GE Vernova Shares Rise 0.18% on $1.67B Volume Ranks 44th as Nuclear SMR Momentum Builds

General Electric's (GE) power generation subsidiary, GE Vernova (GEV), saw a 0.18% gain on Aug. 22, with a trading volume of $1.67 billion, placing it 44th in market activity. The stock's performance was driven by strategic developments in its nuclear energy division. Swedish utility Vattenfall has narrowed its small modular reactor (SMR) supplier shortlist to GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce, signaling strong demand for the BWRX-300 reactor model. The utility is evaluating five GE Vernova units or three Rolls-Royce SMRs to replace aging reactors at its Ringhals plant, aiming to generate 1,500 megawatts of low-carbon power. This project aligns with Sweden’s 2045 net-zero goals and highlights GE Vernova’s leadership in Western SMR construction, with the first BWRX-300 unit under development in Ontario and regulatory reviews underway in the U.S.

Analyst activity further bolstered investor confidence. Bank of America raised its price target for GEV to $600, while JPMorgan increased its target to $620, citing growth in AI and power infrastructure. Jim Cramer reinforced his "own it" stance on GE Vernova, emphasizing its diversified energy portfolio spanning gas turbines, wind, and nuclear. Meanwhile, the company announced a $100 million expansion of its Pennsylvania switchgear plant, creating 250 jobs to meet rising industrial power demand. These developments come as GE Vernova prepares to release Q2 2025 earnings ahead of market open on July 23.

Despite positive momentum, critics question the economic viability of nuclear projects due to high costs and long lead times. However, government-backed initiatives in energy security and decarbonization continue to favor nuclear solutions. The BWRX-300’s selection by Vattenfall underscores its potential to address both energy needs and climate targets, positioning GE Vernova at the forefront of the SMR market.

A backtest of a volume-based trading strategy—purchasing the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding for one day—yielded a total profit of $2,340 from 2022 to the present. The cumulative return reached 23.4%, indicating modest but positive performance, though not substantially outperforming broader market trends.