During Q3 2026, the Polen 5Perspectives Small-Mid Growth Composite Portfolio returned -12.5% (net of fees) compared to the -10.4% return of the Russell 2500 Growth Index. The top contributors to the Portfolio's relative performance in the quarter were Twist Bioscience, Twilio, and Embraer. The most significant detractors from the Portfolio's relative performance in the quarter were nLight, Terawulf, and BWX Technologies.
BWX Technologies' nuclear growth, $1.4 billion in naval contracts and raised 2026 guidance bolster its outlook, but valuation, margin pressure and execution risks warrant caution.
BWX Technologies' 19.8% stock decline offers a more attractive entry point as nuclear demand and backlog grow, but valuation, margin pressure and execution risks warrant caution.
BWX Technologies raises its 2026 revenue, earnings and cash flow guidance as commercial nuclear growth surges, but margin pressure and fourth-quarter execution pose risks.
BWX Technologies (BWXT) is upgraded to Buy, with a YE27 price target of $183, offering 25% upside after a valuation reset. BWXT's core defense business provides stable, predictable cash flows, while commercial nuclear operations drive accelerating growth and margin expansion. Commercial segment revenue grew 63% in 2025 and is guided up 45% in 2026, with high-teens CAGR and EBITDA margin expansion targeted through 2030.
BWXT is expanding specialized uranium processing capabilities, supporting government nuclear programs through recovery, purification and downblending operations.
BWX Technologies is rated Buy at $135, with valuation justified by robust growth in commercial nuclear and special materials segments. BWXT's backlog has more than doubled to $8.4 billion, with commercial operations expected to deliver high-teen revenue CAGR and EBITDA growth above 20% through 2030. Execution risk remains the primary concern, as significant profit acceleration hinges on timely delivery of new plants and contracts in commercial nuclear and special materials.
GEV wins the first U.S. construction permit for its BWRX-300 SMR, strengthening its nuclear pipeline and long-term growth opportunity.
Hyperscalers are signing multi-decade nuclear contracts as grid capacity tightens, and three stocks give investors very different exposure to that trade, with one belonging in the speculative bucket only.
BWX Technologies NYSE: BWXT used its 2026 Investor Day to outline a higher-growth outlook through 2030, supported by expansion in commercial nuclear equipment and services, government nuclear programs, special materials and advanced reactor initiatives.
BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) Analyst/Investor Day Transcript
The United States and other governments around the world are prioritizing military modernization, building up their capacity for nuclear deterrence, enhancing missile defense capabilities, and generally investing heavily in defense. A move toward a more militarized world may mean investors can capitalize on both larger defense giants and smaller companies with the potential for major growth.