Oklo získala od amerického ministerstva energetiky povolení ke spuštění reaktoru Groves v Texasu. Firma může naložit jaderné palivo, zahájit testy a míří k první kritičnosti.
On Thursday, nuclear start-up Oklo (OKLO -8.43%) announced some welcome news. The company received “startup authorization” from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) for its Groves Reactor in Texas under the Reactor Pilot Program (RPP).
According to the company, the authorization “allows Oklo to load nuclear fuel, conduct startup testing, and proceed toward first criticality.”
It’s a big step forward for Oklo and one that is likely to have a major impact on the company’s regulatory future. Here’s what this authorization means for Oklo and why it’s a bigger deal than it seems for Oklo investors.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Slower than molassesIn the world of nuclear regulations, safety is the biggest priority. That makes sense given the massive destructive potential of even a small nuclear reactor. Speed, on the other hand, isn’t a priority.
If anything, that’s an understatement. Obtaining commercial certification from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a new reactor design takes years or even decades.
Oklo knows this better than anyone: the company began the regulatory journey for its novel sodium-cooled fast reactor SMR with the NRC in November 2016, almost ten years ago. It finally was able to submit its combined license application for the Aurora Powerhouse design in March 2020. And it’s still anybody’s guess when it might be awarded a commercial license.
The company has completed three of the five steps of its DoE RPP regulatory review for construction and operation, while an NRC audit is in progress. Once the audit is completed, the company can formally request a commercial license. It will undergo further NRC review before receiving approval... assuming neither the audit nor the review turns up any material issues that need to be corrected.
A breakneck paceThis painfully slow process is one of the reasons the U.S. hasn’t begun construction of a new nuclear power plant since 1976, and why only two existing plants have added new reactors since 1993.
The Trump Administration aimed to change that with the RPP, which was enacted by executive order in 2025 to speed up the deployment of nuclear reactors in the U.S. The RPP instructs the NRC to create an expedited pathway to approve reactors that have been safely tested by the DoE, with a deadline of 18 months to evaluate and approve new construction and operation licenses.
The RPP allowed the Groves Reactor project to move forward at unprecedented speed. The time from groundbreaking to receiving start-up authorization was just over 10 months, which included construction, hiring, fuel and equipment procurement, and the DoE authorization process.
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Even Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte seemed surprised by the breakneck pace. "This facility marks the fastest time that we are aware of to go from greenfield to substantial completion for a full-scale, privately funded and sited reactor in history,” he said in a press release.
But the important part was what he said next: “And this experience is fully translatable to future commercial deployments.” Here’s why that should be music to shareholders’ ears.
The hidden benefitThe Groves Reactor isn’t a nuclear power plant, nor does it feature Oklo’s unique sodium-cooled fast reactor SMRs. It’s a water-cooled test reactor designed to use low-enriched uranium for the production of isotopes, like those used in radiation therapy for cancer.
Currently, most radioactive isotopes used in the U.S. are produced overseas. The Groves Reactor is part of an effort to increase domestic production.
But Oklo’s primary goal is to build SMRs for power generation. The Aurora Powerhouse uses a different reactor design and fuel, and serves a different purpose. So, how does this move Oklo towards that goal?
Well, in the world of nuclear authorizations, repeating yourself is a good thing. Through the RPP, certain portions of DoE approval are expected to directly transfer to the NRC approval process, expediting the review time frame.
Image source: Getty Images.
The takeawayBecause Groves is a commercial-scale facility, Oklo notes it can “repeat the experience with demonstrated experience in siting, building, commissioning, and operating its commercial reactors in the future.”
The company also believes that the “repeatable approach to engineering, construction, commissioning, operations, and regulatory authorization ... helps reduce execution risk and accelerate future deployments across all of Oklo’s business units.”
If the process for the Aurora Powerhouse moves forward as quickly as the Groves process, Oklo could find itself months or even years ahead of schedule on its ultimate plan.
Oklo a X-Energy se mají připojit k programu Trumpovy administrativy za 200 milionů USD, který má urychlit výstavbu elektráren pro AI datová centra. Akcie Oklo po uzavření trhu vzrostly o 6,31 % a X-Energy o 7,22 %.
Oklo stock is charging ahead with explosive momentum. What’s driving OKLO stock higher? Oklo, X-Energy To Join Power Plant ProgramOklo and X-Energy will join Microsoft and Nvidia in a Trump administration-led effort to accelerate the construction of new power plants for AI data centers, according to a Bloomberg report citing a document reviewed by Bloomberg News.
The $200 million program reportedly aims to address mounting concern that the data center buildout fueling the AI boom has pushed up electricity prices across the country.
The report indicates that an official announcement could come as soon as Wednesday.
Nuclear power has emerged as one of the more compelling answers to AI’s soaring electricity demand, largely because it provides large amounts of around-the-clock baseload power without producing direct carbon emissions. That combination has driven a wave of activity, from tech companies signing long-term deals to restart or contract existing plants to growing investment in small modular reactors.
OKLO, XE Shares Rise After the BellAt the time of publication, Oklo shares were up 6.31% at $46.50 in after-hours, and X-Energy shares were up 7.22% at $16.79, according to Benzinga Pro.
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OKLO klesl na 52týdenní minimum 39,53 USD, protože investoři znovu hodnotí rizika rané jaderné firmy bez tržeb. Odhady ztrát pro roky 2026 a 2027 se dál zhoršují.
Key Takeaways OKLO hit a 52-week low as investors reassessed early-stage nuclear risks.OKLO is advancing fuel fabrication, Aurora projects and isotope capabilities despite remaining pre-revenue.Wider 2026 and 2027 loss estimates, heavy spending and execution risks keep the near-term outlook uncertain. After a strong run in 2025, Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) has come under heavy selling pressure, with the stock falling 42.7% over the past three months and recently touching a 52-week low of $39.53. The weakness has not been limited to OKLO, as NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) has declined about 41% and NANO Nuclear Energy (NNE - Free Report) has dropped roughly 40% over the same period. The broad pullback suggests that investors have become more cautious about early-stage nuclear developers because of long commercialization timelines, ongoing losses and limited near-term revenue visibility.
3-Month Price Performance Comparison Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Still, OKLO’s deeper slide raises an important question: Has the market already priced in most of the company’s execution risks, or could the stock remain under pressure until regulatory progress and project development begin producing clearer financial results?
Regulatory Progress, Customer Pipeline Back Long-Term StoryUnlike traditional reactor developers, OKLO is building a vertically integrated platform that combines power generation with fuel fabrication, fuel recycling and isotope production. This integrated approach could provide multiple revenue opportunities over time instead of relying solely on electricity sales.
The company has continued to make operational progress despite the stock's weakness. Construction activities are advancing at the Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility, while work continues on the Aurora-INL project, where the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the company's Principal Design Criteria topical report. Oklo is also progressing its Aurora-Ohio development alongside plans for a 1.2-gigawatt power campus with Meta, while expanding isotope capabilities through the Groves test reactor and the Idaho Radiochemistry Laboratory.
Compared with NuScale Power, which focuses primarily on commercializing light-water small modular reactors, and NANO Nuclear, which is developing portable microreactors, OKLO is attempting to build an entire nuclear ecosystem. While this broader strategy increases execution complexity, it also creates more potential growth avenues if commercialization succeeds.
Falling Earnings Estimates Reflect OKLO’s Near-Term ChallengesDespite these operational milestones, Wall Street remains cautious. The Zacks Consensus Estimate now points to roughly 3% and 9% wider losses for both 2026 and 2027, respectively. Those downward estimate revisions reflect investors' recognition that OKLO remains a pre-revenue company with significant development costs before meaningful commercial operations begin.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company continues to invest heavily across several projects simultaneously, including reactor deployment, fuel fabrication, recycling facilities and isotope production. While these investments may strengthen its long-term competitive position, they also delay profitability and increase execution risk.
The earnings outlook also compares unfavorably with peers. NuScale Power has progressed further in certain licensing activities, while NANO Nuclear continues to advance its own commercialization roadmap. Although all three companies remain early-stage nuclear developers, investors are increasingly rewarding companies that demonstrate clearer visibility toward future revenues.
Several Catalysts Could Change Investor SentimentAlthough current earnings remain weak, several upcoming developments could improve confidence in Oklo's business.
The company recently achieved an important milestone after receiving Department of Energy approval of the Documented Safety Analysis for its Groves Isotope Test Reactor. The project has now entered the final startup review process and targets first criticality after completion of readiness reviews. This milestone supports OKLO's broader isotope strategy, which aims to supply radioisotopes for healthcare, manufacturing, scientific research and national security applications.
OKLO has also strengthened its engineering capabilities through acquisitions while continuing to build fuel supply infrastructure. Its Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility and Tennessee Advanced Fuel Center are designed to support long-term reactor deployment by improving access to nuclear fuel and recycling capabilities. The company's collaboration with NVIDIA and Los Alamos National Laboratory to apply artificial intelligence to fuel validation further demonstrates its effort to combine advanced computing with nuclear technology.
Image Source: Oklo Inc.
Meanwhile, NuScale Power and NANO Nuclear continue to compete for leadership in the emerging advanced nuclear market. Both companies are pursuing their own regulatory and commercialization milestones, meaning investor attention will likely shift toward whichever developer demonstrates the fastest progress. Even so, OKLO's vertically integrated strategy, customer relationships and fuel-cycle capabilities differentiate it from both SMR and NNE.
OKLO's Risks Still Cannot Be IgnoredThe biggest challenge remains execution. OKLO still generates virtually no recurring operating revenues, while commercial power production remains several years away. Delays in regulatory approvals, construction schedules or fuel availability could postpone commercialization further.
The company is also spending aggressively to develop multiple projects simultaneously. If timelines slip, additional financing may eventually become necessary despite its current liquidity. Moreover, valuation remains heavily dependent on future expectations rather than operating fundamentals.
Competition also continues to intensify. NuScale Power already possesses greater market visibility in certain reactor segments, while NANO Nuclear is pursuing similar opportunities in advanced microreactors. Investors therefore have multiple nuclear developers to choose from, making execution increasingly important.
Time to Buy the Dip or Stay Away?OKLO remains one of the most ambitious companies in the advanced nuclear industry, with progress across reactor development, fuel fabrication, recycling and isotope production supporting its long-term vision. However, the stock's sharp decline reflects legitimate concerns about widening losses, delayed revenue generation and significant execution risks. While upcoming regulatory milestones and commercialization progress could eventually improve investor sentiment, the near-term outlook remains uncertain. Given the weaker earnings estimate revisions and the risks associated with its pre-revenue business model, OKLO stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
USA za šest desetiletí nashromáždily téměř 100 000 metrických tun použitého jaderného paliva. Oklo chce tento odpad využít ve svém reaktoru Aurora a později z něj vyrábět nové palivo.
Over the last six decades, the United States has accumulated nearly 100,000 metric tons of used nuclear fuel. Despite generating about one-fifth of the nation's electricity from nuclear power, the U.S. never established a permanent geological repository for spent commercial nuclear fuel.
This spent fuel could get a second chance if Oklo (OKLO +1.09%) has its way. That's because Oklo's nuclear reactors are designed to efficiently utilize spent nuclear fuel, creating an opportunity to get more from existing nuclear waste.
Here's what investors need to know about Oklo's long-term vision.
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How Oklo plans to get more from nuclear waste When it comes to nuclear energy, used nuclear fuel is not fully depleted or useless material. That's because conventional light-water reactors extract less than 5% of the total energy potential from enriched uranium before the assemblies stop generating power efficiently and are removed. While conventional reactors cannot use the spent fuel, the remaining material still contains large quantities of uranium and other elements that advanced reactor designs could utilize.
Oklo plans to use this spent fuel in its Aurora fast reactor, a compact, advanced reactor designed to operate on high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) and recycled nuclear materials. This is possible because fast reactors can more efficiently utilize the heavier isotopes in spent nuclear fuel, enabling closed-loop fuel cycles.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Oklo's initial powerhouses are expected to use fresh HALEU fuel, but in the longer term, the company aims to recycle portions of the country's accumulated used-fuel inventory into new reactor fuel. If it succeeds, it could expand domestic fuel supplies, reduce dependence on newly mined uranium, and lessen the burden of nuclear waste management by producing 90% less high-level waste than conventional reactors.
Oklo's use of recycled nuclear fuel could make it an innovator in the nuclear energy space, and it is investing nearly $1.7 billion to build a nuclear fuel recycling facility in Tennessee. Construction is expected to begin here in 2027, with the facility projected to begin producing recycled fuel by the 2030s.
What's next for Oklo? Oklo is making important progress with its nuclear reactor technology. The company's anchor project is the Aurora Powerhouse located at the Idaho National Laboratory. Here, the company will build a 75-MWe liquid-metal-cooled, metal-fueled reactor and aims to begin operations as soon as 2028.
It also has a major deal with Meta Platforms to build a 1.2-GW clean energy campus in Ohio. It has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Centrus Energy to purchase HALEU fuel for this facility, which is slated to start delivering power in 2030, and the full campus is expected to be completed by 2034.
That said, it has a long road ahead and is vulnerable to regulatory setbacks. On top of that, it will incur significant expenses (it projects $350 million to $450 million in capital expenditures this year) before becoming commercially viable.
For those reasons, Oklo is a speculative stock best left to aggressive investors with a long-term perspective.
Akcie Oklo klesly v první polovině roku 2026 o 27 %, protože slábne nadšení pro jaderný sektor a firma dál ředí akcie, aby získala kapitál. Nemá tržby a její volný peněžní tok byl za posledních 12 měsíců záporný 154 milionů USD.
Shares of Oklo (OKLO 0.95%) sank 27% in the first half of 2026, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The nuclear reactor upstart is seeing enthusiasm for the sector wane after a monstrous run in 2025. It is also taking advantage of its high price to sell more shares to raise funds. Even though shares are up 386% in the last five years, they are still down 71% from the highs set back in 2025.
Here's why Oklo stock has fallen so far this year, and whether now is a good time to buy the dip.
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Major dilution and long timeline to commercialization Oklo is a research firm working to bring new nuclear reactor designs to market. It has a design for a reactor called the Aurora Powerhouse, which it wants to sell for direct electricity generation in data centers and industrial use cases, keeping these electricity-intensive systems from burdening the grid that powers homes and consumer use cases.
The problem is, Oklo's reactor design has not yet been approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the United States, which means it is still likely years away from building the Aurora Powerhouse for clients. It is working on radioisotope production and nuclear fuel recycling, but these are subscale opportunities compared to actually building and operating nuclear reactors.
With no revenue today, Oklo is burning cash and has had to raise capital to shore up its balance sheet. To do so, it has sold shares of its common stock, a dilutive strategy that typically puts pressure on the share price. Shares outstanding have more than doubled in the last few years. Free cash flow is now negative $154 million over the last twelve months, the worst cash burn in the company's history.
On top of the specific business concerns, Oklo was a major beneficiary of the hype cycle for nuclear energy stocks tied to artificial intelligence (AI) electricity needs. Now, this hype is beginning to fade, causing stocks like Oklo to fall in 2026.
Image source: Getty Images.
Should you buy the dip? The positive thing for investors is that Oklo had over $2 billion in cash and equivalents on its balance sheet at the end of Q1, and likely an even higher figure at the end of Q1. This will give it many years of runway to secure its reactor design approval before running out of funds.
On a negative note, nuclear energy has and will likely continue to be a tough sector to operate in. The industry moves slowly, making it tough for a start-up like Oklo to bring a new product to market in a timely manner. With a market cap still at $8.5 billion and no revenue, Oklo stock is likely one you shouldn't buy the dip on this year.
OKLO rozšiřuje podnikání v oblasti izotopů, aby posílila domácí dodávky radioizotopů pro medicínu, výzkum, vesmír a bezpečnost. Projekt Groves v Texasu po schválení DOE míří k nakládce paliva, spuštění testů a první kritičnosti, s cílem na červenec 2026.
Key Takeaways OKLO's isotopes business targets rising demand in medicine, manufacturing, research, space and security.OKLO plans to reprocess existing materials and produce fresh isotopes in purpose-built reactors.Groves could move toward fuel loading and first criticality after final reviews, targeted for July 2026. Oklo Inc.’s (OKLO - Free Report) isotopes business is becoming an important part of its advanced nuclear platform, with a focus on building a reliable U.S. supply of critical radioisotopes. These isotopes are used in cancer diagnosis and treatment, advanced manufacturing, scientific research, space exploration and national security. Demand is growing rapidly, while global supply remains constrained because many important isotopes are sourced overseas or produced in aging facilities.
To address this supply gap, OKLO is creating an integrated isotope production platform using multiple approaches, including reprocessing existing materials and producing fresh isotopes in purpose-built reactors. By sourcing material through U.S. and international waste partnerships, the company aims to process waste into valuable isotopes while reducing reliance on fragile foreign supply chains. Its Idaho Radiochemistry Laboratory is expected to support early isotope output and operational learning.
OKLO’s long-term strategy involves a phased rollout across multiple sites. The Groves Isotope Test Reactor in Texas has received DOE approval for its Documented Safety Analysis, moving it into final pre-startup review, with readiness review and startup approval remaining. After approval, Groves can move toward fuel loading, startup testing and first criticality, targeted for July 2026. The multi-reactor isotope foundry in Idaho and Advanced Fuel Center in Tennessee are expected to support commercial-scale isotope production and fuel-cycle integration.
While OKLO is pursuing a vertically integrated strategy, rising isotope demand is creating opportunities for companies with existing nuclear expertise, medical-isotope capabilities and global supply networks. These players could benefit as healthcare, research, industrial and security applications require more dependable isotope availability.
Other Companies Tapping Isotope Demand
BWX Technologies (BWXT - Free Report) is strengthening its role in nuclear materials and isotope production, including medical isotopes such as Mo-99 and actinium-225. BWX Technologies benefits from government partnerships and a secure domestic supply chain. As isotope demand rises, BWX Technologies is positioned as a strategic U.S. supplier.
Meanwhile, Sotera Health (SHC - Free Report) , through its Nordion business, is a major supplier of cobalt-60 used in cancer treatment and medical sterilization. Sotera Health supports global healthcare needs through an established distribution network and long-term customer ties. With supply constraints continuing, Sotera Health remains well placed in the isotope market.
The Zacks Rundown on OKLO
Shares of Oklo have lost some 12% over the past year, underperforming the industry's growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
OKLO currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 2.00 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 24 brokerage firms.
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See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for OKLO’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Oklo v červnu získala klíčová schválení od DOE a partnerství v oblasti paliva, přesto akcie klesly o 21,8 %. Firma zatím nemá tržby a investoři se obávají ředění po nové emisi akcií.
Oklo (OKLO 0.17%) had what should have been a dream month in June 2026.
The nuclear energy start-up was racking up major wins left and right, including approvals from the Department of Energy (DOE) and a crucial partnership to secure the mission-critical uranium fuel needed to power Oklo's small modular reactors (SMRs) for a massive project.
Yet, Oklo stock slumped 21.8% in June, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
The disconnect comes down to a reality check on multiple fronts. But could the markets have overreacted, offering investors an opportunity to scoop up shares of a company with significant government collaborations amid a nuclear energy renaissance?
Image source: Getty Images.
Oklo's major recent wins Oklo stock sank after its first-quarter earnings in May and a $1 billion new equity offering. Oklo is still developing fast-fission nuclear power plants called Aurora powerhouses and has yet to commercialize its technology and generate its first revenue. Its spending, however, pushed Q1 net loss to $33 million. That massive share sale further hurt the stock price as investors feared dilution of their value.
June was, comparatively, a far more positive month for Oklo.
It won a crucial DOE safety approval for its Idaho National Laboratory (INL) plant under the DOE's Reactor Pilot Program.
The Auroral-INL will be Oklo's first fast-fission plant.
In mid-June, Oklo signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Standard Nuclear to collaborate on nuclear fuel recycling and advanced fuel manufacturing.
The U.S. government is keen to use surplus plutonium lying in its stockpile as nuclear fuel for reactors, and Oklo is among the few companies developing nuclear fuel recycling facilities. It is also advancing Pluto, a plutonium-fueled fast test reactor.
Oklo also locked down a massive strategic partnership with Centrus Energy to secure high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) supplies to power up to five Aurora powerhouses over the next few years. These reactors are for Oklo's planned 1.2 GW power campus in the Ohio region to support Meta Platforms data centers.
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Oklo closed out June by acquiring Creative Engineers to beef up their advanced reactor tech. Earlier in the month, it acquired ARMEC to strengthen its reactor manufacturing capabilities.
With everything lining up so perfectly, why did Oklo shares still fall?
Why Oklo stock could continue to be volatile First, the DOE threw a curveball into the SMR market when it announced a $17.5 billion loan program for traditional, large-scale nuclear reactors. Investors betting heavily on SMRs amid the artificial intelligence (AI) power boom were instantly spooked, triggering a broad sell-off that dragged Oklo stock with it.
To be sure, the government isn't souring on small reactors. If anything, the massive loan program serves as a broad validation of the nuclear energy upcycle. The issue is that when a pre-revenue company begins trading like a high-flying stock, any perceived distraction can hit the stock hard.
Oklo eventually aims to generate electricity from Aurora powerhouses and sell it under long-term power purchase agreements. But because commercial operations are still years away, even a single mixed signal can prompt investors to do a reality check and take profits.
Oklo získala od DOE schválení bezpečnostní analýzy pro Groves, čímž se projekt posouvá do finální fáze před spuštěním. První kritičnost cílí na červenec 2026.
Key Takeaways Oklo received DOE approval for its DSA, advancing Groves into the final startup review phase.It targets July 2026 for the first criticality after readiness review, fuel loading and startup authorization.Oklo says Groves will support U.S. isotope production for medicine, research, manufacturing and security. Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) has achieved a major milestone in the development of its Groves Isotope Test Reactor after receiving approval for its Documented Safety Analysis (DSA) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The approval, granted under the DOE's Reactor Pilot Program, moves the Texas-based project one step closer to operational authorization and highlights the growing momentum behind advanced nuclear technology in the United States.
The achievement reinforces Oklo's strategy of accelerating commercial nuclear deployment while supporting a more resilient domestic supply of critical medical and industrial isotopes.
DOE Safety Approval Moves Groves Into Final Startup PhaseThe DOE's approval of the DSA marks the completion of the reactor's final safety documentation process. The DSA provides a comprehensive technical assessment of potential hazards, required safety controls and operational procedures needed to ensure safe reactor startup.
This follows the earlier approval of the Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis, which established the project's initial safety basis during the design and construction stages.
With both approvals now secured, the Groves reactor enters the DOE's final pre-startup review, which includes a readiness review and startup authorization. Once approved, the facility will be permitted to receive and load nuclear fuel, conduct startup testing and advance toward first criticality — the point at which the reactor achieves a controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
Oklo is targeting July 2026 for its first criticality.
A First for Commercial Advanced Nuclear ProjectsAccording to Oklo’s co-founder and CEO, the project represents a significant milestone for the advanced nuclear industry.
Groves is the first advanced reactor project to receive DSA approval while being located on privately owned land and relying entirely on commercially sourced fuel, equipment and systems supplied by the private sector. Construction and planned operations have also been led by a private-sector team under DOE oversight, making the facility representative of future commercial reactors that Oklo intends to build and operate.
The company also noted that the project demonstrates how advanced reactors can move from construction to deployment on a commercial timeline while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Supporting Domestic Isotope ProductionBeyond reactor development, the Groves facility plays a strategic role in expanding Oklo's isotope business.
The reactor is expected to strengthen domestic production of critical isotopes used across several sectors, including cancer diagnosis and treatment, advanced manufacturing, scientific research, space exploration and national security.
Many of these isotopes are currently imported or produced at aging facilities, creating supply chain vulnerabilities for hospitals, research institutions and government agencies across the United States.
By launching operations through a pilot facility, Oklo aims to validate production processes, optimize reactor performance and establish reliable commercial-scale isotope production within the country.
Oklo Continues to Build MomentumThe DOE approval comes shortly after Oklo announced its acquisition of Creative Engineers Inc., a company specializing in alkali metal engineering for the nuclear industry. Although financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, the move further strengthens Oklo's technical capabilities as it advances its next generation of nuclear technologies.
With regulatory progress accelerating, strategic acquisitions expanding its expertise and the Groves reactor approaching startup, Oklo continues to position itself as a leading developer of advanced nuclear solutions while helping build a more secure domestic isotope supply chain.
OKLO’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksOklo is an advanced nuclear energy company focused on developing, owning and operating small nuclear power plants under its Aurora product line. Currently, OKLO has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Investors interested in the nuclear energy sector may consider some top-ranked stocks like GE Vernova Inc. (GEV - Free Report) , NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE - Free Report) and The Southern Company (SO - Free Report) — each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
GE Vernova is an energy company that includes Power, Wind and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses of Advanced Research, Consulting Services and Financial Services. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GEV’s 2026 earnings indicates 73.2% year-over-year growth.
Juno Beach, FL-based NextEra Energy is a public utility holding company engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NEE’s 2026 earnings indicates 8.1% year-over-year growth.
Atlanta, GA-based Southern Company is one of the largest utilities in the United States. The company deals with the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SO’s 2026 earnings indicates 6.5% year-over-year growth.
OKLO koupí Creative Engineers, aby si interně zajistila klíčové sodium inženýrství pro komercializaci reaktorů Aurora. CEI si zároveň ponechá obsluhu komerčních jaderných zákazníků.
Key Takeaways OKLO acquired CEI to bring critical sodium engineering expertise in-house for Aurora commercialization.CEI's team adds sodium handling, testing, manufacturing and fabrication capabilities to OKLO.CEI will keep serving commercial nuclear customers, preserving revenue alongside its role at OKLO. Oklo Inc.’s (OKLO - Free Report) acquisition of Creative Engineers, Inc. (“CEI”) is more than a routine bolt-on deal. It reflects the nuclear operator’s strategy of bringing highly specialized engineering capabilities in-house to support the commercialization of its Aurora sodium-cooled fast reactors. CEI has decades of expertise in sodium, sodium-potassium alloy (NaK) and other alkali-metal systems, along with experience in liquid-metal component development, fabrication, manufacturing and applied research.
Since liquid sodium is the coolant used in Aurora reactors, these capabilities directly address one of the most technically demanding parts of reactor development. The two companies have already collaborated for several years on sodium loops, pumps, flow meters and safety training, making the acquisition a natural extension of an existing working relationship.
The acquisition also strengthens OKLO’s execution model by reducing its dependence on outside contractors for critical engineering work. Bringing CEI’s approximately 20 engineers, fabricators and welders into the organization gives OKLO greater control over sodium handling, testing, equipment manufacturing and research activities that are essential for reactor deployment. The company expects this closer integration to accelerate design improvements, shorten development timelines and lower execution risks associated with specialized equipment and fabrication. Instead of coordinating these capabilities externally, OKLO can now manage them internally, creating tighter feedback loops between engineering, manufacturing and deployment.
The transaction also aligns with OKLO’s broader strategy of building a vertically integrated nuclear platform. CEI has generated positive free cash flow for more than five years, allowing OKLO to add specialized expertise while acquiring an operating business with an established financial track record. Importantly, CEI will continue serving its existing commercial nuclear customers, preserving an additional revenue stream alongside its expanded role within OKLO.
Following the recent ARMEC acquisition, the CEI deal further demonstrates that OKLO is prioritizing ownership of critical engineering and manufacturing capabilities to improve execution speed and strengthen its path toward Aurora commercialization.
OKLO is not the only nuclear company using acquisitions to address execution and supply-chain bottlenecks. Across the sector, companies are buying targeted technology, logistics and manufacturing assets to improve control over critical capabilities and prepare for rising nuclear demand.
Nuclear Players Turn to Deals for Execution ControlNANO Nuclear Energy (NNE - Free Report) is using acquisitions to broaden its nuclear platform and support commercialization. NANO Nuclear acquired USNC patents tied to its ZEUS, ODIN, KRONOS MMR and LOKI Micro Modular Reactor programs. NANO Nuclear also bought Secured Transportation Services, adding in-house nuclear fuel logistics and transport expertise. These moves help NANO Nuclear protect key technology, strengthen deployment planning and reduce reliance on outside partners.
Meanwhile, BWX Technologies (BWXT - Free Report) is expanding its U.S. nuclear manufacturing base through acquisitions. BWX Technologies agreed to acquire Precision Components Group, including Precision Custom Components and DC Fabricators. The deal adds heavy-manufacturing space, skilled labor and capabilities in pressure vessels, heat exchangers, machining, welding and fabrication. For BWX Technologies, this improves speed, capacity and control as commercial nuclear demand grows.
The Zacks Rundown on OKLOFrom a valuation standpoint, OKLO trades at a price-to-book ratio of 3.45, below the industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
OKLO currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 2 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 24 brokerage firms.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for OKLO’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
DOE schválilo finální bezpečnostní analýzu pro Groves Isotope Test Reactor od Oklo, což posouvá projekt do závěrečné fáze před spuštěním. Firma míří k první kritičnosti v červenci 2026.
U.S. Department of Energy Approves Final Safety Analysis for Oklo's Groves Isotope Test Reactor, Advancing the Project Toward Operational Authorization Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) (“Oklo”), an advanced nuclear technology company, today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the Documented Safety Analysis (DSA) for Oklo Isotopes’ Groves Isotope Test Reactor in Texas under DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program (RPP).
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260701843499/en/
Oklo's Isotopes Test Reactor (Image: Oklo)
The DSA is the facility’s final safety basis grounded on a detailed technical analysis of potential hazards, safety controls, and operating requirements needed to support safe startup. The DSA approval follows DOE’s approval of the Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis (PDSA), which established the facility’s preliminary safety basis during design and construction.
With both the PDSA and DSA approved, Groves moves from the documentation phase into DOE’s final pre-startup review. The remaining steps are DOE’s readiness review and startup approval. Following startup approval, the facility will be authorized to receive and load nuclear fuel, conduct startup testing, and proceed toward first criticality, the point at which a reactor achieves a controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Oklo is targeting first criticality for Groves in July 2026.
“When the Administration issued its Executive Order calling for multiple advanced reactors to go critical outside the national laboratories, it challenged the industry to demonstrate a new way forward,” said Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte. “Groves is that demonstration. It is the first advanced reactor project to receive approval of its Documented Safety Analysis that is on privately owned land, with wholly commercially sourced fuel, equipment, and systems delivered by the private sector. And with full, enduring civil construction, and operations led entirely by a private-sector team under DOE oversight. This is a truly representative facility of future commercial facilities that Oklo intends to build and operate.”
“With approval of both the Preliminary and Documented Safety Analyses, Groves now moves into the final phase before startup, including readiness review, fuel loading, and criticality,” DeWitte added. “Less than a year after breaking ground, Groves is advancing toward criticality and demonstrating that advanced nuclear can move from an open field to deployment on a commercial timeline and with a commercially representative facility. DOE demonstrated remarkable capabilities to review and reach this milestone for a facility of this type, and for a facility outside of a national laboratory on this timescale. As the first project of this nature to achieve this milestone under the DOE Reactor Pilot Program, Groves provides a blueprint for how the United States can accelerate advanced reactor deployment while maintaining a rigorous, practical safety process.”
Groves supports the development of Oklo’s isotope business and helps establish a stronger domestic supply chain for critical isotopes used in cancer diagnosis and treatment, advanced manufacturing, scientific research, space exploration, and national security applications. Many important isotopes are currently sourced from overseas suppliers or produced in aging facilities, creating supply risks for U.S. hospitals, industry, researchers, and government users.
By starting with a pilot facility, Oklo’s isotopes business has developed operating procedures, evaluated reactor system performance, will validate production processes, and build dependable domestic isotope production at commercial scale in the US.
About Oklo Inc.: Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, affordable energy at global scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical isotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert used nuclear fuel into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements that express Oklo’s opinions, expectations, objectives, beliefs, plans, intentions, strategies, assumptions, forecasts or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements.” The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continue,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “goal,” “would,” “commit,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this press release and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the markets in which Oklo operates. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties.
As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, the actual results or performance of Oklo may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following important risk factors could affect Oklo’s future results and cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements: risks related to the development and deployment of Oklo’s powerhouses, fuel fabrication and fuel recycling facilities, and radioisotope production activities; the risk that Oklo is pursuing an emerging market with no commercial project operating and regulatory uncertainties; risks related to acquisitions, divestitures, or joint ventures we may engage in; the need for financing to construct plants, which remain subject to market, financial, political, and legal conditions; risks related to an inability to raise additional capital to support our business and sustain our growth on favorable terms; the effects of competition; risks related to accessing high-assay low-enriched uranium, plutonium, and other fuels (including recycled fuels) at acceptable costs and under acceptable timelines; risks related to our supply chain; risks related to power purchase agreements; risks related to human capital; risks related to our intellectual property; risks related to cybersecurity and data privacy; changes in applicable laws or regulations, including tariffs; the outcome of any government and regulatory proceedings and investigations and inquiries; and the other factors set forth in our documents we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties of the other documents filed by Oklo from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Oklo. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Oklo will be those that Oklo has anticipated. Oklo undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation, except as may be required by law.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260701843499/en/
Disclosures I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and have no plans to buy any new positions in the stocks mentioned within the next 72 hours.
Oklo a Centrus podepsaly předběžnou smlouvu o dodávkách HALEU pro až pět reaktorů Aurora s tím, že dodávky mají začít v roce 2029. Palivo má podpořit plánovaný areál o výkonu 1,2 GW v jižním Ohiu.
One of the first large-scale commercial high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) supply agreements that could include prepayments from Oklo. Centrus to provide Oklo with enough HALEU to support multiple years of Oklo reactor cores, covering up to five Aurora powerhouses as part of Oklo's planned 1.2 GW Clean Energy Campus. Oklo and Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Co. ("Kiewit") have entered into an MOU intended to support engineering, procurement, and construction planning for the initial planned Aurora powerhouse deployments in southern Ohio. Work expected to bring multi-billion-dollar private clean energy investment and hundreds of jobs to southern Ohio. PIKETON, Ohio, /PRNewswire/ -- Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) ("Oklo"), an advanced nuclear technology company, and Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE: LEU) ("Centrus"), a uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel services provider, announced today a Letter of Intent under which Centrus agrees to supply enough domestic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to power up to five Aurora powerhouses for multiple years, with deliveries to Oklo scheduled to begin in 2029. Centrus will supply HALEU from its American Centrifuge Plant in Pike County, Ohio to support Oklo's planned 1.2 GW power campus in the region.
The agreement, which anticipates a further definitive contract, brings together domestic fuel supply, planned advanced nuclear power generation, customer demand, and project execution in southern Ohio while strengthening fuel certainty for Oklo's planned Aurora powerhouse deployments at a time when access to domestically sourced HALEU remains one of the central constraints facing the advanced nuclear sector.
The Letter of Intent could include prepayments from Oklo to Centrus to support fuel supply for Oklo's planned campus buildout and will be further negotiated in a future definitive agreement. It follows Oklo's January 2026 announcement with Meta, which included prepayment to advance project certainty for Oklo's planned Aurora powerhouse campus. Centrus plans to leverage billions in private capital along with the previously announced $900 million HALEU task order from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The development advances Oklo's broader southern Ohio deployment strategy by aligning Centrus' enrichment capabilities at Piketon, Oklo's planned Aurora powerhouse campus, established customer demand, and engineering and construction experience from Kiewit, one of North America's largest construction and engineering organizations.
"This agreement aligns core elements of advanced nuclear deployment: power generation, fuel, and customer demand," said Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte. "Southern Ohio brings together decades of nuclear experience and a highly qualified workforce that can move advanced nuclear from planning to deployment."
"Today's announcement is an important step toward ensuring reliable HALEU supply for next generation reactors and represents a crucial milestone as we work to restore America's ability to enrich uranium at scale," said Centrus President and CEO Amir Vexler. "By connecting advanced nuclear power generation and customer demand with domestic HALEU production in southern Ohio, this agreement helps establish a foundation for a new U.S. advanced nuclear energy hub."
The work to establish a commercial supply chain for advanced nuclear fuel and build a campus of Aurora powerhouses will require over 700 full-time construction employees for multiple years across the deployment of sequential units. Oklo also expects each planned powerhouse to support approximately 40 to 50 permanent, well-paying jobs, including technical support, engineering, administration, warehouse and logistics, routine maintenance, and periodic refueling activities. For every eight Aurora powerhouses, an additional 80 to 120 permanent roles will be created to support site-wide operations.
Centrus' expansion, which launched late last year, is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs and 300 new operating jobs in Ohio alone, while retaining the 150 jobs that existed at the Piketon plant when the expansion began.
Oklo's fast fission Aurora powerhouses are designed to provide reliable clean power under a build-own-operate model, using liquid-metal cooling with low-water requirements, low emissions, and inherent safety characteristics that make the technology well suited to support new industrial growth in southern Ohio.
About Oklo Inc.: Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, affordable energy at global scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical isotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert used nuclear fuel into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.
About Centrus: Centrus Energy is a trusted American supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry, helping meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free energy. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,850 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to more than 7 billion tons of coal. With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is pioneering production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium and is leading the effort to restore America's uranium enrichment capabilities at scale so that we can meet our clean energy, energy security, and national security needs. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which in this context means statements that express Oklo's and Centrus' opinions, expectations, objectives, beliefs, plans, intentions, strategies, assumptions, forecasts or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements." The words "may," "will," "could," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continue," "might," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "goal," "would," "commit," or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this press release and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the markets in which Oklo and/or Centrus operates. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties.
As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, the actual results or performance of Oklo may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following important risk factors could affect Oklo's future results and cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements: risks related to the development and deployment of Oklo's powerhouses, fuel fabrication and fuel recycling facilities, and radioisotope production activities; the risk that Oklo is pursuing an emerging market with no commercial project operating and regulatory uncertainties; risks related to acquisitions, divestitures, or joint ventures we may engage in; the need for financing to construct plants, which remain subject to market, financial, political, and legal conditions; risks related to an inability to raise additional capital to support our business and sustain our growth on favorable terms; the effects of competition; risks related to accessing high-assay low-enriched uranium, plutonium, and other fuels (including recycled fuels) at acceptable costs and under acceptable timelines; risks related to our supply chain; risks related to power purchase agreements; risks related to human capital; risks related to our intellectual property; risks related to cybersecurity and data privacy; changes in applicable laws or regulations, including tariffs; the outcome of any government and regulatory proceedings and investigations and inquiries; and the other factors set forth in our documents we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties of the other documents filed by Oklo from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Oklo. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Oklo will be those that Oklo has anticipated. Oklo undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation, except as may be required by law.
For Centrus Energy Corp., particular factors that involve uncertainty and could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements and which are, and may be, exacerbated by any worsening of the global business and economic environment include but are not limited to the following: our ability to conclude negotiations with our customers, including with Oklo, Inc. regarding the Letter of Intent; the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical conflicts; our government contracts, including related to changes to the U.S. government's appropriated funding levels for HALEU and the government's inability to satisfy its obligations, our lease to our facility in Piketon, Ohio; whether or when government demand for HALEU or LEU for government or commercial uses will materialize and at what level; the impact and potential extended duration of a supply/demand imbalance in the market for LEU; significant competition from major LEU producers, including foreign competitors, who may be less cost sensitive then we are; limitations on our ability to compete in foreign markets; pricing trends and demand in the uranium and enrichment markets, especially in light of the potential of limited supply and our dependence on others for deliveries of LEU; and our ability to successfully implement our planned expansion projects in Piketon, Ohio and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this news release and in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part II, Item 1A – "Risk Factors" in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.
Centrus:
Media -- Dan Leistikow [email protected]
Investors -- Neal Nagarajan [email protected]
Media Contact for Oklo:
Bonita Chester, Head of Communications and Media at [email protected]
Investor Contact:
Sam Doane, Senior Director of Investor Relations at [email protected]
OKLO letos kleslo asi o 18 % a po korekci působí vyváženěji, ale firma je stále před generováním tržeb. Pomáhá jí pokrok v Aurora-INL, výrobě paliva a partnerstvích, zatímco rizikem zůstává cash burn a načasování milníků.
Key Takeaways OKLO's YTD decline has made investors reassess whether the advanced nuclear stock is a better bet.Project progress, fuel fabrication, recycling plans and customer momentum support OKLO's long-term story.OKLO's valuation has compressed, but pre-revenue risks, cash burn and milestone timing remain concerns. Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) has lost about 18% year to date, making investors ask whether the pullback has created a better entry point into one of the most-watched advanced nuclear names. The broader nuclear trade has cooled as well, with NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) down 27% and NANO Nuclear (NNE - Free Report) off 5.4%.
YTD Price Performance Comparison Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
All three companies are benefiting from the same long-term theme of rising demand for reliable, carbon-free power from data centers, industrial customers and government users.
However, investors should recognize that OKLO remains at a much earlier stage of commercialization than many traditional energy companies. As a pre-revenue business, its investment case depends less on current financial performance and more on whether management can successfully convert development progress into commercial deployment.
OKLO’s Pullback Looks Less Extreme Than NuScale’s
OKLO’s decline this year is meaningful, but it is less severe than NuScale Power’s drop. NANO Nuclear has held up better, but it is also at an early stage, with investors watching licensing, fuel logistics and microreactor commercialization milestones. The decline in OKLO shares appears to reflect a reset after strong enthusiasm for advanced nuclear stocks.
Investors still like the long-term theme, but they are being more selective about companies that need regulatory approvals, financing, fuel access and customer conversion before meaningful revenue arrives. OKLO’s correction may make the stock more balanced, but not necessarily low risk.
Execution Progress Strengthens the OKLO Story
OKLO has made several moves that support its long-term plan. The company has advanced its Aurora-INL project, including DOE-related safety and authorization work, and is pushing fuel fabrication readiness through its Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility. It has also built customer momentum across data centers, industrials, energy and government users. The company’s model is broader than simply building reactors. OKLO wants to connect power generation, fuel fabrication, fuel recycling and isotope production into one integrated platform. This could prove valuable as fuel supply is becoming a key bottleneck for advanced nuclear deployment.
The MOU with Standard Nuclear adds another important piece. The companies plan to explore nuclear fuel recycling and advanced fuel manufacturing, including the potential use of recycled materials as feedstock for domestic TRISO fuel production. OKLO and Standard Nuclear are also advancing DOE discussions tied to surplus plutonium utilization. This fits OKLO’s strategy of turning used or surplus nuclear materials into productive energy assets. It also differentiates OKLO from NuScale Power, which is built around a light-water small modular reactor design, and from NANO Nuclear, which is developing microreactor and fuel-related capabilities.
Earnings Estimates Show the Risk
The main caution is that OKLO remains pre-revenue. That makes earnings estimates less useful than they would be for a mature power producer, but they still show how far the company is from profitability. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for OKLO’s 2026 loss per share has moved 8% lower, while the 2027 estimate has moved 17% lower. Analysts expect a bigger loss than before. That is not surprising for a company investing in first-of-a-kind nuclear assets, fuel facilities and regulatory work. However, investors must be comfortable with cash burn, uncertain timelines and possible future capital raises. NuScale Power and NANO Nuclear face similar early-stage risks.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
OKLO’s Valuation Is Better, But Still Requires Patience
OKLO now trades at about 3.9 times book value, only slightly above its subindustry and far below its earlier peak of more than 35 times. That sharp valuation reset is one reason the stock looks more interesting after the correction. A lower price-to-book multiple gives investors less exposure to the aggressive nuclear expectations previously built into the stock. Even so, OKLO is not a simple value play. Book value does not fully capture uncertainty around licensing, construction, fuel qualification, customer contracts and project economics. In particular, the stock remains highly sensitive to milestone timing.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Conclusion
After a reasonable year-to-date correction, OKLO looks like a better-balanced bet than when expectations were higher. The company has visible progress in Aurora-INL, fuel fabrication, recycling, customer development and strategic partnerships, while its valuation has compressed.
However, OKLO is still pre-revenue. Earnings estimates have weakened and commercialization remains a long, regulated and capital-intensive process. For investors seeking exposure to advanced nuclear power, OKLO deserves attention alongside NuScale Power and NANO Nuclear, but the risk-reward is not yet strong enough to call it an outright buy. OKLO stock is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
OKLO získala od NRC schválení svého reportu Principal Design Criteria, což podporuje budoucí licencování reaktorů. U projektu Aurora-INL už splnila klíčové milníky DOE.
Key Takeaways OKLO is using flexible regulatory pathways to support fast fission reactor deployments at scale.Aurora-INL has completed key DOE milestones tied to reactor safety and project design agreements.NRC approval of OKLO's design criteria report supports future licensing and repeatable reactor approvals. Regulatory execution is becoming a key factor in bringing advanced nuclear technologies to market. For Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) , progress with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) and the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) is central to its plan to deploy fast fission reactors at scale. By engaging early with regulators and using pathways suited to each asset, the company aims to reduce uncertainty, improve timeline visibility and support a more repeatable deployment model.
OKLO is taking a flexible approach to regulatory approvals rather than relying on a single process. For its Aurora-INL project, the company has already completed several important DOE milestones, including agreements related to reactor safety and project design. The next major steps involve final safety reviews, readiness assessments and approval to begin operations. Progress under the DOE's Reactor Pilot Program is important because it could help OKLO gain practical operating experience before expanding into broader commercial deployments.
OKLO is also making progress with the NRC. The agency recently approved the company's Principal Design Criteria topical report, an important step that supports future licensing work. OKLO has indicated that some of the technical and regulatory work completed for Aurora can be reused for future projects, which could help shorten approval timelines. At the same time, the company's Aurora-Ohio project is moving toward the combined license application stage. Together, these efforts suggest that OKLO is building a repeatable process for licensing future reactors while continuing to advance development, procurement and commercialization activities.
How Nuclear Peers Are Managing Licensing and Fuel Risk
NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) stands out for having one of the most advanced regulatory positions in small modular nuclear power. NuScale Power says its design received U.S. NRC standard design approval in 2020, design certification in 2023 and a second standard design approval in 2025. NuScale Power also highlights an NRC-approved safety case, including passive safety features and a site-boundary emergency planning zone. This regulatory head start supports NuScale Power as projects such as RoPower and TVA/ENTRA1 move ahead.
NANO Nuclear Energy (NNE - Free Report) is at an earlier but active regulatory stage. NANO Nuclear expects to begin the Part 50 NRC licensing process after formal acceptance of the construction permit application for its KRONOS MMR deployment at the University of Illinois, with about 12 months of review expected. NANO Nuclear also lists regulatory progress in the United States and Canada as a key catalyst. For NANO Nuclear, early licensing work is important to reduce project risk and support future deployment.
The Zacks Rundown on OKLO
From a valuation standpoint, OKLO trades at a price-to-book ratio of 3.77, below the industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
OKLO currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.96 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 23 brokerage firms.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for OKLO’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
