Oklo vs. NuScale: Which Nuclear Stock Looks Better for Patient Investors?

Core Insights - The increasing power needs of artificial intelligence (AI) present an opportunity for companies developing small modular reactor (SMR) technology, as the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts AI's electricity consumption will double in the coming years [1]. Company Overview - SMRs operate similarly to full-sized nuclear power plants but on a smaller scale, making them suitable for powering AI data centers due to their reduced space and resource requirements [2]. Company Analysis: Oklo - Oklo's Aurora SMR utilizes liquid sodium metal as a coolant, allowing it to produce 90% less nuclear waste compared to traditional water-cooled reactors [5][6]. - Despite its innovative technology and a government contract for an Aurora reactor at Eielson Air Force Base, Oklo currently generates no revenue and is not expected to do so until 2027 or 2028 [7]. - Oklo's market capitalization is $10 billion, with a current stock price of $63.24, but it is considered highly speculative due to its lack of revenue generation [9]. Company Analysis: NuScale - NuScale's SMR is a miniaturized conventional water-cooled reactor that can be factory-assembled and deployed, and it has been selected to support the Tennessee Valley Authority in deploying 6 gigawatts of SMR capacity [10]. - In Q3 2025, NuScale reported $8.2 million in revenue, primarily from its collaboration with Fluor on Romania's RoPower Doicești plant, which contributed $7.8 million [11]. - NuScale has a market capitalization of $3.8 billion, a current stock price of $12.61, and holds $753.8 million in cash and equivalents, indicating a stronger financial position compared to Oklo [13][14].