New York, Jan 18, 2026, 08:10 EST — Market closed
Centrus Energy Corp (NYSE: LEU) shares jumped 8.1% on Friday to close at $331.03, bouncing back from a 0.5% drop the day before, according to price data.
The shift came as U.S. markets approached a long weekend. Stocks closed almost unchanged on Friday, with no trading Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Reuters noted. “Historically the middle part of January tends to be pretty choppy,” said Bruce Zaro, managing director at Granite Wealth Management. Reuters
For Centrus, the challenge and the opportunity overlap: it operates in a tight segment of the nuclear fuel chain, caught between U.S. policy, lengthy timelines, and cautious investors. When volatility hits, the stock often moves in step.
Earlier this month, Centrus announced it landed a $900 million task order from the U.S. Department of Energy to boost uranium enrichment capacity in Piketon, Ohio. The move aligns with Washington’s push to cut dependence on Russian supplies. This contract is part of $2.7 billion in enrichment-related task orders handed out to three firms, including Orano Federal Services and General Matter, Reuters reported. CEO Amir Vexler said, “This award will catalyze additional private investment and supports the prospect of further expansion as the market continues to grow.” Reuters
That funding backs Centrus’ move to ramp up commercial production of high-assay low-enriched uranium, or HALEU — a more enriched fuel designed for advanced nuclear reactors. The company added that the DOE cash would also help expand capacity for low-enriched uranium, the kind used in today’s reactors, citing $2.3 billion in LEU purchase commitments from utilities.
Traders are watching a uranium market tightening as nuclear output climbs and new reactors advance. Reuters columnist Gavin Maguire reported this week that U.S. uranium spot prices are set to hit about $82 a pound by the end of 2025, based on Cameco data. Meanwhile, U.S. mine production will only reach roughly 1 million pounds this year against a consumption exceeding 50 million pounds annually.
Centrus’ news feed lists its latest update from Jan. 6, announcing the DOE selection. There have been no new posts since.
After hours on Friday, LEU showed a gain of roughly 0.3%, last seen trading at $332.06, data from Public.com reveals.
The setup works both ways. While the DOE task order and talk of a tighter uranium market have attracted more investment, these projects have long lead times. Sentiment can quickly sour on delays, changing politics, or a sudden flight from small caps.
Trading picks up again Tuesday, with investors keen to see if Friday’s rally sticks during normal volume — and if upcoming moves will hinge on company news instead of wider nuclear-sector trends. The next big date is Centrus’ quarterly earnings, due Feb. 5, per Zacks.
