Nuclear power stocks are facing scrutiny in 2026, with both Oklo (OKLO) and NuScale Power (SMR) experiencing significant declines—11% and nearly 27%, respectively. As the market reassesses these companies, investors are urged to differentiate between hype and actual business viability. While both firms are positioned to benefit from the growing demand for reliable energy sources, NuScale appears to be the more attractive option at present, boasting a market cap of $3.6 billion and an NRC-certified small modular reactor design.

Despite its advantages, NuScale has yet to secure any firm sales, and its revenue trajectory is closely tied to large utility providers. In contrast, Oklo, which is targeting a diverse client base including data centers and governments, may not achieve regulatory approval for its reactor until 2027 or 2028. This delay raises questions about its current valuation, especially given its lack of revenue.

For investors considering exposure to the nuclear sector, maintaining small positions in either stock is advisable. However, NuScale stands out as the safer speculative choice for 2026, given its regulatory progress and market positioning.

Source: fool.com