for carbon-free hydrogen production, which has garnered significant interest from major industrial players [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - NuScale aims to solidify its leadership in the SMR market by enhancing manufacturing and supply chain readiness, with a target delivery date for its first power module set for 2030 [6][11] - The company is focused on securing long-term power purchase agreements with customers, moving beyond preliminary discussions to finalize contracts [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growing demand for clean, reliable energy and the company's ability to meet this demand through its advanced SMR technology [17] - The management is closely monitoring the impact of tariffs on operations but does not anticipate any material effects at this time [16] Other Important Information - NuScale's liquidity improved, with cash and cash equivalents totaling $491.4 million and short-term investments of $30 million, primarily due to the successful sale of shares [19] - The company is actively investing in its supply chain and manufacturing readiness to support anticipated customer orders [19][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Definition of a firm customer order by the end of 2025 - Management clarified that a firm customer order refers to customers reaching a final investment decision and that they are currently negotiating term sheets with several customers [24][26] Question: Streamlining the licensing process - Management acknowledged ongoing discussions with the NRC and expressed optimism about potential streamlining, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety standards [30][32] Question: Timeline for module delivery after booking an order - Management indicated that once a contract is signed, they expect to receive cash flow immediately and anticipate that 25% of module costs would be received in the first year [40] Question: Customer discussions and market segments - Management confirmed that customer discussions include coal plant replacements, process companies, and AI-related projects, indicating a diverse market approach [84] Question: Class three estimate details for Row Power - Management explained that the Class three estimate will help Row Power understand the costs to complete the project and is crucial for moving towards a final investment decision [86]