"Patience is a Super Power" - "The Money is in the waiting"
Showing posts with label national defense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label national defense. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

The Trump Administration has recently invested in both MP Materials and Intel! Question: who might be next, and why!

 


These critical U.S. companies were named in the CHIPS Act and have received preliminary agreements (Preliminary Memoranda of Terms, or PMTs)—but for which funding has not yet been fully disbursed (i.e., not finalized yet):

Ed Note:
It appears the Trump administration is turning giveaways from the chips act, into "investments" in those companies targeted. This report speculates on which companies might be next, after investments have been made in Intel and MP Materials.



1. Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP)

  • The U.S. Department of Commerce signed a non-binding Preliminary Memorandum of Terms (PMT) to provide approximately $162 million under the CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at bolstering domestic semiconductor supply for automotive, defense, and aerospace industries. That funding has not yet been finalized.
    Z2Data+10NIST+10TSMC+10

  • In a twist, Microchip later backed off pursuing the grant for expansion of its Gresham, Oregon facility. That further suggests no disbursement has occurred yet.
    KGW+1


2. Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU)

  • Micron has a preliminary agreement for a $6.1 billion CHIPS Act grant to build a chip fabrication campus in Clay, New York ("megafab") and boost capacity in Boise, Idaho.
    Chuck Schumer's Senate Website+15Wikipedia+15

  • As of now, this remains preliminary, which implies that funding has not been fully disbursed.
    Barron'sThe Verge


3. GlobalFoundries (NASDAQ: GFS)

  • In February 2024, GlobalFoundries signed a preliminary agreement for over $1.5 billion in CHIPS funding to strengthen domestic legacy chip supply.
    New York Post+1

  • The award was later finalized in November 2024—meaning the preliminary stage was completed and funding is now moving forward.
    Wikipedia


4. Intel (NASDAQ: INTC)


Summary Table

CompanyPreliminary Agreement?Finalized?Status
MicrochipYes, ~$162 M PMTNo, not finalizedFunding has not been disbursed
MicronYes, ~$6.1 B PMTNo, not finalizedStill in preliminary stage
GlobalFoundriesYes, ~$1.5 B PMTYes, finalizedFunding now moving forward
IntelYes, ~$8.5 B PMTYes, finalizedFunds now to be disbursed

Companies still in preliminary-only stage (no final disbursement yet):

  • Microchip Technology (MCHP) – ~$162 M PMT, not finalized.

  • Micron Technology (MU) – ~$6.1 B PMT, not finalized.


    Ed Note:  

  • Listen to any hints of more investments coming from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik in late September or before!

narrowing to AI tech & infrastructure and focusing on U.S.-domiciled names, here’s a balanced list of 10 companies that (a) are strategically important for American tech leadership, and (b) could see outsized upside if the U.S. government explicitly takes a position or expands incentives.


Core chip manufacturing (the foundation)

1) Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) — Leading-edge and advanced packaging fabs across AZ/OH/OR/NM; already the single biggest CHIPS Act beneficiary (grants + loans). A direct stake would further de-risk multi-node U.S. capacity and supply chain resilience. ReutersU.S. Department of Commerce

2) Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) — U.S. leader in DRAM/HBM and NAND; memory is the oxygen of AI clusters. The White House already announced a preliminary CHIPS package up to ~$6.1B for new U.S. fabs—government equity/co-investment would accelerate HBM ramp critical to training/inference. The White HouseThe Verge

3) GlobalFoundries (NASDAQ: GFS) — Only U.S. pure-play foundry at scale, trusted for DoD needs; finalized up to $1.5B CHIPS award to expand New York and modernize Vermont (incl. GaN). A government position would fortify secure domestic supply for auto/defense/edge-AI. NISTGlobalFoundries

4) Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP) — Mature-node MCUs/analog that go into everything from defense systems to data-center controls; ~$162M preliminary CHIPS support to expand U.S. fabs. Additional public backing would harden this critical “everywhere silicon” tier. NIST


AI compute & systems (where the work gets done)

5) Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ: SMCI) — Designs/racks full AI systems (GB200/NVL72, HGX B200) and leads on liquid-cooling at rack scale; a federal position signals confidence in domestic AI-server capacity and speeds deployments for gov/defense workloads. SupermicroSupermicro

6) Arista Networks (NYSE: ANET) — The Ethernet backbone for AI clusters (400/800G today, 1.6T on deck). Government support would catalyze U.S.-based networking scale-out across federal/HPC sites. Arista Networks

7) Lattice Semiconductor (NASDAQ: LSCC) — Ultra-low-power FPGAs for edge-AI, control, and security—ideal for ruggedized, power-constrained defense/industrial endpoints. A stake would expand “AI at the edge” capacity domestically. latticesemi.com+1


AI data-center infrastructure (power, cooling, reliability)

8) Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) — Power distribution & advanced liquid-cooling that make giga-scale AI sites possible; expanding NA solutions specifically to ease AI deployments. Federal backing would accelerate retrofits/new builds across critical facilities. Vertiv InvestorsVertiv


Materials & devices that unlock performance

9) Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) — Silicon-carbide (SiC) devices and materials for efficient power (AI data centers, high-power PSUs, EV charging). Proposed $750M CHIPS support + large private capital—public co-investment would speed U.S. SiC capacity vital to AI power chains. WolfspeedSEC

10) MP Materials (NYSE: MP) — U.S. rare-earths mining/separation; DoD has already funded HREE separation at Mountain Pass. A deeper stake would cement a domestic magnet/REE supply for defense, motors, and data-center equipment.

(Recently turned into an investment in the company by the administration)  

U.S. Department of Defense


Why these 10?

  • National-security leverage: Together they span logic, memory, foundry, servers, networking, power/cooling, edge FPGAs, SiC power, and REE supply—i.e., every chokepoint between sand and AI output.

  • Policy momentum: CHIPS/DPA precedents exist (Intel, Micron, GlobalFoundries, Microchip; DoD for MP). Additional capital or a formal government position would reduce financing risk and accelerate

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Kraken Robotics in a great position to help supply NATO navies with their sub sea technology - July Update!

 


Did Desjardin just Release the Kraken? - Kraken Robotics Investment and Business Report (June 2025)

Kraken Robotics’ recent momentum as a growing business and investment opportunity, now including these strategic dimensions:


💰 1. C$100 Million Bought-Deal Financing

  • What’s new: Kraken announced a bought‑deal public offering in June 2025—raising roughly C$100 million with a 15% over-allotment.

  • Why it’s positive:

    • Bolsters liquidity, enabling aggressive expansions or debt reduction.

    • Supports continued investment in acquisitions and manufacturing scale-up.


🧪 2. Acquisition of 3D at Depth (Closed April 2025)


🏭 3. Nova Scotia Subsea Battery Facility

  • What happened: Plans for a high-energy SeaPower™ battery plant in Halifax slated for late 2025 krakenrobotics.com+2krakenrobotics.com+2krakenrobotics.com+2.

  • Why it matters:

    • Strategic location: Halifax—Canada East Coast Navy HQ and major NATO port—offers logistical and defense synergies.

    • Defense reach: Perfect staging for contracts, including those with NATO navies. Infrastructure and proven naval partnerships are already in place.


📈 4. Robust Q1 2025 Results & Backlog

  • What happened: Q1 revenue was C$16.1 M with 62.7% gross margin, C$58 M in cash (up sharply YOY), and C$94.6 M in working capital.

  • Why it’s positive:

    • Confirms improved profitability, operational efficiency, and a strong cushion for growth.


🧭 5. Growing Bookings & Service Expansion

  • What happened: Since Q4 2024, Kraken received ~$45 M in subsea battery orders and ~$3 M in sonar bookings.


  • Why it matters:

    • Reflects sustained demand in defense and offshore energy sectors.

    • Validates product-market fit across diverse offerings.


🎯 6. Defense & NATO Engagement

  • What happened: Ongoing contracts include $50 M+ for Royal Canadian Navy mine hunting systems in Halifax and past contracts with NATO navies (Australia and UK).


  • Why it’s important:

    • Halifax facility aligns geographically with Kraken’s East Coast naval customers.

    • Strengthens NATO interoperability and trust amid global naval tensions.


✅ 7. Comprehensive Subsea Ecosystem & Diversification

  • What’s evolving: Kraken now offers sonar (KATFISH™), LiDAR (SeaVision + 3D at Depth), subsea batteries (SeaPower™), and RaaS.


  • Pipeline inspection through Kraken Seapower
  • Why it’s smart:

    • Reduced reliance on a single revenue stream.

    • Offers integrated solutions for underwater defense and infrastructure clients.


📊 Summary Table

StrengthDetails
Financial PowerC$100M financing + C$58M cash = strong investment capability
North American ReachU.S. operations via 3D at Depth + Halifax manufacturing
Defense EcosystemHalifax ties to RCN and NATO; major contracts secured
Tech PortfolioIntegrated sensors + power + service delivery
Proven DemandOrder backlog and major contracts affirm market traction

🎯 Why This Update Matters for Investors

  • Global Expansion: A U.S. footprint hedges geopolitical trade risks, unlocking access to American contracts.

  • Strategic NATO Positioning: Halifax location and facility align with allied naval operations, reinforcing defense supply chain credentials.

  • Integrated Tech Stance: Offers deep-tech defense clients everything from data to power, buoyed by recurring service demand.

  • Financial Firepower: Strong capital reserves enable execution of strategy without dilution or debt stress.


In combining financial strength, geographic diversification (Canada + U.S.), purpose-built naval infrastructure, and a full-stack subsea solution, Kraken Robotics has elevated its status to more than a sensor company—it’s now a strategically aligned defense-tech enabler with actual commercial momentum. These developments make it a more compelling long-term investment.

Here’s a deeper look into Kraken Robotics (PNG/KRKNF) covering contract timelines, valuation considerations, and the competitive landscape:


📅 Contract Timelines & Execution

  • Royal Canadian Navy Remote Mine hunting & Disposal System (RMDS)

    • Awarded: December 2022, with formal kickoff in January 2023.

    • Acquisition phase: 24 months, through end-2024, followed by a 5‑year integrated logistics support (ILS) program ($40 M acquisition + $10 M ILS) .

    • Operational readiness: RMDS installations expected fully operational in 2025 .

  • KATFISH Sonar System for Royal Danish Navy

    • Integration began in 2023, achieving full operational capability in early 2024.

    • Sustenance contract spans 7 years with potential extensions up to 21 years .

  • NATO Vessels Upgrade Contract

    • Roughly US $9 M follow-on deal secured in late 2022 for additional KATFISH units, tentacle winches, and autonomous launch-recovery systems (ALARS) .



📈 Valuation Snapshot & Market Outlook

  • Analyst price targets: Average 12% upside to CA $3.40 (range CA $3.28–$3.68) over the next 12 months .

  • Intrinsic value vs market price:

    • Simply Wall St: Fair value ~CA $3.28, placing current price ~7% below fair value .

  • Key metrics:

    • Trailing P/E around 38× (Yahoo Finance), forward P/E not yet meaningful .

    • P/E ~42× vs industry avg. ~31× (Simply Wall St) .

    • EV/EBITDA ~28× vs sector avg. ~18× .

  • Growth: Earnings projected ~8% annually; last year saw ~136% growth .


🏆 Competitive Positioning

Strengths:

  • Integrated solution platform: Combines advanced sonar (KATFISH™, AquaPix™), subsea LiDAR (SeaVision + 3D at Depth), batteries (SeaPower™), AUVs, and RaaS—enhancing defensibility.

  • Long-term contracts:

    • Danish results show FOC achieved and a multi-year sustainment contract .

    • Canadian RMDS creates 7+ years of recurring revenue .

  • Global adoption: 

  • Deployed across the U.S., U.K., Australia, Denmark, Poland—plus mounting interest from NATO .

Risks:

  • High valuation relative to peers: Premium multiples imply investor expectations for continued growth.

  • Execution risk: Meeting ambitious contract delivery timelines across multiple large-scale programs.

  • Geopolitical dependency: Much revenue tied to defense budgets, which can be cyclical.


🧭 Investment Implications

MetricInsight
Cash flow & marginsLarge multi-year contracts with sustainment provide stable, predictable revenue.
Geographic diversificationU.S. and NATO footprint hedges trade/tension risks; Halifax location aligns with naval operations.
Valuation debateDisagreement between growth-based models (Simply Wall St) and DCF-based (Alpha Spread); current price sits between fair-value estimates.
Catalysts
  • RMDS ramp in 2025

  • Further U.S./EU contracts via 3D at Depth presence

  • Continued deployment of KATFISH on NATO-MCM vessels |

Conclusion: Kraken’s strategic positioning, recurring revenue pipelines, and expanding global engagement present a compelling growth narrative. However, execution reliability and valuation premiums warrant careful monitoring—especially given its ~40× P/E.


Here’s a refined look at how NATO’s new 5% GDP defense‑spending pledge bolsters Kraken Robotics’ strategic positioning—and why it matters:


🌐 NATO’s 5% Defense Commitment


📣 What This Means for Kraken Robotics

  1. Boost in Core Defence Procurement

    • With NATO countries winding up core defense budgets, there's greater emphasis and funding available for equipment like sonar systems (e.g. KATFISH™), underwater LiDAR, power systems, and autonomous platforms—all in Kraken’s portfolio.

  2. Infrastructure Spending Tailwinds

    • The additional 1.5% of GDP aimed at dual-use infrastructure—ports, bridges, cyber, and shipyards—aligns perfectly with Kraken’s Halifax battery plant and its sensor systems used for marine infrastructure monitoring and readiness.

  3. Special Defense Focus on Canada & Allies

    • Canada (currently ~1.3% GDP on defense) is expected to scale up significantly. Kraken’s Halifax facility—on the East Coast naval hub at a major NATO port—is primed to capture more contracts as defense budgets grow.

  4. Leverage European/NATO Industrial Expansion

    • As NATO boosts its defense-industrial base under this plan, Kraken stands to benefit from increased R&D and procurement contracts across the alliance, particularly in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.


📈 Strategic & Investment Implications for Kraken

AxisPositive Impact
Revenue GrowthLarger NATO defense budgets widen pipeline opportunities for sonar, LiDAR, batteries, AUV deployments, and sustainment contracts.
Geographic & Industrial PushKraken's U.S. and Canadian build-out is well‑aligned with NATO’s spending surge, increasing its positioning as a key supplier.
Valuation UpsideGiven Kraken’s high multiples (P/E ~40×), securing new, credible NATO contracts supports earnings growth and validates premium valuation.
Execution RiskWhile budget increases help, Kraken must still deliver projects on-time and scale its capabilities to meet heightened demand.

🧭 Bottom Line

NATO’s 5% GDP commitment is a paradigm shift in defense spending—a ramp-up that directly plays to Kraken Robotics’ strengths:

  • Its full-stack subsea offerings — sonar, LiDAR, batteries, AUV deployment — become increasingly relevant.

  • Its Halifax and U.S. footprint aligns with infrastructure investments and defense-alliances.

  • With large-scale defense budgets unlocking in the coming decade, Kraken is uniquely positioned to capitalize.


Related NATO defense‑spending news