Nuclear Energy Stocks as the New AI Utility Play: Why Vistra and Oklo Are Strategic Buys

The AI revolution is reshaping global energy demand, with data centers and supercomputing infrastructure consuming vast amounts of electricity. Meta, a leader in this transformation, has taken a bold step by securing 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power through partnerships with Vistra, TerraPower, and Oklo by 2035. These agreements, aimed at powering Meta's Prometheus AI supercluster in Ohio, underscore a seismic shift in how tech giants are addressing energy needs. For investors, this signals a new era where nuclear energy stocks are emerging as critical infrastructure plays. Vistra and Oklo, in particular, stand out as strategic buys, positioned to capitalize on the AI-driven energy boom.

Vistra: A Stalwart in Nuclear Power with AI-Driven Growth

Vistra, a major U.S. power producer, has secured long-term contracts with Meta to supply energy from three nuclear plants, extending their operational lifespans in Ohio and Pennsylvania. These agreements not only stabilize Vistra's revenue streams but also align with its broader strategy to expand clean energy capacity. In 2025, Vistra reported robust financial performance, raising its EBITDA guidance for 2025 and 2026. Analysts have responded favorably, assigning a "Strong Buy" rating to the stock with a mean price target of $167.33.

The company's strength lies in its established nuclear fleet and disciplined capital allocation. By leveraging its existing infrastructure to meet Meta's AI energy demands, Vistra is transforming from a traditional utility into a cornerstone of the AI energy ecosystem. This shift is further bolstered by its strong balance sheet and history of shareholder returns via buybacks. For investors seeking a low-risk, high-conviction play in the nuclear sector, Vistra offers a compelling case.

Oklo: Pioneering Small Modular Reactors for the AI Age

Oklo, a nuclear startup backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman and Nvidia's Jensen Huang, is developing small modular reactors (SMRs) tailored for AI infrastructure. Its Aurora Powerhouse project, supported by Meta's 20-year energy agreement, is designed to deliver clean, reliable power for data centers and remote facilities. While Oklo remains pre-revenue, its stock has surged 238% in 2025 and 56% in early 2026, reflecting investor confidence in its disruptive potential. Analysts project a "Moderate Buy" rating with a mean price target of $108.56.

Oklo's progress is equally impressive. The company has secured $1.2 billion in cash reserves and is advancing its combined license application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a critical milestone for commercialization. Its SMRs address a key challenge for AI infrastructure: the need for scalable, low-carbon energy. As AI demand triples global nuclear production targets by 2050, Oklo's technology is uniquely positioned to fill this gap. For growth-oriented investors, Oklo represents a high-conviction bet on the nuclear renaissance.

The Bigger Picture: Nuclear as the AI Utility

Meta's nuclear partnerships are part of a broader trend. Tech giants like Amazon and Google are also pushing for expanded nuclear capacity to power their AI ambitions. This convergence of AI and nuclear energy is creating a new utility paradigm, where clean, baseload power becomes a non-negotiable for tech infrastructure. Vistra and Oklo are not just suppliers-they are enablers of this transformation.

For investors, the implications are clear. Vistra's stability and Oklo's innovation form a dual strategy for capitalizing on the AI energy revolution. While Vistra offers the reliability of a seasoned utility, Oklo embodies the disruptive potential of next-generation nuclear tech. Together, they represent a diversified approach to a sector poised for decades of growth.

Conclusion: Strategic Buys in a High-Stakes Sector

The AI energy revolution is no longer a distant future-it is here, and it is reshaping the nuclear energy landscape. Vistra and Oklo are leading the charge, with Meta's multi-gigawatt deals serving as a catalyst. For investors, these stocks offer a unique opportunity to align with the infrastructure underpinning the next technological frontier. As the demand for clean, reliable energy surges, Vistra's operational scale and Oklo's cutting-edge SMRs position them as must-own holdings in a rapidly evolving market.