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.
While we acknowledge the risk and potential of LEU as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LEU and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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