Mine, Enrich, Build, Operate: Which Link in the Nuclear Supply Chain Is the Best Stock Right Now?

Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) is looking to build a business around small modular nuclear reactors, putting it at the forefront of the nuclear power industry. NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) sells power from nuclear power plants it owns, with its proposed acquisition of Dominion (NYSE: D) set to make it the number two player in nuclear power in the United States. And then there are intermediaries, like fuel supplier Cameco (NYSE: CCJ) or service provider Westinghouse, which is owned by Cameco and Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE: BEP).

For most investors, keeping your nuclear power exposure simple and diversified is probably the best choice. And that suggests that NextEra Energy or a competitor like Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: CEG), the largest U.S. nuclear operator, could be the best option. Here's why.

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Simple is often the best approach

Oklo is a money-losing start-up with new nuclear technology. Only the most aggressive investors should even consider it. Cameco's business is heavily driven by uranium prices, which can be highly volatile. While its Westinghouse investment should help to provide more reliable revenues, that's just one part of the business. Meanwhile, Brookfield Renewable Partners is really a much broader bet on clean energy. Westinghouse, which it partially owns with Cameco, is a relatively small part of the business.

Meanwhile, NextEra and Constellation are both heavily invested in nuclear power to support the growth in electricity demand. They are more direct plays on the space in some ways, while also offering a more conservative profile. NextEra is a regulated utility, while Constellation sells power under long-term contracts. Both are set to benefit as electricity demand, including demand for their large nuclear operations, is projected to grow 60% between 2025 and 2045, up from just 10% in the prior 20-year period.

NextEra for income, Constellation for growth

That said, Constellation and NextEra are very different businesses. NextEra offers a well-above-market 2.9% yield backed by 31 annual dividend increases. It's probably the best choice for more conservative income investors looking to add nuclear exposure to their portfolios. Constellation's yield is just 0.6%, while selling power at market rates would allow it to benefit more from demand-led price increases. It's more appropriate for growth investors.

While Oklo or Cameco would be more exciting and more closely tied to nuclear's future, they also involve much more risk. Brookfield Renewable also sells power under long-term contracts, but it is really a highly focused play on clean energy. Nuclear giants NextEra and Constellation probably offer the best balance of risk and reward, with the option to lean toward income or growth depending on your preference.

Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in Brookfield Renewable Partners. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Cameco, Constellation Energy, and NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Renewable Partners and Dominion Energy. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.