Accessible version US Cleantech BofA Cleantech Symposium - What we learned Estimate Change Tone improved: policy less uncertain, high power demand We hosted our annual Cleantech Symposium in New York with ~30 corporates and ~100 investors. The tone was noticeably improved from a year ago as the policy landscape has become less uncertain and corporates look to capitalize on the data center and power growth theme organically and via M&A with improved capital markets access. Data centers dominate the power dem ...

Key Points Oklo is a nuclear startup in the pre-revenue phase of development. Eventually, the company hopes to build small modular reactors (SMRs) co-located with AI data centers. We won't know whether the company's technology works for at least a year and probably longer. 10 stocks we like better than Oklo › The stock of nuclear start-up Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) has taken investors on a roller-coaster ride this year. In April, it was trading at less than $20 per share, but by mid-October it had soared ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oklo reported a third-quarter operating loss of $36.3 million, which includes a non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $9.1 million [39] - The loss before income taxes for the third quarter was $29.2 million, reflecting an operating loss adjusted for net interest income of $7.1 million [40] - The company closed the quarter with approximately $1.2 billion in cash and marketable securities, with cash burn tracking in line with expectations [11][41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oklo's Advanced Fuel Center represents a significant investment of up to $1.68 billion, anchoring the long-term fuel supply chain [9] - The company achieved a key regulatory milestone with the Department of Energy's approval of the Nuclear Safety Design Agreement for the Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility, completed in under two weeks [10] - The Atomic Alchemy pilot facility was selected under the Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program, creating a faster pathway to construction and operations [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oklo was selected for three projects under the Department of Energy's new Reactor Pilot Program, which is expected to accelerate deployment timelines [7][12] - The company is evaluating potential power sales with the Tennessee Valley Authority as part of its Tennessee Fuel Center initiative [11] - Oklo signed new international partnerships with European companies Moltex and Nucleo to advance joint technology and fuel manufacturing capabilities [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Oklo's mission is to deliver clean, reliable, affordable energy at a global scale, focusing on advanced nuclear power as a transformative energy solution [4] - The company is building on its proven liquid metal sodium-cooled technology, which has over 400 combined reactor years of operating experience [6] - The strategy includes a build, own, operate model that allows for direct power sales under long-term contracts, creating recurring revenue [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Oklo's unique positioning to thrive in the current advanced nuclear sector environment, driven by federal programs and growing customer interest [4] - The company anticipates that the DOE authorization pathway will de-risk the regulatory process and allow for faster construction and operation timelines [16] - Management highlighted the importance of a diversified fuel strategy to adapt to changing market dynamics and ensure long-term supply security [27] Other Important Information - The Advanced Fuel Center in Tennessee is expected to create over 800 permanent jobs and is the first privately funded recycling facility of its kind in the U.S. [34] - The Nuclear Refuel Act of 2025 aims to provide regulatory clarity for licensing advanced fuel recycling facilities, which could streamline the licensing process for Oklo's Tennessee facility [36] - Oklo's partnerships with international companies are expected to enhance its supply chain strategies and expand its technology base [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Does the INL plant shifting to the DOE pathway change the requirement to submit a COLA with the NRC? - Management confirmed that they no longer need to submit a COLA and will go through the DOE authorization process instead [43][44] Question: Are you still targeting commercial operations at INL to commence between late 2027 and early 2028? - Management stated that they are still targeting that timeline, but the DOE pathway may allow for accelerated milestones [55][58] Question: Can you help me understand the conversion math regarding the 20 tons of plutonium reserves potentially being made into 180 tons of Aurora fuel? - Management expressed enthusiasm about the question and indicated that the conversion process could significantly accelerate deployment schedules [64]

Core Insights - Oklo Inc. has achieved a valuation exceeding $20 billion despite not generating any revenue, drawing comparisons to early-stage Tesla and skepticism akin to the 2021 SPAC boom [1][5][12] - The company aims to revolutionize nuclear energy with its microreactors, particularly the Aurora Powerhouse, designed for various applications [3][10] - The current energy landscape, driven by AI data centers and the need for low-carbon energy, has heightened interest in Oklo's compact reactors [4][10] Company Overview - Oklo is focused on making microreactors commercially viable, which are small, factory-assembled nuclear units [3] - The company has an accumulated deficit exceeding $160 million and anticipates ongoing losses as it navigates regulatory processes and construction [6][9] - The first commercial deployment is targeted for 2027-2028, indicating that revenue generation is still years away [6] Valuation Analysis - Oklo's valuation is significantly higher than established nuclear firms and advanced-reactor competitors, trading at 8-10 times forward sales based on projected revenues of $2-3 billion by the end of the decade [8][9] - The high valuation reflects expectations of flawless execution, with potential for rapid re-evaluation if delays or regulatory issues arise [9] Market Context - The concept of modular, scalable, zero-carbon nuclear energy addresses urgent global needs for reliable clean energy amid rising electricity demands [10] - Some investors view Oklo as a high-risk technology investment, similar to early investments in Tesla or SpaceX [11][13] - The narrative surrounding Oklo is compelling, but the reality includes no current revenues and a high valuation, presenting a mixed outlook for potential investors [12][13]

Industry Overview - The worldwide clean energy market was estimated to be about $0.7 trillion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% to reach approximately $1.8 trillion by 2033 [1] Company Analysis Oklo - Oklo is developing compact nuclear reactors capable of delivering up to 75 megawatts of clean power, utilizing specialized fuel and recycled nuclear waste for improved efficiency [4] - The compact nature of Oklo's reactors makes them suitable for off-grid and remote areas, such as AI data centers and mining sites [5] - Currently pre-revenue, Oklo has about $530 million in cash and equivalents, with an average annual burn rate of $53 million, providing a few years of operational runway [5] - The company has gained early backing from notable figures like OpenAI's Sam Altman and recent support from the White House, significantly increasing its market value in 2025 [5] Bloom Energy - Bloom Energy designs solid oxide fuel cells that convert natural gas, biogas, and hydrogen into clean electricity without combustion [6] - The fuel cells provide reliable 24/7 power with lower emissions compared to conventional grids, targeting customers that require highly reliable on-site power, such as data centers, manufacturing plants, hospitals, and utilities [8] - Bloom has established a strong customer base, including Fortune 100 companies like FedEx, Walmart, The Home Depot, and AT&T, as well as a growing list of data center clients like Oracle and Equinix [9]

Core Insights - Oklo, a nuclear start-up, has seen its shares fall over 20% from their highs but remains up over 550% year-to-date, with a current valuation of approximately $20 billion despite not having produced a working nuclear reactor yet [1][10] Company Overview - Oklo is developing a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) called the Aurora Powerhouse, which aims to utilize sodium-cooled fast reactor technology, differing from conventional water-cooled reactors [3] - The Aurora Powerhouse is expected to generate "up to 75 megawatts" of electrical output [3] Technology Viability - Each component of Oklo's proposed technology has been successfully tested or deployed in other settings, with at least two commercial SMRs currently operational in Russia and China [4] - The U.S.'s Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) demonstrated the feasibility of sodium-cooled fast reactors, producing 20 megawatts of power from 1965 to 1994 [4] Market Potential - U.S. electricity demand is projected to increase by 20% to 25% over the next five years, largely driven by the growing need for data centers [8] - Oklo's self-powering data centers could alleviate pressure on local energy grids, potentially leading to skyrocketing demand due to the lack of viable alternatives [9] Business Model - Oklo plans to maintain ownership of its SMRs and sell the generated power, which could create sustainable cash flow for decades [11] - A mature Oklo could evolve into a utility-scale power provider, offering dividends to investors and providing both price appreciation and potential income streams [11] Strategic Partnerships - Oklo has announced a partnership with Vertiv to develop a joint cooling system for a data center powered by an on-site SMR, integrating cooling systems for both data centers and nuclear power plants [7]

Core Viewpoint - Oklo's stock has experienced significant volatility, with a substantial increase in value followed by recent declines, raising concerns about its valuation and pre-revenue status [2][5]. Company Overview - Oklo is a California-based developer of advanced nuclear microreactors, specifically the Aurora Powerhouse, which is a modular 75 MWe fast reactor designed with passive safety features and capable of using recycled nuclear waste [3][4]. - The company aims to commercialize the Aurora reactor by 2027-2028, targeting data centers and other customers in need of reliable clean energy [3][8]. Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Oklo reported a net loss of $24 million, compared to a loss of approximately $17.7 million in Q2 2024, with revenue remaining at $0 as the company is still in the pre-revenue stage [6]. - The operating loss was $28 million, which included $11.4 million in stock-based compensation, resulting in an EPS of roughly –$0.18, an improvement from –$0.27 a year ago [6][7]. - Cash burn was high, with $30.7 million used in operating activities year-to-date, ending the quarter with about $683 million in cash and marketable securities [7]. Market Position and Investor Sentiment - Oklo's market capitalization is valued at $18.5 billion, with shares increasing approximately 529% year-to-date, driven by investor enthusiasm for nuclear energy's role in the clean energy transition and AI applications [2][5]. - However, the stock has faced selling pressure, particularly after Cathie Wood's ARK Invest trimmed its holdings, contributing to a more than 15% drop in shares [5][9]. Recent Developments - Oklo has formed a strategic alliance with Newcleo and Blykalla to develop U.S. fuel fabrication infrastructure, with an investment of up to $2 billion to support fuel recycling and reactor programs [10]. - The company is also pursuing licensing, with a Phase 1 pre-application of Aurora at the DOE's Idaho National Lab underway, and an NRC license application expected by the end of 2025 [12]. Competitive Positioning - Oklo's technology aims to produce more fuel than it consumes and is designed for niche applications such as data centers and hospitals, differentiating it from peers like NuScale and TerraPower [4][13]. - The company is positioned in the advanced nuclear segment, benefiting from emerging federal and state support for nuclear innovation [13]. Analyst Ratings - The consensus rating for Oklo stock is a "Moderate Buy," with an average target price of $93, indicating about 30% downside potential [14]. - Analysts express caution regarding valuation risks, with some maintaining "Buy" ratings based on long-term potential despite short-term losses [15].

Core Insights - Global electricity demand is increasing due to factors such as electrification, electric vehicle adoption, air conditioning usage, and AI-related data centers. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that U.S. data centers will account for approximately half of the power demand increase by 2030, with a 130% rise in power consumption from 2024 to 2030 [1][2]. Group 1: Data Center Power Consumption - A typical hyperscale AI data center consumes as much electricity annually as 100,000 homes, highlighting the significant energy requirements of large data centers [2]. - The IEA anticipates that U.S. data center power consumption will increase by 130% from 2024 to 2030, driven largely by the growth of AI and data processing needs [1][3]. Group 2: Nuclear Power Agreements - Meta and Microsoft have signed 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Constellation Energy for nuclear power, with Meta sourcing power from the Clinton Clean Energy Center starting in June 2027, and Microsoft supporting the reopening of the Three Mile Island Unit 1 [3]. - Talen Energy's Susquehanna nuclear plant has a new PPA with Amazon Web Services for 1,920 MW through 2042, indicating strong demand for reliable power sources [4]. Group 3: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) - SMRs, defined as nuclear reactors generating up to 300 MW, are gaining interest due to their smaller footprint, shorter build time, and lower costs. They can be deployed at retired coal plants and are expected to be operational by 2030 or later [4][5]. - Google has entered a PPA for 50 MW from Kairos Power's Hermes 2 plant, scheduled to begin operations in 2030, as part of a larger agreement for 500 MW by 2035 [4][5]. Group 4: Investment Opportunities - Companies such as Constellation Energy, Talen Energy, Dominion, Vistra, Rolls-Royce, and Oklo are part of the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, which focuses on utilities and technology developers benefiting from nuclear energy demand [6]. - Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are included in the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index, which encompasses over 50 companies in AI infrastructure and applications [6]. Group 5: Conclusion - Nuclear power is positioned as a reliable and clean energy solution for data centers, with existing plants meeting immediate power needs and SMRs offering long-term potential [7].

Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) is one of the Best WallStreetBets Stocks to Invest In. On September 25, Goldman Sachs initiated coverage of the company’s stock with a “Neutral” rating and a price objective of $117, as reported by The Fly. Against the backdrop of the growing nuclear small modular reactor race in the US, Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) continues to advance its sodium-cooled fast fission nuclear reactor, the Aurora Powerhouse, with a target to reach commercialization by late-2027/early-2028, added the firm’s ana ...

Core Viewpoint - Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) has experienced a significant decline in its stock price, attributed to insider selling and cautious coverage from Goldman Sachs, which has issued a "neutral" rating on the stock [1][2][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Oklo's shares fell by 9.18% to close at $119.13, marking a second consecutive day of losses [1]. - The stock has been described as catalyst-driven over the past year, but Goldman Sachs emphasizes the need for finalized customer agreements to support future growth [3]. Group 2: Analyst Insights - Goldman Sachs has advised investors to approach Oklo with caution, indicating that the company's valuation appears full and its business strategy requires de-risking [2]. - The firm acknowledges potential for continued near-term catalysts but stresses the importance of securing customer agreements [3]. Group 3: Company Status - Oklo remains a pre-revenue company and has not yet secured a license to build its first power plant, the 75-megawatt Aurora Powerhouse, which is expected to be operational by late 2027 or early 2028 [4]. - Key executives have sold significant portions of their stakes, with CEO Jacob DeWitte selling $3 million, Director Michael Klein selling $6.7 million, and CFO unloading $9.4 million worth of shares [4][5].