Plug Power Beats Earnings Expectations, Potential Short Squeeze Ahead
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 19 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Strong Earnings Report: Plug Power's Q1 sales rose 22% year-over-year to $163.5 million, exceeding analysts' expectations of $140 million, indicating robust growth in its electrolyzer business despite ongoing cash burn risks.
- Improved Losses: The company's operating loss was $109 million, slightly better than Wall Street's estimate of $110 million, showing significant improvement from last year's $178 million loss, suggesting progress in cost control.
- Cash Burn Risks: Despite the positive earnings, Plug Power burned over $150 million in cash for daily operations during the quarter, posing a high risk of frequent stock offerings and dilution, which could impact future stock performance.
- Market Reaction Tepid: Although Plug Power's stock has surged about 90% in the past three months, the latest earnings report did not trigger panic among short sellers, indicating lingering doubts about the company's long-term prospects and suggesting that a short squeeze may not occur in the near term.
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Analyst Views on PLUG
Wall Street analysts forecast PLUG stock price to fall
15 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
8 Hold
3 Sell
Hold
Current: 4.120
Low
0.75
Averages
2.46
High
7.00
Current: 4.120
Low
0.75
Averages
2.46
High
7.00
About PLUG
Plug Power Inc. is engaged in providing an end-to-end hydrogen ecosystem, from production, storage, and delivery to energy generation. The Company is focused on delivering hydrogen solutions. Its vertically integrated, end-to-end hydrogen solutions are designed to fit customer needs, including hydrogen production equipment and the delivery of hydrogen fuel, including fuel cells, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, hydrogen liquefiers, liquid hydrogen cryogenic solutions, and hydrogen production. Its product and service portfolio includes GenDrive, GenFuel, GenCare, GenKey, GenEco Electrolyzers, Liquefaction Systems, Cryogenic Equipment, GenSure, and Liquid Hydrogen. GenDrive is a hydrogen fueled PEM fuel cell system, providing power to material handling electric vehicles (EVs), including Class 1, 2, 3 and 6 electric forklifts, automated guided vehicles, and ground support equipment. GenFuel is a liquid hydrogen fueling, delivery, generation, storage, and dispensing system.
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.
Comparative Analysis of Bloom Energy and Plug Power
- Significant Revenue Growth: Bloom Energy's revenue surged by 37% to $2 billion in FY 2025, driven by the deployment of nearly 1.5 GW of power capacity, despite reporting a net loss of $88.4 million, indicating strong demand and potential risks in the clean energy market.
- Customer Concentration Risk: Three major customers account for 68% of Bloom Energy's total sales, with contributions of 43%, 13%, and 12%, which increases business risk but also reflects its strong market position in specific industries.
- Profitability Challenges for Plug Power: Plug Power generated close to $709.9 million in revenue for FY 2025, a 12.9% increase, yet faced a staggering net loss of $1.6 billion, resulting in a net margin of -229.8%, highlighting significant profitability issues.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Bloom Energy competes with traditional utilities and renewable energy providers like NextEra Energy, while Plug Power faces pressure from industrial gas giants like Linde, both needing to navigate uncertainties from supply chains and policy changes.
See More
Investment Choices in Clean Energy Transition
- Bloom Energy Growth: In fiscal year 2025, Bloom Energy reported revenue of $2 billion, a 37% increase driven by the deployment of nearly 1.5 gigawatts of power capacity, despite a net loss of $88.4 million, indicating strong demand in critical infrastructure sectors.
- Plug Power Revenue Performance: Plug Power generated close to $709.9 million in revenue for FY 2025, reflecting a 12.9% growth, yet it faced a staggering net loss of nearly $1.6 billion, resulting in a net margin of -229.8%, highlighting significant profitability challenges.
- Risk Analysis: Bloom Energy's reliance on a limited pool of suppliers and complex environmental regulations may render its production line vulnerable, while Plug Power is susceptible to hydrogen price fluctuations and third-party supplier availability, impacting its scaling capabilities.
- Market Outlook Comparison: While both companies hold significant positions in the clean energy sector, Bloom Energy's technology is widely adopted by major global firms and its $5 billion partnership with Brookfield Asset Management underscores its strong potential in future markets.
See More
Bloom Energy Shares Surge 199.1% Driven by Clean Energy Demand
- Outstanding Stock Performance: Bloom Energy's shares have surged 199.1% over the past six months, significantly outperforming the Zacks Alternative Energy industry's 12.7% and the S&P 500's 10.2%, indicating strong market confidence and robust demand for clean energy solutions.
- Technological Edge: The company's Energy Server platform connects directly to customers' primary electrical supplies, addressing transmission and distribution challenges while enhancing power generation efficiency and reliability, thus meeting the increasing demand for clean energy.
- Strong Profitability: Bloom Energy boasts a return on equity (ROE) of 43.41%, well above the industry average of 6.92%, demonstrating its effectiveness in utilizing shareholder funds to generate profits, which bolsters investor confidence.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: The earnings per share estimates for 2026 and 2027 have been raised by 50.39% and 38.19%, respectively, reflecting market optimism about the company's growth prospects and its ongoing investments in clean energy and R&D capabilities.
See More
Analysis of Investment Prospects in Renewable Energy Stocks
- CleanSpark Development: CleanSpark has successfully integrated renewable energy microgrids into Bitcoin mining by acquiring ATL Data Centers and upgrading its miners, with a projected 16% revenue decline in 2026, but a potential 17% recovery in 2027, indicating its growth potential in the AI infrastructure market.
- Plug Power Market Performance: Plug Power's fuel cell systems increased from 50,000 at the end of 2021 to 74,000 by the end of 2025; despite a growth stall in 2024, it is expected to resume growth at an 18% CAGR post-2025, reflecting strong demand in the green hydrogen market.
- Market Outlook Analysis: Analysts predict Plug Power's adjusted EBITDA will turn positive by 2028, highlighting its ongoing investments and market expansion potential in the green hydrogen sector, particularly in industrial and transportation applications.
- Investment Risks and Opportunities: While CleanSpark and Plug Power stocks are currently volatile, the rising demand for renewable energy and increasing focus on green technologies suggest that holding these stocks long-term could yield significant returns.
See More
CleanSpark and Plug Power's Green Energy Prospects
- CleanSpark's Transformation: CleanSpark has successfully integrated its microgrid technology into Bitcoin mining by acquiring ATL Data Centers and upgrading its miners, with analysts projecting a 17% revenue increase in 2027, reflecting the growth potential of its AI infrastructure business.
- Plug Power's Market Position: Plug Power leads the hydrogen fuel cell market, with the number of deployed fuel cell systems rising from 50,000 at the end of 2021 to 74,000 by the end of 2025, indicating strong growth in the green hydrogen sector.
- Future Growth Expectations: Analysts expect Plug Power's revenue to grow at an 18% CAGR from 2025 to 2028, despite a growth stall in 2024, as government clients restart their hydrogen projects, driving future recovery.
- Market Competition and Risks: While CleanSpark and Plug Power show potential in their respective fields, CleanSpark's absence from The Motley Fool's list of top stocks indicates market caution regarding its long-term performance.
See More
Plug Power Faces Wall Street's Pessimistic Outlook
- Wall Street's Conservative Ratings: Plug Power currently holds an average rating of 'hold' with a price target of $3.58, indicating a slight decline over the next 12 months, reflecting analysts' cautious outlook on its future performance.
- Strong Stock Performance: Despite widespread bearish sentiment, Plug Power's stock has surged over 350% in the past year, demonstrating market recognition of the potential demand for hydrogen and the company's technology, although it faces challenges related to high costs and economic viability.
- Surge in Data Center Demand: With an estimated $7 trillion to be invested globally in data center infrastructure over the next few years, Plug Power aims to position its hydrogen fuel systems as a reliable backup solution for data centers, although interest in this solution remains uncertain.
- Increased Competitive Pressure: While Plug Power has potential in the hydrogen sector, its technology appears less competitive compared to rivals like Bloom Energy, leading analysts to remain skeptical about its long-term investment value, particularly in light of share dilution and ongoing business challenges.
See More
Comparative Analysis of Bloom Energy and Plug Power
- Significant Revenue Growth: Bloom Energy's revenue surged by 37% to $2 billion in FY 2025, driven by the deployment of nearly 1.5 GW of power capacity, despite reporting a net loss of $88.4 million, indicating strong demand and potential risks in the clean energy market.
- Customer Concentration Risk: Three major customers account for 68% of Bloom Energy's total sales, with contributions of 43%, 13%, and 12%, which increases business risk but also reflects its strong market position in specific industries.
- Profitability Challenges for Plug Power: Plug Power generated close to $709.9 million in revenue for FY 2025, a 12.9% increase, yet faced a staggering net loss of $1.6 billion, resulting in a net margin of -229.8%, highlighting significant profitability issues.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Bloom Energy competes with traditional utilities and renewable energy providers like NextEra Energy, while Plug Power faces pressure from industrial gas giants like Linde, both needing to navigate uncertainties from supply chains and policy changes.
See More
Investment Choices in Clean Energy Transition
- Bloom Energy Growth: In fiscal year 2025, Bloom Energy reported revenue of $2 billion, a 37% increase driven by the deployment of nearly 1.5 gigawatts of power capacity, despite a net loss of $88.4 million, indicating strong demand in critical infrastructure sectors.
- Plug Power Revenue Performance: Plug Power generated close to $709.9 million in revenue for FY 2025, reflecting a 12.9% growth, yet it faced a staggering net loss of nearly $1.6 billion, resulting in a net margin of -229.8%, highlighting significant profitability challenges.
- Risk Analysis: Bloom Energy's reliance on a limited pool of suppliers and complex environmental regulations may render its production line vulnerable, while Plug Power is susceptible to hydrogen price fluctuations and third-party supplier availability, impacting its scaling capabilities.
- Market Outlook Comparison: While both companies hold significant positions in the clean energy sector, Bloom Energy's technology is widely adopted by major global firms and its $5 billion partnership with Brookfield Asset Management underscores its strong potential in future markets.
See More
Bloom Energy Shares Surge 199.1% Driven by Clean Energy Demand
- Outstanding Stock Performance: Bloom Energy's shares have surged 199.1% over the past six months, significantly outperforming the Zacks Alternative Energy industry's 12.7% and the S&P 500's 10.2%, indicating strong market confidence and robust demand for clean energy solutions.
- Technological Edge: The company's Energy Server platform connects directly to customers' primary electrical supplies, addressing transmission and distribution challenges while enhancing power generation efficiency and reliability, thus meeting the increasing demand for clean energy.
- Strong Profitability: Bloom Energy boasts a return on equity (ROE) of 43.41%, well above the industry average of 6.92%, demonstrating its effectiveness in utilizing shareholder funds to generate profits, which bolsters investor confidence.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: The earnings per share estimates for 2026 and 2027 have been raised by 50.39% and 38.19%, respectively, reflecting market optimism about the company's growth prospects and its ongoing investments in clean energy and R&D capabilities.
See More
Analysis of Investment Prospects in Renewable Energy Stocks
- CleanSpark Development: CleanSpark has successfully integrated renewable energy microgrids into Bitcoin mining by acquiring ATL Data Centers and upgrading its miners, with a projected 16% revenue decline in 2026, but a potential 17% recovery in 2027, indicating its growth potential in the AI infrastructure market.
- Plug Power Market Performance: Plug Power's fuel cell systems increased from 50,000 at the end of 2021 to 74,000 by the end of 2025; despite a growth stall in 2024, it is expected to resume growth at an 18% CAGR post-2025, reflecting strong demand in the green hydrogen market.
- Market Outlook Analysis: Analysts predict Plug Power's adjusted EBITDA will turn positive by 2028, highlighting its ongoing investments and market expansion potential in the green hydrogen sector, particularly in industrial and transportation applications.
- Investment Risks and Opportunities: While CleanSpark and Plug Power stocks are currently volatile, the rising demand for renewable energy and increasing focus on green technologies suggest that holding these stocks long-term could yield significant returns.
See More
CleanSpark and Plug Power's Green Energy Prospects
- CleanSpark's Transformation: CleanSpark has successfully integrated its microgrid technology into Bitcoin mining by acquiring ATL Data Centers and upgrading its miners, with analysts projecting a 17% revenue increase in 2027, reflecting the growth potential of its AI infrastructure business.
- Plug Power's Market Position: Plug Power leads the hydrogen fuel cell market, with the number of deployed fuel cell systems rising from 50,000 at the end of 2021 to 74,000 by the end of 2025, indicating strong growth in the green hydrogen sector.
- Future Growth Expectations: Analysts expect Plug Power's revenue to grow at an 18% CAGR from 2025 to 2028, despite a growth stall in 2024, as government clients restart their hydrogen projects, driving future recovery.
- Market Competition and Risks: While CleanSpark and Plug Power show potential in their respective fields, CleanSpark's absence from The Motley Fool's list of top stocks indicates market caution regarding its long-term performance.
See More
Plug Power Faces Wall Street's Pessimistic Outlook
- Wall Street's Conservative Ratings: Plug Power currently holds an average rating of 'hold' with a price target of $3.58, indicating a slight decline over the next 12 months, reflecting analysts' cautious outlook on its future performance.
- Strong Stock Performance: Despite widespread bearish sentiment, Plug Power's stock has surged over 350% in the past year, demonstrating market recognition of the potential demand for hydrogen and the company's technology, although it faces challenges related to high costs and economic viability.
- Surge in Data Center Demand: With an estimated $7 trillion to be invested globally in data center infrastructure over the next few years, Plug Power aims to position its hydrogen fuel systems as a reliable backup solution for data centers, although interest in this solution remains uncertain.
- Increased Competitive Pressure: While Plug Power has potential in the hydrogen sector, its technology appears less competitive compared to rivals like Bloom Energy, leading analysts to remain skeptical about its long-term investment value, particularly in light of share dilution and ongoing business challenges.
See More
