Nuclear energy stocks, like the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NYSEARCA: NLR), have seen significant returns of 65% in the past 52 weeks and 128% in the past three years. BWX Technologies (NYSE: BWXT) has quietly outperformed with a 62% return in 2025.

BWX’s strong Q2 earnings report led to an 18% surge in shares on Aug. 5. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy’s ambition to put nuclear reactors on the Moon by 2030 has also fueled interest in the stock.

BWX already has a strong relationship with NASA, generating 77% of its revenue from making nuclear propulsion systems for naval ships. The company is a leader in developing advanced nuclear reactors for space and terrestrial applications, including NASA contracts.

Analysts are bearish on BWX in the short term, with a consensus price target suggesting a 21% downside. However, the potential for BWX to supply lunar reactors presents a long-term opportunity that analysts may not be factoring in.

Despite speculation surrounding BWX’s potential involvement in lunar reactors, no deals have been confirmed yet. Duffy’s ambitions for Moon and Mars exploration could provide significant long-term opportunities for BWX, depending on future developments with NASA.

Read more at Nasdaq: Nuclear Reactors on the Moon? Why BWX Technologies Is Soaring