Profit Potentials in Atomic Energy

Abstract

T HIS ARTICLE will present the various aspects of and the relative profit potentials of each. It starts with a brief section on the market action of the stocks of various companies with known interests in energy. This is followed by a discussion of the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 and the manner in which free enterprise is prevented from functioning in many of the most important phases of nuclear energy. The main body of the article deals with the profit potentials of each step in the production of energy, starting with the prospecting for and mining of uranium and thorium; then the refining of the ore, the feed materials plants; the separation of U235; the production of plutonium; the preparation of reactor fuels and weapon parts; and the many uses of fissionable materials. This section will be followed by a discussion of a number of manufacturing and construction operations, including instrumentation, which are indirectly related to but which have profit potentialities that are of immediate, as well as long-term, interest. It must be remembered that atomic energy is considered to be a magic phrase which has been responsible, is responsible, and will be responsible for many stocks soaring to price levels that cannot be justified on any sound statistical basis. This article is not concerned with the type of market action. Although it is written for the purpose of pointing out sound and fundamental profit potentialities based on increased sales, earnings, and dividends, due to the development of various segments of the atomicenergy program, it is recognized that the glamour of atomic energy will cause some of the soundest of situations to sell, at least temporarily, at prices that are out of line with current reality.