Small Modular Reactors Drive Nuclear Energy Renaissance Amid AI Demand
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Should l Buy BWXT?
Source: Fool
- Surging Nuclear Demand: The rapid expansion of AI data centers has significantly increased the demand for nuclear energy, driving the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to meet urgent clean energy needs.
- BWX's Competitive Edge: BWX Technologies' Advanced Nuclear Reactor design can generate 75 megawatts of power anywhere, with projected revenues of $3.19 billion in 2025, an 18% increase from 2024, showcasing its strong performance in the nuclear market.
- Rolls-Royce's Market Potential: Rolls-Royce's SMR prototype can produce 470 megawatts of power, sufficient to supply 1 million homes, with a 12.15% revenue growth to $21.21 billion in 2025 and a net profit margin of 27.52%, demonstrating its robust competitiveness in the nuclear sector.
- Optimistic Industry Outlook: Although there are currently no SMRs operational worldwide, BWX and Rolls-Royce, supported by other revenue streams, present lower-risk investment opportunities for those interested in SMR technology.
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Analyst Views on BWXT
Wall Street analysts forecast BWXT stock price to fall
7 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 216.390
Low
195.00
Averages
216.00
High
230.00
Current: 216.390
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.
Nuclear Energy Renaissance Fuels Data Center Demand
- BWX Technology Edge: BWX Technologies leads in naval nuclear propulsion with its BWXT Advanced Nuclear Reactor (BANR) capable of generating 75 megawatts of power at any deployment site, specifically designed for data center needs, utilizing TRISO-coated fuel to enhance resistance to radiation and high temperatures, thereby strengthening its market competitiveness.
- Financial Stability: BWX's revenue grew by 18% in 2025 to $3.19 billion compared to 2024, with a net profit margin of 10.31%, demonstrating strong cash flow in nuclear engineering that supports the development of its SMR technology, thus reducing investment risks.
- Rolls-Royce Market Positioning: Rolls-Royce, focused on aircraft engines, has an SMR prototype capable of producing 470 megawatts of power, sufficient to supply electricity to 1 million homes, and has been selected as the next-generation nuclear power solution in the UK nuclear competition, highlighting its strategic importance in the nuclear energy market.
- Growth Potential: Rolls-Royce's revenue increased by 12.15% in 2025 to $21.21 billion, with EPS doubling from $0.30 to $0.69, and a net profit margin of 27.52%, indicating that its ongoing investments and technological innovations in nuclear energy will drive future growth.
See More
Small Modular Reactors Drive Nuclear Energy Renaissance Amid AI Demand
- Surging Nuclear Demand: The rapid expansion of AI data centers has significantly increased the demand for nuclear energy, driving the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to meet urgent clean energy needs.
- BWX's Competitive Edge: BWX Technologies' Advanced Nuclear Reactor design can generate 75 megawatts of power anywhere, with projected revenues of $3.19 billion in 2025, an 18% increase from 2024, showcasing its strong performance in the nuclear market.
- Rolls-Royce's Market Potential: Rolls-Royce's SMR prototype can produce 470 megawatts of power, sufficient to supply 1 million homes, with a 12.15% revenue growth to $21.21 billion in 2025 and a net profit margin of 27.52%, demonstrating its robust competitiveness in the nuclear sector.
- Optimistic Industry Outlook: Although there are currently no SMRs operational worldwide, BWX and Rolls-Royce, supported by other revenue streams, present lower-risk investment opportunities for those interested in SMR technology.
See More
BWX Technologies to Announce Q1 Earnings on May 4th
- Earnings Announcement: BWX Technologies is set to release its Q1 2023 earnings on May 4th after market close, with consensus EPS estimates at $0.93, reflecting a 2.2% year-over-year increase, and revenue estimates at $838.65 million, indicating a 22.9% year-over-year growth, showcasing the company's ongoing growth potential in the nuclear sector.
- Historical Performance: Over the past two years, BWX has consistently beaten EPS and revenue estimates 100% of the time, demonstrating financial stability and market confidence, which could positively impact its stock price.
- Estimate Revision Trends: In the last three months, EPS estimates have seen one upward revision and three downward adjustments, while revenue estimates have experienced two upward revisions and four downward adjustments, indicating market caution regarding the company's future performance, warranting close attention to the earnings results.
- Market Trend Analysis: As investors favor electrification, AI, and defense sectors, several industrial stocks have hit 52-week highs, positioning BWX Technologies, as the sole U.S. nuclear supplier, to leverage its commercial growth potential and attract more investor interest in the future.
See More
US Plans $71 Billion Investment to Upgrade Nuclear Arsenal
- Massive Budget Commitment: The U.S. Department of Defense's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal includes a substantial $71 billion investment aimed at modernizing the nuclear triad, with $6.1 billion allocated for the B-21 stealth bomber and $4.6 billion for the Sentinel system to replace older missiles, underscoring the focus on nuclear deterrence capabilities.
- Submarine and Missile System Upgrades: The budget also earmarks $16.2 billion for the construction of Columbia-class submarines and $1.5 billion for the development of a new long-range cruise missile, aiming to fully replace outdated weaponry rather than making incremental upgrades, thereby enhancing sea-based nuclear defense.
- Beneficiaries Among Major Contractors: General Dynamics (GD), as the primary contractor for the Columbia-class submarines, is expected to reap the most benefits from the Navy's upgrade program, while BWX Technologies (BWXT) plays a crucial role by supplying the unique nuclear reactor technology essential for the sea-based nuclear force.
- Positive Stock Market Reaction: BWXT and Curtiss-Wright (CW) stocks have surged over 25% and 30% year-to-date, respectively, while GD's stock has gained 2%, reflecting market optimism regarding defense investments, despite RTX's stock declining by 4%.
See More
Investor Sentiments on Oklo and AST SpaceMobile
- Oklo Stock Performance: Investors view Oklo as having excessive trading volatility, suggesting that while it can be held temporarily, further purchases are not recommended, which may lead to decreased confidence in its future performance.
- Gladstone Land Growth Outlook: Gladstone Land is perceived as lacking growth potential, with investors explicitly stating their unwillingness to invest, which could impact its market appeal and future financing capabilities.
- AST SpaceMobile's Investment Appeal: Jim Cramer expresses optimism about AST SpaceMobile, believing its potential in the space sector warrants investment, potentially attracting more speculative investors' attention.
- Market Sentiment Analysis: The overall market sentiment towards these companies varies, reflecting investors' differing risk appetites and growth expectations across sectors, which may influence future capital flows.
See More
Analysis of Growth Potential in Nuclear Energy Sector
- Market Size Projection: According to Fortune Business, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach $41.6 billion by 2026 and $52.6 billion by 2034, indicating steady market expansion potential, although growth may be slower than anticipated.
- BWX Technologies Performance: BWX Technologies reported full-year revenue of $3.2 billion in 2025, with expectations to rise to $3.7 billion in 2026, and its acquisition of Precision Components Group will enhance its U.S. nuclear production capacity to meet growing domestic demand.
- Cameco Revenue Growth: Cameco's revenue increased to $3.4 billion in 2025 from $3.1 billion in 2024, with gross profit rising from $783 million in 2024 to $970 million in 2025, reflecting strong demand in the uranium fuel market.
- Investor Considerations: Despite BWX and Cameco's forward P/E ratios of 53 and 120 respectively, indicating high market expectations for future growth, investors should exercise caution as high valuations may pose risks.
See More
Nuclear Energy Renaissance Fuels Data Center Demand
- BWX Technology Edge: BWX Technologies leads in naval nuclear propulsion with its BWXT Advanced Nuclear Reactor (BANR) capable of generating 75 megawatts of power at any deployment site, specifically designed for data center needs, utilizing TRISO-coated fuel to enhance resistance to radiation and high temperatures, thereby strengthening its market competitiveness.
- Financial Stability: BWX's revenue grew by 18% in 2025 to $3.19 billion compared to 2024, with a net profit margin of 10.31%, demonstrating strong cash flow in nuclear engineering that supports the development of its SMR technology, thus reducing investment risks.
- Rolls-Royce Market Positioning: Rolls-Royce, focused on aircraft engines, has an SMR prototype capable of producing 470 megawatts of power, sufficient to supply electricity to 1 million homes, and has been selected as the next-generation nuclear power solution in the UK nuclear competition, highlighting its strategic importance in the nuclear energy market.
- Growth Potential: Rolls-Royce's revenue increased by 12.15% in 2025 to $21.21 billion, with EPS doubling from $0.30 to $0.69, and a net profit margin of 27.52%, indicating that its ongoing investments and technological innovations in nuclear energy will drive future growth.
See More
Small Modular Reactors Drive Nuclear Energy Renaissance Amid AI Demand
- Surging Nuclear Demand: The rapid expansion of AI data centers has significantly increased the demand for nuclear energy, driving the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to meet urgent clean energy needs.
- BWX's Competitive Edge: BWX Technologies' Advanced Nuclear Reactor design can generate 75 megawatts of power anywhere, with projected revenues of $3.19 billion in 2025, an 18% increase from 2024, showcasing its strong performance in the nuclear market.
- Rolls-Royce's Market Potential: Rolls-Royce's SMR prototype can produce 470 megawatts of power, sufficient to supply 1 million homes, with a 12.15% revenue growth to $21.21 billion in 2025 and a net profit margin of 27.52%, demonstrating its robust competitiveness in the nuclear sector.
- Optimistic Industry Outlook: Although there are currently no SMRs operational worldwide, BWX and Rolls-Royce, supported by other revenue streams, present lower-risk investment opportunities for those interested in SMR technology.
See More
BWX Technologies to Announce Q1 Earnings on May 4th
- Earnings Announcement: BWX Technologies is set to release its Q1 2023 earnings on May 4th after market close, with consensus EPS estimates at $0.93, reflecting a 2.2% year-over-year increase, and revenue estimates at $838.65 million, indicating a 22.9% year-over-year growth, showcasing the company's ongoing growth potential in the nuclear sector.
- Historical Performance: Over the past two years, BWX has consistently beaten EPS and revenue estimates 100% of the time, demonstrating financial stability and market confidence, which could positively impact its stock price.
- Estimate Revision Trends: In the last three months, EPS estimates have seen one upward revision and three downward adjustments, while revenue estimates have experienced two upward revisions and four downward adjustments, indicating market caution regarding the company's future performance, warranting close attention to the earnings results.
- Market Trend Analysis: As investors favor electrification, AI, and defense sectors, several industrial stocks have hit 52-week highs, positioning BWX Technologies, as the sole U.S. nuclear supplier, to leverage its commercial growth potential and attract more investor interest in the future.
See More
US Plans $71 Billion Investment to Upgrade Nuclear Arsenal
- Massive Budget Commitment: The U.S. Department of Defense's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal includes a substantial $71 billion investment aimed at modernizing the nuclear triad, with $6.1 billion allocated for the B-21 stealth bomber and $4.6 billion for the Sentinel system to replace older missiles, underscoring the focus on nuclear deterrence capabilities.
- Submarine and Missile System Upgrades: The budget also earmarks $16.2 billion for the construction of Columbia-class submarines and $1.5 billion for the development of a new long-range cruise missile, aiming to fully replace outdated weaponry rather than making incremental upgrades, thereby enhancing sea-based nuclear defense.
- Beneficiaries Among Major Contractors: General Dynamics (GD), as the primary contractor for the Columbia-class submarines, is expected to reap the most benefits from the Navy's upgrade program, while BWX Technologies (BWXT) plays a crucial role by supplying the unique nuclear reactor technology essential for the sea-based nuclear force.
- Positive Stock Market Reaction: BWXT and Curtiss-Wright (CW) stocks have surged over 25% and 30% year-to-date, respectively, while GD's stock has gained 2%, reflecting market optimism regarding defense investments, despite RTX's stock declining by 4%.
See More
Investor Sentiments on Oklo and AST SpaceMobile
- Oklo Stock Performance: Investors view Oklo as having excessive trading volatility, suggesting that while it can be held temporarily, further purchases are not recommended, which may lead to decreased confidence in its future performance.
- Gladstone Land Growth Outlook: Gladstone Land is perceived as lacking growth potential, with investors explicitly stating their unwillingness to invest, which could impact its market appeal and future financing capabilities.
- AST SpaceMobile's Investment Appeal: Jim Cramer expresses optimism about AST SpaceMobile, believing its potential in the space sector warrants investment, potentially attracting more speculative investors' attention.
- Market Sentiment Analysis: The overall market sentiment towards these companies varies, reflecting investors' differing risk appetites and growth expectations across sectors, which may influence future capital flows.
See More
Analysis of Growth Potential in Nuclear Energy Sector
- Market Size Projection: According to Fortune Business, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach $41.6 billion by 2026 and $52.6 billion by 2034, indicating steady market expansion potential, although growth may be slower than anticipated.
- BWX Technologies Performance: BWX Technologies reported full-year revenue of $3.2 billion in 2025, with expectations to rise to $3.7 billion in 2026, and its acquisition of Precision Components Group will enhance its U.S. nuclear production capacity to meet growing domestic demand.
- Cameco Revenue Growth: Cameco's revenue increased to $3.4 billion in 2025 from $3.1 billion in 2024, with gross profit rising from $783 million in 2024 to $970 million in 2025, reflecting strong demand in the uranium fuel market.
- Investor Considerations: Despite BWX and Cameco's forward P/E ratios of 53 and 120 respectively, indicating high market expectations for future growth, investors should exercise caution as high valuations may pose risks.
See More
