In this article, we are going to discuss the best nuclear energy stocks to buy right now.
The American nuclear energy sector received a massive boost last month when President Trump signed an executive order to quadruple the country’s nuclear energy capacity and remove red tape. The White House aims to ensure America’s energy security in the wake of a record rise in the demand of electricity, primarily due to the AI boom and its accompanying data centers.
The order has paid special attention to establishing small modular reactors, or SMRs, as they ‘offer a lower initial capital investment, greater scalability, and siting flexibility for locations unable to accommodate more traditional larger reactors’. While the technology has already been around in other countries for years (especially China), it is still relatively new in the United States, and there isn’t a single SMR operating in the country.
Moreover, the strategic move aims to increase the domestic mining and enrichment of nuclear fuel and reduce reliance on imports from China and Russia, given the current geopolitical landscape.
This nuclear renaissance is not limited to America alone, as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expects the global nuclear capacity to expand by up to 2.5 times by 2050.
With that said, here are the Best Nuclear Energy Stocks in 2025.
Our Methodology
To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of hedge funds’ stock holdings and picked the top 10 companies operating in the nuclear energy sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors in Q1 of 2025. The following are the Best Nuclear Energy Stocks According to Hedge Funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46
Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D) is counted among the best utility stocks according to hedge funds. The company is well-positioned to take full advantage of the ongoing AI boom as it serves the world’s largest cluster of data centers in northern Virginia. Moreover, it is currently building a large offshore wind farm in the state to make sure it can meet the added demand that AI will create. The project is scheduled for full completion at the end of next year.
Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D) announced in its Q1 2025 earnings call that it has about 40 GW of data center capacity in various stages of contracting, including what is now approximately 10 GW of capacity contracted under electric service agreements. Earlier this year, the company updated its capital investment forecast from 2025 through 2029 to $50 billion, which should grow its earnings per share by 5% to 7% annually.
Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D) recently signed a deal with Naval Weapons Station Yorktown to explore building a small modular reactor (SMR) and other alternative energy options, such as a solar farm, on the base. This comes after the company also signed an MoU with Amazon last year to explore developing an SMR near the Dominion’s North Anna nuclear station in Louisa County, Virginia.
Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D) provides regulated electricity and natural gas services in the United States. The company also operates several nuclear power stations in the country.
9. BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52
BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) is among the Best Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now.
BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) closed at its all-time high this week after it was announced that a joint venture led by the company has secured a high-value contract to manage Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Valued at an average of C$1.2 billion annually, the contract is for six years, with possible extensions reaching up to 20 years.
Moreover, BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) continues to expand its footprint and completed the acquisition of Kinectrics last month. The strategic move is aimed at expanding the company’s capabilities, including lifecycle management, specialized plant services, and engineering, along with nearly doubling its workforce.
John MacQuarrie, President of Commercial Operations of BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT), stated:
“Since we announced our intention to acquire Kinectrics in January, we have been looking forward to this day, when the complementary nature of our organizations begins to take shape. From the commercial nuclear power market to medical isotopes, we are enhancing our capabilities across the board, supporting a growing nuclear new build and life extension industry in Canada and strengthening BWXT’s position in the global nuclear market.”
The share price of BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) has surged by over 23% since the beginning of 2025.
BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) is a leading supplier of nuclear components and fuel to the US government, including the manufacturing of nuclear reactor components for US Navy submarines and aircraft carriers, and other nuclear and non-nuclear R&D and component production.
8. Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58
Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) is a great buy amid the global nuclear renaissance, with the stock touching a new high this week. The Canadian company mined approximately 17% of the world’s uranium in 2024, making it the second-largest uranium miner globally. Moreover, Cameco now owns a 49% stake in Westinghouse Electric, which designs and builds nuclear power plants, making it a well-rounded bet amid the much-anticipated nuclear energy boom.
Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) expects its Westinghouse stake to increase its adjusted EBITDA by about $170 million, a considerable figure for a company that reported an adjusted EBITDA of $1.55 billion in 2024. Moreover, the stake should help Cameco reduce its volatility by generating more stable returns than its cyclical uranium business, in addition to making it the preferred uranium supplier for Westinghouse’s nuclear power plants.
With mines and mills in Canada, the United States, and Kazakhstan, Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) has a licensed capacity to produce more than 53 million pounds of uranium concentrates annually.
7. Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64
Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR) is counted among the best utility stocks to buy now. The stock has surged by more than 54% over the last year, putting it on the radar of several analysts. It was recently reported that Raymond James analyst J.R. Weston has initiated coverage of ETR with a Market Perform rating.
According to the analyst, Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR) has been an ‘exceptional’ stock performer in the large-cap electric utilities sector, especially with project wins such as AWS and Meta fueling its run.
It was announced late last year that Entergy Louisiana will power Meta’s $10 billion data center in Richland Parish. To meet the energy demands, the energy company plans to construct three new natural gas plants near the site at a cost of $3 billion.
Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR) owns and operates a fleet of nuclear reactors in four locations in the United States. With a renewed interest from Big Tech, the company is looking to expand its nuclear power output by upgrading its existing plants across the country.
Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR) is an integrated energy company that provides electricity to 3 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
6. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 75
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is included among the Best Utility Stocks to Invest in. It was recently announced that UBS analyst Daniel Ford has maintained a ‘Buy’ rating on NEE, keeping its price target of $84.
The assessment comes after the recent developments in the Florida rate case, where the Office of Public Counsel (OPC) suggested a lower than expected 9.2% ROE but agreed with NextEra Energy’s equity ratio. However, the analyst expects a more favorable final verdict than the OPC’s recommendation and anticipates the upcoming Florida Public Service Commission’s Staff recommendation on June 17 to clarify the potential outcomes of the rate case.
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is also a great dividend stock, having grown its payouts roughly at a CAGR of 10% over the last twenty years. The company aims to maintain this momentum, with plans to increase its payout by roughly 10% annually through at least 2026.
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a global leader in battery storage. Moreover, through its subsidiaries, NEE generates clean, emissions-free electricity from seven commercial nuclear power units in Florida, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.
5. PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG)
Number of Hedge Funds Holders: 76
PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) is counted among the Best Utility Stocks to Buy Right Now. The company has emerged as a top player in the current AI boom, witnessing a jump of more than 40% this year in requests for power supplies from data center developers across northern California.
In April, PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) launched a process for data center developers interested in connecting to its system, and the ‘cluster study’ yielded 4.1 GW of interest, on top of the 8.7 GW announced during the company’s Q1 earnings call.
Moreover, the size of the projects has also grown since last year’s cluster study, with the current proposed projects ranging from 500 MW to 1 GW, up from 50-100 MW last year. This increased AI power demand is expected to help the overall community, as PG&E estimates that for every gigawatt of new electric demand from data centers, customers may save between 1% to 2% on their electricity bill.
PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) provides natural gas and electric service to customers in northern and central California. The company also owns the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, the only operational nuclear power plant in the Golden State.
4. Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN)
Number of Hedge Funds Holders: 80
Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) is included among the Best Utility Stocks in 2025. The company made headlines recently when it was announced that Amazon had signed a deal with the utility to secure 1.92 GW of carbon-free electricity for AWS data centers.
The electricity will be sourced from Talen’s Susquehanna nuclear plant and delivered under a long-term power purchase agreement through 2042, with potential for extension. The two companies will also explore constructing new small modular reactors within Talen’s Pennsylvania footprint, with the partnership also pursuing uprates to expand the nuclear plant’s energy output.
Mac McFarland, President and CEO at Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN), stated:
“Our agreement with Amazon is designed to provide us with a long-term, steady source of revenue and greater balance sheet flexibility through contracted revenues. We remain a first mover in this space and intend to continue to execute on our data centre strategy.”
It needs mentioning that Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) already signed a deal with AWS last year to power a 960 MW data center for the cloud service provider. The first phase for up to 300 MW of power is in place, but the additional phases are under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) has surged by more than 30% since the beginning of the year.
Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) is a leading independent power producer and energy infrastructure company with 10.7 GW of generation assets, including 2.2 GW of nuclear power.
3. Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG)
Number of Hedge Funds Holders: 83
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) is counted among the Best Utility Stocks to Buy Right Now. It was reported last week that Raymond James initiated coverage of CEG with an ‘Outperform’ rating and a price target of $326.
The analyst highlights the strategic advantage Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) gained from the acquisition and integration of the private merchant generator, Calpine. The blockbuster deal will turn Constellation into the largest independent power provider in the country, sharply growing its mix of natural gas-fired electricity generation.
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) also made headlines this month when it signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Meta, with the tech giant buying around 1.12 GW of nuclear energy from Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois. The move provided a major boost to the overall nuclear energy industry, as it can serve as a model for Big Tech to support existing nuclear power plants, while also planning to power their data centers with new energy sources.
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) is the largest producer of carbon-free energy in the US, with approximately 34,200 MW of generating capacity consisting of nuclear, wind, solar, natural gas, and hydroelectric assets.
2. Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST)
Number of Hedge Funds Holders: 102
Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is included among the Best Utility Stocks to Buy Now. It was recently reported that Raymond James has initiated coverage of VST with a ‘Strong Buy’ rating and a $216 price target, indicating an upside potential of almost 25%.
The analyst highlighted that Vistra has historically benefited from elevated power prices, positioning it well for an up-cycle. Moreover, after the recent passage of Senate Bill 6, the regulatory environment in Texas is becoming more favorable and could unlock a data center PPA at Comanche Peak soon.
The analyst has also commended Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) for its shareholder returns, as the company has repurchased nearly one-third of its shares since 2021. Vistra expects to return at least $2 billion in total through share repurchases and dividends through the remainder of 2025 and 2026.
Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is the largest competitive power generator in the US with a capacity of approximately 41,000 MW, powered by a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, coal, nuclear, solar, and battery energy storage facilities.
The company made headlines in March when it acquired Energy Harbor, adding 4 GW of nuclear generation capacity to its portfolio and making it the owner of the second-largest competitive nuclear fleet in the United States.
1. GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV)
Number of Hedge Funds Holders: 111
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) tops our list of the Best Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now. It was recently announced that BofA has raised its price target for GEV from $520 to $550, while maintaining a ‘Buy’ rating on the shares.
The firm anticipates the U.S. electrical demand to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2024 to 2035, prompting an upward revision of its projections for GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV)’s Power segment. BofA projects approximately 1,000 GW of capacity to be added by 2035, with about 330 GW coming from natural gas turbines – the core business of GEV.
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) could also be one of the largest winners from the ongoing nuclear energy renaissance, as its subsidiary, General Electric Hitachi Nuclear Energy, is a world-leading provider of advanced reactors, fuel, and nuclear services.
The company made headlines recently after it received permission to begin construction on a small modular reactor (SMR) in Ontario that would be the first reactor of its type in the Western hemisphere, capable of powering roughly 300,000 homes.
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) brings together General Electric’s portfolio of energy businesses, including Power, Wind, Electrification and Digital businesses.
While we acknowledge the potential of GEV to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than GEV and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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