5 Best Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy as SMRs Go Mainstream

4. Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU)

With an upside potential of 40.9%, Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU) earns a spot on our list of the best nuclear energy stocks to buy as SMRs go mainstream.

Investors appear willing to value Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU) based more on its long-term future growth potential than on its current earnings or short-term results, according to Roth Capital. Accordingly, the firm raised its price target on the stock from $137 to $230 and reiterated its “Neutral” rating.

Meanwhile, Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU) released its earnings results on May 5, 2026, which Roth Capital said were above expectations.

The quarter showed revenue of $76.7 million, up 5% year-over-year, though GAAP net income fell to $10 million from $27.2 million, largely due to a $15.9 million rise in advanced technology costs tied to expansion spending. Adjusted net income came in at $23.5 million, or $1.05 per diluted share.

Even more importantly, Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU) has $3.9 billion worth of backlog, with contracts extending as far as 2040.

During the quarter, Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU) started a long-term investment program to expand its Oak Ridge uranium centrifuge manufacturing plant. Furthermore, it signed a strategic collaboration with Fluor for engineering and supply chain support. At the same time, it partnered with Palantir, with early AI-driven work already promising approximately $300 million in potential cost savings. The company is also exploring a joint venture with Oklo focused on HALEU deconversion services.

On the back of a strong backlog and operational momentum, management raised the full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $450 to $500 million from $425 to $475 million, with capital deployment guided at $350 to $500 million.

Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU) is a U.S.-based supplier of enriched nuclear fuel and related services for the nuclear power industry. The company plays a critical role in the nuclear energy value chain by bridging the gap between uranium mining and power generation and supporting next-generation reactor development.