Lightbridge(US:LTBR)2025-05-12 21:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's working capital position increased to $56.5 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $39.9 million at December 31, 2024 [17] - Total cash and cash equivalents rose to $56.9 million from $40 million at December 31, 2024, marking an increase of $16.9 million for the first quarter [18] - The net loss for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, was $4.8 million, compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2025 were $1.7 million, up from $1 million in the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to increased labor costs and employee compensation [21] - Total G&A expenses increased to $3.5 million in Q1 2025 from $2.2 million in Q1 2024, driven by higher employee compensation and consulting fees [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global nuclear energy sector is experiencing significant momentum, with increasing government support and public acceptance driving demand for nuclear power [6][8] - Major technology companies are increasingly interested in utilizing nuclear energy to meet the energy demands of data centers, indicating a shift in market dynamics [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its development plan and demonstrating the capabilities of its proprietary fuel technology, which is designed to enhance performance and safety in nuclear reactors [9][16] - Lightbridge is exploring collaborations, such as the MOU with Ocla, to evaluate the feasibility of co-locating fuel fabrication facilities, which could lead to cost savings [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the critical need for resilient baseload energy sources, particularly in light of recent events like the blackout in Spain, reinforcing the role of nuclear power [6][16] - The commitment from over 20 countries to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 is seen as a strong signal for the industry's future [13] Other Important Information - The company plans to invest approximately $17 million in CapEx and operating expenditures for R&D development of its nuclear fuel in 2025 [19] - Lightbridge is actively pursuing government funding opportunities to support its R&D activities and commercialization efforts [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can we expect to see Lightbridge receive DOE financing in the near future? - Management expressed uncertainty but indicated that the company is well positioned for future support and has benefited from previous DOE funding [24] Question: Has Lightbridge gotten out of the thorium business entirely or have you just backburnered it? - Management clarified that while they are not actively pursuing thorium-based fuel designs, they still hold patents and could resume development if customer interest arises [26]