Is the Nuclear Energy Revival Making SMR Stock a Buying Opportunity Below $20?

The Market Moment for Nuclear Small Modular Reactors

NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) has experienced significant volatility recently, with shares trading around $17 after hitting a 52-week peak of $57 in October. This correction of over 58% in six months reflects broader concerns about the company’s path to profitability, yet it also presents an interesting entry point for investors watching the nuclear energy sector.

The pullback stems from multiple pressures: investor portfolio adjustments, cautious analyst commentary, and the critical challenge facing the company—securing its first paying customers. For a nuclear small modular reactors manufacturer like NuScale, demonstrating commercial viability remains the ultimate test.

Why The Timing Could Favor SMR Nuclear Stocks

The broader nuclear narrative has shifted dramatically. The artificial intelligence revolution is creating massive electricity demands that traditional power infrastructure struggles to meet. Data centers powered by AI require consistent, reliable baseload energy—and nuclear power, particularly innovative solutions like small modular reactors, stands positioned as a primary solution.

This energy crisis for AI presents NuScale with a rare window. The company isn’t just competing in an emerging market; it’s potentially riding a fundamental shift in how technology companies approach their power needs.

The Revenue Question Remains Critical

NuScale’s near-term prospects hinge on finalizing customer agreements and materializing partnerships. The company has potential deals in development, including arrangements that could meaningfully contribute to revenues. However, clarity likely won’t emerge until 2027 or later—a timeline that creates both opportunity and uncertainty for current investors.

For those considering nuclear energy stocks at current valuations, the question becomes whether potential upside from securing strategic customers justifies the execution risk.

Current Positioning and Investment Considerations

The 20% decline over the past month alone underscores how sentiment can shift rapidly in emerging growth stories. Yet this same volatility creates selection opportunities for investors with conviction in the nuclear energy thesis and confidence in NuScale’s ability to convert its customer pipeline into binding contracts.

The intersection of SMR technology innovation, AI energy demands, and depressed valuations creates a specific moment worth evaluating for your portfolio strategy.