Is Oklo Stock a Buy Right Now?

Core Viewpoint - Oklo, a nuclear energy company, has seen its stock price surge significantly, with a year-over-year increase of 1,945% and a year-to-date rise of 518%, raising questions about the sustainability of its nearly $20 billion market cap given its lack of meaningful revenue generation [1][3]. Company Overview - Oklo is developing advanced microreactors known as "Aurora" powerhouses, designed to operate on high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) and recycled nuclear fuel, aiming for greater efficiency and reduced waste compared to traditional reactors [3][4]. - The company has expanded into radioisotope production through its acquisition of Atomic Alchemy, intending to produce medical isotopes domestically to alleviate supply shortages, potentially generating revenue before its reactors are operational [4]. Regulatory and Financial Challenges - Oklo's Aurora powerhouses currently lack regulatory approval, and the company has not yet constructed a commercially operable full-scale reactor. It is projected to experience a cash burn of $65 million to $80 million in 2025, with revenue generation from its powerhouses not expected until the end of the decade [5][6]. Industry Context - The U.S. government is supportive of nuclear energy, with recent executive orders and initiatives aimed at accelerating the development and safety checks of advanced nuclear reactors, which could benefit companies like Oklo [6][8]. - The stock price of Oklo surged nearly 30% on September 19, 2025, following a joint U.S.-U.K. initiative related to nuclear energy, highlighting the potential for its Aurora powerhouses to serve as a significant energy solution for AI data centers [8].