NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) saw its stock decline by 6.61% on January 13, 2025, closing at $18.80, down from the previous close of $20.13. The stock opened at $18.86 and fluctuated between a high of $19.43 and a low of $18.13, with a trading volume of 7,059,689 shares, which is 58.99% of its average daily volume. The downturn in NuScale's stock price is attributed to competitive pressures and regulatory uncertainties. A recent partnership between Blykalla and KSB to develop specialized pumps for Blykalla’s SEALER technology has raised concerns about increased competition in the nuclear energy sector, potentially challenging NuScale's market position. Additionally, a lawsuit involving Texas, Utah, and Last Energy against the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) over stringent licensing requirements for small modular reactors (SMRs) has added to the regulatory uncertainty, affecting investor sentiment.
Despite a positive outlook on nuclear energy from EU officials, the market response to NuScale's recent board expansion and broader market reactions have been unfavorable, contributing to the stock's decline. The ongoing lawsuit seeks to ease NRC regulations, which plaintiffs argue are economically prohibitive for SMR projects, further complicating the regulatory landscape for NuScale.