Seaport cuts Plug Power stock rating to Sell, target at $1

Published 27/01/2025, 13:58
Seaport cuts Plug Power stock rating to Sell, target at $1

In addition to these challenges, Seaport suggests that Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) is narrowing its focus to material handling and stationary power, potentially moving away from its joint venture HYVIA. The valuation approach taken by Seaport is based on an enterprise value-to-sales multiple, looking ahead to 2026 when Plug Power is anticipated to reach a record revenue and achieve a positive gross margin for the first time since 2019. The assigned multiple of 1.3x reflects comparable companies in the sector. For deeper insights into PLUG's valuation and financial health, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive analysis, including 13 additional ProTips and the detailed Pro Research Report, which provides expert analysis of what really matters for this challenging stock. For deeper insights into PLUG's valuation and financial health, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive analysis, including 13 additional ProTips and the detailed Pro Research Report, which provides expert analysis of what really matters for this challenging stock.

In addition to these challenges, Seaport suggests that Plug Power is narrowing its focus to material handling and stationary power, potentially moving away from its joint venture HYVIA. The valuation approach taken by Seaport is based on an enterprise value-to-sales multiple, looking ahead to 2026 when Plug Power is anticipated to reach a record revenue and achieve a positive gross margin for the first time since 2019. The assigned multiple of 1.3x reflects comparable companies in the sector. For deeper insights into PLUG's valuation and financial health, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive analysis, including 13 additional ProTips and the detailed Pro Research Report, which provides expert analysis of what really matters for this challenging stock. The firm noted that in North America and Europe, which are critical markets for Plug Power, recent developments have been unfavorable. These include the U.S. government's freeze on the Department of Energy's H2Hubs program and setbacks in the European Union's renewable hydrogen consumption goals and Germany's energy policies.

Seaport also pointed to Plug Power's revised guidance, which projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of only 7% for the period from 2023A to 2026E, with expectations of negative gross margins until the second quarter of 2026. The company's hydrogen generation network in North America is expected to remain limited until the latter half of 2026, which will necessitate external procurement of hydrogen for customer fuel deliveries.

In addition to these challenges, Seaport suggests that Plug Power is narrowing its focus to material handling and stationary power, potentially moving away from its joint venture HYVIA. The valuation approach taken by Seaport is based on an enterprise value-to-sales multiple, looking ahead to 2026 when Plug Power is anticipated to reach a record revenue and achieve a positive gross margin for the first time since 2019. The assigned multiple of 1.3x reflects comparable companies in the sector.

In other recent news, Plug Power has secured a $1.66 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, marking a significant financial milestone for the company. The loan is expected to support the construction and operation of up to six green hydrogen production facilities. However, Citi analysts maintain a Sell rating on the company's shares, expressing concerns about the financial implications for Plug Power until its Texas facility becomes operational.

Oppenheimer analysts have maintained a Perform rating on Plug Power, acknowledging the company's successful completion of the financing arrangement, which is set to support up to six projects. This includes the restart of a Texas project that was previously on hold. H.C. Wainwright also maintained a Buy rating, citing the company's strategic moves and its position to capitalize on the evolving regulatory landscape favoring clean energy production.

In addition to these financial developments, Plug Power has boosted its liquidity by $30 million through a transaction involving the Federal Investment Tax Credit ( ITC (NSE:ITC)). This comes at a crucial time as the company has been quickly burning through cash. The company has also entered into a significant purchase agreement with Allied Green Ammonia (AGA), under which Plug Power will supply three gigawatts of electrolyzer capacity to AGA's green hydrogen-to-ammonia plant in Australia.

Susquehanna has reaffirmed its Neutral rating on Plug Power but increased its price target to $2.50, reflecting the company's progress in the international electrolyzer market. These are among the recent developments for Plug Power, reflecting a mix of financial achievements and strategic initiatives that are shaping the company's trajectory in the green energy sector.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.