In the evolving landscape of energy, Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and Oklo Inc. (OKLO) stand as two innovative players, each with a unique approach to nuclear energy. While Centrus focuses on supplying nuclear fuel and technical solutions, Oklo is pioneering compact fission power plants aimed at delivering reliable energy. Their overlapping commitment to sustainable energy solutions makes this comparison particularly relevant. Join me as we analyze these companies to determine which one presents the most compelling investment opportunity.
Table of contents
Company Overview
Centrus Energy Corp. Overview
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) is a prominent player in the nuclear energy sector, dedicated to supplying nuclear fuel and associated services primarily for the nuclear power industry across the United States and internationally. With a market capitalization of approximately $4.54B, Centrus operates through two main segments: Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and Technical Solutions. The LEU segment is focused on providing separative work units and natural uranium components, while the Technical Solutions segment offers a range of services including engineering and procurement. Founded in 1998 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, Centrus is positioned as a vital contributor to sustainable energy solutions, capitalizing on its extensive experience and technical expertise.
Oklo Inc. Overview
Oklo Inc. (OKLO), founded in 2013 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is revolutionizing the energy landscape by designing and developing compact fission power plants aimed at delivering reliable, commercial-scale energy solutions. With a market cap of around $14.35B, Oklo also specializes in recycling used nuclear fuel, thus contributing to a circular economy in energy production. The company is strategically focused on meeting the growing demand for clean energy in the United States, leveraging advanced technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector.
Key similarities and differences
Both Centrus Energy and Oklo operate within the nuclear energy sector but have distinct business models. Centrus focuses on nuclear fuel supply and technical services, while Oklo is concentrated on developing compact fission power plants and recycling used nuclear fuel. Their approaches reflect different facets of the nuclear industry, underscoring the diversity of opportunities within this sector.
Income Statement Comparison
In the following table, I have compared the most recent income statements of Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and Oklo Inc. (OKLO) to provide insights into their financial performance.
| Metric | Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) | Oklo Inc. (OKLO) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 4.54B | 14.35B |
| Revenue | 442M | 0 |
| EBITDA | 86.5M | -52.5M |
| EBIT | 75.7M | -52.8M |
| Net Income | 73.2M | -73.6M |
| EPS | 4.49 | -0.74 |
| Fiscal Year | 2024 | 2024 |
Interpretation of Income Statement
Centrus Energy Corp. has shown a strong revenue increase to 442M in 2024, with net income of 73.2M, indicating robust profitability and operational efficiency. In contrast, Oklo Inc. continues to struggle, reporting zero revenue and a significant net loss of 73.6M. This reflects a lack of sales and operational challenges. The divergence in performance highlights Centrus’s effective market positioning while Oklo must focus on strategic developments to improve its financial health.
Financial Ratios Comparison
The following table presents a comparison of key financial ratios for Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and Oklo Inc. (OKLO) based on the most recent data available.
| Metric | LEU | OKLO |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 45.35% | -29.35% |
| ROIC | 4.02% | -19.13% |
| P/E | 14.84 | -31.76 |
| P/B | 6.73 | -29.73 |
| Current Ratio | 2.93 | 43.47 |
| Quick Ratio | 2.46 | 4.51 |
| D/E | 0.97 | -0.01 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 14.36% | 1.68% |
| Interest Coverage | 17.78 | 0 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.40 | 0 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 47.02 | 0 |
| Payout Ratio | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 0% | 0% |
Interpretation of Financial Ratios
In comparing these two companies, LEU demonstrates strong profitability metrics with a high ROE and manageable debt levels, indicating potentially lower risk. In contrast, OKLO exhibits negative profitability ratios, which raises concerns about its financial health. The extraordinarily high current and quick ratios suggest liquidity but may also highlight inefficiencies in asset management. Investors should approach OKLO with caution due to these red flags, while LEU appears more stable as an investment choice.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) does not pay dividends, reflecting its focus on reinvestment strategies during a growth phase. The company actively engages in share buybacks, which can enhance shareholder value if managed prudently. Conversely, Oklo Inc. (OKLO) also does not distribute dividends, primarily due to negative net income and prioritization of R&D. Both companies’ approaches indicate a commitment to long-term value creation, albeit with inherent risks related to capital allocation and financial sustainability.
Strategic Positioning
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) holds a significant position in the uranium market, with a market cap of 4.5B, primarily focusing on supplying nuclear fuel and services. Its LEU segment faces competitive pressure from emerging technologies and players like Oklo Inc., which has a robust market cap of 14.3B and specializes in innovative fission power plants. The competitive landscape is marked by rapid technological disruption, underscoring the need for both companies to adapt and maintain their market shares effectively.
Stock Comparison
In the past year, Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and Oklo Inc. (OKLO) have demonstrated significant price movements, reflecting their unique trading dynamics and market sentiment. The respective charts illustrate these developments, with both companies showing remarkable growth trajectories.
Trend Analysis
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) has shown an impressive price change of +417.26% over the past year. This bullish trend indicates strong investor confidence, despite a recent deceleration in acceleration. The stock reached a notable high of $383.00 and a low of $35.36. The recent period from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, shows a price increase of +16.73%, accompanied by a standard deviation of 55.23, suggesting moderate volatility.
Oklo Inc. (OKLO) has similarly exhibited a substantial price change of +516.18% over the same timeframe, affirming a bullish trend as well. The stock price fluctuated between a high of $163.39 and a low of $5.59. In the recent period, from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, it recorded a price increase of +10.48%, with a standard deviation of 24.46, indicating lower volatility than LEU.
Both stocks are experiencing bullish trends, but it is essential to consider the recent deceleration in their acceleration rates as a factor for cautious investment decisions.
Analyst Opinions
Recent analyst recommendations for Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) indicate a cautious approach, with a rating of B- based on its solid return on equity (5) and assets (4). Analysts suggest a “buy” stance due to its favorable financial metrics, despite a lower debt-to-equity score (1). Conversely, Oklo Inc. (OKLO) received a C rating, reflecting concerns over its return on equity (1) and assets (1), leading to a “hold” recommendation. Overall, the consensus for LEU is “buy,” while OKLO leans towards a “hold” for the current year.
Stock Grades
I have reviewed the latest stock grades from reliable grading companies for Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and Oklo Inc. (OKLO). Below are the detailed ratings for each company.
Centrus Energy Corp. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-25 |
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-07 |
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-10-31 |
| HC Wainwright & Co. | Maintain | Buy | 2025-08-26 |
| Evercore ISI Group | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-08-08 |
| B of A Securities | Downgrade | Neutral | 2025-08-07 |
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-08-07 |
| B. Riley Securities | Maintain | Buy | 2025-06-23 |
| Evercore ISI Group | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-06-18 |
| B. Riley Securities | Maintain | Buy | 2024-10-30 |
Oklo Inc. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wedbush | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-11-12 |
| B of A Securities | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-12 |
| B. Riley Securities | Maintain | Buy | 2025-11-12 |
| B of A Securities | Downgrade | Neutral | 2025-09-30 |
| Seaport Global | Downgrade | Neutral | 2025-09-23 |
| Wedbush | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-09-22 |
| Wedbush | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-08-14 |
| Wedbush | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-08-12 |
| HC Wainwright & Co. | Maintain | Buy | 2025-08-12 |
| Citigroup | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-07-22 |
Overall, the trend for both stocks indicates a cautious sentiment from analysts, with several grades remaining stable while others show downgrades. Centrus Energy has several neutral grades, suggesting a wait-and-see approach, while Oklo Inc. has maintained outperform ratings, indicating potential for future growth despite recent downgrades.
Target Prices
The latest consensus target prices for Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and Oklo Inc. (OKLO) reflect optimistic outlooks from analysts.
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centrus Energy Corp. | 275 | 245 | 257.33 |
| Oklo Inc. | 175 | 75 | 129.5 |
Analysts expect Centrus Energy Corp. to reach an average target of 257.33, slightly above its current price of 259.3, indicating stable sentiment. In contrast, Oklo Inc.’s consensus of 129.5 suggests potential upside given its current price of 91.83.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The following table summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and Oklo Inc. (OKLO) based on the latest available data.
| Criterion | Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) | Oklo Inc. (OKLO) |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Moderate | Low |
| Profitability | High (Net Margin: 26.4%) | None |
| Innovation | Strong | Emerging |
| Global presence | International | Domestic |
| Market Share | Growing | Small |
| Debt level | Moderate (Debt/Equity: 0.97) | Very Low (Debt/Equity: 0.005) |
Key takeaways indicate that Centrus Energy Corp. demonstrates strong profitability and a notable international presence, while Oklo Inc. is in the early stages with minimal profitability and market share but low debt levels.
Risk Analysis
In the following table, I provide an overview of the key risks associated with Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and Oklo Inc. (OKLO).
| Metric | Centrus Energy Corp. | Oklo Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | Moderate | High |
| Regulatory Risk | High | Moderate |
| Operational Risk | Moderate | High |
| Environmental Risk | Low | Moderate |
| Geopolitical Risk | Moderate | High |
Both companies face significant market and regulatory risks, particularly in the rapidly evolving energy sector. Centrus is challenged by regulatory changes impacting nuclear energy, while Oklo grapples with operational uncertainties related to emerging technologies in fission power.
Which one to choose?
When comparing Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU) and Oklo Inc. (OKLO), I observe distinct differences in their financial health and growth potential. LEU boasts a market cap of approximately $1.09B and has shown robust revenue growth, with a net profit margin of 16.56% in 2024. Its B- rating from analysts suggests it is well-regarded, particularly due to favorable return on equity metrics. Conversely, OKLO, with a market cap of about $2.10B, has yet to generate revenue and carries a C rating, indicating higher risk and uncertainty in its financial performance.
For growth-oriented investors, LEU appears more attractive given its profitability and strong analyst ratings. In contrast, conservative investors may lean towards stability and sustainability, making LEU the better choice overall.
However, I must highlight the risks associated with both companies, including competition, supply chain challenges, and market dependence.
Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Each investor is responsible for their own investment decisions.
Go further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Centrus Energy Corp. and Oklo Inc. to enhance your investment decisions:
