Better Small Modular Reactor Stock to Buy After the Sell-Off: Oklo vs. NuScale Power

OKLO and SMR shares have tumbled 45% and 37% respectively in 2026, creating a potential entry point in the small modular reactor space despite surging AI data center demand for nuclear power. Analysts favor OKLO, setting a median one-year price target of $80—implying 97% upside from current levels.

OKLO's edge centers on three factors: a vertically integrated business model that controls more of the supply chain, a partnership with META to power data centers, and a stronger balance sheet holding $3 billion in cash compared to SMR's $1.9 billion. The META tie-up positions OKLO to capture growing power demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure, a trend analysts expect to accelerate through 2026.

SMR, while also serving the reactor market, lacks the same cash cushion and strategic partnerships that have driven analyst confidence in OKLO. The 8-percentage-point performance gap between the two stocks year-to-date suggests the market is already pricing in execution risk at SMR.