Fluor Sells NuScale Stake for 326% Profit Amid Nuclear Energy Surge
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 5 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy FLR?
Source: Fool
Fluor Corp's stock rose by 3.02% as it reached a 20-day high, reflecting strong market conditions.
The company realized $2.43 billion from selling its 126 million shares of NuScale Power, achieving a remarkable 326% return on its initial $570 million investment. This strategic move not only strengthens Fluor's financial position but also supports its $1.4 billion share repurchase program, while maintaining its role as a preferred EPC partner for NuScale.
This sale positions Fluor to reduce debt and pursue high-growth opportunities in the nuclear sector, indicating a robust strategy for future expansion.
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Analyst Views on FLR
Wall Street analysts forecast FLR stock price to fall
6 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 51.080
Low
40.00
Averages
49.25
High
57.00
Current: 51.080
Low
40.00
Averages
49.25
High
57.00
About FLR
Fluor Corporation is a holding company that provides engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), fabrication and modularization, and project management services. The Company's segments include Urban Solutions, Energy Solutions and Mission Solutions. The Urban Solutions segment provides EPC and project management services to the advanced technologies and manufacturing, life sciences, mining and metals, infrastructure industries and professional staffing services. The Energy Solutions segment provides EPC services for traditional oil and gas markets, including production and fuels, chemicals, LNG and power markets. The segment serves these industries with comprehensive project life-cycle services. The Mission Solutions segment provides technical solutions to the United States and other governments. These include, among others, the DOE, the Department of Defense, FEMA and intelligence agencies. The segment also provides services to commercial nuclear clients.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Fluor (FLR) Set to Release Q1 Earnings on May 8
- Earnings Announcement: Fluor is set to announce its Q1 2023 earnings on May 8 before market open, with consensus EPS estimate at $0.62, reflecting a 15.1% year-over-year decline, and revenue estimate at $3.89 billion, down 2.3% year-over-year, indicating significant profitability challenges ahead.
- Historical Performance Review: Over the past two years, Fluor has only beaten EPS estimates 38% of the time and has not exceeded revenue estimates, highlighting the company's struggles in a competitive market and fluctuations in profitability.
- Estimate Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, Fluor's EPS estimates have seen three upward revisions and one downward revision, while revenue estimates have experienced two upward revisions and one downward revision, reflecting analysts' differing views and uncertainties regarding the company's future performance.
- Strategic Partnership Update: Fluor has signed a deal with X-energy for the Seadrift Nuclear Small Modular Reactor project, indicating the company's strategic positioning in the nuclear energy sector, aiming to drive future growth through the development of emerging markets.
See More
Fluor Corporation Reports Q1 Net Earnings Rebound
- Net Earnings Rebound: Fluor Corporation reported first-quarter net earnings of $160 million, a significant turnaround from a net loss of $241 million in the same period of 2025, indicating a strong recovery in profitability that may boost investor confidence.
- Improved Earnings Per Share: The earnings per share rose to $1.08 from a loss of $1.42 in the previous year, reflecting positive progress in cost management and operational efficiency, which could attract more investor interest.
- Adjusted EBITDA Decline: Adjusted EBITDA fell to $61 million from $155 million, highlighting challenges in revenue and profit margins that necessitate strategic actions to restore profitability.
- Revenue Decline and Guidance Adjustment: Total revenue decreased from $3.98 billion to $3.66 billion, and the company narrowed its 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $525 million to $560 million, indicating a cautious outlook for future performance.
See More
Fluor Q1 Earnings Miss Expectations Significantly
- Earnings Shortfall: Fluor's Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.14 missed expectations by $0.48, indicating significant challenges in profitability that could undermine investor confidence and future stock performance.
- Revenue Decline: The company reported revenues of $3.6 billion, a 9.5% year-over-year decrease that fell short of market expectations, reflecting a lack of business growth in the current economic climate, which may lead to project delays or cancellations.
- Cash Flow Position: At the end of the quarter, Fluor had $3.2 billion in cash and marketable securities; however, the $61 million in G&A expenses, primarily driven by stock-based compensation, highlights ongoing pressure on cost control measures.
- Share Repurchase Strategy: Fluor executed $516 million in share repurchases during the quarter, with a target of $1.4 billion by 2026, indicating a commitment to enhancing shareholder value, although the immediate financial performance still requires improvement.
See More
Analysis of NuScale Power's Stock Volatility
- Stock Volatility Reasons: NuScale Power's stock price surged from $10.70 at its IPO to a record high of $53.43, but has since fallen to $12.53, indicating a waning investor enthusiasm for its small modular reactors (SMRs) and concerns over future profitability.
- Technical Advantages and Market Potential: As the only SMR manufacturer with Standard Design Approvals (SDAs) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NuScale's 50 MWe and 77 MWe designs approved in 2023 and 2025 respectively, highlight its unique position in the small nuclear market, enabling deployment in remote areas to meet specific market demands.
- Project Delay Impact: The deployment of SMRs in Romania, initially planned for 2027 and 2028, has been postponed to 2030, with analysts not expecting the first reactors to be operational until 2033-2034, leading to a decline in investor confidence, as evidenced by Fluor liquidating its holdings in NuScale, reflecting a pessimistic outlook on the company's future.
- Future Revenue Expectations: Although NuScale anticipates revenue growth from $76 million to $321 million between 2025 and 2028, with a 30% CAGR, it remains deeply unprofitable, and any further delays could negatively impact its valuation and stock performance.
See More
Fluor Selected for Woodsmith Project Feasibility Study
- Project Selection: Fluor Corporation has been selected to conduct feasibility study services for Anglo American's Woodsmith mining project, with contract value to be recognized in Q2 2026, demonstrating Fluor's technical expertise and market trust in executing complex projects.
- Mineral Potential: The Woodsmith mine is home to the world's largest known polyhalite fertilizer deposit, expected to produce 13 million tonnes of low-carbon fertilizer annually, transported via a 37-kilometer underground conveyor tunnel to Teesside for processing, addressing global demand for critical fertilizers.
- Construction Progress: Tunneling and shaft sinking construction is currently underway, with Fluor's involvement ensuring the project's safe and efficient advancement, further solidifying its leadership position in the mining and metals sector.
- Long-term Impact: This project is viewed as a stable and sustainable source of fertilizers for global markets, and Fluor's participation not only enhances its industry reputation but may also lead to long-term financial gains and increased market share.
See More
Fluor Sells NuScale Stake for 326% Profit Amid Nuclear Energy Surge
- Stock Surge: NuScale Power's stock surged to $57 per share over the past year, attracting numerous investors, prompting Fluor, an early investor, to sell its stake at this high valuation to realize profits.
- Significant Sale Proceeds: Fluor sold its 126 million shares of NuScale Power for $2.43 billion in gross proceeds, having initially invested $570 million, achieving a remarkable 326% return on investment, which significantly bolsters the company's financial position.
- Strategic Reinvestment: Fluor plans to use the proceeds from the sale to strengthen its balance sheet, reduce debt, and support its $1.4 billion share repurchase program, while continuing to pursue high-growth opportunities in the nuclear sector.
- Ongoing Partnership: Although Fluor has reduced its equity stake in NuScale, it will remain a preferred engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, allowing it to participate in NuScale's ongoing development while mitigating equity-owner risks and maintaining service revenue.
See More
Fluor (FLR) Set to Release Q1 Earnings on May 8
- Earnings Announcement: Fluor is set to announce its Q1 2023 earnings on May 8 before market open, with consensus EPS estimate at $0.62, reflecting a 15.1% year-over-year decline, and revenue estimate at $3.89 billion, down 2.3% year-over-year, indicating significant profitability challenges ahead.
- Historical Performance Review: Over the past two years, Fluor has only beaten EPS estimates 38% of the time and has not exceeded revenue estimates, highlighting the company's struggles in a competitive market and fluctuations in profitability.
- Estimate Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, Fluor's EPS estimates have seen three upward revisions and one downward revision, while revenue estimates have experienced two upward revisions and one downward revision, reflecting analysts' differing views and uncertainties regarding the company's future performance.
- Strategic Partnership Update: Fluor has signed a deal with X-energy for the Seadrift Nuclear Small Modular Reactor project, indicating the company's strategic positioning in the nuclear energy sector, aiming to drive future growth through the development of emerging markets.
See More
Fluor Corporation Reports Q1 Net Earnings Rebound
- Net Earnings Rebound: Fluor Corporation reported first-quarter net earnings of $160 million, a significant turnaround from a net loss of $241 million in the same period of 2025, indicating a strong recovery in profitability that may boost investor confidence.
- Improved Earnings Per Share: The earnings per share rose to $1.08 from a loss of $1.42 in the previous year, reflecting positive progress in cost management and operational efficiency, which could attract more investor interest.
- Adjusted EBITDA Decline: Adjusted EBITDA fell to $61 million from $155 million, highlighting challenges in revenue and profit margins that necessitate strategic actions to restore profitability.
- Revenue Decline and Guidance Adjustment: Total revenue decreased from $3.98 billion to $3.66 billion, and the company narrowed its 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $525 million to $560 million, indicating a cautious outlook for future performance.
See More
Fluor Q1 Earnings Miss Expectations Significantly
- Earnings Shortfall: Fluor's Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.14 missed expectations by $0.48, indicating significant challenges in profitability that could undermine investor confidence and future stock performance.
- Revenue Decline: The company reported revenues of $3.6 billion, a 9.5% year-over-year decrease that fell short of market expectations, reflecting a lack of business growth in the current economic climate, which may lead to project delays or cancellations.
- Cash Flow Position: At the end of the quarter, Fluor had $3.2 billion in cash and marketable securities; however, the $61 million in G&A expenses, primarily driven by stock-based compensation, highlights ongoing pressure on cost control measures.
- Share Repurchase Strategy: Fluor executed $516 million in share repurchases during the quarter, with a target of $1.4 billion by 2026, indicating a commitment to enhancing shareholder value, although the immediate financial performance still requires improvement.
See More
Analysis of NuScale Power's Stock Volatility
- Stock Volatility Reasons: NuScale Power's stock price surged from $10.70 at its IPO to a record high of $53.43, but has since fallen to $12.53, indicating a waning investor enthusiasm for its small modular reactors (SMRs) and concerns over future profitability.
- Technical Advantages and Market Potential: As the only SMR manufacturer with Standard Design Approvals (SDAs) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NuScale's 50 MWe and 77 MWe designs approved in 2023 and 2025 respectively, highlight its unique position in the small nuclear market, enabling deployment in remote areas to meet specific market demands.
- Project Delay Impact: The deployment of SMRs in Romania, initially planned for 2027 and 2028, has been postponed to 2030, with analysts not expecting the first reactors to be operational until 2033-2034, leading to a decline in investor confidence, as evidenced by Fluor liquidating its holdings in NuScale, reflecting a pessimistic outlook on the company's future.
- Future Revenue Expectations: Although NuScale anticipates revenue growth from $76 million to $321 million between 2025 and 2028, with a 30% CAGR, it remains deeply unprofitable, and any further delays could negatively impact its valuation and stock performance.
See More
Fluor Selected for Woodsmith Project Feasibility Study
- Project Selection: Fluor Corporation has been selected to conduct feasibility study services for Anglo American's Woodsmith mining project, with contract value to be recognized in Q2 2026, demonstrating Fluor's technical expertise and market trust in executing complex projects.
- Mineral Potential: The Woodsmith mine is home to the world's largest known polyhalite fertilizer deposit, expected to produce 13 million tonnes of low-carbon fertilizer annually, transported via a 37-kilometer underground conveyor tunnel to Teesside for processing, addressing global demand for critical fertilizers.
- Construction Progress: Tunneling and shaft sinking construction is currently underway, with Fluor's involvement ensuring the project's safe and efficient advancement, further solidifying its leadership position in the mining and metals sector.
- Long-term Impact: This project is viewed as a stable and sustainable source of fertilizers for global markets, and Fluor's participation not only enhances its industry reputation but may also lead to long-term financial gains and increased market share.
See More
Fluor Sells NuScale Stake for 326% Profit Amid Nuclear Energy Surge
- Stock Surge: NuScale Power's stock surged to $57 per share over the past year, attracting numerous investors, prompting Fluor, an early investor, to sell its stake at this high valuation to realize profits.
- Significant Sale Proceeds: Fluor sold its 126 million shares of NuScale Power for $2.43 billion in gross proceeds, having initially invested $570 million, achieving a remarkable 326% return on investment, which significantly bolsters the company's financial position.
- Strategic Reinvestment: Fluor plans to use the proceeds from the sale to strengthen its balance sheet, reduce debt, and support its $1.4 billion share repurchase program, while continuing to pursue high-growth opportunities in the nuclear sector.
- Ongoing Partnership: Although Fluor has reduced its equity stake in NuScale, it will remain a preferred engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, allowing it to participate in NuScale's ongoing development while mitigating equity-owner risks and maintaining service revenue.
See More
