BWXT Licenses mPower Reactor Design to Applied Atomics Amid Rising Electricity Demand
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 18 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Licensing Agreement: BWX Technologies (BWXT) has entered into a licensing agreement with nuclear developer Applied Atomics for its previously shelved mPower small modular reactor design, aimed at addressing the surging electricity demand from AI data centers.
- Exclusive Deployment Rights: Applied Atomics has secured exclusive rights to utilize BWXT's reactor technology for land-based power generation applications, allowing the company to advance its commercialization efforts without BWXT directly developing or operating nuclear plants.
- Decade of Development: BWXT spent ten years designing the mPower reactor, and Applied Atomics CEO Benjamin Kellie stated that their job is to complete its development and design the first optimized, vertically integrated SMR power plant, indicating confidence in future market opportunities.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement of the agreement, BWXT's stock traded marginally higher during pre-market hours on Thursday, reflecting market optimism regarding the nuclear revival, particularly driven by activist investor Ananym Capital's influence.
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Analyst Views on BWXT
Wall Street analysts forecast BWXT stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 186.080
Low
195.00
Averages
216.00
High
230.00
Current: 186.080
Low
195.00
Averages
216.00
High
230.00
About BWXT
BWX Technologies, Inc. is a specialty manufacturer of nuclear components, a developer of nuclear technologies and a service provider. The Company also provides special nuclear materials processing, environmental site restoration services, products, and services. Its Government Operations segment manufactures naval nuclear reactors, including related nuclear fuel, for the United States Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program for use in submarines and aircraft carriers. It also fabricates fuel-bearing precision components that range in weight from a few grams to hundreds of tons, manufactures electromechanical equipment, and performs design, manufacturing, inspection, assembly, and testing activities. The Company is also a provider of advanced specialty materials, fabrication, and high-strength alloy manufacturing. Its Commercial Operations segment designs and manufactures commercial nuclear steam generators, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, reactor components, and other auxiliary equipment.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Acquisition Completed: BWX Technologies, Inc. announced the successful acquisition of Precision Components Group (PCG) and its subsidiaries, enhancing its capabilities in U.S. nuclear component manufacturing, which is expected to drive growth in the commercial nuclear market.
- Manufacturing Capacity Expansion: The acquisition adds over 500,000 square feet of heavy manufacturing capacity to BWXT, including large machining, heavy weldments, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers, significantly boosting production capabilities to meet rising market demand.
- Employee and Facility Integration: PCG will continue operations at its existing facilities in York, Pennsylvania, and Florence, New Jersey, bringing over 450 skilled employees, ensuring seamless integration of technical and human resources.
- Support for Existing Projects: Post-acquisition, PCG will continue to provide components and services for Electric Boat, Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc., and other U.S. Navy programs, further solidifying BWXT's market position in the nuclear sector.
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- Market Recovery: After a decade of cooling post-Fukushima, the nuclear energy market is warming up again due to new decarbonization initiatives, with the IEA projecting a more than 50% increase in global nuclear capacity by 2025, presenting significant opportunities for BWX.
- Strong Backlog Growth: BWX's year-end backlog surged 50% year-over-year to $7.3 billion, indicating robust demand and market confidence in its nuclear capabilities, which further solidifies its leadership position in the industry.
- Diversification Advantage: As the top producer of specialized nuclear components, fuel systems, and naval reactor systems in North America, BWX is one of the few companies authorized to handle regulated nuclear materials, providing stability amid industry fluctuations.
- Future Growth Potential: Analysts expect BWX's revenue and EPS to grow at CAGRs of 13% and 16% from 2025 to 2028, and although its P/E ratio stands at 37, the growing backlog and long-term strengths justify this premium valuation.
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- Market Recovery Trend: After a decade of cooling post-Fukushima, the nuclear energy market is warming up again, with global nuclear capacity expected to rise over 50% from 2025 to 2030, presenting a favorable investment opportunity for companies like BWX Technologies.
- Industry Leadership: BWX Technologies stands as the top producer of specialized nuclear components, fuel systems, and naval reactor systems in North America, being one of the few companies authorized to handle regulated nuclear materials, which provides it with a significant competitive edge in the industry.
- Strong Backlog Growth: The company's year-end backlog surged by 50% year-over-year to $7.3 billion, indicating robust demand in the defense market and enhancing its resilience against declines in nuclear spending.
- Future Growth Potential: Analysts project BWX's revenue and EPS to grow at CAGRs of 13% and 16% from 2025 to 2028, and while its P/E ratio stands at 37, the growing backlog and long-term strengths justify this premium valuation.
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- BWX's Technological Monopoly: BWX Technologies holds a monopoly in manufacturing nuclear reactors and components for the U.S. Navy, with a backlog of $8.6 billion in Q1 2026, up 75% year-over-year, indicating strong growth potential driven by increased defense spending.
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