NuScale Power vs. BWX Technologies: Which Nuclear Energy Stock Belongs in Your Portfolio?

By Courtney Carlsen – Apr 2, 2026 at 4:39PM ESTKey PointsNuclear energy is gaining traction as countries seek to secure energy independence and meet growing demand for power from data centers and utilities. NuScale is developing small modular reactor technology that could make nuclear energy deployment simpler and cheaper. BWX Technologies specializes in nuclear equipment and fuels, and serves as the sole provider of nuclear fuel for the U.S. Navy. Nuclear energy is enjoying a resurgence as countries face growing power demand and a need for energy security while seeking cleaner sources. According to Bank of America research, U.S. electrical demand could grow at 2.5% annually over the next decade, or five times faster than in the previous decade. As energy demand grows, nuclear stocks have come into focus. Two nuclear energy stocks that serve different roles in the industry are NuScale Power (SMR 1.07%) and BWX Technologies (BWXT +1.02%), but one stands out as a better investment right now. Image source: Getty Images. NuScale's Power Modules reimagine nuclear energy deployment NuScale Power aims to reimagine nuclear energy deployment with its small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The company's NuScale Power Module is a water reactor that combines the reactor, steam generator, and pressurizer into a single, factory-built unit. Each module produces 77 megawatt electric (MWe) of electricity and can be deployed in up to 12 clusters, providing a combined output of 924 MWe. NuScale is in its early stages, and it will be years before its Power Modules are deployed on a commercial scale. On Feb. 12, the Romanian government and Nuclearelectrica shareholders approved a final investment decision for the company's RoPower project, allowing it to secure financing and proceed with pre-EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) activities. The new facility wouldn't be operational until at least July 2033, a delay from the original 2030 timeline. ExpandNYSE: SMRNuScale PowerToday's Change(-1.07%) $-0.11Current Price$10.15Key Data PointsMarket Cap$3.3BDay's Range$9.65 - $10.3552wk Range$9.65 - $57.42Volume26MAvg Vol26MGross Margin33.84% Beyond this, NuScale is looking to secure more contracts to scale up commercially. The company has partnered with ENTRA1 Energy, which will help finance and develop plants powered by NuScale's technology and accelerate commercialization. However, the partnership has faced scrutiny for its milestone payments, and class action lawsuits filed in 2026 allege NuScale misled investors regarding ENTRA1's actual experience and operational capabilities. BWX Technologies is a trusted partner for the U.S. government BWX Technologies manufactures specialized equipment and fuel for nuclear energy and nuclear medicine. The company's subsidiary, Nuclear Fuel Services, is the sole provider of nuclear fuel for the U.S. Navy. What makes BWX compelling is its key role as a government provider, making it a national security asset across critical defense categories. ExpandNYSE: BWXTBWX TechnologiesToday's Change(1.02%) $2.17Current Price$214.98Key Data PointsMarket Cap$19BDay's Range$205.07 - $218.8552wk Range$84.21 - $222.29Volume680KAvg Vol1.1MGross Margin22.87%Dividend Yield0.48% It is the sole manufacturer of nuclear reactors and fuel for the U.S. Navy's submarine and aircraft carrier fleets, and government operations are a major part of its business. In 2025, this segment accounted for $2.35 billion of its $3.2 billion in revenue. During the year, it also secured $2.6 billion in new contracts for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine components. This stock stands out as a better buy right now NuScale Power is an up-and-coming nuclear technology company poised to revolutionize nuclear power deployment. However, the company has its work cut out for it to scale up and commercialize its product, and its first power plants won't be operational until the 2030s. BWX Technologies is positioned as a partner of the U.S. government, with defense contracts that provide it with a steady stream of long-term revenue. Last year, the company's backlog grew 50% to $7.3 billion, showing robust demand for its services and providing visibility into future earnings. For these reasons, BWX Technologies is a better investment today.Read NextMar 29, 2026 •By James HiresIs SMR Stock a Buy Under $20? A Long-Term Look at the Opportunity.Mar 26, 2026 •By Thomas NielCould Buying NuScale Power Stock Today Set You Up for Life?Mar 24, 2026 •By Justin PopeBetter Nuclear Energy Stock: NuScale Power vs. Constellation EnergyMar 24, 2026 •By Jack DelaneyShould You Buy NuScale Power While It's Below $12?Mar 20, 2026 •By Ryan VanzoCould Buying NuScale Power Stock Right Now Set You Up for Life? (Hint: Yes)Mar 16, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg BrewerCould Buying NuScale Power Today Set You Up for Life?About the AuthorCourtney Carlsen is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering financial, real estate, industrial, and energy stocks.

Before The Motley Fool, Courtney was a lead senior auditor for the State of Florida. He holds a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida.TMFCourtCarlsenStocks MentionedNuScale PowerNYSE: SMR$10.13(-1.27%)-$0.13Bank of AmericaNYSE: BAC$49.38(+0.22%)+$0.11BWX TechnologiesNYSE: BWXT$214.79(+0.93%)+$1.98*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.