Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Oklo (OKLO -8.52%) is trying to solve a simple problem that is getting bigger fast: AI data centers, industrial sites, and other power-hungry customers need more reliable electricity than the grid can provide.

In some places, the grid is nearly out of breath, and the load it must carry isn't getting lighter, either. Indeed, a June 2026 report from the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that data centers could consume about 11.8% of all U.S. electricity by 2030, up from about 4.4% in 2023. That's a huge jump, and it doesn't even paint the full picture either. New factories, more electric vehicles, and a broader shift toward electrification efforts will also push power demands even higher.

Oklo's answer to this is a small nuclear reactor that can sit close to customers, like data centers and factories. The autonomy of on-site power could take a load off the grid, not to mention give customers round-the-clock electricity without waiting years to connect to the grid.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

If all this, so far, has made you yawn, then I'd venture to guess you've heard this story before. And, indeed, many investors have already shrugged it off. For many, the "AI power" narrative is a development too far into the future to warrant an investment today. Besides, Oklo is burning cash today and may still be years away from earning money on nuclear power. It's not for nothing that the stock has tanked over 75% since peaking above $190 last October.

It's understandable why investors would shy away from Oklo. But after the months-long sell-off, I think this nuclear energy stock is worth reconsidering today for one reason.

Today's Change

(

-8.52

%) $

-3.75

Current Price

$

40.25

The reason I would buy Oklo today I said earlier that Oklo is helping solve a potential power crisis in the U.S. But what should be said is that Oklo doesn't need to solve the entire problem to build a thriving business. Because a single data center campus can use enormous amounts of electricity, a few successful projects could end up generating billions in recurring revenue.

Take, for example, Oklo's deal with Meta (META -1.80%).

Under the terms of this agreement, Oklo plans to develop a 1.2-gigawatt nuclear power campus in Ohio to support Meta's data centers in that area.

Oklo's latest Aurora powerhouse can theoretically produce 75 megawatts, so the campus in Ohio would be equal to about 16 of these. If these reactors operate for 90% of the time, then the power plant would generate about 9.46 million megawatt-hours of electricity each year.

Oklo hasn't revealed any electricity prices yet -- it's way too early for that -- but if we decide on a range of about $70 to $125 per MWh, which is purely illustrative, Oklo could bring in between $700 million and $1.2 billion.

Hypothetical electricity priceGross annual revenue at full buildout$75 per MWh$710 million$100 per MWh$946 million$125 per MWh$1.18 billion Of course, these are illustrative scenarios, not a forecast. Oklo still has to license and build reactors, not to mention prove if can scale them profitably. But, in a back-of-the-envelope way, I think it shows why Oklo could be such a rewarding stock long-term: It only needs a handful of big wins to build it into a very large business.

Sam Altman is well known for leading OpenAI, the disruptive force that created the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. But he is also a disruptive force as a backer of technologies across a range of industries, most famously at nuclear energy start-up Oklo (OKLO -8.43%). The stock went on a miracle run last year on bullish enthusiasm tied to the power needs of AI data centers, hitting a market cap of around $25 billion in 2025.

Now shares are down 75% in less than a year. Does that mean you should follow Altman and his investment worth hundreds of millions of dollars and buy the dip on Oklo stock?

Today's Change

(

-8.43

%) $

-3.71

Current Price

$

40.29

Nuclear energy innovation Nuclear energy may be a way to generate electricity for power-hungry AI data centers without raising residential electric bills.

Companies like Oklo are designing small modular reactors that can directly power these data centers, skipping the electric grid. In fact, Oklo aims to build its own nuclear power facilities and operate them for customers such as Meta Platforms, which has signed a large agreement with Oklo.

Such contracts could generate reliable revenue in the billions of dollars year after year for AI data centers. Oklo is currently working with the Department of Energy on a pilot reactor in Idaho to pave the way for this future growth. However, as of this writing, its design has not been fully approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Image source: Getty Images.

The truth about Oklo stock The fact that Oklo does not have a working reactor design today means it might be many years -- if not a decade -- before it starts operating its first power plant for a customer like Meta Platforms. Right now, it is generating zero revenue and will generate only a negligible amount from its isotope business for the foreseeable future.

Over the last 12 months, free cash flow was negative $154 million. This figure will only get worse as the business scales up manufacturing. Plus, even after this share price collapse, Oklo still trades at a market cap of $7.6 billion, despite zero revenue. A combination like this is a recipe for massive investor risk. Just because the stock has already fallen 75% does not mean it cannot fall another 75% from here. Avoid buying the dip on Oklo stock today.

Brett Schafer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

LOCKHART, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $OKLO #advancedfission--Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) (“Oklo”), an advanced nuclear technology company, today announced it received startup authorization for its Groves Isotope Test Reactor. This authorization, granted under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Reactor Pilot Program, completes DOE's authorization process and clears the way for fuel loading, startup testing, and reactor operations. Groves is a low-power test reactor designed to demonstrate reactor design, build, and operations.

Oklo Inc. OKLO shares moved higher on Wednesday after a report said the advanced nuclear reactor developer is joining a Trump administration-led initiative designed to accelerate the development of new power plants to support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers.

According to a Bloomberg report citing a document it reviewed, Oklo and X-Energy will participate in a $200 million government program aimed at speeding up the deployment of power infrastructure needed to meet growing AI-related electricity demand.

The initiative also includes technology companies Microsoft and Nvidia and could be formally announced at an AI energy summit convened by the US Department of Energy.

Oklo shares rose as much as 5.9%, while X-Energy gained as much as 3.2% on Wednesday.

The reported initiative comes as policymakers and technology companies seek solutions to rising electricity demand created by the rapid expansion of AI data centers.

According to Bloomberg, the program is intended to address concerns that the buildout of AI infrastructure has contributed to higher electricity prices across the United States.

Technology companies including Nvidia and OpenAI have previously identified energy availability as one of the biggest challenges to expanding AI adoption while maintaining the United States' competitive position against China in artificial intelligence.

The Department of Energy is expected to use the initiative to accelerate the development of next-generation nuclear facilities capable of providing continuous, carbon-free electricity for large-scale AI computing infrastructure.

Bloomberg reported that several Department of Energy national laboratories, along with institutions including the University of Texas at Austin, are expected to share $60 million over a three-year period under the initiative.

According to the document reviewed by Bloomberg, one of the primary objectives of the initiative is to reduce the time required to design, license and construct new nuclear power plants.

The program also seeks to lower the staffing requirements needed to operate future facilities.

The Department of Energy estimates that approximately 300 gigawatts of new nuclear generating capacity will be required by 2050 to meet future electricity demand.

However, advanced nuclear reactors have not yet begun operating on a commercial scale.

Alongside this initiative, the Department of Energy has pursued other measures to support nuclear development, including plans to provide plutonium from Cold War-era nuclear weapons for use by commercial reactor developers.

The latest effort reflects increasing attention from the US administration on ensuring sufficient energy infrastructure to support continued AI development.

Demand for electricity has accelerated after years of relatively flat growth, driven largely by the expansion of AI data centers requiring significant computing power.

The increasing strain on power markets and its effect on consumer electricity prices have also emerged as political issues ahead of the November midterm elections.

The reported initiative highlights the growing intersection between artificial intelligence, energy policy and advanced nuclear technology as governments and technology companies work to secure reliable sources of power for the next phase of AI infrastructure expansion.

Key Takeaways OKLO shares rose more than 6% after its selection for the nuclear initiative.The program aims to speed reactor development for dependable AI data-center power.The initiative will direct $60 million over three years to energy labs and institutions. Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) drew fresh investor attention after Bloomberg reported that the advanced nuclear developer had been selected for a Trump administration-led initiative to accelerate nuclear power deployment for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Another alternative-energy company, X-Energy (XE - Free Report) , is participating alongside technology behemoths Microsoft and Nvidia in the roughly $200 million program, which reflects the urgent need for dependable electricity to support AI infrastructure. The news lifted sector sentiment, with OKLO shares rising more than 6%, X-Energy climbing more than 7% and NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) gaining more than 9%, despite not being part of the initiative.

The selection of Oklo and X-Energy highlights the potential role of advanced reactors in supplying the continuous electricity AI data centers require. Rapid growth in computing capacity is placing added pressure on the U.S. grid, increasing demand for dependable power sources that can operate around the clock. The initiative is expected to direct $60 million over three years to Department of Energy laboratories and institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin, to support research and accelerate reactor development. Although NuScale Power is outside the program, its shares benefited from expectations that stronger federal support could improve prospects across the advanced nuclear industry.

The market reaction suggests that investors view the initiative as a broader endorsement of advanced nuclear technology, not merely a direct opportunity for OKLO and X-Energy. It also signals growing policy recognition that AI expansion will depend heavily on access to reliable electricity. NuScale Power’s rally, despite its exclusion, shows that optimism is spreading to other reactor developers as investors anticipate wider benefits from faster research, licensing and infrastructure planning. For OKLO, the initiative strengthens its position within the emerging connection between nuclear power and AI data-center growth.

The Zacks Rundown on OKLO

Shares of Oklo have lost around 31% over the past year, underperforming the industry's growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

OKLO currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 2.04 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 25 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 #4 (Sell).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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.

Image: Shutterstock.com

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

Oklo's (OKLO 1.42%) stock price has declined by more than 42% in 2026 as of this writing, but analysts are still generally optimistic about the future. Of 22 analyst ratings tracked by CNN, the median one-year price target is $87.

That suggests significant gains are ahead, but there's a reason why investors will still want to proceed with caution before buying Oklo stock.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Oklo's upside potential From Oklo's July 16 closing price of $41.11, reaching that median price target of $87 would provide a potential return of roughly 112%. Of the 22 analysts mentioned earlier, the most bullish has a price target of $140, which would imply upside of more than 240%.

At first glance, Oklo appears to be a compelling investment. Those price targets, however, even at the median, may be a bit too optimistic for the next 12 months.

Today's Change

(

-1.42

%) $

-0.59

Current Price

$

41.11

A pre-revenue business that's still building its future As demand for power supply continues to grow, Oklo is developing a promising business model. Through fuel fabrication, it can power its reactors and sell heat and electricity. Using recycling technologies, Oklo can recycle fuel for reuse in the reactors, creating a continuous cycle for power generation.

That continuous cycle and vertical integration set it apart in the nuclear power industry. But Oklo has yet to launch commercial operations that can generate sales from.

It can provide updates on construction and regulatory tailwinds that are bullish for its long-term success. But there's just nothing in place to generate meaningful revenue in the short term. In the meantime, it is well funded, with $2.5 billion in cash and marketable securities as of March 31.

Oklo could always theoretically climb to around $90 or more by next year. But being patient and pushing that price prediction out by a few years sets up a better risk-to-reward ratio for this stock.

Jack Delaney has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Key Takeaways newcleo filed a U.S. regulatory plan for its lead-cooled fast reactor.Its integrated model combines modular reactors with specialized recycled nuclear fuel.Nasdaq proceeds could fund development, licensing work and expansion in the United States. Advanced nuclear companies are increasingly attracting investor attention as governments and businesses search for dependable, carbon-free electricity to meet future power needs. The latest example is France-based newcleo, which is moving closer to becoming a publicly traded company through its planned business combination with NewHold Investment Corp. III.

The transaction, if completed, is expected to list the combined company on the Nasdaq under the ticker NWCL in the second half of 2026. At the same time, newcleo has taken another important step by submitting a Regulatory Engagement Plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) for its lead-cooled fast reactor, signaling progress toward eventual licensing in the United States.

Unlike many nuclear developers, newcleo is building an integrated business model. The Paris-headquartered firm is developing both advanced modular reactors and the specialized fuel needed to operate them. The fuel would be made partly from recycled nuclear materials, which could help reduce nuclear waste while producing reliable electricity and industrial heat. The proposed Nasdaq listing may provide up to $429 million in gross proceeds, although the final amount could be lower after expenses and shareholder redemptions. This funding could support reactor development, licensing work and newcleo’s expansion in the United States.

Investors should know that newcleo’s planned listing is part of a broader effort by advanced nuclear companies to raise money from public markets. Another advanced nuclear player, Standard Nuclear, has also proposed an initial public offering that could raise up to $383.3 million. The company supplies fuel for advanced reactors that may help meet growing electricity demand from AI data centers and other large users.

Together, Standard Nuclear's proposed IPO and newcleo's planned Nasdaq debut suggest that investors are increasingly willing to support advanced nuclear businesses with differentiated technologies. As more companies seek public funding, established listed players are also likely to remain in focus as the industry works toward the commercial deployment of next-generation nuclear solutions.

Established Public Leaders in Advanced Nuclear

Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) is an advanced nuclear company developing compact fast reactors to provide reliable, carbon-free electricity for data centers, industrial facilities and other energy-intensive users. As AI adoption drives higher power demand, OKLO is positioning its technology to deliver dependable round-the-clock electricity. OKLO has also strengthened its growth prospects by signing strategic agreements with prospective customers and participating in advanced nuclear fuel initiatives, making it one of the most closely watched publicly traded companies in the next-generation nuclear industry.

Meanwhile, NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) is among the leading developers of small modular reactor technology and is the first company to receive U.S. NRC approval for a design. NuScale Power is advancing projects with partners in the United States and overseas, including Romania, while preparing its technology for broader commercial deployment. By targeting utilities, industrial customers and AI-driven data centers, NuScale Power aims to deliver reliable, carbon-free electricity, keeping the Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) firm at the forefront of the emerging advanced nuclear market. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Investing in nuclear energy has been a big theme amid the tech build-out going on due to artificial intelligence (AI). Companies involved in nuclear energy have been fairly hot buys given the pressing needs for greater energy, and for it to be sourced in an environmentally friendly way.

Oklo (OKLO +0.11%) has benefited from that expectation in a huge way. Its small modular reactors are seen as being possible solutions to growing energy needs. They are small enough to be placed near data centers, and the stock has effectively offered investors a way to profit from the AI boom without directly investing in tech stocks.

But why then is this promising growth stock struggling of late, and down 36% thus far in 2026?

Image source: Getty Images.

The problem with Oklo's stock may simply be its high valuation As with anything tech and AI-related, Oklo's stock became egregiously valued during the past year. This is a company that still doesn't generate any revenue. Its first Aurora powerhouse might come online within the next year or two, and it'll likely still take a long time after that before the company generates meaningful revenue, much less profitability; over the trailing 12 months, Oklo has incurred operating losses totaling $173 million.

Even today, with a valuation of around $8 billion, investors are valuing the business highly, despite it still having a lot to prove. But that's still much more modest when compared to how high its valuation has been over the past year.

OKLO Market Cap data by YCharts

Is Oklo's stock cheap enough to buy now? Oklo's valuation has taken a considerable hit over the past several months as the stock is down around 76% from its 52-week high. It may seem cheap based on that, but that doesn't mean it's a value buy or that it's so low that it can't fall even lower.

At this early stage, it remains a speculative buy and will primarily appeal to risk-averse investors looking to profit from the growth of AI data centers. Oklo, however, isn't a slam-dunk buy even at these levels, because even once it begins generating revenue, the more pressing issue will be how long it may take for it to turn a profit and how well it'll be able to scale. With persistent losses and ongoing cash needs, dilution is a big risk and could send the stock far lower.

Today's Change

(

0.11

%) $

0.05

Current Price

$

45.86

Oklo's stock may be trading at a significantly reduced price and have considerable upside in the long haul, but it still isn't appropriate for most investors given the risk.

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.

Today's Change

(

-0.95

%) $

-0.47

Current Price

$

48.80

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 (OKLO +4.42%) stock has fallen below $50 a share, continuing a downward slide that began in mid-October of 2025. Not that long ago, investors were paying four times today's price for a nuclear energy company whose vision hasn't fundamentally changed.

Today's Change

(

4.42

%) $

2.09

Current Price

$

49.37

The sharp sell-off naturally raises an important question: Is this a buying opportunity for long-term investors?

What has changed since Oklo peaked? To get at the question, let's look at what has actually changed for Oklo since it peaked at all-time highs. Frankly, the change has been overwhelmingly positive.

In October 2025, just as the stock was sliding, Oklo entered a strategic partnership with a European reactor developer, newcleo (get it?), to develop fuel fabrication and manufacturing infrastructure in the U.S. Since nuclear fuel could become a huge bottleneck for nuclear energy in the future, this partnership could give Oklo greater control over that most critical part of the nuclear supply chain.

It didn't advance Oklo any closer to commercializing its Aurora powerhouse -- and apparently didn't do anything for the stock -- but I'd still give the move an A- for strategy.

Image source: Oklo.

Then, at the start of 2026, Oklo announced a major deal with Meta (META +4.75%), probably one of its most momentous. In this deal, Oklo agreed to support Meta's 1.2 gigawatt (GW) power campus in Ohio, ultimately to power its data centers in the region. The agreement allows Meta to prepay for power, which could provide Oklo with funding to build Aurora powerhouses there.

Again, it's not guaranteed commercial revenue in the coffers, but it's one of the clearest signs yet that major tech companies are interested in its technology.

Lastly, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently approved the final safety analysis for Oklo's Grove Isotope Test Reactor in Texas. This approval puts the reactor in the last stages before it can begin start-up testing. Oklo is aiming to demonstrate criticality -- that is, achieve a self-sustaining chain reaction -- before the end of July 2026.

Is Oklo the buying opportunity of a lifetime? The three developments mentioned above are positive signs from pre-revenue Oklo that it's moving forward, even as its stock moves in the opposite direction. But do they constitute a big enough change to make Oklo a buy today?

One thing is for certain: None of these changes eliminate Oklo's most pressing challenges. It still needs regulatory approval to commercialize its reactors, and it still needs to prove that its technology works in real-world settings. It could take years before Oklo has successfully put these challenges behind it, if it ever does.

The stock carries a much more favorable valuation than it once did, though its $8 billion market cap is still pricey by traditional standards. I wouldn't call Oklo the buying opportunity of a lifetime, but at today's price, I think it's worthy of a small position for patient investors willing to think a decade ahead.

Key Takeaways Standard Nuclear plans to raise up to $383.3M by offering 18.25M Class A shares at $18-$21.Standard Nuclear's IPO links advanced nuclear fuel with rising power needs from AI data centers.Standard Nuclear plans to use IPO proceeds for working capital, corporate needs and acquisitions. Standard Nuclear’s proposed initial public offering (“IPO”) reflects the improving appetite for nuclear-energy investments as investors increasingly look for companies positioned to benefit from the expected surge in electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data centers. The advanced nuclear fuel company plans to raise up to $383.3 million by offering 18.25 million Class A shares at $18-$21 apiece, implying a valuation of as much as $3.55 billion. The listing also highlights the reopening of the U.S. IPO market, where improving equity-market conditions and stronger investor sentiment have encouraged companies to pursue public offerings after a relatively cautious period.

Standard Nuclear’s IPO is notable because it connects two themes currently being watched by investors: advanced nuclear fuel and rising long-term electricity demand. The company produces fuel for advanced reactors, including small modular reactors and microreactors, which are viewed as potential options for meeting future power requirements. However, investor response to the offering will likely depend on how the market assesses the company’s growth prospects, valuation and execution risks.

The IPO proceeds are expected to provide Standard Nuclear with additional financial flexibility to fund working capital, support general corporate needs and pursue acquisitions or investments that complement its business. The company has also applied to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "STDN." While the final valuation will depend on investor demand, the proposed offering underscores growing confidence in nuclear-related businesses as capital markets increasingly reward companies aligned with long-term energy-transition and power-demand trends.

While Standard Nuclear is preparing to enter the public markets, it is not the only company drawing investor attention. Several publicly traded nuclear companies are already benefiting from growing interest in technologies that could help meet rising long-term electricity demand, particularly from AI-driven data centers.

Leading Public Companies in Advanced Nuclear

Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) is one of the most closely watched advanced nuclear companies as it focuses on developing compact fast reactors designed to provide reliable, carbon-free electricity for data centers, industrial facilities and military applications. The company aims to serve customers seeking dependable round-the-clock power as electricity demand rises with the expansion of AI infrastructure. Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) OKLO has also been signing strategic agreements with potential customers, making it one of the prominent companies that investors are following in the emerging advanced nuclear industry. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Meanwhile, NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) is among the leading developers of small modular reactor technology and is the first company to receive U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval for a design. NuScale Power is working with partners on projects in the United States and overseas, including Romania, while also advancing plans to support large-scale power deployment. NuScale Power believes its modular reactors can deliver reliable, carbon-free electricity for utilities, industries and AI-driven data centers, keeping NuScale Power at the forefront of the commercial small modular reactor market.

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.

Today's Change

(

-0.17

%) $

-0.09

Current Price

$

52.36

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.

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.

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.

Click for the complete disclosure

Oklo stock jumps after the start-up says its Groves reactor, which will be used to produce isotopes, is on track to go live this month.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #advancedfission--Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) (“Oklo”), an advanced nuclear technology company, today announced that it has acquired Creative Engineers, Inc. (“CEI”), an industry leader in chemical process engineering with extensive expertise in sodium and alkali-metal systems. The acquisition brings CEI's specialized capabilities in liquid-metal systems, component development, fabrication, manufacturing, and applied R&D into Oklo's expanding team, strengthening technical are.

There are surprisingly strong synergies between nuclear energy and artificial intelligence.

In many ways, nuclear energy stocks today can almost be considered AI stocks. That's because the multitrillion-dollar global data center build-out to support AI technologies requires an increasing number of new energy sources to come online. Nuclear energy is an ideal solution for many reasons. Nuclear energy typically offers low carbon emissions, reliable baseload power, and limited refueling requirements.

But it's not just AI companies that are looking into nuclear. Nuclear companies are now looking into AI.

Today's Change

(

-5.64

%) $

-3.05

Current Price

$

51.01

This nuclear energy company is going all in on AI Last month, Oklo Inc. (OKLO 5.64%) -- a nuclear energy developer specializing in small modular reactors (SMRs) -- announced a partnership with the Battelle Energy Alliance, a government-owned facility focused on nuclear energy research. The goal of the partnership is to accelerate the use of AI technologies for designing and building next-gen nuclear reactors.

In this way, Oklo now has two main exposure points to AI. Most of its customer pipeline consists of AI companies. And now, it plans to use AI itself to improve its own produce pipeline.

If you're bullish on AI in general, Oklo is emerging as a promising potential stock pick. Shares are down by nearly 70% since their highs last summer. Its market cap is now down to just $10 billion -- down from a peak of around $30 billion.

Image source: Getty Images.

Oklo isn't a traditional nuclear energy developer. It is pioneering a unique approach to nuclear power using small modular reactors (SMRs). Only a small handful of SMRs are in operation worldwide. And while SMRs have many benefits versus conventional nuclear power plants -- including lower initial costs and faster construction times -- this type of nuclear infrastructure has yet to take off in any meaningful way.

But tailwinds for SMR adoption are emerging. AI data centers will need vast amounts of new energy capacity to come online over the next few years and decades to support growth. Most forms of energy are set to benefit. Because they are faster to build and can be expanded with more reactor modules down the line, SMRs are a potential fit for meeting AI's rising energy demands.

There is clear buy-in from the U.S. government to expand SMR infrastructure. Oklo's partnership with the Battelle Energy Alliance reportedly gives it "access to specialized national-lab expertise and facilities." The ultimate goal is to enable Oklo to innovate faster by designing, building, and obtaining regulatory approval in record time.

"By leveraging AI-enabled technologies, national laboratory expertise, and industry collaboration, we are accelerating the development of next-generation reactors to support our nation's energy goals," Rian Bahran, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Reactors at the U.S. Department of Energy, said in a press release.

Oklo deserves a closer look by both AI and nuclear energy investors.

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] 

SOURCE Centrus Energy Corp.

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.

The artificial intelligence (AI) data center boom is pushing hyperscalers to demand more electricity, particularly from "carbon-free" sources such as nuclear power. However, the traditional process of building new nuclear power plants is costly, time-consuming, and risky for utility companies.

Duke Energy (DUK 0.09%) is proposing a creative alternative. The large utility, which operates mainly in the U.S. southeast, is proposing that big tech companies help fund the construction of new nuclear power plants.

If the big tech hyperscalers buy into this idea, this could create a win-win scenario for many stakeholders. Utilities can capitalize on the data center trend while minimizing downside risk. Data center build-outs could accelerate.

Alongside this, early-stage nuclear companies, which have so far struggled to turn their technology into tangible projects, could also get a boost. In particular, one nuclear start-up, which is already well connected to the hyperscalers, stands to benefit greatly.

Image source: Getty Images.

Duke Energy and its nuclear proposition to big tech Historically, the construction of new electric power plants has been solely the domain of regulated utility companies. Regulated utilities borrow or raise additional equity capital to build a plant, with regulator-approved rate hikes helping to pay off construction costs.

This model may work fine for traditional coal- and gas-fired plants, but it's a risky strategy for nuclear power plant construction. Nuclear power plant projects often fall behind schedule, with final costs exceeding initial forecasts. Worse yet, the time lag between putting up the capital for these new plants and recovering costs through rate increases puts regulated utilities in a financial bind.

That's why, despite the robust and still-growing demand for new nuclear power capacity, utilities remain cautious about pursuing new projects. Moreover, that's why Duke, looking to capitalize on the trend yet at the same time limit downside risk, is making its "nuclear proposition" to the hyperscalers.

If this proposal helps to spur a more rapid development of nuclear power capacity, the greatest beneficiaries could be nuclear technology start-ups, especially developers of small modular reactors (SMRs). There are numerous public companies involved in the SMR sector. Nuclear energy stocks NuScale Power and Nano Nuclear Energy may come to mind first, but one stock that may benefit from this proposal is Oklo (OKLO 5.09%).

Oklo: Well positioned for this idea Just like its competitors, Santa Clara, California-based Oklo is an early-stage, pre-revenue company. Yet while its shares have declined like those of its competitors, they have held up relatively well. Recent regulatory progress with its first major project may be a big reason for this, but Oklo has other strengths as well.

Namely, the company already has existing ties with tech giants like Meta Platforms. If Duke is successful in getting Meta and other big tech companies to agree to its customer-financed power plant idea, these companies could look to Oklo rather than NuScale or Nano Nuclear Energy to provide the technology and know-how to build these plants.

Don't get me wrong. Oklo remains in start-up mode, relying on dilutive stock sales to fund operations and growth. Moreover, the company's $10 billion market cap already reflects potential upside from commercialization opportunities.

However, if Duke's idea gains traction and companies like Meta start funding the construction of utility infrastructure, such as SMRs, to power their data centers, Oklo could once again become one of the most popular speculative growth stocks. The stock may not climb back to its high-water mark, which was nearly three times its current trading price. However, don't rule out the potential for a catalyst like this to have a dramatic impact on the Oklo stock price.

Key Takeaways SpaceX's debut may broaden focus to OKLO and NuScale as AI data centers drive electricity demand.OKLO is pursuing reactors, fuel fabrication and recycling while still needing approvals and revenues.NuScale has NRC approval for its SMR design and uses conventional low-enriched uranium. The successful public debut of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SPCX - Free Report) earlier this month may have implications beyond the aerospace sector. As investors evaluate SpaceX’s long-term growth opportunities, attention could also shift toward companies that may help support the next phase of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-center expansion. Two companies that fit that theme are Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) and NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) .

The connection comes down to electricity demand. SpaceX is increasingly being viewed as more than a rocket-launch and satellite-internet company. Investors see potential opportunities in areas such as AI infrastructure, defense technology, communications and data centers. While these markets offer significant growth potential, they also require large amounts of reliable power. AI data centers, in particular, need a continuous electricity supply to support their high computing workloads.

As a result, energy availability is becoming an important part of the AI investment story. While renewable sources such as solar and battery storage can help meet some demand, they may not be enough to provide consistent power around the clock. Small modular reactors (“SMR”) are attracting interest because they could deliver reliable, carbon-free electricity on a large scale. This growing focus on dependable power generation could increase investor interest in companies such as OKLO and NuScale Power.

Why OKLO Fits the Theme

OKLO could benefit if SpaceX’s public-market debut increases investor focus on the infrastructure needed to support AI, data centers and other power-intensive technologies. As investors look beyond SpaceX’s core rocket-launch and satellite businesses and consider its potential role in communications, defense technology and AI-related infrastructure, attention may increasingly turn to companies capable of supplying the reliable electricity needed to support that growth. In that environment, OKLO may be viewed as a potential solution to rising demand for around-the-clock power.

At the same time, OKLO remains an early-stage company, so the investment case is based more on future potential than current earnings. The company still needs to secure regulatory approvals, develop its fuel strategy, build projects and convert customer interest into commercial revenue. However, OKLO’s strategy extends beyond reactor development. It is also pursuing fuel fabrication, fuel recycling and other nuclear-related services. If fuel availability becomes a key challenge for the advanced nuclear industry, these additional capabilities could strengthen OKLO’s long-term position.

Why NuScale Power Could Also Gain

NuScale Power may benefit from the same power-demand trend, but its appeal is different. NuScale Power has a more established regulatory story, with its SMR design already backed by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval. NuScale Power also uses conventional low-enriched uranium, which is more available than some advanced nuclear fuels.

This could make NuScale Power attractive to investors who want exposure to the SMR theme but prefer a technology path that appears closer to commercial use. The company is also working with utilities and international partners, while positioning its reactors as a possible solution for data centers and grid power needs.

Bottom Line

SpaceX may be the headline story, but the broader investment theme extends beyond aerospace. If AI, satellites, data centers and defense technologies continue to expand, electricity demand is likely to rise alongside them. OKLO and NuScale Power — both carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) — could benefit from increased investor focus on energy infrastructure because both are developing technologies aimed at delivering clean, reliable around-the-clock power.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

However, investors should remain careful. OKLO and NuScale Power are still speculative stocks. Their long-term success will depend on approvals, financing, customer contracts and actual project delivery — not just SpaceX-related excitement.

Oklo stock is showing downward pressure. What’s ahead for OKLO stock? What Is Driving Oklo’s Recent Progress?The latest focus is a Letter of Intent signed last week between Centrus Energy Corp and Oklo covering domestic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) supply, framed as one of the early large-scale HALEU arrangements and one that may include prepayment structures from Oklo. The parties are working toward a definitive contract, with deliveries potentially beginning in 2029 to support up to five Aurora powerhouses over multiple years.

Oklo’s bid for credibility on execution is also tied to build-readiness work, including an MOU with Kiewit Nuclear Solutions to support engineering, procurement and construction planning for initial deployments in southern Ohio. That "fuel plus build plan" pairing has helped keep buyers engaged even when broader tape action turns risk-off.

Critical Price Levels for OKLO StockThe bigger-picture chart still leans bearish: at $57.90, the stock is trading about 7% below its 20-day SMA ($61.95), about 11.9% below its 50-day SMA ($65.39), about 9% below its 100-day SMA ($63.28), and about 32.2% below its 200-day SMA ($84.91). That positioning keeps rallies vulnerable to "sell-the-rip" behavior, especially with the 20-day SMA below the 50-day SMA and the death cross (50-day below 200-day) that formed in February.

Momentum also isn’t confirming a clean upside turn yet: MACD is below its signal line and the histogram is negative, which points to fading upside pressure versus the prior upswing unless buyers can rebuild momentum. In plain terms, MACD compares faster and slower trend signals—when it’s below the signal line, it often means the rebound is losing steam.

Key Resistance: $66.00 — a round-number area that also lines up closely with the 50-day SMA ($65.39), making it a logical spot where rebounds can stall Key Support: $53.50 — a nearby prior demand zone that sits above the $44.88 52-week low, where buyers may try to defend pullbacks How Oklo Plans to Deliver Clean EnergyOklo is developing fission power plants to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale. It’s pursuing two tracks: supplying commercial-scale power to customers and selling used nuclear fuel recycling services to the U.S. market.

The company plans to commercialize its liquid metal fast reactor technology through its Aurora powerhouse product line. Its first commercial Aurora powerhouse is designed to produce up to 15 megawatts of electricity (MWe) using either recycled nuclear fuel or fresh fuel—so fuel-supply agreements like HALEU sourcing matter because they tie directly into whether deployment timelines (like the 2029 delivery target) look achievable.

OKLO Stock Price Movement in PremarketOKLO Stock Price Activity: Oklo shares were up 0.54% at $57.50 during premarket trading on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

Image: Shutterstock

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. and OAK RIDGE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $OKLO #advancedfission--Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) (“Oklo”), an advanced nuclear technology company, and Standard Nuclear, a reactor-agnostic producer of TRISO nuclear fuel, today announced they have entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore commercial collaboration on nuclear fuel recycling and advanced fuel manufacturing. As part of that collaboration, the companies also intend to work together on the safe, secure, and cost-effective utilization of U.

Key Takeaways Oklo signed an MOU with Standard Nuclear to explore fuel recycling and advanced fuel manufacturing.Oklo will assess recycled fuel materials as feedstock for domestic TRISO fuel production.Oklo and Standard Nuclear are advancing DOE talks tied to surplus plutonium utilization. Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) and Standard Nuclear have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaboration on nuclear fuel recycling and advanced fuel manufacturing. The partnership marks Oklo’s first third-party offtake pathway for recycled nuclear materials and reflects a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain as demand for reliable, carbon-free power continues to grow.

The agreement comes as both companies advance negotiations with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under its Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program, highlighting their role in supporting the next generation of advanced nuclear technologies.

Recycling Used Nuclear Fuel for Advanced ApplicationsA key focus of the collaboration is the evaluation of recycled nuclear materials from Oklo’s planned fuel recycling facility in Oak Ridge, TN. The companies will assess the potential supply of reprocessed uranium (RepU) and uranium-transuranic (U/TRU) materials recovered from used nuclear fuel.

These recycled materials could serve as feedstock for Standard Nuclear’s TRISO fuel production, helping create a domestic source of advanced reactor fuel. By recovering valuable materials from spent fuel, the partnership seeks to unlock energy resources that would otherwise remain unused while reducing dependence on newly mined inputs.

Exploring the Use of Surplus PlutoniumBeyond fuel recycling, the agreement establishes a framework for evaluating the use of surplus U.S. plutonium in advanced reactor fuel. The companies plan to explore opportunities related to facilities, licensing, transportation and packaging to support the safe and cost-effective conversion of plutonium into usable reactor fuel.

For Oklo, the initiative aligns with its broader strategy of transforming surplus nuclear materials into productive energy assets. The company is also advancing its Pluto fast test reactor project, which aims to demonstrate how plutonium can serve as a bridge fuel for advanced nuclear systems.

Supporting a Secure Domestic Fuel EcosystemThe collaboration reflects growing industry efforts to establish a resilient and independent U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain. Standard Nuclear, the nation’s only independent developer of reactor-agnostic TRISO fuel, views the partnership as an opportunity to secure long-term feedstock supplies for both advanced reactors and radioisotope power systems.

Meanwhile, Oklo continues to expand its capabilities in fuel recycling and isotope recovery, targeting applications that extend beyond electricity generation into healthcare, defense, research, industrial processes and space technologies.

Growing Policy Support for Nuclear EnergyThe partnership comes amid increasing federal support for nuclear energy development. Rising electricity demand, driven in part by the rapid expansion of AI data centers, has intensified concerns about grid reliability and long-term power availability.

To address these challenges, the U.S. government has launched initiatives aimed at rebuilding domestic nuclear fuel capabilities. Programs such as the DOE’s “Nuclear Dominance — 3 by 33” seek to strengthen every stage of the fuel cycle, including mining, conversion, enrichment and recycling, while reducing reliance on foreign supply sources in the United States by 2033.

Positioning for the Next Phase of Nuclear GrowthAs advanced reactor deployment gains momentum, access to reliable fuel supplies is becoming a critical industry priority. The collaboration between Oklo and Standard Nuclear demonstrates how fuel recycling, advanced manufacturing and government-backed initiatives can work together to support the expansion of nuclear energy.

By combining expertise in fuel recovery and advanced fuel production, the companies are positioning themselves to play an important role in the evolving U.S. nuclear landscape while helping create a more secure and sustainable fuel ecosystem for future reactor technologies.

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 BHP Group Limited (BHP - Free Report) , NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE - Free Report) and PG&E Corporation (PCG - Free Report) — each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

BHP Group is one of the world's largest mining companies and a leading producer of iron ore, copper and metallurgical coal and is making strides to move into potash production. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BHP’s 2026 earnings indicates 41.5% 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.

San Francisco, CA-based PG&E is the parent holding company of California’s largest regulated electric and gas utility, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The company generates revenues mainly through the sale and delivery of electricity and natural gas to customers. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PCG’s 2026 earnings indicates 10% year-over-year growth.