Got $1,000? 2 No-Brainer Nuclear Stocks to Buy Right Now.

With $1,000 to invest, these two nuclear stocks look like straightforward buys today, with each company offering a different yet compelling way to capitalize on growing energy demand. Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) is betting on advanced reactors for data center customers, while Cameco (NYSE: CCJ) already operates in uranium production and fuel services, and its 49% stake in Westinghouse adds exposure to nuclear technology.

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Both opportunities come from rising electricity demand, but the risks will depend heavily on where each company sits in the nuclear value chain. So let's see where each company stands and why investors might consider them for their next round of stock picks.

Why nuclear power has a long growth runway ahead

Global electricity demand is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.6% from 2026 through 2030, while U.S. demand is projected to rise by nearly 2% a year, with data centers driving about half of that increase.

Nuclear stands to benefit, and the opportunity reaches beyond uranium mining to reactor developers, fuel suppliers, and nuclear service companies.

Cameco provides exposure across several parts of that value chain. Its uranium operations supply fuel, its fuel services business processes nuclear materials, and its stake in Westinghouse adds exposure to reactor technology and services.

Oklo targets a different part of the market, as it's trying to build the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors.

Oklo brings more upside, while Cameco brings existing scale

The Department of Energy has approved a preliminary documented safety analysis for Oklo's Aurora powerhouse. But as it moves closer to commercial deployment, its power business remains far less proven. That said, Oklo's planned 1.2-gigawatt campus in Ohio is set to support Meta Platforms, which could become a major source of demand.

And that's not all. Oklo has also reached first criticality at its Groves reactor, another step toward deployment.

But right now, Oklo's revenue is still in its embryonic stage. In its second quarter, revenue came in at $1.21 million, while operating expenses totaled $74 million. That makes licensing, construction costs, fuel supply, and potential shareholder dilution some real risks that potential investors must consider.

On the other hand, Cameco starts from a stronger operating base. It has contracts covering average uranium deliveries of more than 28 million pounds annually from 2026 through 2030. The result was that its uranium segment generated 676 million Canadian dollars ($483 million USD) in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the first half of 2026.

Further, its 49% stake in Westinghouse provides investors with exposure to nuclear fuel, services, and new reactor opportunities. Reactor servicing and fuel contracts tend to generate recurring revenue over decades, which smooths out the swings in uranium prices that have historically driven Cameco's results.

Which nuclear stock is the better buy right now?

So which of these two nuclear stocks makes the most sense for a $1,000 investment today?

At the time of publication, 22 analysts covering Oklo rate it a consensus "moderate buy," with target prices suggesting up to 230% upside over the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, 19 analysts covering Cameco rate it a consensus "strong buy," though its target prices suggest the stock could rise as much as 55% over the same period.

Both Cameco and Oklo offer investors two ways to own the same theme. Deciding to invest $1,000 in either of these two nuclear stocks will ultimately come down to your risk tolerance. Cameco gives investors clearer visibility into the future and steadier compounding, with strong backing on Wall Street.

Oklo is the higher-risk, higher-reward option. But that comes at the cost of far less certainty.

Rick Orford has positions in Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Cameco and Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.