New York — Shares of Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) surged again Monday, rising nearly 11% and extending a rally that has seen the stock gain 195% since April 22, the day Sam Altman stepped down as chairman.
Altman’s departure appears to have marked a turning point for investor sentiment. Since then, Oklo has attracted attention as a leading player in the emerging nuclear energy space, particularly in small modular reactors (SMRs).
Government Deal Fuels Optimism
Investor enthusiasm grew further after Oklo was selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to supply nuclear power to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. This marked a major milestone for the company’s commercial strategy.
The selection validates Oklo’s next-gen reactor technology and puts it on track to deliver one of the first operational SMRs in the U.S.
Policy Support Driving Sector Momentum
Oklo is also benefiting from broader policy tailwinds. President Donald Trump recently signed executive orders aimed at cutting red tape for nuclear energy projects.
The new policies are designed to fast-track licensing for reactors, reducing the approval process from several years to just 18 months. This move has energized the entire nuclear sector.
Analyst Upgrades Reflect Confidence
Following the Department of Defense announcement, Wedbush Securities raised its price target on Oklo stock from $55 to $75. Analyst Dan Ives described the company as a key part of the “AI energy revolution.”
As tech firms search for sustainable ways to power energy-hungry AI models, SMRs like Oklo’s are emerging as a viable solution.
Stock Performance: A Historic Rally
Oklo’s stock performance has been staggering. Over the past:
- 5 days: up 29.22%
- 1 month: up 82.04%
- 6 months: up 289.02%
- Year-to-date: up 230.38%
- 1 year: up 590.35%
The stock opened Monday with a strong gap up, reflecting overwhelming buying pressure. By late afternoon, it was trading near $69.40, setting a new record.
Sector-Wide Strength
Other nuclear-related stocks also saw gains. BWX Technologies (BWXT) and NuScale Power (SMR) both rose on Monday, while Cameco (CCJ) climbed over 6%, reflecting rising investor confidence across the sector.
The surge reflects growing belief that nuclear will play a vital role in powering AI infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions.
What’s Next for Oklo?
Oklo aims to deploy its first commercial SMR by late 2027 or early 2028. While no commercial SMRs are operational yet, the company is seen as a front-runner in the race.
With strong federal support, government contracts, and investor momentum, Oklo is now firmly in the spotlight as a major player in the clean energy transition.