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Nauman Khan

Why These 2 Nuclear Energy Stocks May Be the Best ‘Trump Trades’ in 2025

Nuclear energy stocks are glowing green and emerging as top contenders in the 2025 “Trump Trades” arena. Experts note that the current administration’s pro-energy agenda could jumpstart a much-needed recovery in the nuclear industry, long hampered by regulatory delays and aging infrastructure. At the same time, Big Tech’s growing power demands are driving increased investments in reliable, clean electricity.

Oklo (OKLO) and Centrus Energy (LEU) stand out as outperformers as President Donald Trump backs AI and data center infrastructure in the U.S. Oklo is gaining traction with its cutting-edge small modular reactor technology and an innovative “build, own, operate” model that aims to secure long-term revenue through strategic power purchase agreements. Meanwhile, Centrus Energy positions itself to benefit from new domestic initiatives designed to modernize the uranium enrichment sector, reduce reliance on foreign supplies, and strengthen energy independence.

With the administration poised to streamline project approvals through regulatory reforms, these nuclear stocks are well placed to potentially drive significant long-term growth for investors, marking a transformative shift in the nation’s energy landscape.

Nuclear Energy Stock #1: Oklo

Founded in 2013, Oklo (OKLO) is an advanced nuclear technology company developing small modular reactors to deliver clean, affordable, and scalable energy solutions.

Valued at $6.1 billion by market cap, shares of Oklo have surged more than 410% over the past 52 weeks, including a 156% rally year-to-date. Market momentum driven by favorable policies and investor sentiment has helped this energy company to outperform broader indices.

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Oklo made its public debut in May 2024 via a SPAC transaction, drawing immediate attention. 

In Q3, its financials held steady. The company revealed that it burned about $24.9 million in operating cash flows for the first nine months of the year. Oklo forecast its full-year 2024 operating loss to come in between $40 million and $50 million. 

Looking ahead, Oklo’s focus on fast-fission SMR technology positions it to capture the rising demand for clean, dependable energy. With recently signed potential contracts for 2,100 MW and plans to begin electricity sales in 2027, the company is poised to benefit from shifting market dynamics and strong policy support. Increased non‑binding commitments and growing investor enthusiasm continue to spotlight Oklo’s developmental milestones, though revenue generation remains pending until 2027.

Furthermore, the energy company recently saw upward revisions in price targets, gaining confidence from several firms. Craig Hallum initiated coverage with a “Buy” rating and a $44 target, while Wedbush and Citigroup raised their estimates to $45 and $31, respectively.

Overall, Wall Street analysts are moderately bullish on its stock, with a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating. The stock has already surpassed its mean price target of $44.50, but its Street-high target of $58 suggests 16% upside potential.

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Nuclear Energy Stock #2: Centrus Energy 

Founded in 1998, Centrus Energy (LEU) specializes in enriched uranium fuel and technical services for nuclear power plants. It supplies enriched uranium fuel and technical solutions to global nuclear power plants. The company is currently valued at a market capitalization of $1.9 billion.

Centrus Energy plays a pivotal role in the nuclear fuel market. It is the only company licensed to produce the 20% enriched uranium essential for powering new small modular reactors. Additionally, Centrus is one of only two firms authorized to manufacture the 5% enriched fuel needed for existing reactors, and it uniquely utilizes American technology in its production process, setting it apart in the industry.

After a sluggish start to 2024, Centrus shares skyrocketed in the second half, surging nearly 250% from a 52‑week low of $33.51. The strong performance has not ended yet, as the stock has soared 40% in the last five days, thanks to robust Q4 results and Trump‑favorable policies.

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Centrus Energy just delivered a stellar Q4 performance that lifted its stock 30% in a single trading session on Feb. 7. The nuclear company smashed expectations with a non‑GAAP EPS of $3.20, beating estimates by $1.56, while revenue surged to $151.6 million, outperforming forecasts by $44.93 million and rising 46.3% year-over-year. This robust performance came on the heels of an expanding revenue base, increasing backlog, and strategic partnerships that are setting the stage for a major play in the nuclear revolution.

During the quarter, the company secured new government contracts, executed contingent sales totaling $2 billion, and raised private financing to support a potential expansion of its Ohio enrichment facility. However, these contingent sales may not immediately boost financial results, leading analysts to project a decline in revenue and EPS to $67 million and $0.01, primarily due to significant capital spending on the expansion. Moreover, execution risks and regulatory uncertainties related to the facility's potential expansion are expected to further pressure short‑term profitability.

Despite these short-term headwinds, Centrus has a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating on Wall Street, with a mean price target of $114, which the stock has already surpassed. However, its Street-high target of $154 suggests a 30% upside premium.

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