Is this ASX share the best way to play the AI demand growth?

This business has a compelling future.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The ASX share Nexgen Energy (Canada) CDI (ASX: NXG) may well be one of the best ways to benefit from the strong growth of AI. It's the owner of a large uranium deposit in Canada, which could be a great profit generator.

It's one of the picks inside the L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF) portfolio, which is a listed investment company (LIC) that targets ASX shares and international shares. The LIC likes to invest in ASX mining shares – it's very willing to do so when they seem attractively priced.

Robot hand and human hand touching the same space on a digital screen, symbolising artificial intelligence.

Image source: Getty Images

Attractive project

L1 recently noted that NexGen is preparing to develop the world's largest undeveloped uranium deposit called Arrow, which is located in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The fund manager said that Arrow will be a new major strategic Western source of uranium to address the "looming market deficit".

L1 highlighted that the ASX energy share received final regulatory approvals in March 2026. The company is preparing to commence full-scale project construction, with an estimated four-year construction timeline.

How much money could this project generate?

The fund manager believes that once the project is completed, Arrow has the potential to generate around C$2.8 billion of operating profit (EBITDA) annually, assuming a uranium price of US$80 per pound, which is below the current uranium price. In the three months to June 2026, the uranium price increased by 1.5%.

L1 suggested that the ASX share is a "highly compelling proposition given NexGen's current market cap" of approximately C$8.8 billion. That suggests it's trading at around 3 times the future potential operating profit.

I think the project could generate stronger profits than expected because AI demand is growing, and therefore additional power generation is needed to plug the gap. Nuclear could be a key part of the equation globally, alongside renewable energy, as coal is slowly phased out around the world.

What do other experts think of the NexGen share price?

According to CMC Invest, there have been three analyst ratings on the business within the last three months, with all of those being a buy.

The average price target of those three ratings is $21.07, suggesting a possible rise of around 60% from where it is today. The ASX share looks much better value after falling more than 20% since early June 2026.

The Arrow projection completion is still a while away, but the company could be a compelling buy at the current level. But there are other ASX shares that could also be compelling investments today.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in L1 Long Short Fund. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

An oil refinery worker stands in front of an oil rig with his arms crossed and a smile on his face.
Energy Shares

How Woodside shares are building a 'unique position' to supply global LNG markets

Woodside shares are growing their exposure to global LNG markets.

Read more »

Oil industry worker in an oil field.
Energy Shares

These 2 ASX energy shares have 18-31% upside according to Bell Potter

These energy stocks are top buys.

Read more »

Engineer in the oilfield wearing red helmet and work clothes, with pumpjack and wellhead in the background.
Energy Shares

Buying Santos shares? Here's why the company is celebrating this production milestone

Santos shares are turning heads on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Piles of increasing coins alongside an hourglass.
Energy Shares

$1,000 buys 91 shares in an impressively reliable ASX dividend stock

This business has an incredible history of consistent payout growth.

Read more »

An oil worker assesses productivity at an oil rig.
Energy Shares

Santos versus Woodside shares: Which ASX energy stock outperformed in August?

Santos and Woodside both reported half-year results in August. But which ASX energy stock outperformed?

Read more »

Oil industry worker climbing up metal construction and smiling.
Energy Shares

Santos shares rebound 8% in a month: Buy, sell or hold?

The ASX energy shares are up around 35% for the year-to-date.

Read more »

An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet.
Energy Shares

Shaw and Partners says this ASX software company could rise 84%

The high oil price should be a boon for this company.

Read more »

Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.
Energy Shares

Tamboran Resources achieves first gas sales and robust cash position

Tamboran Resources achieves first gas sales and a strong cash position, marking major progress in Beetaloo Basin development.

Read more »