Homer sells his stock in the nuclear power plant for $25 and spends the money on beer. The same afternoon, rumors about the sale of the plant circulate, and the stock value rises. The next day, all of Homer's co-workers make fortunes as Mr. Burns sells the plant to a German company for $100 million.

In the aftermath of the takeover, Homer loses his job and slips into a depression. One night, as he is drinking at Moe's, he runs into Burns and Smithers, who have stopped in to have a drink and catch up since Burns's retirement. Homer gives his old boss a piece of his mind, while Bart, who has come to bring Homer home, stomps on Burns's foot. Other customers get surley with Burns and he and Smithers leave.

Burns realizes that because he is no longer in a position of power, he is no longer feared. He decides to buy his plant back. The Germans discover that it will cost another $100 million to bring the plant up to code, and they agree to sell it back to Burns for $50 million. Burns immediately rehires Homer so that someday he can get revange.