Fluor has improved its business by shifting to reimbursable contracts, reducing project risk. The company is monetizing its NuScale Power investment, generating over $2 billion in proceeds. However, as a construction company, Fluor remains cyclical and economically sensitive, making it unsuitable for most investors despite recent operational improvements.

NuScale Power stock has plummeted 77% from its October 2025 all-time high of $57.42 to around $13, driven by AI bubble concerns, missed Q3 earnings estimates, share dilution, and major shareholder Fluor's exit. However, the company's first project approval in Romania with Nuclearelectrica offers a potential turnaround, though commercial operation isn't expected until 2033. The stock remains highly speculative for volatile-tolerant investors.

Centrus Energy, America's only NRC-licensed HALEU producer, is positioned to benefit from surging nuclear power demand driven by AI data centers and government initiatives to triple nuclear energy production. The company has a $2.3 billion backlog, strong cash position ($1.95 billion), and is investing heavily in expansion. Despite an 83% surge over the past 12 months, the author believes the stock's growth is justified by solid fundamentals rather than hype.

As AI electricity demand surges, small modular reactor (SMR) companies Oklo and NuScale are positioned to benefit. While Oklo has more innovative liquid-metal reactor technology, it generates no revenue until 2027-2028. NuScale has secured a major TVA contract for 6 gigawatts of SMR capacity and generated $8.2 million in Q3 2025 revenue, making it the stronger choice for risk-averse speculative investors despite its smaller market cap.

The article recommends three stocks for a $5,000 investment: Fluor (FLR), a heavy construction company positioned to benefit from infrastructure projects and nuclear power expansion; Palo Alto Networks (PANW), a cybersecurity leader experiencing double-digit growth driven by record data breaches; and IBM, which is gaining traction in AI through mainframe and software sales while maintaining recurring revenue streams.

NuScale Power and Oklo are competing in next-generation nuclear energy to power AI infrastructure. NuScale struggled in 2025 due to investor exits, share dilution concerns, and missed earnings, though it has rebounded 20% year-to-date. Oklo surged 238% in 2025 with strong partnerships including Meta, a $1.2B cash position, and greater financial flexibility. The analyst recommends Oklo as the better pick for the next decade despite its higher volatility.

Fluor, an engineering and construction company, is generating headlines from its NuScale Power investment monetization ($605M in late 2025), but this is a one-time event. While management has improved contract terms (82% of backlog now reimbursable), the core construction business remains cyclical and vulnerable to economic downturns. The article suggests Fluor may not be suitable for most long-term investors due to inherent industry volatility.

Fluor, an engineering and construction company, offers exposure to the nuclear energy buildout through its involvement with NuScale Power and the RoPower plant in Romania. The company is shifting toward reimbursable contracts to mitigate risks from cost overruns and inflation, with 82% of its backlog consisting of such contracts. Fluor also holds a significant equity stake in the Pantex Plant management contract valued at $30 billion over 20 years.

Fluor stock declined over 20% in 2025 due to tariff-related material cost increases and significant earnings misses in Q4 2024 and Q2 2025. However, the company's substantial stake in NuScale Power, which appreciated significantly due to nuclear energy demand, partially offset losses. Fluor has earned $969 million from divesting its NuScale holdings and retains approximately $2.5 billion in remaining stake value.

NuScale Power, a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) developer, has significant long-term potential but hasn't yet completed its first commercial sale. The company's expected deal with Romanian power company RoPower has been delayed to end of 2026 or early 2027. While SMRs present exciting opportunities in nuclear power and AI data center applications, most investors should wait until NuScale proves its technology works and secures its first sale before investing.

USA Rare Earth announced the selection of Fluor Corp. and WSP Global Inc. as Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management partners for the Round Top Rare Earth Project in Texas. The company is following an accelerated mine plan targeting commercial production of heavy rare earth oxides by late 2028, with a demonstration plant expected to run for 2,000 continuous hours concluding in October 2026.

Fluor, a major engineering and construction company, has improved its business by shifting toward reimbursable contracts, which provide more stable revenue. However, the company operates in a cyclical industry vulnerable to economic downturns. While Fluor's investment in NuScale Power adds potential upside, the stock is unlikely to be a millionaire-maker for most investors seeking consistent growth.