The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is fueling an insatiable demand for energy, and nuclear power is emerging as a serious contender. Unlike renewables, which face intermittency challenges, nuclear offers reliable, carbon-free baseload power - exactly what data centers and high-performance computing hubs need. As the world scrambles for scalable energy solutions, innovative players like Oklo (OKLO) are stepping up.

Oklo specializes in compact fast reactors designed for faster deployment and incremental scaling. The company just hit a key milestone, signing an agreement with Idaho National Laboratory to advance site work for its first commercial nuclear plant. Backed by the Department of Energy and local Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, the deal clears regulatory hurdles as Oklo moves toward its 2027 deployment goal.

With nuclear energy gaining momentum and Oklo locking in strategic partnerships, investors are starting to take notice. But should investors snag this nuclear disruptor with OKLO slashed in half since its February highs, or is it still too early to jump in?

About Oklo Stock

Oklo (OKLO), founded in 2013 by MIT graduates Jacob DeWitte and Caroline Cochran, seeks to revolutionize nuclear energy with an agile, market-driven approach. Eschewing costly R&D, the company refines compact, fast reactors - modular units designed for rapid deployment. Backed by investors, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Oklo went public in May 2024 via a SPAC merger.

Unlike traditional nuclear firms, Oklo prioritizes scalability and flexibility, forging partnerships to advance commercialization. With a focus on delivering reliable power efficiently, Oklo is positioning nuclear energy as a practical, scalable solution for modern energy demands.

Valued at $3.7 billion by market cap, shares of the nuclear energy firm currently sit 60% below their February high of $59.14. Yet, OKLO has surged more than 113% over the past 52 weeks, including a 170% rally over the past six months. Backed by favorable policies, key partnerships, and bullish investor sentiment, OKLO continues to defy the odds, outpacing broader market indices.

A Closer Look at Oklo's Fiscal 2024 Results

Oklo’s 2024 report, revealed recently, is one of ambition colliding with financial reality. The pre-revenue nuclear innovator reported a staggering $73.62 million loss - more than double its 2023 deficit - as it presses forward with its first “powerhouse” reactor at Idaho National Laboratory. Investors balked, sending shares down 6.4% on concerns about long-term profitability.

A lifeline may emerge in 2026 with the company’s radioisotope demonstration project, targeting early revenue opportunities. Licensing and construction of its first radioisotope production facility are set for 2025 and 2026, while the Aurora reactor - boasting a 10-year refueling cycle and scalable up to 50 megawatts - aims for first electricity production between late 2027 and 2028.

Oklo’s commercialization strategy hinges on long-term contracts for heat and power, with a tentative deal already struck with Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska - pending final approval. Investors found a silver lining earlier this week as shares climbed on news that Oklo advanced in a pre-application review with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The road ahead is steep, but if Oklo can turn vision into power, it could change the energy game. 

Analysts monitoring Oklo predict the company's losses to shrink to $0.43 per share in 2025.

What Do Analysts Expect for Oklo Stock?

Wedbush’s Dan Ives keeps Oklo at “Outperform” with a $45 target price, citing its new 75 megawatts reactor - tailor-made for data centers. The company’s 14-gigawatts pipeline cements its long-term edge in advanced nuclear. With a scalable design and growing demand for clean, reliable energy, Oklo is shaping the future of power-hungry industries. Wedbush sees this as a strategic play in the nuclear renaissance, positioning Oklo as a key innovator in the energy transition.

Oklo has Wall Street’s attention, with consensus a “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Of the five analysts covering the stock, three are highly bullish, advising a “Strong Buy,” and the remaining two are playing it safe with a “Hold” rating.

The average analyst price target of $44.50 hints at 91% upside potential, and the Street-high of $58 signals that the stock could surge as much as 150%.