In today’s dynamic energy landscape, nuclear power is gaining renewed interest as a clean energy source. This article compares Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and NuScale Power Corporation (SMR), two prominent players in the nuclear sector. While Centrus specializes in uranium supply and services, NuScale focuses on innovative modular reactor designs. Both companies are at the forefront of nuclear innovation, making them compelling options for investors. Join me as we explore which company might be the most intriguing investment opportunity.
Table of contents
Company Overview
Centrus Energy Corp. Overview
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) is a key player in the nuclear energy sector, primarily engaged in supplying nuclear fuel and services globally, including markets in the U.S., Japan, and Belgium. The company operates through two segments: Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and Technical Solutions. The LEU segment provides essential components of nuclear fuel, including separative work units and natural uranium. Meanwhile, the Technical Solutions segment offers a range of engineering and technical services to both public and private clients. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Centrus aims to play a pivotal role in the evolving energy landscape, supporting clean energy initiatives.
NuScale Power Corporation Overview
NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) specializes in the development and marketing of modular light water reactors, providing innovative solutions for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, and hydrogen production. Their flagship product, the NuScale Power Module, has a capacity of 77 megawatts, with larger configurations like the VOYGR-12 capable of generating 924 megawatts. Established in 2007 and based in Portland, Oregon, NuScale operates as a subsidiary of Fluor Enterprises, Inc., positioning itself as a leader in renewable utilities, which are crucial for sustainable energy production.
Key similarities and differences
Both Centrus Energy and NuScale Power operate within the nuclear energy sector; however, their business models differ significantly. Centrus focuses on fuel supply and technical solutions, while NuScale emphasizes modular reactor technology for energy generation. This distinction illustrates their unique approaches to addressing energy needs and opportunities in the nuclear market.
Income Statement Comparison
The following table presents a comparison of the income statements for Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) for the most recent fiscal year, providing insights into their financial performance.
| Metric | Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) | NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 4.54B | 5.92B |
| Revenue | 442M | 37M |
| EBITDA | 86.5M | -133.65M |
| EBIT | 75.7M | -135.49M |
| Net Income | 73.2M | -136.62M |
| EPS | 4.49 | -1.47 |
| Fiscal Year | 2024 | 2024 |
Interpretation of Income Statement
In the latest fiscal year, Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) demonstrated robust revenue growth, achieving 442M, up significantly from the previous year. Its net income of 73.2M reflects solid profitability, despite a slight decrease from 84.4M in the prior year. LEU’s EBITDA margin appears stable, indicating effective cost management. In contrast, NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) continues to struggle, with revenue at only 37M, resulting in a substantial net loss of 136.6M. Their EBITDA reflects a concerning downward trend, suggesting operational challenges and underscoring the risks associated with investing in SMR amidst its ongoing financial difficulties.
Financial Ratios Comparison
In the following table, I present a comparative analysis of the most recent financial ratios for Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and NuScale Power Corporation (SMR). This will help you understand their financial health and performance.
| Metric | Centrus Energy (LEU) | NuScale Power (SMR) |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 45.35% | -22.08% |
| ROIC | 4.02% | -30.66% |
| P/E | 14.84 | -12.24 |
| P/B | 6.73 | 2.70 |
| Current Ratio | 2.93 | 5.25 |
| Quick Ratio | 2.46 | 5.25 |
| D/E | 0.97 | 0.03 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 14.36% | 1.31% |
| Interest Coverage | 17.78 | 0 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.40 | 0.07 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 47.02 | 15.30 |
| Payout Ratio | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 0% | 0% |
Interpretation of Financial Ratios
Centrus Energy (LEU) demonstrates strong profitability with a high ROE of 45.35% compared to the negative ROE of NuScale Power (SMR). LEU’s current and quick ratios indicate solid liquidity, while SMR’s significantly higher current ratio suggests it can easily cover short-term liabilities. However, SMR’s negative P/E ratio raises concerns about its profitability. Both companies currently do not pay dividends, reflecting a focus on growth rather than returning capital to shareholders.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) does not pay dividends, focusing on reinvestment for growth and capital expenditures, which may enhance long-term shareholder value. Additionally, LEU has initiated share buyback programs, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders while maintaining liquidity.
Conversely, NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) also does not distribute dividends and is in a high-growth phase, prioritizing research and development. Like LEU, SMR has engaged in buybacks to optimize capital structure. Both companies’ approaches suggest a strategy aimed at sustainable long-term value creation for shareholders, albeit with inherent risks associated with their growth trajectories.
Strategic Positioning
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) holds a significant position in the uranium market, focusing on low-enriched uranium and technical solutions, with a market cap of $4.54B. In contrast, NuScale Power Corporation (SMR), valued at $5.92B, is pioneering modular nuclear reactor technology, catering to a growing demand for clean energy solutions. Both companies face competitive pressure from traditional and renewable energy sectors, alongside challenges from technological advancements that may disrupt the nuclear energy landscape.
Stock Comparison
In this section, I will analyze the stock price movements and trading dynamics for Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) over the past year, highlighting key price fluctuations and trends.
Trend Analysis
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) Over the past year, LEU has experienced a remarkable price change of +417.26%. The overall trend is bullish, although the trend shows signs of deceleration. The stock reached a notable high of $383.00 and a low of $35.36, indicating significant volatility with a standard deviation of 91.15. In the recent trend from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, the stock price decreased by -44.96%, with a standard deviation of 9.39, signaling a shift in momentum.
NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) SMR demonstrated an impressive overall price change of +663.36% over the same period, maintaining a bullish trend despite deceleration. The stock’s highest price was $51.67, while it dipped to a low of $1.99, with a standard deviation of 13.08, reflecting moderate volatility. However, in the recent analysis period from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, SMR’s price decreased by -44.96%, which indicates a significant bearish movement, despite the overall bullish outlook.
In summary, while both stocks have shown substantial growth over the past year, the recent trends suggest caution, particularly for SMR, which is experiencing a sharp decline in price.
Analyst Opinions
Recent recommendations for Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) show a consensus rating of B-, indicating a buy sentiment among analysts. The strong return on equity (5) and return on assets (4) highlight its solid financial performance, while some caution exists due to its lower debt-to-equity score (1). In contrast, NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) received a D+ rating, reflecting a sell consensus. Analysts cite poor overall scores, particularly in return metrics (1 across the board), as major concerns. As of now, the consensus leans toward buying LEU and selling SMR.
Stock Grades
In today’s market landscape, it’s essential to keep an eye on stock ratings from reputable grading firms. Here’s a summary of the latest grades for Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and NuScale Power Corporation (SMR).
Centrus Energy Corp. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-25 |
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-07 |
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-10-31 |
| HC Wainwright & Co. | Maintain | Buy | 2025-08-26 |
| Evercore ISI Group | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-08-08 |
| B of A Securities | Downgrade | Neutral | 2025-08-07 |
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-08-07 |
| B. Riley Securities | Maintain | Buy | 2025-06-23 |
| Evercore ISI Group | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-06-18 |
| B. Riley Securities | Maintain | Buy | 2024-10-30 |
NuScale Power Corporation Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-25 |
| RBC Capital | Maintain | Sector Perform | 2025-11-10 |
| Citigroup | Downgrade | Sell | 2025-10-21 |
| B of A Securities | Downgrade | Underperform | 2025-09-30 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Buy | 2025-09-03 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Buy | 2025-08-11 |
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-08-11 |
| BTIG | Downgrade | Neutral | 2025-06-25 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Buy | 2025-05-29 |
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-05-29 |
Overall, both companies show a trend of maintaining or downgrading grades, particularly for NuScale Power (SMR), which has faced several downgrades recently. Investors should consider these insights while evaluating their investment strategies in these stocks.
Target Prices
Analysts have provided reliable target price data for both Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and NuScale Power Corporation (SMR).
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centrus Energy Corp. | 275 | 245 | 257.33 |
| NuScale Power Corp. | 55 | 20 | 36 |
For Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU), the consensus target price of 257.33 is slightly below the current stock price of 259.3, suggesting limited upside potential. Meanwhile, NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) has a consensus target of 36, indicating a strong upside from its current price of 19.85.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Below is a comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and NuScale Power Corporation (SMR):
| Criterion | Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) | NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Moderate (Uranium sector) | High (Modular reactor technology) |
| Profitability | Positive margins (Net: 26.4%) | Negative margins (Net: -2.6%) |
| Innovation | Strong (Nuclear fuel tech) | Emerging (Modular reactors) |
| Global presence | International (USA, Japan, Belgium) | Primarily US-focused |
| Market Share | Growing in uranium market | Niche market for modular reactors |
| Debt level | Moderate (Debt-to-Equity: 0.97) | Low (Debt-to-Equity: 0.03) |
Key takeaways indicate that while Centrus Energy has a robust profitability profile and a notable international presence, NuScale Power leverages innovation in a niche market but currently faces profitability challenges.
Risk Analysis
The following table outlines the key risks associated with Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and NuScale Power Corporation (SMR).
| Metric | Centrus Energy Corp. | NuScale Power Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | Moderate | High |
| Regulatory Risk | High | High |
| Operational Risk | Moderate | Very High |
| Environmental Risk | Low | Moderate |
| Geopolitical Risk | Moderate | Moderate |
Both companies face significant regulatory and operational risks, particularly in the evolving energy sector. SMR’s operational challenges are exacerbated by recent project delays and a struggling financial position, while LEU’s market position is threatened by fluctuating uranium prices and regulatory scrutiny.
Which one to choose?
When comparing Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and NuScale Power Corporation (SMR), the data suggests that LEU holds a more favorable position for potential investors. LEU demonstrates stronger financial metrics, with a B- rating compared to SMR’s D+. Its gross profit margin stands at 25.2%, and it boasts a net profit margin of 16.6%, highlighting effective cost management. In contrast, SMR reported a negative profit margin and significant operational losses, which pose a considerable risk. Additionally, LEU’s stock trend appears bullish, with a price change of 417.3% over the past year, while SMR’s recent trend shows a decline, despite an overall bullish trajectory.
Investors focused on growth may prefer LEU, while those prioritizing stability may find SMR’s potential intriguing, albeit with higher risk.
Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Each investor is responsible for their own investment decisions.
Go further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Centrus Energy Corp. and NuScale Power Corporation to enhance your investment decisions:
