3 Reasons OKLO Stock Isn't a Buy After 34% Monthly Drop
OkloOklo(US:OKLO) ZACKS·2026-02-13 14:40

Core Insights - Oklo Inc. (OKLO) is positioned at the intersection of advanced nuclear energy and the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), having secured a partnership with Meta Platforms (META) to develop a 1.2-gigawatt nuclear campus in Ohio [1][3] - Despite a previous surge in share price to a 52-week high of nearly $194, OKLO's stock has declined over 30% recently as investors reassess its valuation and execution risks [2][5] Company Developments - The agreement with META is a significant validation for OKLO, with pre-construction activities expected to start in 2026 and the first phase operational around 2030, with full delivery targeted by 2034 [3][4] - META's prepayment mechanism for the project provides upfront funding, which enhances capital visibility and reduces some financing uncertainties [3][12] Financial Performance - OKLO remains pre-revenue, reporting a loss of $0.20 per share in Q3 2025 and has missed earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters [10][12] - The company has a cash position of approximately $410 million but continues to experience negative free cash flow and relies on capital markets for funding [12] Market Position and Valuation - OKLO's shares are trading at over 8 times book value, significantly higher than its subindustry, despite having no operational reactors [6][8] - The stock's volatility reflects speculative positioning, with recent declines indicating that investor sentiment is more influenced by headlines than by financial progress [5][6] Industry Context - The nuclear energy sector is experiencing strong tailwinds, with projections indicating a potential 75% to 100% increase in U.S. electricity demand by 2050 due to AI [14] - Established operators like Constellation Energy (CEG) provide a more stable investment opportunity, generating billions in revenue and securing long-term power agreements with major tech companies [13][15] Technology and Future Prospects - OKLO is in the early stages of commercializing its sodium-cooled liquid-metal reactor technology, which presents engineering challenges and has not yet been proven at a commercial scale [16] - The company is also exploring additional initiatives, including a potential fuel facility in Tennessee and a military partnership in Alaska, which may stretch its capital and execution capabilities [16]

Oklo-3 Reasons OKLO Stock Isn't a Buy After 34% Monthly Drop - Reportify