Artificial Intelligence took the world and the stock market by storm in early 2023 and hasn’t slowed down since. Investors have flocked to companies that develop and produce chips to run AI models, cloud companies that build massive AI data centers, and even software companies that deploy AI applications.
However, the energy needed to power all this innovation could become an increasingly hot topic in the coming years. According to estimates Wells FargoThanks to AI technology, electricity consumption could increase from 8 terawatt-hours in 2024 to 652 terawatt-hours by 2030. Nuclear energy can help solve this challenge. Emissions can discourage the use of fossil fuels, and renewable energy remains too intermittent to be relied upon alone. This opens the door to nuclear energy, which is efficient and clean.
AI’s long-term energy needs could help fuel growth at companies with exposure to nuclear power, so consider buying these top three companies Nuclear stockpiles In January.
Uranium is the fuel used in nuclear fission, and Kamiko (NYSE: CCJ) It is one of the leading companies in uranium production. The Canadian company represents approximately 18% of global uranium supplies and has controlling interests in uranium mines in Canada, the United States and Kazakhstan. The company is poised for long-term growth as major technology companies and entire countries look to nuclear power as a way to meet energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. For example, Meta platforms It recently announced its plans to acquire nuclear power to power its AI data centers, starting in the early 2030s.
It has become clear that nuclear energy is gaining momentum. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, there are 63 nuclear reactors currently under construction, and demand for nuclear energy could grow up to 2.5 times its current capacity by 2050. In addition, geopolitical tensions, including the US ban on… Uranium imports from Russia could boost business for Western producers like Cameco.
Cameco’s business has rebounded over the past two years. Analysts estimate the company’s revenue will reach $2.3 billion in 2025. Assuming governments and companies continue to support nuclear power, these could be the beginning stages of a very long growth story.
Those who do not want a pure nuclear investment can consider that South Company (NYSE: SO)One of the largest energy companies in the United States. Its core businesses include power generation, electricity and natural gas utilities serving more than 9 million customers. Utility companies produce reliable revenue streams because society’s energy needs never stop. Southern Company’s energy production also spans several sources, including gas, coal, nuclear and renewable energy.
Southern Corporation has invested heavily in nuclear energy. It operates a total of eight power units at three plants, and its newest unit was the first newly built in the United States for commercial operations in three decades. Earlier this year, Microsoft and Energy constellation Signed a 20-year agreement to restart the nuclear power unit At the Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant in Pennsylvania to operate its data centers. This potential game-changer for the industry opens the door for Southern Company, located near Virginia, the nation’s data center capital, to do something similar.
Meanwhile, the stock offers a 3.5% dividend yield, which compensates shareholders for holding the stock. It’s not the cheapest tool, at 20x earnings, but it’s not unbearable for long-term investors, especially if AI tailwinds fuel Southern Company’s long-term growth.
The General Electric conglomerate has long been divided into parts, and its energy businesses, J Vernova (NYSE: GIF)now stands on its own. GE Vernova is a clean energy technology company that deals in clean power generation, grid electrification, wind and gas turbines. Its power generation business includes nuclear power, providing reactors, fuel, services, and steam turbines for electricity generation.
Society is slowly and steadily shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy alternatives. Such a transformation would take many years, which could put GE Vernova in a position to grow for several decades. Management currently expects high single-digit revenue growth through 2028. GE Vernova is also investing $5 billion cumulatively through 2028 in R&D to drive long-term growth.
The stock isn’t cheap, with a forward P/E ratio of 124. However, analysts estimate that the company will grow its earnings at an average of 46% per year over the next two years, so strong earnings growth comes with this price. Investors unsure about buying here could bite the bullet for now and buy more aggressively if the stock pulls back. However, it’s hard not to be impressed by the stock’s long-term potential amid rising electricity demand and the shift to clean energy.
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Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Randi Zuckerberg, former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister of Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Justin Pope He has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool recommends Cameco and Constellation Energy. The Motley Fool has Disclosure policy.
Top 3 Nuclear Stocks to Buy in January Originally published by The Motley Fool