Despite an earnings miss, the nuclear AI trade remains intact as investors monitor upcoming catalysts for SMR developers OKLO and NuScale Power (NNE).
Shares of NuScale Power Corp (SMR), Oklo Inc (OKLO), and Nano Nuclear Energy Inc (NNE) have drawn intense investor attention as nuclear developers race to supply hyperscalers and AI companies with reliable, carbon-free power for rapidly expanding data center operations. Despite NuScale’s weak quarterly results earlier this week, retail traders remain undeterred, increasingly prioritizing long-term artificial intelligence demand over near-term fundamentals.
NuScale reported first-quarter revenue of $0.57 million, a 96% decline from the $13.38 million recorded in the same period of 2025. The figure also fell significantly short of the $5.57 million consensus estimate tracked by Fiscal.ai. Yet, rather than triggering a sell-off, the miss sparked a 197% surge in retail discussion volume. One trader noted, “SMR posted terrible numbers this week, but the stock didn't crash!” Another projected the share price could break above $13.50, while a third emphasized patience, stating the company is still in its nascent stages and investors should realistically wait 18 months before expecting tangible results. Highlighting the sector’s structural advantages, one commentator wrote: “$SMR Key Points NuScale is sitting at the intersection of two powerful tailwinds: artificial intelligence infrastructure and clean energy. The company is the only nuclear reactor developer in the U.S. with an NRC-approved small modular reactor design.” Despite an initial post-earnings dip, NuScale shares have recovered to gain more than 4% for the week.
Market focus now shifts to Oklo Inc, which faces two key catalysts next week. The company is scheduled to release its first-quarter 2026 financial results after the market closes on Tuesday, May 12, with analysts forecasting a loss of $0.19 per share. Additionally, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is expected to deliver its safety evaluation for Product-Based Operator Licensing (PBOL) on May 11. Oklo shares rose more than 2% in Friday’s premarket trading. Retail sentiment around the stock remains neutral amid normal message volumes. According to Koyfin data, the 12-month average price target stands at $91.36, implying approximately a 27% upside from current levels.
Attention will subsequently turn to Nano Nuclear Energy Inc (NNE), set to report quarterly results on May 14. Analysts expect a loss of $0.26 per share. Earlier this week, the company announced a memorandum of understanding with Super Micro to develop AI data centers powered by nuclear energy. NNE shares also climbed more than 2% in Friday’s premarket session. Retail sentiment toward the stock is extremely bullish, supported by high discussion volumes. One trader noted that if NNE breaks above $26.65, the stock “will move up fast.”
Over the past year, nuclear energy developers have attracted mounting investor interest as tech giants seek scalable, emissions-free baseload power. Despite recent volatility, all three stocks have faced headwinds year-to-date: NuScale has declined more than 22%, Oklo has fallen over 7%, and Nano Nuclear Energy is down more than 3%. Nevertheless, retail positioning suggests confidence that the convergence of AI infrastructure demand and clean energy mandates will ultimately drive valuations higher.