Top Nuclear Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Haul

Forget chasing meme stocks—real energy power plays are heating up.

While crypto markets swing on sentiment, a different kind of power generation is building a bullish case based on cold, hard fundamentals. Governments are re-embracing nuclear to meet baseload demand and decarbonization goals, creating a multi-decade tailwind for the sector. It's the ultimate 'set it and forget it' infrastructure bet in a world obsessed with quarterly earnings—how delightfully old-school.

The Core Reactor: Fuel and Technology Leaders

The thesis starts at the source. Companies controlling the uranium supply chain and next-generation reactor designs aren't just suppliers; they're potential bottlenecks in a global build-out. Ownership here is a direct play on scarcity and innovation, offering leverage to the entire sector's growth without the regulatory headaches of plant operation.

Utilities with Atomic Ambition

Then there are the operators. Established utilities with significant nuclear portfolios offer a blend of stable, regulated cash flow and pure-play exposure to rising power prices. These aren't flashy growth stories; they're cash-generating workhorses positioned to benefit from the rising value of always-on, carbon-free electrons. Their dividends are a bonus for your patience.

The verdict? In a financial landscape crowded with speculative tech and fleeting trends, nuclear offers a rare combination of policy backing, tangible assets, and a time horizon measured in decades, not days. It's a contrarian play on the future of power—just don't expect any Wall Street analyst to call it 'disruptive.' They're probably too busy launching their own crypto token.

TLDR

• Constellation Energy (CEG) leads with 22 GW of U.S. nuclear capacity and Microsoft partnerships, trading at $360 with 11% upside potential
• Cameco (CCJ) controls 18% of global uranium mining output, up 50% YTD at $91 with analysts targeting $105
• Centrus Energy (LEU) dominates U.S. HALEU production technology at $266, replacing Russian fuel imports by 2028
• NuScale Power (SMR) holds the only NRC-certified small modular reactor design, up 200% in 2025 with Poland contracts
• Oklo (OKLO) develops AI-focused microreactors backed by Sam Altman, trading at $97 with speculative 2027 launch timeline

Nuclear energy stocks are gaining attention in December 2025 as artificial intelligence infrastructure drives power demand. Uranium prices trade NEAR $80 per pound while small modular reactor projects receive Department of Energy funding. Five companies stand out based on analyst ratings and market positioning.

Constellation Energy (CEG)

Constellation Energy operates 22 gigawatts of nuclear reactor capacity across the United States. The company runs its facilities at 94% capacity and supplies power to technology companies including Microsoft.

Constellation Energy Corporation, CEG

The stock trades at approximately $360 per share with a 0.5% dividend yield. Its forward price-to-earnings ratio sits at 35x on projected 20% earnings per share growth.

Eighteen analysts rate the stock as overweight with an average price target of $401. This represents potential 11% upside from current levels.

BMO Capital analyst Brian Lee set a $420 price target. The company has secured long-term power purchase agreements that provide revenue stability.

Cameco (CCJ)

Cameco controls 18% of global uranium production through its mining operations. The company has hedged 90% of its output through long-term contracts during a period of supply constraints.

Cameco Corporation, CCJ

Shares trade around $91, marking a 50% increase year-to-date. Production disruptions in Kazakhstan have supported price gains.

Twenty-three analysts assign buy ratings to the stock with an average target of $105. This implies 15% potential returns from current prices.

Scotiabank analyst Orest Smereck raised his target to $120. He cited structural supply deficits that could push uranium prices to $100 per pound by 2030.

The company also operates fuel services operations that strengthen its market position. This makes it attractive for investors seeking commodity exposure.

Centrus Energy (LEU)

Centrus Energy produces high-assay low-enriched uranium through centrifuge technology. The company is positioned as the primary U.S. supplier to replace Russian imports by 2028.

Centrus Energy Corp., LEU

The stock trades near $266 with 100% margins on its enrichment services. Fourteen analysts rate it a buy with an average target of $239.

Price targets have reached as high as $357 in some cases. This suggests potential 34% upside if contract awards materialize.

Needham analyst David Williams maintained a buy rating at $357 following Department of Energy funding. He highlighted the company’s role in advanced reactor fuel supply chains.

The stock carries execution risks related to project timelines. However, its supply chain position offers strong pricing power.

NuScale Power (SMR)

NuScale Power holds the only Nuclear Regulatory Commission certified small modular reactor design. The company’s VOYGR modules have secured a 924 megawatt-electric order from Poland.

Shares trade around $21 after going public through a SPAC merger. The stock has gained 200% in 2025 despite ongoing volatility.

Sixteen analysts give the stock a hold rating with an average price target of $38. This represents potential 81% upside from current levels.

Canaccord analyst George Gianarikas set a $60 buy rating. He pointed to factory-built scalability advantages for data center applications.

Revenue could increase five times by 2030 as module deployments accelerate. The company is working to prove commercial viability of its manufacturing approach.

Oklo (OKLO)

Oklo develops Aurora fast reactor technology designed for off-grid locations. The microreactor design targets artificial intelligence facilities requiring independent power sources.

The company has backing from Sam Altman and Department of Energy pilot programs. Shares trade at approximately $97 with twenty-one analysts assigning buy ratings.

The average price target stands at $103 but some analysts have set targets as high as $175. This implies potential 81% gains if commercialization succeeds.

Needham analyst set a $135 buy rating based on projected 2027 commercial launch. The firm sees potential for gigawatt-scale contracts with technology companies.

Oklo remains in the development phase with higher risk compared to operating companies. Its first commercial units are scheduled for 2027 deployment pending regulatory approvals.

Summary

CEG anchors this nuclear quintet, with CCJ and LEU fortifying supply, while SMR and OKLO ignite growth. Analysts’ enthusiasm—mostly Buys—pegs 20%+ portfolio returns by 2030, fueled by tripling capacity needs.