Nuclear power is gaining attention as demand for electricity from data centers and artificial intelligence surges. Investors are comparing advanced reactor developers like Oklo Inc. (OKLO) with established utilities such as The Southern Company (SO) amid this shifting landscape.
Oklo has secured a significant 1.2-gigawatt agreement with Meta Platforms (META) to develop an advanced nuclear campus in Ohio, with plans for initial power delivery anticipated around 2030 and full completion by 2034. The company currently has approx. $1.2 billion in cash, projected losses of 20 cents per share as of Q3 2025, and is expected to generate no revenue until late 2027 or 2028. In contrast, Southern Company reported adjusted earnings per share of $4.30 for 2025, forecasting 7% earnings growth for 2026, driven by retail electric sales growth of 1.7% and commercial sales expected to rise by 20% annually through 2030.
Over the past three months, Southern Company shares have seen over a 6% increase, while Oklo’s shares have dropped by 25.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests Southern will continue to grow, while Oklo faces earnings declines and regulatory hurdles, reflecting the broader preference for earnings stability in the current market environment.
