Everything was great for nuclear stocks in 2025... until the middle of October.
That's when investors' interest in the rediscovered energy technology suddenly came to a screeching halt. Major U.S. nuclear stocks tumbled and have yet to recover.
But the market's disinterest could spell opportunity for patient investors, as many of these nuclear stocks are now trading at discounts of 25%, 50%, or more to their October highs.
Here are the best three nuclear stocks to invest in this March.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. NuScale Power
Nuclear start-up NuScale Power (SMR 2.50%) is one of a recent crop of companies focused on building small modular reactors (SMRs). They may lack the generation capacity of their larger siblings, but SMRs are (at least in theory) cheaper, easier, and quicker to build and deploy.
I say "in theory" because up until now, nobody has actually managed to build an operational one in the U.S. That's thanks to a lengthy and complex U.S. regulatory process for anything nuclear-related, coupled with the logistical challenges of bringing a new design to fruition. These have conspired to keep SMRs like NuScale's from even being approved for deployment in the U.S., let alone built and tested.
In Romania, on the other hand, nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica has just approved a project to build an SMR facility on the site of a former coal-powered plant, using six SMRs from NuScale. Although the project isn't projected to begin commercial operations until 2033, it indicates the level of global interest in SMRs as a long-term energy source that can be produced domestically -- an alternative to importing fossil fuels from potentially unreliable or unfriendly trading partners.
NYSE: SMR
Key Data Points
NuScale's stock is currently trading more than 75% off its October 2025 high. Until its commercial operations get off the ground, NuScale's stock is likely to remain volatile, and investors should remember that -- like any new technology -- SMRs may not ultimately perform as well as anticipated. That makes NuScale's stock suitable only for extremely risk-tolerant investors.
2. Oklo
Another SMR-focused start-up, Oklo (OKLO 3.95%), is facing some of the same challenges as NuScale in getting approval for its reactor design. However, unlike NuScale, Oklo has already begun construction of an SMR-powered generation facility in the U.S.
Thanks to its participation in the U.S. Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program, Oklo broke ground last year on its first Aurora Powerhouse, an SMR-powered generation facility on the grounds of the Idaho National Laboratory. Oklo's Aurora Powerhouse reactor design is a bit different from NuScale's more traditional reactor. The Aurora Powerhouse will be powered by a sodium-cooled fast reactor, which can theoretically be fueled by spent nuclear fuel from existing nuclear plants. This could be a major advantage for Oklo.
Because Oklo plans to build and operate its SMRs -- unlike NuScale, which plans to sell them to customers -- it has applied for a combined license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and expects its first Aurora Powerhouse to enter commercial operation in late 2027.
NYSE: OKLO
Key Data Points
Like NuScale, however, until it begins commercial operations, Oklo's stock is very speculative and likely to experience major volatility. It's currently trading more than 60% off its October 2025 highs, and while a successful Aurora Powerhouse launch would likely send the stock higher, that's at least a year and a half away. While it's a top buy this month for investors who can stomach the risk, it's not for everyone.
3. Vistra
For those who aren't looking for a speculative start-up, Vistra (VST +0.75%), the largest competitive electricity company in the U.S., may fit the bill.
Speaking of the bill, U.S. electricity demand has risen sharply over the last few years, and many utility customers are seeing their electric bills go up. That's bad news for homeowners but good news for an electricity wholesaler like Vistra. Unlike a regulated utility, which charges rates that must be approved by a government entity or board, Vistra sells its electricity on the open market, either directly to residential and commercial customers, or to other power companies. Higher electricity prices means more revenue for Vistra.
NYSE: VST
Key Data Points
In 2024, Vistra acquired Energy Harbor, making it the second-largest nuclear power generator in the U.S. The company is also a longtime dividend payer that has raised its payout 52% over the last four years. Although it currently yields just 0.6% -- lower than many utilities -- the stock has plenty of growth potential and is currently trading 25% off its October 2025 highs.
